1. The Christmas tree is down and tossed to the curb for chipping. Usually undecorating and taking it down makes me a little melancholy. Honestly, this year I am just glad, and a little relieved to bid the Christmas Season goodbye.

    The Christmas tree is down and tossed to the curb for chipping. Usually undecorating and taking it down makes me a little melancholy. Honestly, this year I am just glad, and a little relieved to bid the Christmas Season goodbye.

  2. a taste of home

    upon waking

    I know what I am about to do

    the anticipation makes my mouth water

    no coffee today

    no herbal tea

    made one mug at a time

    today is a spice tea day

    my mom’s recipe

    a taste of home

    the one I grew up in

    the little house

    at the end of the dead end street

    the one with the kitchen so small

    it was like an afterthought

    oh, but the meals my mother made there

    I smile at the memories

    spice tea was special

    not for everyday

    for company

    like when she hosted cards

    the only outing with friends she went to each month

    sometimes they’d come to our house

    the living room would be filled with women

    sitting at card tables in folding chairs

    talking, laughing, snacking and even smoking

    and no one smoked at our house

    except my grandfather

    the few times a year they visited

    usually we went to them

    spice tea became a Christmas traditon

    mom would make it early

    we’d drink it as we opened presents

    ladled into Christmas mugs

    one after the other

    until the giant saucepan was empty

    it is made for winter days and snow days

    gloomy gray days

    for the scent of cinnamon and cloves

    makes you smile

    even before the sugary citrus flavored tea

    passes by your lips

    I’ve burned my tongue more than once

    rushing to take the first sip

    oh, how I love it

    today is one of those days

    I didn’t make it on Christmas this year 

    I usually do

    it’s early morning on New Year’s Eve day instead

    the spice tea is on the stove

    my first mug is at my elbow

    almost time for the second

    it’s as good as I remember mom making it

    my sister too

    a taste of home

    soul food

    comfort in a mug

    memories too

    © 2011 Turquoise Tangles

  3. multi-color lights

    I turned on the Christmas tree lights when I came down the stairs this morning. 

    I do love the glow of the tree from the corner of the living room when it’s still full dark outside. 

    A multi-color glow at that. 

    It helps some. 

    Glad for that. 

    © 2011 Turquoise Tangles