Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend with family and friends.  It is such an important time of the year and the one chance when we can all gather, stop, and give thanks for our blessings!  Personally, I want to give thanks to my family and friends in Saskatoon who have opened their arms to me over the past six weeks as I transitioned back to the City I grew up in.  Leaving Calgary after twenty-four years was not an easy decision to make but sometimes you just need to go home to wrap yourself in warmth and love.

As we move forward in the countdown to Christmas, I am thrilled to announce that my publisher Friesen Press has just released a second edition of "The Shining Star" in standard color vs. premium color.  This has brought the price down considerably not only in the Friesen online bookstore but also online at all the vendors carrying it (see Book page on this site for links).

Looking forward to the coming weeks and all that they will bring; Halloween, Remembrance Day and finally, the Advent to Christmas. 

Shine on!
- K

Hello and Happy New Year!

It seems like it has been much more than a month or so since I last blogged!  I thought today warranted a post considering it is "Family Literacy Day"!

Today I am preparing for tomorrow and my visit to a Grade 4 classroom at Big Rock Elementary in Okotoks.  They are celebrating literacy all week at the school and I was invited by our good friend Jamie whose girls both attend this school. 

I am excited about this honor of speaking to a class!  I am to share with them why literacy is important to me, literacy in my job ... what elements within it are critical to be literate for and then I get to read a favorite chapter or story of my choice, followed by a Q&A session.

So - why is literacy important to me?  Such a simple question but quite hard to answer in any way other than that I cannot imagine a life without reading.  Books have been a constant joy in my life, transporting me to other places.  Maybe that is where my love of travel stemmed from and how I can tie the work aspect into my chat with the kids?  Reading of other cultures and the history of those regions in the world make my job as a travel agent exciting.  Advising clients what books to read before they set out on a journey, what sights to see when they are there and their historic significance to that culture is the "counselling" part of my job.

See?  I knew if I took the time to blog today the "plan" for tomorrow would take shape!  :)  Maybe I will read a Chapter from J.M. Barrie's "Peter and Wendy", or perhaps P.L. Traver's "Mary Poppins".  I fell in love with London through books before I ever travelled there.  Prior to this very moment I thought I would just read one of my stories from "The Shining Star Collection" but now I think I have a plan!  Thanks for listening and helping me work through that!  LOL!

I hope by reading a story each of the 24 nights before Christmas that you formed some new habits around family literacy!  My deepest wish is that you continue that practice throughout the year and today is a perfect day to gather together and share a story!  So, just in case you were missing my "challenges"... I challenge you to read together tonight as a family and perhaps discuss these very same questions I will be asked tomorrow with your children.

I also read an incredible story this week that my good friend Marilyn posted on Facebook about a man and his book store which is now located in Thunder Bay.  He moved the store there after high retail rents forced him out of Toronto.  He is a true collector of rare books and now I want to go visit his store to see this amazing collection!  There is something about a room FULL of books that excites and ignites my soul! 

My siblings and I were blessed to grow up having access to a warehouse of books and magazines as my Dad worked in the wholesale distribution business.  I can still close my eyes and smell the newsprint.  That warm feeling of being surrounded by books is almost indescribable.  To me, it is a warm cocoon of endless possibility.  We can read a book and be anyone or anything we want to be vicariously.  Books are transformative.

I remember my Uncle Mike, who was an English Professor and poet, say to me, "It does not matter what you read, as long as your read!"  How true.  I often wonder if kids that don't like reading have just not found the perfect author or story that reflects their interests?  This is where librarians come in.  God bless them all!  I remember riding my bike to our closest library and spending hours there reading or researching facts for school assignments.  (Yes, that was well before the internet, lol!).  The librarians there were like the secret gate keepers, asking us questions, probing out our interests before making their recommendations.  What an amazing career that would be!

I am rambling ... again.  Wish me luck for tomorrow and I hope that I can in some small way inspire even one child to pick up a book!

Enjoy your "Family Literacy Day" and let me know what you read together tonight people!

Shine On!
- K

Well, this is the final chapter in "The Shining Star Collection".  Last night's story, "Mother and Child" was a tribute to my Mom, and all the ways she made Christmas special for us kids growing up.  While now 86, she still made her Shortbread, Gingersnaps, Fruitcake and Pfeffernusse (Peppernuts) for us all again this year! 

Last night, she and my sister flew in and did not arrive at our house until after midnight.  We had a quick opportunity to throw on some shoes and give her a hug and a kiss and wish her "Merry Christmas" while she waited in my brother's car on the driveway.  He was dropping off my sis before taking Mom home to his place. The snow was gently falling and the lights from the house bounced off the snow creating a glow with the incredible full moon shining down on us.  How wonderful to see her first thing on Christmas Day!  While we will not get any time with her today, she is coming to spend Boxing Day with us tomorrow.

Despite not having her with us, Christmas morning unfolded in the customary way for us;  stockings first with an orange in the toe and then gifts followed by the traditional Skirten Christmas family breakfast.  She would have approved and appreciated it all had she been with us today.

I asked reader's to honor their Mother's last night and specifically thank them for all the traditions they introduced for your family and carried out year after year without thanks expected ... just made with  a huge dose of Motherly love.

My Christmas wish for all of you today is to enjoy each moment as a family - whatever that looks like for you.  May you find peace and joy amongst your loved ones today and for each day of the year ahead.

Thank you to all 403 people who have supported my book thus far!  I hope it brings you joy each Christmas and becomes a family tradition to read together while we mark the advent of Christ's birth.  Thanks also to the 600 or so folks that like and follow the dedicated Facebook page for "The Shining Star Collection!"  You have all helped make a dream come true for me!

Here is my beautiful new painting that I unwrapped this morning by an artist I met this fall, John Burrow.  It is entitled, "Oh Christmas Star" and to me it invokes every emotion I have about this wonderful two year adventure with "The Shining Star Collection."  How wonderful it would be for all children to embrace the loving light of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Shine On!
- K

In "Dashing through the Snow", last night's story, Tiffany comes to realize that she, and she alone, is responsible for her attitude.  Through visits with her friends who have all been facing adversity or challenges far greater than hers, she realizes from  their faith and  joy, that she is indeed blessed.

