Dear Sunday Letter friends,
It’s beginning to look like Christmas at our house. We decorated our Christmas tree last Sunday, and I love how it brightens our world and spreads that wonderful tree fragrance into every nook and cranny downstairs. Ours isn’t a very big tree—it’s in the 5-6 foot category—and she’s on the slim side, but goodness, this tree was so much easier to decorate than the larger trees of our past.
Easy is good, y’all.
Our tree makes me ridiculously happy.
I put out my collection of small trees too.
I have about 25 in all—lots of bottle brush trees in assorted fun colors, a few silver tinsel trees, three or four green ones, a gold glittery tree that’s quite glamorous, and a vintage ceramic one. We also hung our red berry wreaths in the dining room windows.
That’s about it for the inside.
Outside, John wrapped the porch railing with twinkle lights, and our old-school Frosty sits by the front door.
I’m embracing an all is calm, all is bright theme this year.
Crazy December
All was NOT calm Friday night. Massive storms tore through Arkansas and across the heartland of the country.
In Fayetteville, we were in a tornado warning for several hours with rotation clouds just a few miles away from us. We had hail and crazy wind and alerts screaming from our phones.
Our family survived with no problems; however, others in Arkansas were not so lucky. Such a disaster never happens at a ‘good’ time of course, but losing so much right before Christmas seems particularly heartbreaking. I offer prayers to those who not only suffered property damage, but even worse, now face a future without loved ones.
What a terrible thing.
Our Christmas Memories
Even though our tree isn’t extra-large or extra fancy, we decorate with lots of memories and that makes it extra-special to us. Every ornament has a story attached to it. Some were made by the kids when they were young, others were gifts, others are reminders of places we’ve traveled or lived.
My favorite time of day is earliest morning when I sit on the sofa with a cup of coffee and my journal. Right now, my experience is made even better because I start out each day in the glow of the tree.
So far I’ve been committed to adding fresh water to the tree stand every day. I’m determined to keep our beautiful fir tree fresh until Epiphany.
Time will tell.
Marie and Rosetta
Oh my goodness! Fayetteville friends, if you missed Marie and Rosetta at TheatreSquared, you missed a rousing good time filled with soul-soothing, toe-tapping, hand-clapping music.
Are you familiar with Sister Rosetta Tharpe? She is belatedly referred to as the godmother of rock n roll. Born and raised in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Rosetta Tharpe influenced many of music’s greatest, including Elvis, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan.
Tonight marks the play’s last performance at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville (maybe you can still snag tickets), but if you live in Atlanta, the play is running through December 30.
How lucky are we to live within walking distance of such a fabulous theater venue?
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been to Cotton Plant, Arkansas.
✋
Joyhouse Coffee Company
Every time I drive to the airport in Bentonville, I pass by Joyhouse Coffee Company in Cave Springs. Even though I’ve always wanted to stop, I never have. Yesterday, I met a friend there for coffee.
What a charming place! It reminded me of Central Perk of Friends fame.
My gingerbread latte was rich and decadent, and I wish I had another one this morning.
Even better than the cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee, Joyhouse Coffee supports a worthy cause. The company’s coffee is sourced from Haiti with 50% of its profits returning to the people of that country.
For those who live too far away to visit, Joyhouse sells coffee online as well—both beans and Kcups—and you can buy a coffee subscription service. Check out Joyhouse HERE and maybe consider bringing a little joy into your own house by supporting coffee with a cause.
I was impressed.
And catching up with a friend was a treat in itself.
Things Momma Says:
You need to put your sturdy shoes on when there’s a bad storm coming.
⭐⭐⭐
Thirteen days til Christmas! Can you believe it?
Don’t forget to shop local. And, if you live in Northwest Arkansas, stop by and see me this afternoon at Pearl’s Books’ Local Author Open House between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. My books are Made in the USA, y’all:)))
P.S. If you missed last week’s post on Frost Flowers, read it HERE. Based on our recent warm weather and now today’s cold temps, I bet frost flowers will be blooming this morning in Northwest Arkansas!
Love your Sunday letter. Your tree brings back memories. Coffee ☕️ shop looks great 💚🎄
We also have a slim tree in the 5-6’ range. Perfect scale for us. Randy is the decorator in this house and he did a great job trimming the tree!
I enjoyed your news letter and I love Sister Rosettas music.
Enjoyed your Sunday Letter, and your house always looks beautiful during the Christmas season. In fact, your house looks beautiful during all the seasons.
Love Sister Rosetta and Joyhouse Coffee.