While visiting with Ira Kaye’s friend, Ann, she told us of a wonderful weaving community that was near Santa Fe.  Chimayo is a meca for natural…old time method…hand weaved products.

‘Chimayo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties in the U.S. state of New Mexico; the name derives form a Tewa name for a local landmark, the hill of Tsi Mayoh.  The town is unincorporated and includes many neighborhoods , called plazas or plactias, each with its own name, including El Potrero de Chimayo (the plaza near Chimayo’s communal pasture) and the Plaza del Cerro (plaza by the hill).  The cluster of plazas called Chimayo lies near Santa Cruz about 25 miles north of Santa Fe.  The population was 3,177 at the 2010 census.   WikipediA

Ever since we had journeyed to New Mexico, for the ‘Adroit and Classy ‘ Carson and the ‘Lovely and Brilliant’ Mechem’s, wedding…three years ago…we had wanted some authentic hand woven…table runners.

‘My days are swifter than a weaver’ shuttle, and are spent without hope.’   Job lamented in Job 7:6   KJV

The calm and peace of the weaving community is pervasive and welcome.  Their ancient art is beautiful and life affirming!

I think, that I often forget, how lovely the old art forms are.  The simplicity of living with the rhythms of the Earth…are truly peaceful and holistic.

The picturesque…compelling…peaceful…beauty… of the finished weaved product…will bring happiness to your soul!

Ervin!

We traveled on higher into the mountains of New Mexico…to a wonderful and sweet weaver…who only saw customers by appointment.  Her pretty granddaughter was with her…and we purchased two of her magnificent works!

When asked of her preferred method of payment…she responded cash or check.  When we attempted to offer identification for our check…she said that she trusted us…now that is a humbling…honor!

While we were there…a cold rainstorm came up…out of nowhere.  The wind began to blow and the temperature dropped over twenty degrees…in a matter of a few minutes.  The feeling of being with such a trusting person…and the sudden change of weather…gave a surreal quality…to our joyful interactions.

Mary Jane and I have just returned from a place that is…dream like…peaceful…and serene.  Santa Fe, New Mexico.

‘Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills.  It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed.  Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its’ heart the traditional Plaza.  The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governor’s, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.’   Santa Fe City in New Mexico.

‘Santa Fe is the 10th-highest city US city by altitude at 7198 feet.’   wikipedia.org

Last Sunday, or our first day there, we visited the Spanish Market…that is a annual event in the heart of Santa Fe.

The artisans and, Tin Artists who’s art is known as hojalata, were extraordinary in their complexity and diversity.  Mechem, introduced us to one of her friends who had made some very beautiful pieces of Tin Art.

Santa Fe is surrounded by mountains.

Being with Dear Ron and Ira Kaye, is always a joy and a pleasure!  Also, being able to visit with the wonderful Carson and Mechem and their delightful children was a special treat!

I went on the most pleasurable walk with Ron and Ira Kaye…that was both invigorating and feast for the eyes and senses!

Mountains captivate my imagination!  It appears to me that Santa Fe…could provide an artist…or a dreamer…a lifetime of inspiration!

The new White House Communications Director, [to be], Anthony Scaramucci was introduced a few days ago, as a suave and sophisticated presence on television and a good dresser.

‘Reince is a f—–g paranoid schizophrenic, a paranoiac,’ Scaramucci said regarding, then Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, according to the New York Times.’

‘In the same telephone call, Mr. Scaramucci disparaged Mr. Bannon.  ‘I am not Steve Bannon, I’m not trying to suck my own cock,’ he said.   New York Times.

There is an old saying…that has never been truer than today…Words Matter.

President Trump, during the Presidential campaign, was heard to say a multitude of vulgarities.  On an ‘Access Hollywood’ tape, Mr. Trump could be heard saying that being famous allowed him to, ‘grab women by the p—y.’

The President’s recent tweet, ‘that transgender people cannot “serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military,” caused fear at the Pentagon, for the nine minutes between the first and second tweet, ‘that the President was getting ready to announce strikes on North Korea or some other military action.  Many said they were left in suspense for nine minutes, the time between the first and second tweet.  Only after the second tweet did the military officials receive the news the president was announcing  a personnel change on Twitter.’   The Stranger

As a child I was taught that cursing and colorful language was never to be used in…public…in front of a woman…and that many words should…never be used for any reason.

The first time I heard the word, f–k, used in a movie…I was shocked…and left the movie.  I am no longer shocked.