Well, I wish I could say my darling Tiff  had learned to plan ahead when all this transpired two years ago, but no.  Her day yesterday was another frantic dash of errands and frustrations.  As she said when she got home though, "I'm just taking it one day day at a time!"

The day did end up though with an impromptu,  wonderful gathering of twenty of our friends here at the house last night.  Gathering together for a glass of cheer and a visit with those you love really can be restorative.  It seems to me though that "visiting" with people nowadays is harder and harder to accomplish.

Really chatting and catching up face to face with one another seems to be a lost art.  I grew up with parents that loved to entertain and as such, I learned the joys this can bring early on.  It was so refreshing last night to visit with folks we have not seen in a long time, meet a new baby boy and just "unplug" for a few hours.

So - as we start this Christmas Eve, I encourage everyone to turn their cell phones off this evening.  Light some candles, grab a glass of wine and some of your favorite snacks and gather around the Christmas tree.  Reflect on all your blessings and pray for those that are facing far greater challenges.  Read Luke 2:1-20 and recall what the season is all about:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Wishing you all a warm and loving Christmas Eve!

Shine On!
-K

Nieces are special!  Yesterday's story was for my niece Erica whose birthday is on the 22Dec.  While she is not six years old anymore, but rather in her 30's now, she will always be little Eka to me!  Watching her grow up and become the gorgeous, smart and witty woman she is has been a true blessing in my life.  She is also an amazing mother to a very active five year old boy and two twin boys that are about to turn one.  All of whom have birthdays in December!

It is hard to make their special day stand out at this time of year but we have always tried and throughout the years we have had many birthday dinners of tacos as that is indeed her favorite meal.  I wish I had had the resources when she was little to take her to the Nutcracker as all little girls should experience this incredible ballet at Christmas.

The inspiration for the story though came from when I was able to take my other two little nieces, Annie and Madeline, to see the Nutcracker two years ago.  The girls and I, my sister-in-law and mother-in-law all had a wonderful afternoon at the ballet.  A very special memory for me and one I hope the girls will cherish forever.

If you have seen the Nutcracker or are familiar with the score, what is your favorite song?

Enjoy your day as we count down the hours now until Christmas!

Shine on!
-K

What is one to do with the Grinches in our lives?  Last night's story, "No crib for a Bed" allowed our Scrooge Blair to rediscover the joy of giving.  Now, let me be clear here ... my Father-in-law's name is Blair, or as I call him DG for Daddy Gordon, and he in no way represents Blair in the story!  The real Blair is kind and giving and has always been like a second Dad to me.

However, I do have someone in my family that was indeed born with a heart two sizes too small and all I can do is hope that one day he get's that magical "Cindy-Lou Who" moment and wakes up.  In the story Blair has his "aha" moment when a homeless woman calls him, "Son."

I did also work for a real Scrooge once upon a time and had to fight for my staff to get Boxing Day off.  While at that same employer though, real life events inspired the rest of this story.  We did have a woman who slept out front of our downtown high rise on a bench in the alcove with her shopping cart of possessions by her side.  The staff all did pool together and bought her a coat, boots and blankets along with some tasty treats and gift cards and left them for her early one morning while she slept. 

Today, the news is all about the homeless woman in Las Vegas who was living in her car with her toddler and then decided to plough down pedestrians on the strip two nights ago.  My heart aches for the victims, their families and also for her and her child.  Also on the news this morning was another story of a homeless man who won $25K in a lottery but cannot claim his prize yet because he has no identification.  He has a job but lives in lean-to's he builds throughout the city because he cannot afford rent. 

The homeless can be helped and I want to thank every person who works to eradicate homelessness in our cities.  As I mentioned before, when I have served food at shelters most of the people who came for a hot meal were working and living in their cars because they could not afford a full month's rent as a deposit.  Perhaps landlords who still charge this are the true Grinches out there?  I grew up in a province that had laws built to protect the renters wherein damage deposits were maxed at $500.00.  When I was renting out a property I never charged more than that. 

So - here is today's challenge as you charge around the city on last minute errands ... when you see a homeless person, stop and really look at them.  Make eye contact, have a conversation, buy them a coffee.  A really easy thing to do that just might make a difference in their day.  It will for sure make a difference in yours!

Shine on!
- K

Little Noah, which is my great nephew's name, learned from his Great Grandma the joy of baking in last night's story, "Tradition!"

Personally, I love to bake at Christmas as it brings those who we have lost in our family closer at this most special time of year.  As I bake recipes from my Grandma, Mom or Aunts I get a chance to reminisce about special moments with each of them.  Recipes can be an everlasting legacy if passed down from generation to generation.  When my Publisher asked why I included recipes with each story my answer was that they were and are an integral part of Christmas for my family.

In addition to recipes, learning one's heritage and family stories is so important for children.  I was blessed to have had my family history shared with me while growing up.  I often wonder that if more folks took the time to document and share this with the next generation, would companies that trace family backgrounds be necessary?  There are even DNA tests one can take now to give you your cultural heritage and TV shows dedicated to tracing the roots of family life.  I always feel for these folks that have lost the knowledge along the way.

Just last month I had the boyfriend of a distant relative reach out to me after Googling our last name.  He was trying to research this girl's background.  I was able to give him the history as I knew it going back to my Grandfather and his three brothers that came to Canada in 1907.  In addition, I had my cousin send him a copy of the family tree his Mom had done.  He and his girlfriend are going to share all this with her family over the Holidays.  I knew we were related because the small town in Manitoba where this girl came from was one of the town's where my Dad hit the "jackpot!"   You see, my Dad would take the time to look through the phone book in any hotel room he was in while in different city.  If he saw anyone with our last name, he would call them up and introduce himself.  We used to laugh at him as kids but watching him do that helped reinforce the message that family is important.

