Houston – Page 14 – …on the B.L.

Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

December 18, 2019 RaeAnna

Worth A Read YES
Length 192
Quick Review J.R.R. Tolkien spent over twenty years writing letters and drawing pictures to his children as Father Christmas. They have been beautifully documented in this sweet book.

Reading Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien at River Oaks District in Houston, Texas. | Skirt | Sweater | Earrings | Red Embellished High Heels |

Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

I am a sucker for Santa stories. This is not new to… anyone. I’ve mentioned it more than twelve times throughout my many interweb presences. I also love Tolkien. I’ve read all the Lord of the Rings books, so this book was an obvious holiday choice on my part. Tolkien is brilliant at creating worlds and characters. He also deeply loved his children. Letters From Father Christmas tells an entertaining and beautifully depicted story of Santa Claus’ adventures, but beneath the surface, it’s an embodiment of a man’s dedication and adoration of his children, their innocence, and a preservation of their childhood wonder.

Father Christmas started leaving letters and drawings in a shaky and recognizably unique handwriting for the Tolkien’s oldest son, John, when he was three years old. The letters and images continued arriving for twenty-two years discussing the inhabitants of the North Pole, the adventures, and the setbacks as John, Michael, Christopher, and finally Priscilla grew up. Father Christmas wrote to the children, and his assistant, Polar Bear, often made side notes and comments. Father Christmas is wise and kind but also frustrated by the unique everyday goings-on at the North Pole.

I finished the book in a morning. I loved reading this one. The pages are glossy and feel like heaven on the fingertips. I love that images of the original letters in Father Christmas’ uniquely shaky handwriting are included along with the paintings and drawings. It feels like Tolkien is bringing you into the family for Christmas. Everything about the letters are Tolkienesque. They are well thought out, and each character has their own unique style of writing linguistically and chirography. Polar Bear even went so far as to create his own language – of course Tolkien would.

Letters From Father Christmas is an enchanting world of clumsy polar bears, visits from the Man in the Moon, goblin wars, lost reindeer, busy elves, and more. Father Christmas documents imagination while also harkening back to the ever changing world and the struggles people faced throughout the 1920’s, ‘30s, and early ‘40s. It’s just a pleasure to read. Perfect for children of all ages – how does that song go? to kids from one to ninety-two.

Memorable Quotes
“Very much love from your old friend Father Christmas and Polar Bear.”

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Title: Letters From Father Christmas
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright: 2004
ISBN: 9780007463375

Books, Fiction

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

December 15, 2019 RaeAnna

Worth A Read Yes
Length 128
Quick Review The Herdman kids decide to take part in a church’s Christmas pageant, and it is the town’s nightmare incarnate. The director decides to make it the best pageant ever, anyways.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is so cute!!! | Buffalo Plaid Flannel Shirt | Black T-shirt Dress | Watch | Snowflake Earrings | Black Suede Over-the-Knee Boots |

I had never read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, but I had read the play many, many years ago. Not only did I read it, I played one of the main characters, Imogene Herdman, in the play as a kid. It was fun to revisit this poignant and funny story full of devilish children in a Christmas pageant.

Imogene, Ralph, Claude, Leroy, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are a nightmare. With almost no parental supervision, they run amok around town and in school. A reputation for bullying, theft, and utter chaos follows them everywhere. None of the other children like them, and even the teachers avoid them. The Herdman’s are all but beyond help. By chance, they end up at Sunday school and take an interest in the Christmas pageant. Even as everything is falling apart for the director, she decides to make it the best pageant the church has ever had, even with the disastrous Herdmans.

Published in 1972, I was shocked by how progressive it was towards gender equality and religious views. Robinson calls out society’s female stereotype for being sweet in the first sentence, “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls)…” The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is 128 page children’s novel and a social critique making points on parenting, religion, the education system, government, and culture in general. Robinson writes an entertaining story full of funny and teachable moments sure to enchant children while leaving adults with a story full of nuance and insight.