Certainly, the communication that issues fourth from the most powerful leader in the world…is taken extremely seriously…including his favorite form of communication…tweets.

When the White House Communication Director, [to be], says that he is, ‘going to kill all the leakers, that is chilling speech!

What is more chilling…is that the President appreciates and approves of this hateful and obscene rhetoric!

Has America become the Local Pool Hall?

Can we say that the occupants of the West Wing…are just passionate about their convictions?

‘For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words shalt thou be condemned.’   Matthew 12:37   KJV

A year ago, we were in the United Kingdom with our dear friends, Margo and Jeff.  We simply had a lovely time!

I recall our excitement, leading up to the adventure, and the initial planning of the journey…which transpired over Dragon’s Milk Beer…in a Pub in Carbondale.

It was the Holiday Season and Aaron, Jonathon, and I were fellowshipping over a few pints…in the true spirit of the UK!

When we arrived at Gatwick Airport it was but a short ride to our friends flat.  After a few hours of necessary rest…we were ready to explore Redhill, which is a quaint picturesque English village.

I recall, fondly, the Chocolate Shop and the delicious confections that made it back to the flat.

For the first few days…I did not drink any coffee…and I was amazed at how easily and readily I fell asleep.

On our first foray into London we happened upon a Hat Shop, one of only two in the grand city that sell handmade hats, and Mary Jane and Jonathon and I came away with our prized chapeaus!

One of the first items that caught my attention, at the Hat Shop, was the prominently displayed bottle of fine scotch.  After looking at it longingly, for some minutes, I inquired as to its’ availability?  As we each purchased a hat…I enjoyed another shot.

We had the most interesting diner in London at a Turkish Restaurant.  This was after enjoying a grand performance of the Play, Showboat, and meeting some lovely friends of Jeff’s, who were from Israel and ministers.

Our next stop was the renown University City of Oxford.  This town, captivated my attention, as I was sitting listening to our tour Guide speaking of the grandeur of the ancient University…I experienced deja vu…and felt that I had been there before.

The Pubs in Oxford are famous in their own right.  The Eagle and Child was the famous Watering Hold for C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien.  We dined in the back room where they met on a regular basis as members of the Inklings, ‘The Inklings was an informal literary discussion group associated with the University of Oxford, England, for nearly two decades between the early 1930s and late 1949.  The Inklings were literary enthusiasts who praised the value of narrative in fiction and encouraged the writing of fantasy.’   Wikipedia

Stratford upon Avon was our next stop.  There we saw the most engaging and somewhat frightening performance of Dr. Faustus.  Jonathon and I sat so close to the stage, in the Theatre in the Round, that we at one point became part of the performance when a piece of chalk, that Dr. Faustus was using to mark on the stage, flew out of his hands and landed on Jonathon’s lap!

The Theatre was constructed to represent the Globe Theatre in London.  The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company’s performance…was like nothing that I have witnessed in it’s chilling and realistic portrayal.

From Stratford upon Avon it was on to Edinburgh.  This city was a delight!  The Arts Festival called, The Fringe, was a gathering of thousands of Arts Enthusiast and hundreds of extremely diverse performances.

Upon our arrival, we dined at a Mexican Restaurant…yes I said a Mexican Restaurant…where I assisted a gentleman in a wheel chair to his feet, to facilitate his ordering at the Restaurants counter.  He was such a warm and inviting person…I felt immediately at home in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh became one of my favorite United Kingdom cities as it’s charm and allure got hold of me…much as a dream…that you can not forget…and want to return to.

On our way back to Redhill, we stopped at York.  This town was special in its’ history and beautiful spirit!

On our last night in York…I was privileged to join my friend of over 45 years, Jeff, at a business meeting that he was conducting nearby.  I was honored to be able to say a few words regarding our lifelong friendship and to witness the friendly and lovely people that had come out to hear his story of ‘Rags to Riches’…or as I like to say…A True Horatio Alger Story!

‘But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’   Matthew 19:14   KJV

There are many things that trouble me in life…but the suffering of children…is among the most painful and confusing.

Often I watch the commercials for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  I see the brave faces of the precious children who are battling various forms of cancer.  Their courage and hope in the face of adversity…is inspirational!

Last evening I was watching a news segment regarding the Syrian refugees and their suffering and the children who have been maimed and slaughtered and frightened in a manner that most of us will never experience.

Those people that work with sick children and frightened and displaced children…are angels unawares!