This fall, while doing all the Christmas craft shows, I came to realize that most people do not take the time to bake anymore.  When I see hoards of people buying a loaf of fruit cake for $25.00 or a half for $16.00 I shake my head.  The vendor selling these makes 8000 fruit cakes a year and sells them all over a 12 week show cycle.  Do the math.  It is crazy!  Even if her costs are 50% for supplies and to run a commercial kitchen, she is laughing her way to Hawaii for six months each winter.

Then there were the tart vendors selling 6 tarts for $11.00.  As everyone was carrying a bag of these pumpkin tarts my sister Kathy and I bought a pack at the show in Red Deer to see what all the fuss was about.  Let me tell you - they were nothing special ... just a plain old pumpkin pie filling.

If you know firsthand the joy baking can bring (and yes, sometimes there are frustrations with it), especially at this time of year, then you can relate to the calm this can bring into your life in the midst of this hectic time of year.  For me, there is nothing like working with cool flour in your hands, the smell of spices and the joy of sharing your results with those you love! 

Shine on!
-K

For me, nothing brings me greater satisfaction at this time of year than giving to others in need.  Little Logan (our God Son's name) learned that lesson in last night's story, "Love thy Neighbour."  Like Logan did in the story for his "adopted" family of Alvin, Padget and Roxanne (dear, dear friend's of mine), last year I went shopping for five children and had so much fun not only  finding things on their list but more while staying within the charities allocated budget of $100/child which is raised via various fundraisers. 

When dropping off the wrapped and labelled goods to the Shamrock Children's Christmas Fund folks, they were all dressed up like elves and they whisked the goods away into their rented warehouse to be sorted and then delivered.  In addition to the gifts the volunteer secret Santa's purchased, they provide a complete Christmas meal to each of 200 families.  The food is all donated by one independent grocer from Red Deer.  He, and the SCCF have been doing this here in town for over 50 years.  Amazing!  All it cost me was my time and in return I got that great sense of knowing I had helped other's dreams come true.

That lesson of loving your neighbor and the subsequent joy from doing so, was ingrained in me early as I remember delivering a care hamper to a family with my church group.  We then sang some Christmas carols to the family while they stood at their front door.  I may have been about 9 or 10 when I did this but I will forever remember the look of joy on the Father's face when he saw who was at his door that cold winter night.

Each year for the past six years, we package up Christmas dinners for 12 nurses at the Foothills Country Hospice and deliver them on Christmas Day.  Those nurses are angels here on earth and this simple act gives them something to look forward to while they care for others and miss time with their own families.  It allows us to thank them in a personal way for the care and love they have given our family and friends while losing a loved one to cancer.  All it means is cooking one extra turkey on Christmas Day and doubling up on all the rest of the dishes. 

In addition, some of us have decided not to exchange gifts this year and instead will make a family donation to Rowan House, a women's shelter in High River. 

All worthy causes.  What causes are you supporting this year?  Are you being a Secret Santa for anyone?
God bless you for answering the needs of others in your community!

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!  I am off to make the Butter Tarts featured in tonight's story, "Tradition!"

Shine On!
- K

Well, I must say that last night's story was totally non-fiction!  "Santa does see Everything" is a brief glimpse into a real Christmas in our household ... snoopers and all!  My dear sister Kathy did indeed learn her lesson with my Mom's ingenious wrapping scheme the year after she ruined her own Christmas.  I can still see Mom throwing her hand to head in utter consternation when she realized she had forgotten the wrapping code.

I am not sure if Kathy already had a keen sense of "detective" within her at that point, but I do know it is an uncanny skill along with a surreal memory for the inane.  She can really spook people when she can cite their addresses and postal codes after all her years as a mail carrier.  Now - she is in the perfect job at Canada Post in that she gets to "track" down owners of mail and parcels that are undeliverable for one reason or another!  Inspector Clouseau?  You bet!  And she gets paid for it, best of all!  LOL!  So happy that Kathy and my Mom will be visiting all of us here in Alberta from the 24 - 01st.  Christmas morning with Kathy in the house will be a joy, which is apropos since her middle name is indeed "Joy!"  Love you Tigger!

Sisters are a joy to have in one's life!  I am blessed with two born sisters and four "adopted" ones and I bring this up because I just had an hour long Skype call with two of my adopted sisters.  "Sisters by Love" is a great way to summarize these amazing friends I am blessed to have.  Each and every one of them along with Carla and Kathy, have been a constant safe haven for me throughout my life and their love and support have carried me through some dark times.  I love you all!

At this very busy time of year when women typically bear so much pressure make sure you reach out with a hug to those who need it.  As my call did this morning, it will revive you and give you that extra boost of energy for the final countdown to the big day ... and remember, no peeking!

Shine On!
-K

Did you ever "keep score" with how many gifts each of your siblings had under the tree vs. your own?  In last night's story, "Naughty or Nice" Bobby did and ultimately learned than envy gets you nowhere!

I had fun writing this story as it brought to life a tale from Tiff and Trisha's life where Tiff set Trisha up in the net as goalie and fired "hot shots" at her until my mother-in-law put a stop to it with the proverbial, "Tiffany Ann..."  Still makes me chuckle to think about her doing that.  Apparently she also made herself a goalie mask out of an old bleach bottle once!  Yikes!

Thankfully, Trisha did not "net" a black eye in real life, but my sister Kathy had one for Christmas one year thanks to our brother Stuart accidentally elbowing her in the face over his excitement that Dad was home from a business trip.

For all of you who had older brothers, or older siblings growing up, you know how they could talk you into doing almost anything just so that you could hang out with them.  Big brothers carry heavy influence in a little sister's life.  There is of course the hero-worship when he stands by your side.  Then the crushing feeling of inadequacy when he does not want you around him and his friends.  Regardless though, a girl's self-confidence in adulthood can be a direct result of her perceived value in the family growing up.  Does she have a voice to express her thoughts and concerns? Is she listened to with respect amidst older and louder voices?

I was so blessed to have a big brother who is still my hero!  Regardless of all the torment he dished out to us girls, we all still love him.  He still knows how to push each of our buttons to get a laugh too!

