Black Friday Observations

Greetings Dear Reader,

I spent the day yesterday out and about but not shopping.  I did buy some carrots for the turkey soup I am making for Sunday.  The highlights of the day were plenty.  So were the moments when I felt deep sorrow for my fellow humans.

Since it was Friday I began with my usual time of breakfast at my favorite diner.  It was great to share the morning and the Thanksgiving stories of the regulars there.  Next I got to share some time with my Daughter, Christmas giving her a lift to work.

From there I went to my customary Black Friday Bell Ringing place.  Here the day begins to be less than usual.  First, the bell ringing station had no bell.  That is one hundred percent of the task.  One goes bell ringing to ring a bell in hopes that others will share some of their funds for the needs of others.  This is the Salvation Army and they usually get it right.  But there was not bell, so I sang.  I have been told that I can do this and one pretty young lady did put a very large bill into the kettle and said I have a beautiful voice.  Perhaps the missing bell was a boon.

As I was singing a slow haunting rendition of God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, a “lady” walked in and started yelling at me because all the Wal-Marts were out of the cheap big-screen televisions.  She seemed to have a condition where every second word was “F###ing”.  When I told her that I did not work at Wal-MartI was told to “’F’ get ‘F’ away.”   She moved on to the greeter for whom I feel great sorrow.

Then to my joy my friends Adam and Matt showed up to say hello.  They were looking for bits and bobs to fix the casing at their parents’ home.  The joy with which this filled me is inexpressible.  This led to further joy later in the day but we are not there yet.

I visited the grocer to obtain the carrots for my soup and encountered one of the young ladies who works at the store crying in the soda isle.  We talk almost every time I am at the store so I ask what the matter might be.  She explained that a customer had been very rude and crude toward her because the sale on Pepsi products had ended.  Seeking to comfort with humor I inquired if she had been promoted to “Regional Pepsi Pricer.”  

She chuckled through tears.  Hugged me then began to apologize.  I explained that I felt honored that she would be real with me.  The she chuckled again and I explained that in my family we call the time when we are both crying and laughing “crafing”.   I explained that it is a marker to the path out of sorrow.  She smiled fully as the last tear drifted down her cheek.  I went on to find my carrots thankful that she was feeling better and wondering if the TV “lady”.

I drifted through some other shops not buying but passing our smiles for free.  Then my friend Adam arranged for he, his wife Cole and their children to dine with us.  We met early and had a wonderful meal.  My Daughter Christmas and I had a great time catching up with them and getting to know their very well-behaved children well.  Encounters with this man and his family are always a blessing for me. 

I am always astounded at how refreshing it is to go out on Black Friday with no agenda but to be kind to others.  It sets my heart in motion to journey toward Christmas with the proper attitude.  When the shopping list is carrots and kindness it is quite easy to have a successful Black Friday.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Black Friday, Baubles, and Bells

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I am sitting down to write this to wind down from pepping Thanksgiving dinner.   I slow roast my turkey overnight.  It is just in the over to gently rise in temperature until morning.  The pies are cooling.  The pudding is chilling.   The dressing is in the pan well chilled and ready for the over tomorrow.  There is more but I will not belabor you now Dear Reader.

This time on Thanksgiving Eve my thoughts turn to what comes next.  My Daughter loves the entire Black Friday shopping thing.   I resist it.   We agree that shopping on Thanksgiving Day wrong.  She spends that time plotting her Friday adventure and nibbling a last slice of pumpkin pie.

I have grown weary of the avarice associated with the time between the last bite of the Thursday meal and the end of cyber Monday.  I will venture out on Saturday or Sunday more to observe than to shop. One of those two days we will decorate for Christmas.  This means that I may pick up a bauble or two for the tree.  If needed I will get some new lights. 

One thing I will do is spend some time bell ringing for the Salvation Army.  This is vital to the needs of so many in a time when want is more keenly felt.  It is easy, only takes a couple of hours per shift, and has the potential to benefit so many.  You can volunteer at ringbells.org .  In ten years they have never pestered me for money or put me on someone’s mailing list.  Ninety-two cents of every dollar goes to the actual charity work they do for others. 

So, as I prepare to feast with family and friends I cast my heart and mind toward the needs of others.  I do this in keeping with the idea that I have so many things to for which to be thankful that I dare not neglect the needs of others.  Join with me Dear Reader; come on ring those bells.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road to Bethlehem – Silver Bells

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

This song is a Christmas classic.  It is light, airy, and invokes that feeling that so many understand who live in cities like New York or Chicago.  I did not get it until I lived in the Chicago area for a bit. 

My job in Chicago had me traveling between a downtown office and suburb office near my home twice a week.  I was heading for the train back to home from downtown in early December.  It was already dark and a light snow was falling. 

Traffic was thin and cold wind stung my face.  It had been a hard day.  Then I heard it; the distinct sound of a bell ringing through the crisp air.  I looked for it.  I knew what I would find.  There she was a few blocks up from where I would turn for the train. 

I made my way up the street, folding a couple of bills carefully as I did.  I met the smile of a young woman in a Salvation Army uniform.  I thanked her for braving the cold and her service to the cause as I slipped the properly folded bills into the narrow kettle slot. 

When I turned to make my way back to the train the song, Silver Bells came to mind and I began to sing it.  In the dark, the cold, and the snow that song meant something more for the first time.