Children are trusting and forgiving and without prejudice.  They believe that others will treat them fairly and that everything will turn out alright.

‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’   Martin Luther King

‘There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.’   Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

‘It is not our differences that divide us.  It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.’   Audre Lorde, Our Dead Being Us: Poems

‘I know you despise me; allow me to say, it is because you do not understand me.’   Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

Perhaps we all can try to remember what it was like to be a trusting child…and see the other members of the human family as people that we want to know and understand and play with?

Would it not be wonderful to dedicate all of the money and effort that is spent in the trillions of dollars of War Making…to the healing and feeding and clothing and safety of our most guileless citizens…our children?

‘It is 27 days and 22 hours and 17 minutes and 56 seconds,’ at the time of my writing this, according to Southern Illinois University’s Eclipse Webpage, before the total solar eclipse.

‘The first total solar eclipse over the U.S. since 1979 will reach its point of greatest duration on Aug. 21, 2017, just a few miles south of Carbondale.  On the main SIU Carbondale campus, totality will happen at 1:21 p.m. CDT.’   Southern Illinois University

‘Saluki Stadium is the focal point of the eclipse observation event, where the public is invited to a guided eclipse experience emceed by Mat Kaplan of Planetary Radio. Guests will see the eclipse happening live overhead while watching and participating in a variety of edutainment activities developed in conjunction with our partners including, NASA Eclipse 2017, the Adler Planetarium of Chicago, the Louisiana Space Consortium, The Science Center of Southern Illinois and other related groups.  Visitors will be able to see live coverage of the eclipse across America through the eyes of NASA anchored by NASA Edge from the campus of SIU Carbondale.’    Southern Illinois University

It is estimated that over 50 thousand people will converge on Carbondale for this historic event.

‘Ozzy Osbourne To Headline 2017 Moonstock Festival’

‘Carterville, Il: Ozzy Osbourne will be the featured artist during Moonstock, a four day music festival, at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville, Il. On August 21, 2017, a four day music festival, at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville, Il.  On August 21, 2017, a small portions of the United States will witness a type of total eclipse that hasn’t  been visible in nearly forty years.  On that day, at 1:20 pm, when light fades to darkness, Ozzy Osbourne will kick off a concert by singing Bark at the Moon.  This event will wrap up the four day Music Festival at Walker’s Bluff called Moonstock,’  according to Ozzy Osbourne Latest News.

The Total Eclipse of 2017 is a very big deal for Carbondale, Illinois and it’s beloved Southern Illinois University!

‘A total solar eclipse occurred on July 20, 1963.’  Wikipedia

I remember fondly the eclipse of 1963!  On television there were instructions regarding the construction of a Eclipse Viewing Box that enabled the viewer to watch the eclipse play out through a mirror image.

I can remember the excitement that I felt as a young child…in being able to view…day turn into night…it was almost Biblical!

‘The eclipse was featured in the comic strip Peanuts (July 15-20, 1963), with Linus demonstrating a safe way of observing the eclipse as opposed to looking directly at the eclipse.  It also served an important function in the plots of two Stephen King novels, Gerald’s Game (1962) and was featured in a season 3 episode of Mad Men “Seven Twenty Three” (2009).  John Updike mentioned the eclipse in his 1968 novel Couples, saying “only one other time had been so ominous [in those years], the Wednesday in October of 1962 when Kennedy had faced Kruscheve over Cuba.’   Wikipedia

I was privileged to meet John Updike, many years later, at SIU.  He signed two of his books for me.

I remember, in 63′,…my Mom and Dad were divorcing…and my life was forever being altered…but the Sun was going dark…and that was epic!

A truth about life became apparent to me, since my retirement in 2010, and that is life is comprised of chapters.

As a newly married, young man of 20, I seriously wanted to better Mary Jane and my life…to attain employment that would allow us to buy our own home and have enough money to start a family.

At the age of 20, as the old saying goes, ‘the world is your oyster.’

Those days of our new babies and the thrill and the fear of doing parenting right…were awesome and scary!

My Mom and Dad divorced after eighteen years of marriage.  I was six years old.  I can remember the confusion…and fear…and uncertainty that I felt as a child.

What had appeared to me to be an idyllic relationship and home life…that I have often likened to the popular television show of the era, ‘Leave it to Beaver’…was apparently just the opposite.

I remember, as if it were yesterday, Mary Jane getting her Master’s Degree at the age of 40.  I was, and am, so proud of her for going back to school and achieving this noteworthy accomplishment.