The character names for the story are not from the Brady Bunch as some suspect, but rather the names of two family friends who were faithful readers of the blog.  Our friend Marcia helped me out at the show in Saskatoon this fall and took great delight in pointing out to everyone all the gifts under the tree for her in the illustration.  Of course you were the "nice" child in the story Marcia - lol! 

Have a great day and avoid the "hot shots" when you are out dashing about!

Shine on!
-K

Last night, in "Sew this is Christmas",  little Trisha learned that a families love for one another is abiding. That no matter the circumstances there is beauty to be found ...  the proverbial "silver lining",  if you will.   Even amidst great challenges pulling together as a family is what can get you through the moment and make you all stronger. 

With all the pressures upon us at this hectic time of year, we all need to remember sometimes to stop, take a deep breath and remember that as long as we are surrounded by loved ones, what else truly matters? 

Remember, the pursuit of perfection is  self-inflicted.  Only we can lessen that burden we place upon ourselves to have the "perfect Christmas", find the "perfect gift", or cook the "perfect meal."  Is the world going to end if your gravy has lumps?  Definitely not! 

Like Trisha did though with her sewing project, if we focus on what we are passionate about, perfection sometimes does happen because we are approaching the task at hand with love in our hearts.

The storyline last night came from a comment my Mother-in-law made two years ago about the town florist and the dire straits he was in because of the flood. Of course, the main character is in honor of my sister-in-law Trisha, who is so incredibly talented with any sewing project she takes on!  She is an amazing woman and mother!

In reading the story last night, I thought again of my dear friend Barbra who was struck with MS at such an early age.  I have two family members with this debilitating disease too and it creates great challenges for not only the afflicted but also their family members.  However, I must say that each and everyone whom I know that suffers with MS has found a way to still find joy in their lives, be it through their children, grandchildren, church, or volunteer work.  In the case of Barbra, it can be finding a great pair of second hand shoes that fit.  She loves to wear shoes that look "worn" because of course, her new ones stay brand new forever because she cannot walk.

"Sew" ... what will be your silver lining in the week ahead?  I challenge you to search for it if you find yourself reeling from seasonal pressures.  Be grateful for the blessings in your life!

Shine on!
-K  

Last night's story, "Simple and Sweet" featured little Carla and her Aunt Erna (my Sis and Auntie), both of whom taught me the lesson that you don't need to be a Mother to give motherly love.  My eldest sister Carla is 12 years older than me, so for the early years of my life was indeed like a second Mom.  I remember that it was she that took me to school on the first day as Mom was working.  I was so proud when all the kids asked me if that was my Mom and commented about how young and pretty she was, and still is!

Carla, or "La La" when I was little,  instilled the love of baking in me and I remember riding my bike over to her house to bake cookies together.  Once she became a Mother herself, she always hung cookies on her tree for my nephew and niece, as well as stringing popcorn and cranberries for garland.  She made every Christmas for them not only "Simple and Sweet" but warm and loving too!  She has always been an inspiration to me in her role as Mom and now Nana to four little ones.

If that were not enough, I was blessed with the love of my dear Aunt Erna, who was also like a second Mom to us kids.  Erna brought a practicality to our lives and taught us that there was always a way to "get the job done" through innovation and a wee bit of stubbornness.  She taught us to find the joy in the simplest of things, be it an afternoon of crafting, a game of Yahtzee or discussing the family history, of which she was a master.  She was the ultimate story teller and always found the funny side in life.  There was nothing like sharing a good laugh with her over a good joke and see the tears stream down her face in joy!  Whenever she encountered something challenging, including her final battle with cancer, she would say, "Such crazy business."

Auntie Erna, along with my Dad and brother worked in a wholesale book company that distributed paperbacks and magazines.  As such, she always had a full shelf in her basement of coloring books and paper doll books that we could choose from when we went to visit.  The love of reading and books was already ingrained in us at home, but she reinforced to us that reading mattered.  "The Shining Star Collection" would never have been published without her as the gift she bestowed on me in her will, as one of her nine nieces. allowed me to do this. 

She also loved to dress up and was always the one to take us out Trick or Treating.  Her closet was never off limits to us when we wanted to play dress up which taught us kids to never take ourselves too seriously.  "Accessorizing" was an art with her as she was never in public without a string of beads and lipstick on.  In fact, we had everyone choose some of her beads to wear at her funeral, as well as handing everyone packs of Wrigley's Spearmint gum which she always carried in one of her fabulous handbags.  We miss her in our lives so incredibly much but know she is smiling down from above with bright red lipstick and a string of beads on!

So, who better than these two characters to teach the lesson of accessorizing a tree with the simplest of means than these two women that taught me you can bestow motherly love on anyone?

When I wrote the story, the realities of rebuilding ones life after a major flood was of course on the top of everyone's mind with the devastating flood of 2013.  My niece Madeline, who had to move in with us for a month along with her parents and sister after their home was flooded, came up with the line, "We've been disaster-ed."  Sadly, two and a half years later, some people are still not back in their homes as they, along with business owners, still try to collect from disaster relief programs and insurance companies.   They have been a shining example that Christmas is not about glitz and glitter but rather loving each other and helping out a neighbor while sharing the joy of the season.  A lesson we all might do well to remember especially with so many of us adversely affected  by the falling economy.  Keep it simple folks and it will be sweet! 

Shine on!
-K

It is funny how life's little coincidences can give you that sense of deja vu.  Last night we went to a movie at the mall, followed by some shopping and dinner.  This was a huge step as my better half hates shopping and crowds.  So I was nervous about us having to go to the biggest mall in town with less than two weeks left before Christmas.  Unfortunately, the movie we wanted to see was only playing there.

Surprisingly, the crowds were not bad at all!  On a side note, we saw"Love the Coopers" as we are huge Diane Keaton fans.  The movie was okay.  A little depressing actually for a holiday film and not as funny as I had thought it would be, fyi. 