A little girl in the same class as Imogene Herdman is the narrator of the story. The narrator is also the daughter of the pageant’s director. She has a fairly passive role within the story, but her narration has a really beautiful arc of understanding and growth, which is the same arc Robinson hopes the reader will travel on.

I grew up in a progressive, Christian church. I knew a lot more about the history of the Christmas story than others, but there is a gap in how the Christmas story is told in church and how it is written in the Bible. Robinson makes a point of calling attention to this gap. The narrator acts as the mirror for the reader to, likely, see themselves in. The Herdman children are the fresh perspective. Without a religious background, they’re making observations on the weird parts of the story most people and churches gloss over. The narrator is a good person, but her mind is opened by the seeming antagonists: The Herdmans. She has really poignant moments of growth, “[Jesus] could have had colic, or been fussy, or hungry like any other baby. After all, that was the whole point of Jesus – that he didn’t come down on a cloud or like something out of “Amazing Comic,” but that he was born and lived… a real person.” and “I had never thought much about Herod. He was just a name, somebody in the Bible. Herodtheking.” I thought these were incredibly beautiful moments within The Best Christmas Pageant Ever because I have seen adults who have not been able to make those same realizations.

One of my favorite moments in the book to read was the line ”We put Glady in a bureau drawer,” from Imogene because I remember saying it on stage. There were several scenes I very much appreciated. Imogene running around with a cigar was another because I had so much fun playing that character. Being a naughty Herdman was so fun as a little girl.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is such a great story for the whole family. I absolutely loved reading it for the first time as an adult.

Memorable Quotes
“We figured they were headed straight for hell, by way of the state penitentiary…”

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Title: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Author: Barbara Robinson
Publisher: Harper Trophy
Copyright: 1972
ISBN: 9780064402750

Blog + Dog

Beau and Christmas Tree Hunting

December 4, 2019 RaeAnna

On the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree!!! | Beau’s Christmas Sweater | Black Shirt | Jeans | Sparkly Shoes |

201911298969766097102059910 — Posing while Beau is straining to greet passers by. | Beau’s Christmas Sweater | Sherpa Jacket |

The simple joys in life bring me the most happiness. Christmas tree hunting with Beau is one of the best things we do all year.

This was Beau’s third year Christmas tree hunting. She doesn’t contribute anything but cuteness to the adventure. Actually, it’s a total hassle bringing a dog. Trying to find the perfect tree to fit in the home I have and not the massive living room I wish you had and cutting down a tree with a saw while juggling an enthusiastic people greeter on black Friday at a Christmas tree farm is a hand full. Worth it! But a handful.

Last year, we took our Christmas picture at the Christmas tree farm. Beau was cooperative for picture last year. This year… a whole different story. We weren’t planning on taking the Christmas picture… but a nice picture would have been grand. There is ONE picture where she’s looking at the camera. The rest, she’s straining trying to go say ‘hi’ to all the people cooing at her. Suffice to say, we gave up on the family photo this year. *Insert our efforts here.*

THE good one. It was also the first one. | Black Shirt | Jeans | Sparkly Shoes | Beau’s Christmas Sweater | Dylan’s Buffalo Plaid Flannel |

Beau was more comfortable on the tractor this year. She even laid down. A cute little boy, named Leo, gave her a sticker. She didn’t love it, but she managed to keep it on until we got to the car. A five year olds feelings were not hurt on our search.

We’re working on decorating the tree today. It’s been up and decorated with lights since Friday, but we’ve been busy [read as: lazy], so it hasn’t been done yet. My office is decorated, and most of the house is decorated. Just the tree and a few garland strings need to be put up to finish the look!

Now it’s time to start baking because I have fun recipes coming your way for Christmas/winter inspired goodies!!!

