When you put the voices of Bing Crosby and David Bowie together with the beauty of Peace on Earth and Little Drummer Boy, something magical happens.
I only like Christmas carols for about two weeks a year, and then I get sick of them. But this song–this one I could play all year long. It calms me, and gives me hope.
You can buy the song on itunes. Go ahead, if you know the words. Hum it out loud. Come on, no one’s really listening. It’ll make you feel calm and peaceful, too. Pa rum pa pum pum…“I pray my wish will come true, for your child and my child too…”
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Something I try to do in every new city I visit is find and ride a carousel. I love the music, I love the intricate artwork, and I love how every carousel has a story to tell.
Carousel comes from the French word carrousel and the Italian word carosello. The word originated in the 12th century as a way to describe a combat exercise and game played by Turkish and Arabian horsemen. The carousels we’re more familiar with were first built for fairs in central Europe and England in the early 19th century.
I loved riding the merry-go-round as a child, but my first carousel ride as an adult was at Forum des Halles in the heart of Paris, France, in 1998, and that’s when I became interested in them for their history.
Heather on the carousel at Forum des Halles, Paris, France (1998)
The year after, then-boyfriend-now-hubby bought me a beautiful musical carousel for Christmas that plays 15 different old time songs and 15 Christmas carols.
Mr. ChristmasTime musical carousel
I took a trip alone to Nashville in 2001, and the first thing I did after hitting the hotel was walk down to the Riverfront Park at 1st and Broadway to find The Fox Trot Carousel. This one is really fascinating to me because it features thirty-six hand carved figures representing famous Tennesseeans.
Heather & Amelia Earheart on the Fox Trot Carousel (2001)
A kind, older gentleman had fun taking photos of me on my 29th birthday as it went round and round. He had a camera himself, so I convinced him to get on the carousel, too, so I could snap a picture for him. I think we made each other’s days.
You cannot be in a bad mood and ride the carousel at the same time. You just can’t. That’s why it tops my Favourite Things list.
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In the spirit of giving, I thought I’d share some of my favourite things with you this holiday season. I might write about them; I might photograph them–I’m not setting any rules. I hope you’ll also share some of your favourite things with me, by commenting and even starting your own blog posts on this theme. The idea is to find some good news, some hope, some beautiful things out there in the world–then pass the feeling on.
I bought these small grains called “Crystal Soil” from the florist this weekend. I think they’re both practical and beautiful. Why can’t high heel shoes be more like that?
Crystal Soil is a water absorbent polymer that is translucent, odourless, bio-degradable, 100% non-toxic, re-usable and environmentally friendly. It takes 24 hours soaked in water before the crystals can act as a topsoil for flowers. They start out the size of poppy seeds and eventually grow into soft, water-filled decorative beads.
I love to put floating candles and orchids in a rectangular vase. I had the idea a few years ago to float candles in it along with seasonal flowers like carnations and orchids. Now, by adding the crystal soil, it glows brighter and lasts longer. I think that’s pretty cool.
Cheap too–the florist gave me the crystal seeds for $1.25, a branch of hepericum berries and the orchid for $7.00 total. I only used a few orchids and berries, so I ended up with a stem of yet-unopened orchid flowers and a berry branch to enjoy in a separate vase.
Next time, I’ll add more crystals, and perhaps purple orchids. I’d like to try it in a champagne-glass shaped vase. I’ll definitely be trying this favourite thing again this season.
Fellow poet and blogger Kellie Elmore has deemed me Exposure Worthy. I answered her interview questions late last night, and to my surprise, she notified me this morning that she already had the complete interview up at her site–with links and all! She’s amazing.
Thanks so much for suggesting we do the interview, and for
asking such great questions, Kellie. I thought it was going to be painful (I’m used to being the journalist; the one who asks all the questions) but it was actually a fun trip down memory lane.
I’ve just discovered Flag Counter, a widget that allows me to find out more about who’s visiting my site, and I have to say, I’m a little obsessed. In the last two days since I installed it, people from 29 different countries have visited Where the Butterflies Go.
Imagine if I could host that party in person! I’d have to serve cake. Coffee cake, crepes flambé, and ice cream. Flowers, lovely amber-coloured dishes and glasses; candles everywhere. A punch with the good stuff in it, a virgin one, and some coffee. And of course, a great mix of music in an attempt to suit all your tastes. I’d read my poetry, and you’d read yours. Then I’d make you strap on a nunchuck controller and play The West Wing for Wii (just wanted to see who’s actually reading this).
I’m learning a little about each of your countries every time you visit. Flag Counter has an option to click on the country name and learn about its history. Every time someone from a new area visits, I’m reading about your country. For instance, I knew very little about Lithuania, until I read this here:
It prompted me to scan the Net for some more information on the countries I haven’t visited and know little about. I’m not getting much writing work done today.
I love history and social studies–mix that with a variety of people from around the world who enjoy poetry and photography, and I’m in heaven.
These days, our attention spans are limited, and it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day. Thanks for spending some of your precious time with me here at Where the Butterflies Go. I may just have to host a blog party soon.
Best Wishes,
Heather
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Heather Grace Stewart 