Tag Archives: Christmas with the Sonnystoners

My Annual Appeal for Peace On Earth

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The shepherds didn’t hear the angels say “Merry Christmas”, they heard them sing of Peace On Earth, Goodwill toward All. I’m no angel, but All I want for Christmas — Every Christmas – is Peace…

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem
By Dr. Maya Angelou

Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.
Flood waters await us in our avenues.

Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche
Over unprotected villages.
The sky slips low and grey and threatening.

We question ourselves.
What have we done to so affront nature?
We worry God.
Are you there? Are you there really?
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.

It is the Glad Season.
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner.
Flood waters recede into memory.
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us
As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.
Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things,
Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now. It is louder.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.
Peace.
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you, to stay a while with us.
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of Peace.

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.

I Still Have that Dream; please Dream it with me! We are so Powerful when we are Together!

I have a dream that one day men will rise up and come to see that they are made to live together as brothers. I still have a dream this morning that one day every Negro in this country, every colored person in the world, will be judged on the basis of the content of his character rather than the color of his skin, and every man will respect the dignity and worth of human personality.

I still have a dream that one day the idle industries of Appalachia will be revitalized, and the empty stomachs of Mississippi will be filled, and brotherhood will be more than a few words at the end of a prayer, but rather the first order of business on every legislative agenda.

I still have a dream today that one day justice will roll down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. I still have a dream today that in all of our state houses and city halls men will be elected to go there who will do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with their God.

I still have a dream today that one day war will come to an end, that men will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, that nations will no longer rise up against nations, neither will they study war any more.

I still have a dream today that one day the lamb and the lion will lie down together and every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid.

I still have a dream today that one day every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill will be made low, the rough places will be made smooth and the crooked places straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

I still have a dream that with this faith we will be able to adjourn the councils of despair and bring new light into the dark chambers of pessimism. With this faith we will be able to speed up the day when there will be peace on earth and good will toward men.

It will be a glorious day, the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy.

….Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

May your Day be Merry and Bright!

Peace…

Spirits of Christmases Past: 2016

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Casey retired on December 16, 2016 and I was in NYC at the time, enjoying my last solo visit…

Grandie #4, Samantha, was born in February, 2015, but 2016 was the first Christmas she was fully interactive… As we began our New Way of Living, she was almost 2, already talking up a storm…

Step into the WayBack Machine, set the dial to 2016…

CHRISTMAS WITH THE SONNYSTONERS

A last hurrah to Christmas 2016

Date: December 28, 2016 Author: Jo Mayne Casey

Our plans to drive to NYC on Christmas Day were unavoidably changed, but that’s okay.  We’re free, now, to come and go as we please.  Here at Sonnystone, we’re still walking around going, wow you really don’t have to go to work, as we do the same old things we’d always do…put away the decorations, bring in the firewood (though it’s been unseasonably warm), and eat up the leftovers.

The Leftovers are from our Christmas Eve get-together with the Jrs.  Olivia and Samantha spent the night with us on the 23rd, and we met up with their parents for breakfast the next morning at IHOP.  (good enough, but I wish Eville had more diners)   Returning to the Acres, we quickly got down to serious christmas business:

Opening presents…

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Playing with new toys…

Not just New toys, but old games, too…

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New toys are great, but Samantha currently loves the harmonica the best.  Since she figured out how to make music with it a couple of months ago, she comes in pointing and asking  for it every visit.  She insists that I play one with her, and we’re quite a duo, but with or without me, she doesn’t let go of her blues harp.

We’ve got it all put away now and we’re busy working on the laundry room remodel…wait, did I say We?  I’m still putting everything back where it was (where was it?) before the holidaze, planning some trips, and vowing to not make any resolutions this year…like I never do.  

© 2020 THE NEWS FROM SONNYSTONE ACRES

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All

Spirits of Christmases Past: 2012

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By 2012, Eliza had joined the Grandies and #1 and #2 were officially the “big” girls. The Whole Entire Family visited NYC on Thanksgiving for the Macy’s Parade. We enjoyed three days in the City, having a blast, as well as exchanging gifts.