Every year since I spend some time in December as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer.   You should give it a try Dear Reader.  They do so much good with so little.  It is so rewarding and it gives life to the song and to so many other things.  It may be Santa’s big scene but the silver bells remind us of what the season is for for all of us.

Silver Bells – Martina McBride

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing, people passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you hear

Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling)

Hear them ring, (hear them ring)

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights, even stoplights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch

This is Santa's big day

And above all this bustle you hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Bell Ringing

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I have spoken of this often over the last two months.  Today is the last opportunity I have to participate in the joyous event this season.  Even though I am not in full health today I will not forgo this precious time.

For just a couple hours of my time I get such great return.  I get to see the smiles of those who get it concerning giving to those in need as they drop pennies or dollars into the kettle.  I am enriched by those who stop to comment on the value of the Salvation Army.  I find true joy in knowing the good that will be done by the money collected.

At the center of my joy is a portion of redemption by inches.  Before she was safe someone associated with the Salvation Army did great harm to Christmas.  Each year I have seen her heal and grow to understand that this wicked man was not the sum of the face of the Salvation Army.  She has met a friend who works there and see how the organization helps those in need.

As with all things done by humans this organization has its flaws.  Overall, however, I consider it great joy and blessing to spend some time aiding in this cause.  So I will ring again this morning and pray for those in need as I do.  I will then put away my silver bell until the next opportunity.  I will not put away my thoughts and compassion for those in need.  It is a part of Christmas I carry with me always. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Bells

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

It is one of those sounds that trigger anticipation and joy in me.  I usually hear it as I am moving from my car to a store.  It is a high ringing sound carried on the cold air.  The rhythm is rarely constant but the timber is clear.  It draws me to it and my spirit unfolds in compassion and generosity.

I am speaking of the Salvation Army bell of course.  It draws me to give.  I try to never pass up a red kettle.  I volunteer to ring for them each year.  Many of my local family join me.  It is a wonderful chance to spread Christmas cheer with the bonus helping those in need of common necessities.

I pray for the time to become a tradition in my family after I am gone.  I pray for the people I encounter to be moved to help others even if they pass up my kettle.  We sing Christmas songs as we ring.  We treat the store that is our host with respect.  It is a beautiful opportunity that brings me so much joy.

The Salvation Army always has more shifts than they have volunteers.  One can volunteer to help at Ringbells.org .  It is easy and well worth the time.  If you do ring bells I would love to read about it as a comment below.  Sharing your experience would enhance my joy Dear Reader.

Below is the original presentation of this song from the movie The Lemon Drop Kid.  It is not the best rendition of the song but still worth the watch/listen.  The Bing Crosby or Anne Murray versions are among my favorites. 

There are other bells I love; Church bells, sleigh bells, and the single bell on my Santa bandana (a gift from a friend many years ago).  I wear the latter all year round.  No matter where the sound emanates from it is a bell that draws me to love the giving aspect of Christmas.  It is for me a call to generosity.  It is a reminder of how blessed my life is and that others have great need.  It is also an opportunity to remember that I can provide common comforts beyond meeting needs.

Listen for the bells.  Find joy in their message and the journey to share with others all that God provides.  Tell me your story Dear Reader.   

Silver Bells – Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell – The Lemon Drop Kid

Silver bells silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Hear the bells go ring-a-ling

Soon it will be Christmas day

City sidewalks busy sidewalks .

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing

People passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights

Even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch

See the kids rush

This is Santa's big scene

And above all this bustle

You'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – The Salvation Army

Greetings Dear Reader,

My favorite waitress at my favorite diner also works for the Salvation Army overnight at one of their shelters.  She often shares stories with me of the people that the shelter helps and the opportunity they get to get real jobs and real homes.

No organization is perfect but the Salvation Army succeeds in doing some very fine work.  Most of the donations they receive actually go to helping others.  According to the BBB only about 11% of their donations go to overhead.  That is remarkable compared to some other charities that do the same work.  One such popular charity is at 25%.  The next best is at 18%.

Each year the Salvation Army counts on donations from it Red Kettle Campaign to supply a large portion of its annual operating budget.  I realize most of us associate this with Christmas but the campaign begins before Thanksgiving.   This year bell ringing shifts begin on November 14^th.  You can sign up at their Ring Bells web site.

One of the ways I show my gratitude is by volunteering to ring bells for the Salvation Army.   We make it a family event and I provide breakfast for any of my kids who show up.  What matters is that the kettles get filled.  The money goes directly to those in need. 

I realize this sounds more like an advertisement than my usual musings.   So be it.  I think that following Christ sometimes requires that I promote others who do the same.  So here is the challenge Dear Reader.  Sign up for one shift.  I have already signed up for several.  It is fun and only costs two hours of your time.  Let me know if you do.  I promise to share in the joy.

If you cannot then remember to drop a few coins in the kettle every time you can.  Listen for the bells ringing as you shop and count it an opportunity to help people you will never meet.  Who knows you may encounter me if you do.  After all the silver bells you are the sound of thousands of people in need asking for your help.

Silver Bells – Anne Murray

Silver bells silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Hear the bells go ring-a-ling

Soon it will be Christmas day

City sidewalks busy sidewalks .

Dressed in holiday style

In the air

There's a feeling

of Christmas

Children laughing

People passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights

Even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush

home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch

See the kids rush

This is Santa's big scene

And above all this bustle

You'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)