MJ painted a Trivet yesterday in a painting class held at church and I am thoroughly impressed. It’s evident that she is a budding artist. A crisp Sunday full of the abundance of fall. There is a full Show Bill ahead for the rest of the year and the beginning of the next. Life is best when embraced with open arms. Thanksgiving is upon us. Many are grateful for the ease in some persistent fears. Christmas is just beyond the day of Thanks. A time of year that is a part of my character. From the days of Laughing Santa in Chicago where I knew I was a member of a mysterious magical world until now is part of the Great Story
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The memorable trip to Chicago when I was but a wee Christmas Lad comes back to me a this time of year. We saw Lady and the Tramp in the Theatre. People were scurrying about on the sidewalks in front of the Theatre. Holiday music was everywhere. It was cold. Ivy and Steve and my older girlfriend, Susie, was there and she was holding my hand. Susie hugged me every time she saw me and often gave me a little kiss. I enjoyed seeing Lady and the Tramp with her. The humongous silver screen and darkened theatre enabled me to travel to the Story before me. There I was with Rusty and Jock and Tramp in the wonderful land. I had a bit of a crush on Lady. She was so lovely. Her home with Jim Dear and Darling which were the names Lady perceives her human parents have as this is what they call each other…was seemingly perfect accept for the Siamese Cats. Ivy and Neva J were best friends and our neighbor. The heady spirit of Christmas…Lady and the Tramp…being with my friends and a part of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season in Chicago was intoxicating.
Laughing Santa was my buddy. A little stuffed Santa with a plastic gregarious grin and a handy crank protruding from his back. His laugh when begun is full of Christmas cheer but soon sounds like a car engine being started on a winter’s morning. I knew no one who had a real life Laughing Santa. LS was a very perceptive fellow. He laughed often. LS laughed loudest when he saw the magnificent Christmas gifts under then giant Christmas tree. In the Snow Globe of Christmas in Chicago time had no end. It never ended for me.
Christmas Dinner at Grandma A’s was a unique experience. Her grand front porch seemed oversized. Sitting on it you could see the Star-Lite Drive-Inn. Neva J had sisters…Wanda…Vema…Guelda…along with Wandas kids Brenda and Billy and Vema’s husband Ed. Guelda was a widow and had recently moved from St. Louis. Guelda was much older than Neva J and Neva J had thought her rich when she and her first husband Lou visited from St. Louis. Guelda had fur coats and fine clothes and Lou was a successful Jewish businessman. Lou introduced Guelda to many Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Guelda’s sister and Neva J’s half sister Beulah would join the Christmas Feast at Grandma A’s. Beulah had grown children, DC…Allie and Bub and David Ray who came along with their kids. It was a full house. The St. Louis and Marissa folks I did not know very well due to not seeing them often. I did get acquainted with David Ray and Pat’s son Craig and Allie and Sonnies son Terry. I remember David Ray and Pat’s daughter Cyndy when she was little more than new born. Grandma A was the Star of Christmas. She enjoyed having her large family in her home during the holidays. Grandma A had ten children.