Around the age of forty I was named Superintendent of Building Services.  This was the department that I had been hired into, at the age of 20, as a Building Service Worker I…which is a janitor.

Shortly after my promotion…my stepfather died and my mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s’ Disease…came to live with us.

A more challenging and stressful three years…I have not experienced.  If it had not been for Mary Jane’s herculean efforts in caring for my Mom…we could not have kept her.

Over the last fifteen years our wonderful sons, Aaron and Jonathon, have grown into such outstanding men!  It is the joy of my life…just to be in their presence!

At 53 years old I retired with over 32 years of service to the University that I love.

Since our retirement we have been blessed to travel to many great destinations, including Europe, and renew our life long friend ship with our dear friends, Margo and Jeff.

Illness has visited our little family…more than once…but we are still here and grateful to God for looking out for us!

Your might say…what is your point of this Christmas Letter?

My point would be when you think that your life is so bad that it will never get better…you may be at the dawning of a beautiful sunrise.

I am now knocking at the door of 60…and it seems young!  I recently had a health scare…and worried for six months…but by God’s grace…I dodged the bullet!

When I looked into Mary Jane’s eyes, during my waiting period, I could see the care and concern and love that she had for me.

Do not make abrupt decisions…when it appears that your life will not improve without a radical change.

Life is like a pendulum…it swings back and forth.

The beauty and bonding of a shared life together…often develops into a carefully and masterfully stitched Quilt of Life…that is valued beyond measure!

‘Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known by the alias Lenin (April 1870 – January 21, 1924) was a Russian Communist revolutionary, politician, and political theorist.  He served as head of government of the Russian Republic form 1917 to 1918, of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic form 1918 – 1924, and of the Soviet Union from 1922 – 1924.  Under his administration, Russia and then the wider Soviet Union became a one-party communist state governed by the Russian Communist Party.  Ideologically a Marxist, he developed political theories know as Leninism.’   Wikipedia

‘We will take America without firing a shot…we will bury you!’

‘We can’t expect the American people to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their leaders in giving them small doses of socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have communism.  We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within.’  Nikita Khrushchev.

‘Good evening, my fellow citizens:

This Government, as promised , has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet military buildup on the island of Cuba.  Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island.  The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.’  President John F. Kennedy Cuban Missile Crisis Speech delivered on October 22, 1962

‘Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday mocked the attention paid to meetings between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Germany, saying perhaps the two even met in the men’s room.’

‘Maybe they went to the toilet together, Lavrov jokingly injected.’   According to The Hill.

The above Photo is from the New York Times.  The Times Headline for this article is, ”Trump Told Russians That Firing ‘Nut Job’ Comey Eased Pressure From Investigation.”

The photo was taken at a meeting in the Oval Office the morning after FBI Director Comey was fired and no Americans were allowed into the meeting and no American journalist.  However the official Russian News Agency TASS was allowed in the meeting and snapped the above photo.

“Putin mocks claims of Russian meddling in US polls.”

“Asked abut the ‘fingerprints’ he, (Putin), asked sarcastically.  ‘Hoof prints?  Horn prints?  Technology experts can invent anything and put the blame on anyone.”   Press TV

I was alive during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  I and my family and my friends truly believed that we were on the verge of nuclear annihilation…because we were!

I watched a television news program, with highly respected Journalist Andrea Mitchell, asking a question of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson…while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov looked on… smirking…as Ms. Mitchell is MSNBC’s State Department Correspondent and she was covering Mr. Tillerson’s Russian visit.

“NBC News reporter Andrea Mitchell drew the ire of Russia’s foreign minister, who snapped at her for continuing to shout questions his way.”

“Mr. Lavrov, Mitchell began, asking the diplomat about Syria.  ‘The Russians don’t believe the [U.S.] intelligence.”

“Who was bringing you up [as a child]” Lavrov boomed, cutting her off.”

“Who was giving you your manners, you know?”  He asked sounding annoyed.”

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson can be seen smiling as Lavrov rebuked the 70 year old Mitchell.

Earlier this week President Trump is questioning his Pardon Powers for himself and his family.

President Trump, indicated in an interview with the ‘failing’ New York Times, that he thought that if Special Counsel Muller investigates his finances…that he would be crossing a line.

The President’s lawyers and staff are searching for information regarding conflicts of interest pertaining to Robert Muller or his staff.