Christmas Greenery

It’s not easy being green, a wise frog once said. If my dog’s “Green Guy” toy could talk he would echo this sentiment.  Green Guy started his life in the little crate we brought Ringo home in as a puppy.  An old towel from his litter shed a scent of family & comfort onto Green Guy. Ten years later, this is still his favorite toy.

But Green Guy had seen better days.  As I gently placed him into the washing machine, it occurred to me that after this bath, he desperately needed some repairs.  And so, Green Guy got fleece grafts and stitches and while, admittedly, he is not as good as new, I would say he’s actually  better than new.  Why?  Because he is so loved and lives to snuggle another day.

Speaking of green,  I am in the process of rescuing an old army quilt that was issued more than 25 years ago.  Talk about a well-loved blanket -- it reminds me of the infamous Woobie from Mr. Mom.  The owner of the blanket actually bought a replacement for her husband but it just wasn’t the same.  It lacked the soft, sentimental feel of the original.  This quilt is getting the full treatment: new batting, restitching and new binding.  It will surely be loved for another 25 years.  

The year 2020 has forced us to reflect on what is truly important in life.  I am focusing on enjoying the simple things like time with my family, catching up with old friends, baking, even walking up to fresh wreaths on display and taking a big sniff.  Nothing puts me in the holiday mood more than the scent of evergreens. 

What’s evergreen in your life?  What is important year after year no matter what else is happening in the world?  My Christmas wish is that we all stop to smell the greenery, clearly see the things that truly matter and love one another, always.

 Merry Christmas from the crew at Gracefully Stitched STL!