Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat Christmas Contest – Janet Perez Eckles

December 29, 2006

We welcome Janet Perez Eckles as writer #387 for Storytime Tapestry. Please email her and welcome her to fold. 

Watch Those Elbows!

By Janet Perez Eckles

“Billionaire puts elbow through priceless Picasso “was the title on an on-line publication. The story by David Osborne related the unfortunate incident involving wealthy Steve Wynn who attempted to sell his $42 million Picasso painting for $139 million. But a jab in the wrong place canceled the sale. The reason? Suffering from an incurable disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, Wynn accidentally poked a hole on the canvas, thus instantly plunging the value of the coveted masterpiece.

A friend who knows I also suffer from the same eye condition asked if I’d ever done a similar thing. Initially, I said, “Gotta be kidding…I don’t even own a painting that costs $400, much less one that costs millions.” But then I pondered a bit and realized that yes; I had done the very same thing. I crashed an elbow of hectic busyness through something of value, thus bringing its worth down.

In fact, if I’m not careful, I might do it again. For years, I had poked self-imposed stress into the preparation for the holidays. Years back, Christmas activities had earned a ten in the scale that measures frantic preparations.

Then one day I rebelled, and I decided to create my own Picasso version of Christmas. I pulled out the brush to stroke colors of simplicity, added hues of careful planning and traced shades of logic. Then I divided the canvas into four sections, each equivalent to a day.

The first day—usually right after Thanksgiving Day—I nudge hubby to bring out the artificial tree. After 30 years of dry pine-tree needles strewn on our carpet, we decided boxed trees would be a sensible choice. Then while he arranges the branches, I place green garland around the white banister leading to our second floor. I dot it with bright red velvet bows, then I place green and red bells on our front door. And finally, among winterland music boxes, I arrange planters of red poinsettias to accent the rooms. Later, we fill the tree branches with an array of ornaments; each hung with golden threads of memories of Christmas passed.

Second day, while hubby places the nativity scene on our front lawn, I e-mail my personalized Christmas greeting along with addresses of friends and family to a young lady who customizes our cards and sends them.

The third day, with list of loved ones in hand, we head to hunt for gift certificates—spa treatments, restaurants, oil changes, department stores, and theaters. Once home, I stuff them in the greatest invention since artificial Christmas trees—gift bags. Rather than spend time wrapping, I choose bright colored bags some with already fancy glitter and decorations. Stuffing some colored tissue and ribbons, I spread them under the tree.

Fourth day I plan the menu for our Family Christmas gathering and call my friendly deli to place my order. I also add items for my Church’s Sunday school celebration, which I host in our home.

 Sometimes my guests, while crunching into my buttery cookies, ask, “Did you make them?”

I give a mischievous grin. “Sure did…I made the trip home with them…right from my favorite bakery.”

Those four days I set apart for preparation allow me to breathe the fresh air of freedom. I liberated myself from hectic bustling. Then with a sigh of relief, I relish in the spirit of Christmas: feel the texture of a peaceful season, taste the sweetness of serenity. And while sipping hot apple cider, I ponder on the reason for the celebration—Jesus came “to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1: 79).

And now, with the painting of Christmas free from holes of unnecessary commotion, our season is a Picasso version of the celebration, with its wonder, value and priceless worth.

How about you? Did your elbow of busyness accidentally poke a hole into the beauty of your Christmas?

Janet Perez Eckles is a national inspirational speaker, writer And author of Trials of Today, treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life.

A reader wrote: “[Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow] A book everyone should read…what a book! "...No words could describe how I felt when I read this book. It’s captivating, encouraging and uplifting. It gives you that feeling of renewed hope and love. You can't help but share this book with others. It’s a book everyone should read not only once but also twice!”-- T. Valentin”

www.janeckles.com

jeckles@cfl.rr.com