The combination of early decorating, surrounding myself with the melodious voice of Mr. Christmas himself, Bing Crosby, and intermittent chilly weather put me in the Christmas spirit fairly early this year. And then it was stolen from me. Stolen by an extremely frustrating state audit that took back a great deal of money from my agency. It is week’s like that, and the weeks leading up to it, that rob me of rest, sanity, and my normal routine. Hence the ghost town this blog (and my presence online) has become over the last few weeks. I don’t say this for an ‘oh woe is me’ reaction because the reality is that this very difficult period has pointed out things at work that do need to change and probably always have. It has also generated a spirit of cooperation amongst the leadership of the agency that encourages me and gives me hope that the present pain will lead to great things.
Over the weekend I was lamenting the fact that December seemed to be rushing by and my Christmas spirit had went into hiding. I determined then and there that I was not going to sit idly by but was going to make sure I enjoyed this time of year, and then it happened…the one gift that always manages to put me in the right frame of mind: snow during a work day. Yes folks, the snow fell yesterday, traffic was a nightmare, and I was in heaven! There is something about snow during the work week that puts things out of their normal order. A hush descends over everything and it just feels magical. Add in a bit of lunch hour shopping and Christmas music on the radio and all is right with the world. My Christmas spirit has returned, and I am embracing it!
Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story ~Paul Auster
–published 1990
–36 pages, Henry Holt and Company
–4.75/5 stars
“I heard this story from Auggie Wren. Since Auggie doesn’t come off too well in it, at least not as well as he’d like to, he’s asked me not to use his real name. Other than that, the whole business about the lost wallet and the blind woman and the Christmas dinner is just as he told it to me.”
Thus begins Paul Auster’s short tale, Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story. I received a wonderful Christmas care package from Debi her family this week that went a long way towards lifting my spirits. It contained, among other goodies, this delightful little book (Annie gave me a wonderful little journal, I got a Poe book illustrated by Gris Grimly–which I’ve coveted for a long time–, some wonderful bookmarks, and my family received a wonderful snowman container filled with cherry flavored Hershey kisses…mmmmm…). I ‘discovered’ Paul Auster this year and consider myself a big fan. So this is the kind of gift that is not only seasonally appropriate but also shows an attention to detail that lets you know that someone really pays attention and cares. Thank you S. family so very, very much!
Auster tells this story in the kind of conversational tone that one would expect from a holiday family gathering, after the first round of food has been consumed and everyone is sitting around the table swapping stories. Auster points out in the story that he did not want to tell a story full of “hypocritical mush and treacle” and although he stays away from schmaltz he manages to skillfully tell a story that is both thought-provoking and heart warming at the same time.
At 36 pages this is the kind of story that could be ruined with too much detail. Suffice it to say that there is a wonderful section on photography and the passage of time that really spoke to me and the rest of the story is entertaining as well. In addition to a very good story, this particular volume is illustrated Argentine illustrator, Isol.
Her illustrations remind me, in color and sometimes in execution, of the work of Shaun Tan in such books as The Lost Thing and The Red Tree. They are absolutely delightful mixed media images and my only complaint about the book at all is just a minor one: I wish they would have issued it in a larger size so that the illustrations could be more fully appreciated. The reality is, however, that this is a beautiful little book both in the story it tells and the design, construction, and illustrations. What a wonderful gift! If you are interested in hearing the story sans illustrations, you can listen to Paul Auster himself reading it on the NPR website here.
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My blogger secret santa, Christine D. sent me John Scalzi’s latest, Agent to the Stars. Needless to say this too is a perfect gift! This is a re-release of an earlier Scalzi novel, one I did not have, with updated references. As the science fiction bug begins to gnaw at my reading resolve, having Scalzi by my side is pure delight! Thank you so very much Christine D., and thank you Nymeth as well for once again hosting this.
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To close this post please allow me to tell you how wonderful each and every one of you are. I will say it again, but I have so enjoyed spending this year with you. You have enriched my life in ways that cannot be quantified. I want to say these things now as the recent passing of one of our own certainly makes you pause and realize once again how precious life is. I won’t go into too many details as I will point you to Debi’s post here for more. Challenge blogger extraordinaire and host of the 24 hour reading challenges, Dewey, has passed away after what I assume to be a long and serious illness. I personally did not know Dewey as well as others which is why I suggest going to Debi’s post. However we did have some interaction throughout the year, the latest being when Dewey allowed me to join the R.I.P. III Challenge to her 24 Hour Readathon in October. This was a great experience and one we planned to repeat for Once Upon a Time III next spring. While I did not know Dewey as well as I did Jenn See, I certainly feel the loss and have the utmost sympathy for her husband and son who are left behind and who have to go forth in this holiday season without their beloved wife and mother. I am so very, very sorry for their loss. I am also sorry for the loss suffered by the blogging community. Dewey had gathered together quite the community and though her husband mentions that she had been in pain for a long time this is something that never entered into her blog. She was a courageous person and I count myself blessed to have been a small part of her life. As schmatlzy as it may sound, hug your loved ones today and don’t hesitate to tell folks how you feel about them. Make wise use of your days and embrace the Christmas spirit this season, not because of some external, commercial pressure to do so but because the time is now and it would be a shame to waste these days by not treasuring the greatest gifts in our lives, the people around us.