This was our “Christmas” that year; the Jrs spent the Big Day with Jessica’s family and Melissa was buried in church work. That’s okay, though, because the Rockettes will keep you Christmas-y for at least a month after your visit.

Step into the WayBack Machine, set the dials for 2012…

CHRISTMAS WITH THE SONNYSTONERS

scenes from radio city music hall

Date: November 24, 2012 Author: Jo Mayne Casey

waiting in line for the bathroom was sooo fun

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Don’t feel sorry for us, though. We went down to New Orleans for Christmas Day that year…

Peace on Earth, Good Will to All…

Spirits of Christmases Past: 2010, chap. 2

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Ten years ago, I had only two grand-daughters. My #2 grandie, Olivia, and her Mom & Dad were still living up in Lafayette, Indiana that year. I was still doing the Church Musician gig, playing the beautiful pipe organ up at Trinity LCMS up in Darmstadt.

Again, let’s step into the Way-Back Machine…

Here’s another Chapter of Spirits of Christmases Past 2010…

CHRISTMAS WITH THE SONNYSTONERS

christmas with olivia

Date: December 26, 2010 Author: Jo Mayne Casey

olivia and her parents were here when i got home from church on christmas day.  i had some chopping to do for the cheese soup, so we ate some sandwiches and visited before we got to the good part….opening presents!!!

the monkey-that-looks-like-a-hippo pillow pet
we had to stop and read 

so at the end of the day, the princess played with the “treasure chest”…..i think she got the idea from wink…..

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All

© 2020 THE NEWS FROM SONNYSTONE ACRES

Sunday Report 12-13-2020

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After a week of carefully arranging our Christmas decorations on mantels and hutch cupboards, covering nearly every flat surface with Mr&Mrs, nutcrackers, snow globes, and other accoutrements of the Jolly Holiday, we were ready for the grandies to hang the ornaments on the Tree.

The Jr girls are our usual tree-decorating Elves, but since I don’t get to see (in person) the New Yorkers this year, I’m trying to pull us all together via instagram. I didn’t do so well at getting the screenshot of the New Tradition, but I’ll get better. I had bought four new Mickey ornaments from WDW and Emma and Eliza directed Olivia and Samantha as to placement of the ones they chose. Eliza also entertained us, playing Christmas music on her keyboard while the Jrs. finished.

The icicle lights Outside are dazzling the passersby and our Peace Wreath has been updated with new red and white lights. The neighbors are struggling with light-outages, but so far ours have performed with distinction. As soon as I can I’ll attempt to catch the night pictures.

12 more days…

Peace

Merry Christmas to All!

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Merry Christmas, dear Readers!

I’ve been soo sick, marveling again at the mount of snot a body can manufacture all within one’s neck and eyes.  My rib cage is inflamed from coughing, my eyes are a puffy red that matches my nose, but I’m grateful to have the strength to spit this shit out.

I’ve had 67 Christmases, some Great, some okay, some I’d rather forget, but in my heart I still hold the message of the Angels when they Proclaimed Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All.  I’m no angel, but I pray for Peace Every Day.  And like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I Still have a Dream…

 

I have a dream that one day men will rise up and come to see that they are made to live together as brothers. I still have a dream this morning that one day every Negro in this country, every colored person in the world, will be judged on the basis of the content of his character rather than the color of his skin, and every man will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. I still have a dream that one day the idle industries of Appalachia will be revitalized, and the empty stomachs of Mississippi will be filled, and brotherhood will be more than a few words at the end of a prayer, but rather the first order of business on every legislative agenda. I still have a dream today that one day justice will roll down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. I still have a dream today that in all of our state houses and city halls men will be elected to go there who will do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with their God. I still have a dream today that one day war will come to an end, that men will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, that nations will no longer rise up against nations, neither will they study war any more. I still have a dream today that one day the lamb and the lion will lie down together and every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid. I still have a dream today that one day every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill will be made low, the rough places will be made smooth and the crooked places straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. I still have a dream that with this faith we will be able to adjourn the councils of despair and bring new light into the dark chambers of pessimism. With this faith we will be able to speed up the day when there will be peace on earth and good will toward men. It will be a glorious day, the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy. —Dr. Martin Luther King.