As we were making a purchase at the first store on our list there was a woman also at the cashier desk who had absolutely no Christmas spirit and was completely rude to her sales clerk.  Just like the rude man in last night's story, "Shoppers rush home with their Treasures", this woman felt that it was more than okay to take out whatever frustrations she had on strangers.

The clerk helping us asked if we would like to donate to the Children's Hospital and if we did they would match our donation.  We said sure and then she rang a sleigh bell and whopped and hollered.  This drove the woman next to us nuts.  She was then asked the same question by her clerk and she rolled her eyes and said, "Not a chance" which took both us and the staff aback.  We gathered our item, thanked the clerks for their help and then turned to the woman beside us and said in unison, "Merry Christmas!"  Maybe that gave her pause to think about her attitude before she spread her negativity elsewhere.  I hope so!

As we headed to the center of the mall I was struck by the design of Santa's Village.  It was set up exactly the way I had penned it in Annie and Darren's story!  Two lines - one an "Express" line and the other one not.  Just like at the airport with Business and Economy lines for boarding.  Crazy!  Is that really necessary?  Do people need to have that option because they are just so busy in their lives nowadays?  I was interested to note though that the Express line was empty so whatever premium they were charging for that service was not bringing in the big bucks for them.  Instead all those regular folks were squished into one line with half the available space roped off.

The rest of our shopping went smoothly and we had excellent service at all the stores.  It is not easy to work in retail at this time of year, and yet - everyone we encountered was positive and upbeat!  Hats off to them for making the rest of our evening a pleasant experience!

Like Annie's act of spontaneous charity in the story, can we all just try to make someone else's day a little better next time we are out in public?  We all know that a negative mind will never bring about a positive life but if you are in a negative frame of mind - keep it to yourself ... please!  Or, better yet - shop online!  LOL!

The illustration that Bonnie Lemaire did for this story really must be applauded.  All of the illustrations are beautiful and I could not be more pleased, but this one really shines as she captured Annie and Darren perfectly!  People who know the real Annie and Darren asked if I sent Bonnie a photo.  The answer to that is "No."  In fact, Bonnie and I have actually never even spoken to one another!  The process with my publisher was that I had to write a brief description for Bonnie, outlining my vision for the drawing and what key elements needed to be included.  Even though I chose Bonnie based on a portfolio of her past work, and knew how talented she was, I remember gasping when I saw the first sketch for this story.  It was like she knew Annie and Darren herself!  Amazing!  Thank  you Bonnie for bringing the stories to life!

Stay positive everyone and Shine On!
- K

Last night's story, "Hear the snow Crunch" is still hard for me to read without deep feelings of nostalgia and loss bubbling up.  Dad has been gone now for 34 years but the longing to hear his voice and see his smile is still so profound.  The "Dad-isms" in the story bring a smile though ... "Going to see a man about a dog" and of course, "Support the local guy" are just two of many.  Little Karen in the story learns the importance of supporting local businesses or entrepreneurs at a young age which is something I have never forgotten.  Each year, my Dad did make the trek to a local hardware store called "Mayfair Hardware" in Saskatoon to buy our tree.  As is the norm in cold, frozen climates, the trees were indeed frozen lumps that made it hard to envision the end product.  Somehow though, Dad was always able to pick a perfect tree!

Those trips with him are still some of my most cherished memories of him and Christmas.  In the last few years of his life we also had another tradition wherein he and I would go together to pick out Mom's gift ... we bought a cuckoo clock, an entrance mirror and even a coffee table together, which are all still in my Mom's home.

When Mom moved into her condo though I asked and was given the Deacon's bench and the Grandma Moses print, "Out for the Christmas Tree",  which now sits in my entrance way, which used to sit in Mom and Dad's kitchen on Louise Avenue.  Every time I look at this print, I am still enthralled!  It makes one long to be able to jump into the wintery scene of fun!

I read a poem that a friend posted on Facebook today called "My First Christmas in Heaven" and the first stanza resonated:
                                          "I see the countless Christmas trees
                                           Around the world below,
                                           With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
                                           Reflecting on the snow."

Beautiful thought that Dad is looking down on our Christmas trees!  I hope that might bring you some comfort too if you are missing loved ones this Christmas.
Have a blessed day!

Shine on!
-K

Last night's story, "Made with Love" teaches little Oliver that hand-made gifts have so much more meaning than store bought ones.  I wish that I had the time and talent to make gifts for the ones I love!  I am in awe of all those that do and the envy I have for this talent was reinforced even more this fall with all the true artisans I met at the Christmas shows.  How lovely to be able to make a living off of a talent you possess! 

As a child I was always doing crafts but somewhere along the way, all of that went away.  Do you feel the same?  Is it just a lack of time and dedication? 

Little Oli (my great nephew) and his Mom making potato stamp cards reminds me of my Auntie Marg because I do remember receiving cards from her and her children that were made this way.  Lovely! My parents did use to hang a string across the living room wall too to drape the Christmas cards they received on.  I wonder if anyone else did that or still do?

To me, receiving an actual Christmas card in the mail is special.  I know so many just send e-cards and while they are cute and bring a smile, opening mail is a treasure.  I hope to get my cards out today as we are now less than 2 weeks away from Christmas.

Off to Church this morning to see my nieces perform in a play and then home for some more baking and card writing.

Wishing you all a glorious 3rd Advent!
Shine On!
- K

Given the state of the world today, international aid is of more importance than ever.  Little Lisa in last night's story, "Gifts that keep Giving" learned the joy and deep sense of satisfaction that comes from supporting international care agencies at this most special time of year.

We actually did this exercise a few years ago ourselves and just like Lisa, we had great fun matching up items in the catalogue that were appropriate for our family members.  Stocked pharmacies for the pharmacist in our family, library supplies for the librarian, maternity care for the couple that were expecting and then of course, a goat for my brother, sponsoring a girl's education for my nieces and so on.  The ratio of cost vs. fulfillment for not only us but also the recipients was negligible, so I highly recommend this alternative method of gift-giving!  Impacting hundreds of lives instead of buying blenders, housecoats and electronics for loved ones saves you not only the grief of shopping and wrapping all that, but provides you and your children with a lasting memory.  I still laugh at the ads that run on TV with the talking goat encouraging support of Care Canada.