I just checked out Agent to the Stars from the library, but it’s such a cool-looking book I think I’d rather own it. Will have to read to see if I’m right about that. What a great gift! Have fun reading.
First let me say how sorry I am that your Christmas spirit was dampened for a while there! That makes me very sad to hear. You certainly weren’t alone in that this season though. I think many of us had a rough start. I so love what you said about making wise use of our days to embrace the Christmas spirit! That truly is what we all need to do, even when it isn’t easy. I know that my wonderful family sure has helped me snap back into the spirit, despite the sadness that will remain.
I am sooooo thrilled you enjoyed your gifts! You know that unbelievable excitement you get when you find someone that perfect gift that you didn’t even know existed. That’s how I felt with those two books, and I’m so very happy you like them! And Annie was excited to get you that little journal…she first saw it months ago, and told me immediately that that was what she wanted to get you for Christmas. In her mind, it had your name written all over it.
I hope every remaining minute of this Christmas season brings you and your family overwhelming joy! So glad to see you back! 🙂
Welcome back! Well, gee Carl.. now you’ve had more snow than I have so far this year!! I’m glad you received the snow you were hoping for!
Christmas is almost here and then we get into yet another new year… I know I sound like a record caught repeating and repeating itself when I say “I can’t beieve how time flies”..
My wish for everyone, including myself, would be for time to slow down!!
Enjoy your holidays Carl!!
You are right….I can certainly relate to your post. I’m hoping that I have the blah’s out of my system. I really need to get into the holiday spirit. If for no other reason but for the kids’ sake.
Glad your audit is over, and you are feeling more like yourself again!!
Hey Carl!! So good to hear from you again! That really sucks about the audit…we had something similar not long ago at our hospital and while it brought down the spirit of people for a few days, ultimately it ended in some better practices. So I hope something good comes out of it for you too!
The newsman said that we actually have a chance for flurries today! Do you know how rare of a treat that is down here in New Orleans? lol. I would be so excited! The sad thing is, I’ve never seen real snow before…it’s “snowed” here a couple of times in my life (once on Christmas Day!) but it was never anything substantial.
That book sounds fabulous! And I love the illustration that you posted. Debi certainly found a perfect gift for you! I’m going to have to keep my eye out for that one.
Take care Carl! Beautiful words in that last paragraph.
Chris: I cannot imagine not having ever seen substantial snow. Having grown up in Nebraska with much more frequent and heavy snow than I have here in Missouri, I just cannot fathom it. I hope you get some!
My hope is that people will jump on board with the changes that need to be made as I do think a lot of positive things can come out of this experience.
Stephanie: I hope you come out of it soon. It really is extra frustrating to not be in the spirit as time rushes by!
Deslily: You don’t sound like a broken record to me. SF Signal will be posting another Mind Meld soon and I was asked to comment on the question and I started my answer with a rant about the rapid passage of time. I cannot understand what is happening.
I didn’t actually get all the snow I wanted, because my preference would have been for much, much more, but it was pretty satisfying all the same.
Debi: Annie did good, that journal is wonderful. I have journals placed throughout the house and I will have a special place for that one come January when all the Christmas decorations come down.
I wish all the best for this season for you and your family as well. As I’ve said before, I understand and am sorry for your loss. You were close to Dewey and I know the pain and loss you are going through. I’m glad you have a wonderful family to keep your spirits up.
Bookfool: Make sure you let me know what you think when you’ve read it. I really like Scalzi’s work and am interested in seeing what his earlier stuff is like. I think the premise sounds really fun.
So sorry to learn about Dewey, and even sorrier I didn’t get to know her.
Thanks for the Agent to the Stars rec. I’ve added it to the ever-growing list. I need another reading challenge to get caught up!
Lovely puzzle behind the Auggie Wren book, do you know what it’s called, or the artist? Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Stacey: The artist is Kinuko Y. Craft and it is the cover image that she did for Patricia A. McKillip’s book Alphabet of Thorn. Several of her beautiful images are in puzzle form and can be found, generally at a reduced rate, on Amazon.
I’m so glad you like Agent to the Stars! You didn’t leave any suggestions so I just guessed at something that you’d like — glad I guessed right 🙂
I was just thinking of you today; glad all is well, for the most part!
Christine: You certainly guessed well, I was very, very excited to get it and thrilled that I had exercised restraint and not rushed out to buy it when it hit the store shelves. Thank you so very much!!!
Janet: Thanks, that makes me very happy. All is well now…for the most part. 😉
I’m glad your Christmas spirit returned, Carl! December is rushing by so fast this year, and I keep feeling I’m not being able to enjoy the anticipation enough. And that’s always been one of my favourite things about Christmas. I too need to do some Christmas reading to get myself in the mood!And that books sounds absolutely perfect. What a lovely gift from a lovely family!
