Sibling Assignment # 139 "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas:"

I gave another holiday sibling assignment this week. " What movie most connects you to Christmas?" You can click here on my sister's post to see we think exactly alike on this assignment and RP will post soon.
Before viewers could tape shows, buy the movie, stream them into your computer, or have them mailed to your house you had one time in a Christmas season to see a favorite show. That was it. Somehow we always seemed to be home on the night "White Christmas" was on. We saw it many times. Dad and Grandma Woolum loved Bing Crosby and his connection to Spokane and Gonzaga. He was one of those " we are not worthy" actor/singers that Dad would have called " a class act". It helped that Dad enjoyed the actor, the song and the movie otherwise when the movie came on that one time we may have had to compete with Bonanza, Gunsmoke, or Dean Martin.
I remember waiting for it, seeing it together, singing "White Christmas" and "Sisters", and loving the plan with all the servicemen to come to the place in Vermont.

One year it must not have been so popular. I remember I was older and had come home for Christmas break. It was on really late at night. I was up by myself and enjoyed other parts of the movie like " Counting Your Blessings Instead of Sheep". I paid more attention to the relationships play out throughout the movie.

I had a VHS copy for years and began a tradition of watching it while baking Christmas treats. Now I own my own DVD so I can watch this movie anytime, anywhere. Somehow the magic of the show is not the same watching it alone in August at 10:00 in the morning.
I love viewing this movie close to Christmas with snow on the ground and a hot Christmas drink in my hand.

Here is post from the archives of my blog on White Christmas. I think it better get my copy out. I have snow, it is close to Christmas, and I could find a hot Christmas drink!

In The Bleak Mid-Winter with Christina Rossetti and James Taylor

First I read the words, then I heard the song, then I enjoyed it all over again by James Taylor A Christmas Carol Christina Rossetti In The bleak mid-winter Frosty winds made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter, Long ago. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away When he comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ.

Sibling Assignment #138; "A Christmas Carol" Muppet Style

I gave the assignment again this week. What book or story most connects you to Christmas and why? I never read Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in school. My only memory of the book was "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" in cartoon form. I was always annoyed with Mr. Magoo and wished he would just put his glasses on. I do remember being a bit scared of the ghosts in the cartoon.
When I began teaching middle school "A Christmas Carol" was written in a play format in our literature book. I read it for the first time. Students needed some background on what life was like in London during the time the play was written, but this play was key to introducing or emphasizing character traits and how a character changes through a story or play. I decided when I first taught this play I would analyze the different versions of the movie just to see how Scrooge was depicted in the different versions. It was a fun exercise in class right before Christmas break.
I was pleased when I began teaching middle school again at Inchelium that the same play was in the literature book. I have taught this play/book now for about fifteen years. I have seen Goofy as Jacob Marley, Kermit and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, George C. Scott, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, and Bill Murray as Scrooge ( I have not shown the last one in class). Each actor depicts each of the characters in a unique way.
I haven't seen the new version with Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and all the ghosts. We will watch it this week. I have to go out on a limb here though and say that my favorite version still is "Muppets Christmas Carol". There is nothing like Miss Piggy telling off Scrooge, Marley and Marley doing their song and dance routine, and Michael Caine pulling off Scrooge very effectively.
This story reminds me of what is important at Christmas. Students learn how a character can move from being a miser to feeling forgiveness and compassion for others. The quote that always stays with me is "It is required of every man," the ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens. Now this story connects me to Christmas.
Enjoy a favorite part of " The Muppets Christmas Carol" with me.

Silent Night, Snowy Night

 It was a silent night and very snowy night.

 It was a fun night to try night pictures with our small offering of outside lights.

 

No cats tonight to pounce down the walk. They are in keeping their paws warm!

Hello... My Name is William

I know I am not one of the cute kittens that gets top billing these days on the blog, but I wanted to reintroduce myself. My name is Sweet William. I have been told by TM that I am very handsome. During the summer I love hanging out on the old ladder that my mistress hangs the pots from in front of the garage. This time of year I sneak in the house after the dogs go to bed and sit patiently in my mistress's "office" until she is done on her computer. Then I jump up in her comfy chair and sleep until morning.

I have a sister Lily that likes to spend more time outside than inside. If she can though she loves staying in the greenhouse. Here she is a few weeks ago.

I try to get along with Kit, but he has his own ideas. I still don't quite know what to think of those kittens.

 By the way, I am not the cat that moved the ribbon, moved the gifts that were already wrapped, messed up the Christmas blanket or knocked over the lamp. I was safe and out of trouble. See... I just straightened up the blanket.

Now McDuff is my buddy. He needs a little support in his "older years" and I am always keeping an eye on him and the treats he gets! I better jump off this chair and get back on my cat perch. I think I hear IEG coming back.   Sweet William

Snow Scenes from Home

 Our snowman friend is now by the front door to greet guests.

 Another snowman brightens up the garage wall and a flag to welcome guests.

 

 

Kit hanging out in the snow!

My reflection as I try to capture photos of the plants through the greenhouse window.

I think the little fairies should have been put away, but I like them as snow angels.