Love is All you Need…

Peace

New York at Christmas

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We had a Wonderful Trip to visit with the Jose’ Fam, arriving on Thursday, 12/12.  LaGuardia is a Mess while they’re completely renovating the buildings and roadways.  We had to take a bus to a taxi stand! The taxi ride was a creeper and set a record for highest fare I’ve ever paid for a taxi in New York.  But when we arrived we were met in the lobby by the Cutest, Sweetest, Smartest, and Best Irish Dancers Ever and the Fun was On.

Lots of time was spent talking, talking, catching up. We attended our 13th Annual Rockettes Christmas Spectacular on Saturday.  This year was the Most Spectacular of them all, too.

The weather was decent, so we could get some picures in front of The Tree…

After the show and some luncheon at Primi, Eliza and I went over to FAO and played on the Big piano.

Emma had a Big Surprise for me.  She had spotted a Pop-Up that would be some photo-ops and merchandise of a mystery person/group that she knew I really liked.  The girls and Eric kept the secret so well that they Seriously Fooled me into thinking it was Grateful Dead.  I was tickled pink when we pulled up and I saw it was The Beatles.

So much fun.  So much good food.  So much Love.

We arrived back at Sonnystone Tuesday on the smoothest flight I’ve had in a While.  Wink was all over me, begging for rubs and kisses and he slept with his head on my pillow that night.  The piano tuner was here yesterday,  so I’m ready for carols around the baby grand.

Samantha has her pre-school Christmas program today, where I’ll be infused with the Spirit of Christmas.  Just to top things off, my soul-sister, Kathy, is spending tonight with me before she returns to Iowa on Friday.  ‘

I’m chock-full of the Happies right now and sending you out Love.  Look for it…!

Peace

 

Countdown to Christmas: 16 more days…

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How’s your Christmas going?  I’ve got about 2/3 of my shopping done.  We’ve finished up (as much as I finish up anything) the decorating.  I haven’t even started on the cards, though…

Saturday we picked up the Jr. girls and drove up to New Harmony for a Christmas Parade. Our first stop is Always the Main Cafe, a family-owned diner that I used to haunt when I was a Visiting Nurse in Posey County (20+ years ago).  They make grilled cheese sandwiches just as they should be made…

We love this Super Smalltown Parade with golf carts and tractors all gussied up for the holidaze.  They throw out Tons, I mean it, Tons, of candy and even gave everybody a Big Candy Cane full of sugary stuff.  We filled Two Santa Hats with candy that the kids scrambled out into the street for…  O & S loved it!

Then we headed over to one of the Galleries to make a cool craft.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus were set up over in CandyLand, but we opted to skip the line.  There were other photo ops…

Now we’re cruising into our Christmas in NYC.  We’re leaving Thursday, returning the following Tuesday.  The Rockettes are waiting for us.  Until then, I’ve got nails and hair to update and packing my fetching frocks for the trip.

Peace

 

And the Countdown Begins

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We have changed up our Christmas decorations this year, using our small tree and old-school Toy Story bulbs.  Today Olivia and Samantha came by with their parents to add the ornaments.

There’s something so sweet about a tree that has most of the ornaments hanging eye-level of a 4-year-old.

This coming week’s calendar looks pretty free, so  I’m going to Try to get Casey’s Family Tree published.  It is a very complicated family tree, but it is well-documented.  Remember when I was suspicious that my Eaton family tree could so easily be put back to the Mayflower, so I checked and couldn’t verify the connection?  Well, I learned to always have Real Records to prove relationships.  This group not only has records, it has historical markers that tell their story, state parks that are named after them and his 8th-great grandfather even has his own entry in Wikipedia!  Can you beat that?  I have had to study up on history that has come alive for me as I’ve stalked these folks.  It can’t all be written in a week, but I’m going to get a lot of it out of my head and on paper so I can take a Christmas break.

I hope your Thanksgiving week-end was full of fun.

Peace