The story features "Lisa", aka "Little One" - my dear friend and her family members who know the joy of international aid firsthand as they have made several trips to Peru to support an orphanage there.  Lisa can attest to the lasting joy this brings into ones life.  I am in awe of what they have done and continue to do for these children.

Wherever you choose to direct your charitable dollars will make an impact, be it in your community or across the globe, so please give this season.  Even placing the spare change in your pocket into a kettle at the mall is needed and appreciated by so many.

The Nanaimo Bar recipe is a classic for us here in Canada, but since publishing the book I have sent two "Bird's Eye Custard Powder" canisters to friends in the U.S.  I am not sure what the equivalent would be in the U.S. but next time I am down there and in a grocery store I will see if I can find something comparable.  The photo of the bars is now up on the site under the recipe tab.  Classic and decadent!

Have a wonderful day of giving!

Shine On!
-K

Should we do a tissue count for last night's story, "Make new Friends"?  I had the surprise treat of having my story read to me last night at our EWI Year End Celebration meeting for invocation!  Very surreal to have someone else read a story that you wrote.  Thank you Sherri Cunningham for selecting yesterday's story to read to our members and guests!

As I listened to Sherri read it, of course it brought up old memories and emotions in me and I have to admit, I did shed a few myself.  I do remember a school trip to a senior's home to sing Christmas songs when I was in about Grade 4 and we did sing "Oh Christmas Tree" in German too which was fun to learn.

Most significant to me though was that when my Aunt Helen was sick and dying in an extended care nursing home my brother Stuart took his little white dog Ty in to visit her.  I will never forget the sense of deep contentment and happiness that radiated from her on that visit.  Ty behaved like the perfect dog he was and lay down immediately next to her and was content to just let her pet him.  Like Helen Star in the story, my Aunt Helen was a widow with no children and had loved her life on a farm in Alberta with her Chesapeake Bay retrievers.  She was an amazing woman who loved to laugh and soak in the beauty of nature, wherever she was.  God bless Aunty Helen.  We miss you and always will!  Now that Ty is gone too I hope he found Aunty Helen in heaven to snuggle up with again.

I was thrilled to hear from one of the ladies at my table last night that there is a non-profit group here in Calgary that is registered with Alberta Health.  They look for volunteers to go out and visit or spend time with the seniors that are wards of the province with no living family.  Seniors need visitors and friendships just like anyone else.  There are so many lonely seniors out there that just need our time.  Keep them in mind this Christmas please.  Is there an agency in your town where you can volunteer or perhaps a nearby nursing home whose residents could use a visit with your dog or cat?  Please make that call.

Little Bev with her Westies Huntley and Finnegan was inspired by my dear Mother-in-law and her sister Barb.   Love you ladies!  Your support means the world to me!  Huntley and Finnegan are also now both gone but were the very best of pups!  We now have Huntley the 2nd and Winnie.  Both are lovely Westies and best friends.

The recipe I included last night was one for Almond Crescents, which is now pictured on the "Recipe" tab of www.kfskirten.com.   Such a delicate treat!  Enjoy!

Shine On!
- K

I hoped you enjoyed "Believe" - last night's story about Stuart and his new puppy Dixie!  This story brings back so many memories for me.  My brother Stuart did indeed get an English Springer Spaniel puppy for Christmas one year and her name was Dixie.  My father actually did spend Christmas Eve night in the basement of our home trying to keep Dixie quiet until we all woke up Christmas morning.  Thankfully for Dad, we were usually up around 5am Christmas morning to open gifts.  Our house was always the first one on our block with lights on and any sign of activity inside Christmas morning. 

My parents had a rule for us all on Christmas morning;  after we were up and had used the washroom, we all had to "wait" in the hallway and line up in order of age, youngest being first to walk into the living room.  Dad would then capture our reactions on his camera when we saw the unwrapped gifts under the tree that Santa had left.  I guess I was about four years old the year that Dixie was under the tree and being the youngest, I will never forget seeing her waiting for us all!  Magic!

My parents certainly did not take the steps that Stuart's parents did in preparing us kids for dog ownership but I truly believe the purchase of dogs should not be made before lots of research, preparation and planning has been done.

Dog shelters are indeed inundated in the first quarter of each year with puppies that have proved to be too much work for the owners who bought them for Christmas gifts. A good way to think of those first three months in a pups life is that it equates to about the first two years of a babies life.  LOTS of time and attention is required. 

I had a friend who owned a kennel and grooming business and I have indeed helped with the cleaning process - not an easy or pleasant task, but you do what you do for the love of the animals. Volunteering at a pet shelter is a great way to get kids familiar with the realities of pet ownership. Pet shelters usually operate on "bare bone" budgets so keep that in mind when you are boxing up things to donate.  Blankets, towels and pet store gift cards are great ways to help them operate all year long.

The house that young Stuart and Skipper walk by in the story was inspired by a home a few blocks away from where we lived in Saskatoon.  The owner always had an amazing Christmas display each year and took donations in a box by the sidewalk to help cover the costs of all the lights.  I think everyone in Saskatoon used to drive by that house to see the display each year.  Yet another great Christmas memory!

There is nothing greater than the love of a dog - completely unconditional.  If humans could all love one another as a dog loves his owner, the world would be a better place. 

"Believe" is dedicated to all the pet lovers I know, including my friends Carolyn, Darryl and of course Kathy and Brent who love our little Emma to bits!

Shine On!
- K

Well, McKenizie learnt how to rough it for a weekend while staying at her Gran's in the countryside ... and she had fun!  I hope you enjoyed last night's story, "Simple Pleasures" ... it is one of my favorites!  I wish every child had a grandparent's farm to go visit for weekends so they might experience all the joys it has to offer! A shout out to my dear friend Kerry who lives in Phoenix and dreams of snow-filled days!