I’m also glad you’re so happy with your Secret Santa gift! I love hearing all about what everyone got and seeing their reactions 🙂
“As schmatlzy as it may sound, hug your loved ones today and don’t hesitate to tell folks how you feel about them.”
Schmatlzy or not, it’s what’s been on my mind too. Thank you for your lovely words, Carl. Sharing my love for books with you over the past year and a half has been a pleasure.
I’ve been having trouble catching the Christmas spirit and holding onto it this season, but I keep trying! It’s posts like these that help me grab hold again. Thank you.
Quick off topic question for you, if you don’t mind. Have you read Star Wars: Force Unleashed? A friend of mine’s 11 year old son wants a copy of Christmas and she’s wondering if it is age appropriate. She wanted me to ask when she saw that I was visiting your site just now.
LF: You’re welcome, and unfortunately no I haven’t read it. My assumption…and this would just be an assumption…is that the book wouldn’t have much offensive in it since it is a tie in with the game that obviously mostly children are playing. However this is just an assumption. I don’t really keep up with the Star Wars novels, just the old classic ones that came out around the first movie and the Timothy Zahn series. Sorry I cannot be of much help.
Nymeth: Thank you, and right back at you. I know, it is essentially 2 weeks until Christmas. That is absolutely crazy! The anticipation is what I like best of all as well and it has been a real effort to push other things aside to enjoy that anticipation.
So glad you are present and well, Carl. Audits suck! Sorry it had to come at such an inconvenient time, too.
Now, you have 15 days to celebrate before Christmas – I am sure you will make the most of it. Thank goodness you had snow, too. I know what you mean about snow during the week. It sure makes me feel festive. It also makes me feel hopeful… maybe there won’t be school tomorrow!
My daughter loves snow storms because people seem to be at their best, helping strangers who need a push out of a parking spot, etc. And we are working on a record year for snow – I had to order a new jacket for the dog!
Cheers, and happy winter.
Happy Holidays Carl. It’s nice to have you back.
Heyla Carl, hope you can keep your Christmas spirit going. I’m afraid my holiday spirit goes bye-bye after Halloween. After that i’m just ready for the Christmas break so that i can crash for a week.
I do enjoy giving people gifts and spending time with them, just not all the rest of the commercialism and hurrah that goes on. so i guess “bah humbug” ^_^ for me. Anyhoo, Happy Holidays to you and yours! Cheers, later – susan
Hi Carl,
Sorry about all your woes. I am glad you are getting the Christmas spirit back. Its my favorite time of year and even after Jenn died I would not let myself get into a “bah humbug” frame of mind. It was hard but since she loved the holiday so much, I felt like I was keep her spirit alive just a little bit. Soooooo, ” Merry Christmas” !
Cynthia
P.S. check your email
Nicely said.
The aftermath of Mumbai attacks has kind of crushed our spirits. Mumbai, a great hub for christmas has cancelled all celebrations. We are sad, dispirited.
However, I think Christmas will bring a lot of cheer.
Have a great year ahead, Carl.
Happy reading…
Oh, Carl, your post touches my heart. First, you had me laughing because you’re just like a little kid (and that’s a GOOD THING) and me when it snows. Snow=joy, for sure! Then, you bring tears to my eyes reminding us what we should always keep foremost in our minds: treasure now, and more importantly, those we love.
You, too, have enriched my life in numerous ways. I hope to post about blogger friends more specifically during the “wrap up of the year’s reading post” I plan to write, but until then, suffice it to say I find the way you’ve broadened my scope of Art, Fantasy and blogging immeasurable.
Bellezza: Awww…thanks. I feel the same way and look forward to your post. Year end posts–just another thing that amazes me, that it is almost time to do that again! I really enjoy doing wrap up posts but it still blows my mind that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away and the year is almost over.
Guatami: Those attacks have been horrible and I am so sorry for you and those in your country. In this midst of that I certainly wish you and everyone else there some much needed relief and joy over the holiday season.
Wayne: Thanks, great to hear from you.
Cynthia: I’ll check the email. I do feel so much for people who have experienced loss around this time of year and for those first holidays that people go through after they have lost someone. It must be incredibly hard. But I do agree with you, I think it is important to honor our lost friends and loved ones by holding fast to our traditions and appreciating the holidays.
SG: Sorry that you are somewhat bah-humbug, but I do hope you enjoy the season and enjoy your break! I have two weeks off starting the week of Christmas and I cannot wait!!! I don’t mind some of the commercialism of Christmas as certainly part of my own traditions and celebrations have their root in commercialism, but some of it does get ridiculous.
Stuart: Thanks!
Qugrainne: That is true, there does seem to be at least some spirit of kindness that comes out when it snows. I certainly hope for much more during the upcoming winter season.
Ok, you made me cry. I was trying not when I joined Chris’s challenge for Dewey earlier, and now reading your post, I find myself wiping my eyes and being grateful for all I have. We are rich, in so many ways. and I’m glad that snow came to your hometown and helped you find joy and excitement for Christmas this year! I love that silent hush when it’s snowing, too. Though we got a foot of it on Wednesday, so we’ve been shovelling ever since! Merry Christmas, Carl, and may you know how much you mean to all of us, too.