Fun Fact: I am allergic to Christmas trees. I can’t touch them because they make me itchy. If they poke me hard enough, which is not hard at all, I break out in cute little pustules. Merry Christmas, I look like I have the plague.

bisous und обьятий,
Beau + RaeAnna

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11..., Lifestyle

11 Reasons A Florist Friend is the Best Kind of Friend

November 18, 2019 RaeAnna

20191118_083325-01 — Vase | Desk | Mug | Laptop

I actually met and fell in platonic love with my Houston bestie because of Instagram. She’s a local florist and reached out to me about a collaboration. Over a year ago, Amanda walked into my living room with an arm full of flowers, told me we should be friends, and now, she can’t get rid of me. There are a few perks to having a florist for a bestie…. There are more than a few perks, but here are eleven I can think of.

By the way, she’s Amanda owner and creative genius behind Amanda Bee’s Floral Design. Click here to find her website. Or give her a follow on Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest or Facebook too. She’s the best. I’m not just saying that because I’m staring at a gorgeous and underpriced bouquet; she really is completely talented.

Flowers For some odd reason, florists have flowers lying around, and Amanda’s house smells like a greenhouse on steroids.
Creativity To be a floral designer takes a lot of creativity. It’s such an interesting perspective, and she brings it into every part of her life and now mine.
Knowledge I like to know things. Plants and flowers are everywhere, and I don’t know very much about them. I can always text Amanda a picture of a plant or flower, and she’ll have the answer. It’s like having my own personal plant dictionary at my disposal.
Wholesale If you’ve never been to a wholesale flowers, you should. It’s magical.
Dirty People think florists are soft and fragile, but they’re willing to get their hands dirty. Taking care of flowers, making them pretty, dethorning them, and all that crap is hard work, and it’s dirty. Amanda is never afraid to get her hands dirty and get to work doing stuff.
Beauty Flowers are dirty and a pain, but they’re pretty. Amanda always brings small and beautiful elements to just about everything in her life.
Teacher Amanda is full of knowledge, and she’s always teaching me new things, like how to know if a flower is healthy, when to dry them, pressing techniques, and so much more.
Flowers Sometimes when there are leftovers, I get some fun flowers. It’s a solid perk. I also get a genius arranging flowers I buy because I am genuinely not good at creating interesting arrangements.
Firm I always functioned under the idea: flowers are fragile. They are, but they’re not. You can use a firm hand to get them to do what you want them to do sometimes.
Ingenuity I’m not saying she forages, but I’m not saying she doesn’t. Floral design isn’t just flowers; it’s about creating beautiful floral arrangements for spaces and people. Branches and fruit and feathers and more can go into arrangements to create depth, movement, and texture. Watching a truly creative designer do what they’re good at is fascinating.
Flowers Have a mentioned being surrounded by flowers and a literal flower girl is just plain good for the soul?

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Houston, In My Own Words, Lifestyle, On the Town

Tuesday Date Day #2

November 9, 2019 RaeAnna

Enjoying a root beer at Saint Arnold’s Brewery. | Dress | Blazer | Shoes | Watch | Earrings

I loved this paint job. | At Saint Arnold’s Brewery

Oh, this game kept going. It was very top heavy.

I was doing my very best. | Dress | Sunglasses | Shoes | Watch | Earrings | Purse

Last month, I surprised Dylan with a day trip to Dallas to experience the Texas State Fair because it had been on our list of things we need to do as Texans. We had such a blast, we decided to incorporate it into our monthly routines. Not a trip to Dallas or the State Fair, but a fun day for the two of us to enjoy each other. Tuesdays are the easiest for us to both get away because he doesn’t have class or work, and I can plan my work schedule to make that day empty.

The first Tuesday of every month is henceforth blocked off for couple time. We rotate planning. The State Fair was my surprise. Last Tuesday was Dylan’s day to plan for me. I was a little anxious because he hasn’t planned anything for me since the first…. week we dated over three years ago. He did well, though. It might be a new chapter in our coupledom.

I woke up and started working because that’s who I am. He told me I needed to be ready to go by noon.