I must say that while out on the show tour I saw so many toddlers in strollers with a  tablet in front of them.  One child will haunt me forever.  She was probably around 4 and was already seriously overweight.  She had huge earphones on and was plugged into a tablet with a tray full of unhealthy snacks in front of her.  I looked at her and could see her future, sadly.

I have seen an increasing amount of posts and news stories about the detriment tablet use does to children.  The last one I read said there should be zero tablet time until a child turns five!  Unrealistic in today's world?  Probably.  What keeps repeating itself in my head is what the Executive Director of Calgary Reads told us at an EWI meeting last month;  "a child's whole future can be predicted by their grade three reading level."  I guess the only thing to do nowadays, as with everything in life, is to try to bring balance to it all - equal time for tablets, reading and exercise.  How do you bring balance into your child's activities?  How do you monitor it successfully?  I would be interested to hear how parents are juggling all this.

The Peanut Butter Slice that was featured in last night's story is a lasting favorite of my family's!  It originally came from a neighbor friend of ours who I called "Soycee" instead of Joyce!  So simple and easy to make but it is a show stopper so give it a try!  You will not be disappointed!  They are pictured on the Recipe tab of this website now.

Tonight's story is all about a boy who wishes desperately for a puppy for Christmas and the great ways in which his parents prepare him for that huge responsibility.

Have a great day everyone!
Shine On!
-K

Hockey and broken teeth seem to go hand in hand.  Did young James learn his lesson that safety comes first in last night's story, "A bright Red and Green"?  I hope so!  Having lost my own two front teeth when I was in Grade 3 has never really left me.  I was not playing hockey, but rather "Crack the Whip" on the ice during recess one day.  A friend pushed me and I went flying across the ice and did a face plant on a bump of ice that sheered the two teeth off.  The pain from the exposed nerves in the cold air was less than pleasant.

The Principal of my school phoned my Mom and said he was bringing me home because I had "chipped" my teeth.  I will never forgot the look of horror on Mom's face when I arrived at the front door all bloody and bruised.  After an emergency trip to the dentist, I was the lucky recipient of two shiny silver caps for Christmas!  Well, there is not a single photo of me smiling from Grades 3 - 7 until I had them replaced with veneers just in time for my brother's wedding.  To this day, I still get nervous whenever I am on the ice. 

That first night at dinner with me sporting my two new "Silver Bullets", my brother was so upset over the accident that he called his best friend Darrell to come over to make me feel better.  You see, Darrell too had one tooth capped in silver.  He told me that it made us "special" and that we were both members of an exclusive club.  Lol!  God bless you Darrell for making a young girl feel better!  The two of them though wanted to go replace two Christmas light bulbs with white ones on the front of my friend's house in "revenge".  They of course did not do it, but that is what big brothers do - look out for their younger sisters.  I have the best brother in the world.  We joke and say he is "useful" but really, he is irreplaceable and the three of us girls are like lions when it comes to protecting him!

My Mom and Dad had that same deal with him for hockey games as James did in the story; if he scored, he got a burger at the O&O Drive-In in Saskatoon.  He ate a lot of burgers in his youth!

I just heard yet another news story this morning about parents being kicked out of a hockey rink for their behavior.   When is this going to stop?  People - your kids are watching and will model their own behavior after yours.  No wonder bullying is such an epidemic!  Sportsmanship is the one critical skill kids should take away from playing any game.  Did you notice in the story that even though James' team was losing after the 2nd period, his Dad gave him a grin and a thumbs up?  Positive reinforcement does wonders to motivate and inspire!

A few weeks ago I was in our garage and I heard our neighbor chatting with his two sons as they put up their Christmas lights.  It made me smile to hear their conversation as not much has changed about the process of hanging outdoor lights.  What a cherished tradition between kids and their Fathers.

Are you a Griswald?  What colors of lights do you use on your home?  How do you decorate the outside of your house for the holidays?

The Candy Cane cookie recipe that went with last night's story is posted on the recipe tab.  My sister saw it yesterday on Facebook and said, "What happened?"  Definitely not my forte making candy canes!  We had a good laugh over that!  Leaving those to big Sis as she makes them every year and hers are perfect!  While mine may not look pretty, they sure do taste good though!  Enjoy!

Shine On!
-K

Last night's story, "A Home for the Holidays" was not only about sharing for Grayden and Qwynn but also about gaining confidence in oneself for Jess.  I had numerous discussions with the editor of my book about Jess being only 12 years old and babysitting.  She thought it was far too young and that I should change her age to 15 or 16.  I went with what I know and have witnessed in other young girls who are eager to not only earn some pocket money but also searching for ways in which to take on more responsibility.  I was 11 years old when I took my babysitting class at the YWCA and I have also watched my niece Annie gain huge self confidence in babysitting the children of family friends.  Annie is now 13 but she has been looking after children for a year or so now. 

Maybe I am wrong here?  What age did you start babysitting?  For the parents out there - how old are the babysitters you hire?  Is the going rate still $5.00/hour? 

I have to acknowledge two of my "little" fans here and their parents!  Grayden and Qwynn are daughters of friends of ours, Jamie and Tyler.  The whole family were avid readers of each story two years ago when I was blogging them and as such, I wanted to have their names appear in a story.  Jess is the name of my nephew's love and she is an amazingly loving Mother to my Great Niece Autumn.  Thank you to all of them for the loving support!

The recipe for last night's story was for my sister Carla's Gingerbread.  One of my personal faves!  For almost fourty years now my Sis has been making these for her kids and now her grandkids.  What was always so great about her Gingerbread men though was that she hung them on her tree.  It really made her tree special!  (She always had extra ones too for eating - yummy!)  I hope you make them so that you can enjoy them with your family too!

Have a great day!
Shine on!
- K

Last night's story "Comfort & Joy" teaches young Christopher the realities of the homeless and hungry. 

