Monday, December 6, 2010

Pa Rup Pum Pum Pum ... or however you spell it

The parking lot was crazy. It took an act of God. Really. I am not taking his name in vain. I really was praying. I was praying for peace of mind mostly and a space with an easy exit. Eventually, I made it into a parking space in the tiny lot adjacent to the 99 c store on La Brea. It seemed like a lot of work for Ziploc bags but the big ones work well to discourage moths from my cashmere sweaters and for only 99 cents? I guess it lessens the cashmere guilt.

It was madness in there. People everywhere, giant boxes of wrapping paper and shelves full of porcelain nativities made in China. I had to make two round trips around the store. One to fill my basket and the other to return items back to their shelves after realizing that I already have a number of handmade nativities and probably don't need the one made in China or that additional 6-pack of household sponges.


As I came around the automotive isle I heard Bing Crosby singing The Little Drummer Boy over the 99 cent sound system. As I hit the plastic hangers and reusable food containers, I heard women's voices singing along with Bing in beautiful "choir of angels" harmonies. Two women, unconsciously singing as they picked up candle holders and other various tchotchkes, unaware of the beautiful moment they were creating in aisle 10.


I left the store with my 2 rolls of wrapping paper, 3 little 99c poinsettias and smile on my face. Oh, and two boxes of Ziplocs. I love the holidays.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world,
and behold,
everything is softer
and more beautiful."

~Norman Vincent Peale

5 comments:

KathyA said...

Me, too!

I had to laugh about your going back around to put stuff back as I do the same thing -- only it's in Pier 1 and CVS. I love both of those places!

Did everyone clap? I hope so.

erin's art and gardens said...

glad to know the true spirit of the season is out there.......bing has a way with christmas crooning for sure! i love your colorful stars, but not as much as i am LOVIN sister penny's jewelry!! so beautiful!! i think my favorite is the necklace with the two birds on it (i have a thing for birds). really beautiful. you two gals are amazing!
happy monday to you,
erin

A Brush with Color said...

I love this time of year--it's chaotic, but if you allow yourself to soak them up, there are moments to be had that are really joyful.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

It's so easy to get 'caught up' in the chaos isn't it? I love the bustle of the busy streets at this time of year. Soon I will be taking my nieces and nephews into Victoria to walk around and feel the magic! Lovely stars by the way...

Theresa said...

Great post.
I was right thee with ya.