I found the first Christmas tree of the season! | Dress | Blazer | Shoes | Watch | Earrings | Purse | Sunglasses

By ready, he meant: put on comfy clothes and don’t do your makeup. I was a little nervous; he might be taking me to workout… which would have been the opposite of a happy surprise. We ended up at Cryo Recovery in Vintage Park. I had never done cryo nor had Dylan, so it was a really fun first time experience. They’re great! I would absolutely do it again. Dylan broke his back in the Marines, so we try a lot of things to help ease his pain. This worked so well for him. I have aches and pains from past injuries, and boy did I feel bouncy and ready for the day! We also did compression and freeze facials. My skin felt so good!

We bopped home after Cryo to let Beau out and put on pretty people clothes before heading to the next activity. Obviously food. Most of our activities involve or revolve around food. Indianola was a great place to load up with yummy food. Try the brussel sprouts; they’re great!

Getting ready to watch Casablanca at the Rooftop Cinema Club. | Sweatshirt | Jeans | Boots | Purse

I’m not a drinker, but Dylan loves beer, and I’m always up for a good root beer. I do love brew tours and wine tours; I just can’t participate. We headed over to Saint Arnold’s Brewery and enjoyed a tour of the brewery and some drinks. Dylan would like you all to know he beat me at Jenga. It was a very good game, but I did lose.

North Italia has great desserts, so we enjoyed a coffee and dessert there before heading to Rooftop Cinema Club to watch Casablanca. I LOVE old movies. They’re gorgeous and wonderful, but I’m ashamed to say, I’d never seen Casablanca. Now I have!!! We had so much fun cuddled under warm blankets watching a great movie.

It was such a fun day. I absolutely loved it. Next month, I have to plan something for him. I’ll keep you updated on what we do! After the fact because sometimes he reads this, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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11..., Lifestyle

11 Reasons I’m Glad I Went To The Texas State Fair But I Never Need To Go Again

November 4, 2019 RaeAnna

Enjoying a leisurely stroll around a pond. | Shirt | Jeans | Sandals | Purse | Watch | Sunglasses

Posing with some of the art around the Texas State Fair Grounds.

Even the pavers on in the shape of Texas.

I grew up going to the Iowa State Fair. There are very few years I didn’t make it. Even when I moved out of state, I tried to head to Des Moines for the fair. Sadly, I didn’t make it this year, but it lives on in my heart.

Dylan and I have been wanting to go to the Texas State Fair pretty much since we moved to Houston. We assumed it would be spectacular because everything’s bigger in Texas, right? Wrong. The Iowa State Fair set my expectations high for all fairs over the past three decades. There was quite the emotional fall when I went to the Texas State Fair…

The fair grounds are beautiful, but there isn’t much substance.
Why can’t I pet the damn animals??? Seriously fairs are for farm animal petting, and they kept the animals far away from me.
Also where were all the animals?!? Fairs are supposed to be full of cows and sheep and pigs and horses and goats and all other farm things. Nope. The barns were all but empty.
Speaking of farm stuff, where were the tractors and farm equipment… I mean Texas is a hugely agricultural dependent. Where’s the goods? The fair sure didn’t have any.
Farm equipment was lacking, but boy could you find any kind of car you wanted.
The African American Museum of Dallas is an amazing museum. It brought me to tears. Absolutely worth the trip.
I did not find a single washable tattoo. What kind of fuckery is that?
No one seemed terribly excited to be at the fair. There wasn’t a hum of anticipation.
The fried food was not in the kind of abundance I have come to expect from fairs.
Overall there was a complete lack of entertainment, music, and halls filled with food/flowers/pies/photography/4H/quilts lined up with blue ribbons and all the other colored ribbons.
No big slide.

I don’t know if it’s because Iowa’s State Fair is just that incredible (I mean, it is listed in a lot of lists of things you need to do in the U.S. and the world before you die.) or Texas has to epically fail at something or the Texas stock show culture is so prevalent. I’m glad I went to the Texas State Fair, but honestly, I never need to go again. It was kind of a bummer.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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