I will never forget the time my employer donated a roast beef dinner at the Mustard Seed here in Calgary.  The staff members went to the shelter and helped prep and serve the food.  I remember assuming that the homeless we would serve would be mostly older men and women.  How wrong I was!  I was shocked at how many young, working men were in the line for their dinner and most of them had jobs but could not secure housing here in Calgary.  A lot of them lived and slept in the cars at night I was told.  Then, of course, there were the children that I was heartbroken to see shuffling along in line for their dinner with parents who were trying to keep a brave face on for their kids.  All of those we served that night were so thrilled to have a roast beef dinner as that was not usual fare due to budget constraints. 

Volunteering during this season of abundance is such an integral part of teaching children humility and grace.  I was heartened to hear from one of the other  vendors at the Calgary "Festival of Crafts" show that she had agreed to sponsor gifts for four senior citizens at a home.  She was taking her children with her to deliver the gifts so that they could see the impact their act of charity would have in the lives of others.  Bravo Mom!

With the economy here now the need for food at Food Banks is at an all time critical high.  We see the empty shelves on TV reports daily.  So - today, Tiff and I are going through our pantry and putting a box together that I will drop off tomorrow.  Please do the same or if you are out getting groceries, please buy one of the pre-packed kits grocers put together for the food banks.  Maybe you could buy all the ingredients (sans meat) to make Mom's Chilli which was the recipe for yesterday (pictured now on the Recipe Tab).  Comfort food goes along way to nourish the soul.

God bless all of you who volunteer your time this season!

Shine on!
- K

What is Christmas without snow?  When you grow up with it, it is hard to imagine not having it along with all the challenges and delights it brings.  Building snowmen is high on the list and says "frolic" better than any other activity I can think of.  As Gregory knows though - it takes a special kind of snow to build an epic snowman.  That same snow though can also be the worst to deal with in terms of mobility,  Little Gregory in last night's story, "Snow Angels" learns an important life lesson though ... and that is that it pays to do good for others! 

How many people today know their neighbors let alone be cognizant of what is occurring in their lives?  This story came about after a discussion I had with an old dear friend  who was struggling with her new neighbors and their lack of being, quite simply, "neighborly".  Is it so hard to be kind to one another nowadays?  I hope not.

So, here is a couple of challenges for you this Christmas season;  1) do something kind for one of your neighbors without any expectations on the return value and 2) commit to finding your inner child and actually build a snowman (or sand castle if that is your reality) this winter!  Find that inner child that allowed you to "play" in this beautiful stuff called "snow"!  Ski, skate, toboggan or snowshoe!  Embrace the winter months and find the joy in the simple things around you. 

The sugar cookie recipe in last night's story really is the BEST recipe I have ever found for them.  A real pleasure to work with and what is Christmas without Sugar Cookies?  A picture of the ones I made yesterday is on the site now.  Excuse the icing debacles!  While I love baking - I am no decorator!   Usually, I have let the kids come over to decorate the cookies.  They have even called me the "Cookie Auntie" - lol! Have a glorious day and let me know what you end up doing for your neighbors!

Shine on!
- K

Sweet, sweet Madeline!  Personally, "All I want for Christmas" is one of my favorite stories in the collection and no matter how many times I read it, I still shed a tear.  I will never forget the Christmas my employer adopted a family  to support over the holidays by providing a care package.  The list the Mother provided to the agency that was coordinating the drive, simply said baking supplies.  I cannot imagine not having the financial resources to bake your children some cookies for Christmas, but it is all too often a sad reality.  That nameless, faceless woman's request spoke to me so profoundly that I personally took on the shopping for her.  That is a still a cherished holiday memory. Loading a cart with baking essentials and tools: cookie sheets, lifters, racks, oven mitts, cutters and then all the groceries to go along with it.  I hope she still uses those cookie sheets each year!

I must give a shout out to Canada Post now as their H0H 0H0 program has been running for years!  Postal works (and it just happened to be "Thank you Postal Worker Day" yesterday) volunteer their time to write replies to any letter they receive sent to this postal service on behalf of Santa.  Way to go guys!

I used my niece Madeline's name for this story because she is such a caring, loving soul.  She is paired with "Emma" because Madeline loves our dog Emma and I wanted to get Emma's name in the collection somehow.  Last Christmas Eve I sat next to Madeline and one of her little friends in Church and got to witness firsthand their chatter and antics and it made it all so easy to picture these two characters.  It was like they had come to life.

Let me know if you enjoyed yesterday's story and if it made you shed a tear too!  The Jam Jams are now pictured on the Recipes tab of this site.  When I made them I noted down exactly how much flour I used in case you are going to attempt baking them.  Grandma never used exact measurements or even wrote her recipes out, but for your easy reference ...  initially I put in 3 1/2 cups of flour with at least another 1/2 cup in the rolling process.  Hope that helps!

Shine on!
-K

Last night's story "Away in a Manger" should bring back lots of memories to grandparents and parents reading the stories as it was an annual tradition to have the Nativity story performed in schools.  I do remember wishing that I was going to be picked to play an Angel and wear the white cape with the paper wings outlined in silver garland.  No such luck!  I was a shepherd with no lines - lol!

The value highlighted in the story was "Practice makes perfect" - and I do believe it is an essential lesson for kids today that are all too used to instant gratification.  If having your child excel at something is a desire than I highly recommend reading Malcom Gladwell's "Outliers".  In it, he proposes that to be a master of anything it just takes 10000 hours of practice.  Fascinating read.

My Great Nephew Trystan is indeed a little "Romeo" that is sure to break a few hearts later in life.  Taylor is a Godchild.  I know they both enjoyed the story when they first read it two years ago and I hope they enjoyed it as much last night along with you!

The Date Filled Rolled Oat cookies are pictured now under the "Recipes" tab and I must say, it was actually fun to make them yesterday!  My brother Stuart, Trystan's Grampy, did stop by last night to have two before I put them in the freezer as they are indeed his favorite cookie.

Have a great day!  I hope you enjoy tonight's story, "All I want for Christmas"  which is sure to tug on a few heart strings.  Best to have a tissue or two nearby!

Shine on!
- K