Which do you prefer:
City Christmas trees:
Nieman Marcus Tree & Macy’s Tree at Union Square, San Francisco
(We were in SF last week for medical appts. Results are on Health Update page.)
Or Country Christmas trees:
Countryside, Mt. Gate, CA
I don’t know about you, but I have my preference.
Can you guess?
Not saying my answer is the correct one, you understand, I’m just saying….
*City trees are beautiful– at least I think so.
*City trees are larger than life–like John Wayne.
So…….
Having taken a look at good reasons for choosing city trees, let’s now turn to country trees–my choice.
And, why did I choose this country tree?
I can relate to it. It is NOT perfect!
I repeat, it is not perfect. I admit, I tried far too many years to be perfect, but it just never worked!
So when guests come to Christmas dinner this year, they will simply have to:
*ignore the spider webs,
*step around the clutter
*and overlook the mismatch of pretty but divergent plates and serving bowls.
Instead, I hope they:
*look into Mike’s and my eyes to see the warmth and love shining at the joy they bring into our hearts and home.
*will savor the food we will share, nurturing both body and soul.
*will be as grateful as my beloved husband and I are for yet one more Christmas together, for who knows what life may bring in the new year.
Hmmm, wait….
Did I just set the place setting for a perfect Christmas?
Maybe I better rethink those city trees!
OMG I LOVE this, and love seeing and hearing about you and Mike being together…. You two are the cutest couple. Hummmmm YES I think you do have to rethink the City tree cause that sounds like the perfect Christmas dinner, well throw in the board or card games and you are set.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
From
Leonard
And Good Energy Sent Your Way
Okay–board games it is. I’ll save some for when you visit, however!
Thanks for the good energy, Leonard. It was so good to see you again last week, even if it was from the CT machine.
I think I love all trees- country or city! I love the tall ones, fat ones, charlie brown Christmas ones- and even the ones where the lights are out on half of the tree due to one pesky bulb! I found myself feeling bad for the misfit trees at the tree farm that were continually overlooked. I had to remind myself that the tree probably doesn’t mind so much 🙂
Merry Christmas to you!
Cute! I think you have the right idea….
There’s a book, I think it’s called The Christmas Tree, about a very tall evergreen that is sad because it never gets picked to go to someone’s home and be a Christmas tree. All of the nearby animals decorate it and show how they appreciate the tree. It’s a beautiful story. I was able to for the first time, not get choked up when I read it to my Kindergartners.
Sweet! Lucky kindergarteners to have you for their teacher. 🙂
No matter what – we hope you and Mike will have an absolutely perfect Christmas together! The “outsides” are not as important as the “insides”. We’ll think of both of you. Consider yourselves hugged.
Dennis and Liz
Just received the perfect hug–thanks! Love to you both.
Blessed Christmas Gayle and Mike.
Joyous 2014!
Thank you–it will be blessed indeed. We wish you the same.
How lovely! Well, I hope you & Mike have a perfect Christmas. Actually, I know you & Mike will have a perfect Christmas because perfection is in the eye of the beholder. See, I have always thought you were perfect. Because to me perfection is living a REAL life without any guilt or regret. I, too, strive for perfection…since sometimes I let guilt, fear, regret fill my mind & heart. May we all enjoy the perfection of who we are this holiday season and ever forward! Love & Hugs~
OMG! How beautiful, my lovely friend. Thank you for writing such an inspirational piece to share with others. I do enjoy the perfection of who you and Stan are! 🙂
Dear Gayle, Looking out at all those trees one can see from your deck is magical. Who needs a “city” tree when you have that and all the love you have generated!
Good one, Miriam. I somehow overlooked overlooking my own view trees. 🙂 You must join me here one day to paint those mountains and trees. It seems to be my favorite subject.
I prefer the tree that is dressed with care, brings smiles, creates joy, and sparkles with or without bobbles! And your country tree satisfies that criteria!
Yes, that’s the perfect tree! Your description reminds me of someone I know–YOU!
This is so beautiful. My favorite tree is always a real one. I usually look for the ” Charlie Brown ” Tree because it isn’t perfect just like me! Nor do I decorate it perfect. But every ornament on it has a story ‘ memory of my journey in life. I have bubble lights on it from ancient yrs back when I was growing up. Lol Thanks Gayle .. Merry Christmad to you & Mike . I love you. Joanne
But, Sweetheart, you are perfect! I see nothing wrong with you. 🙂
I hadn’t planned to get a Christmas tree this year, but went to Orchard Supply Hardware after church today to pick up a Swiss knife. I couldn’t find it so I went out to the nursery. I ended up with this awesome little evergreen tree for $10 and a very nice Peace rose. Now I have a country Christmas tree about 10 inches tall that I’m going to stick in the ground near the rose. I’m happy. You’re sounding great Gayle!
Thanks, Laurie. May your Christmas tree and Christmas rose bring you many, many years of joy and fond memories of the year you didn’t want to get a tree.
I am so happy that you and Mike have another Christmas together. Life is miraculous isn’t it? Country trees. Love, prayers and best wishes.
Yes, and, oh, I love those miracles! May they continue for all of us…..Much love to you and Kenneth
I forgot to say how lovely spider webs look on country trees when they are highlighted by frost or snow.
I see a painting here!
I love the City Trees and the beauty of the season!! And Gayle, I am so thankful to be celebrating the holidays with my family and how you reached out to me.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Xoxo
I am so happy you are also here to celebrate. Reaching out to each other is what we do best, isn’t it? Enjoy your holidays and family, and every breath you take!
Ahhhh…
Let me channel Dr. Seuss a moment here:
I say if you are a tree-
no matter where you be
Country
City
you glow perfectly
Whether strung up with lights
blinking and white
primary colors
dazzling at night
it really don’t matter
Cause if you are the tree
Nature created you
Just perfectly
And if you are a Mike or a Gayle Lee Lee
loving the country
the city
the tree…
the spider web, mismatched plates don’t mean a thing
cuz you are the love
nature made PERFECT LEE
xoxoxoxo
xoxo
I say to my friend Liz:
Trees are like people
some short
some tall
They even have qualities
I like best of all….
Like gentleness
and stature
and a juicy middle.
They know when to move
and when to stand idle.
They shelter the birds
and build our homes
They stand together
yet stand alone.
Trees sing the wind
without singing a note
and wear winter garments
of white snow coats.
Yet, they’re all perfect
in Nature’s eyes
Like You and Me
and the other guys!
I love, dear friend–perfect Lee!
Merry Christmas, Gayle and Mike. As for Christmas trees, I love ’em all, but seem to be partial to my family’s… Ho! Ho! Ho!
Don’t you just love being partial! Thanks, Joyce, Merry Christmas to you, too.
I can’t think of a more perfect tree, or a more perfect way to celebrate Christmas! May you be blessed in every way now and in the year to come.
Much love,
Debbie and Denny
Sweet Deb, Thank you for the blessings. We love you both!
Blessings Gayle & Mike I wish you a very merry Christmas and the
best in 2014. As usual, you are in my prayers. Love, Peggie
Thanks, Peggie, Merry Christmas to you, too. May you have the best year ever in 2014!
I like all Christmas trees. I wish you and Mike a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year prayers with you both.
Thanks for your kind wishes! I like all trees, too. 🙂 Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Gayle. I so enjoy reading your blog and the comments of love sent to you. Makes my heart sing
Yay! I love sharing with you and hearing you sing. Merry Christmas to you, too.