A Seasonal Kaleidescope

On my way to Saturday morning swim practice,

I had time to talka walk around Monument Circle to see

the Christmas decorations. My favorite lights

are on the Christmas "tree" in the Indianapolis Power & Light

lobby. The lights are multiple sizes, creating a visual

treat that does not become boring to look at.

There is a cut glass window installation that comes

alive only during this holiday season, reflecting the colored

lights in its star-like shapes.

Tawdry Elegance

After swimming, I sometimes go to Starbucks 

on the Circle to wait between buses. 

During the holidays, the florist's windows

in the Chase Tower are filled with glitzy ornaments,

gauzy bright ribbons, and various stems

encrusted with glitter.

These windows provide a cheerful spot

along the cold, gray sidewalks.

I love them.

Nuthin' to Do?

All over the downtown area, the footprints in the snow 

told the same story - anybody who says there's nothing to do 

in Indianapolis is out of their effin' mind.

Among the activities were an Indiana Pacers basketball

game, a Christmas choral concert at the Statehouse,

a holiday themed symphony concert, an arts market,

as well as a production of "A Christmas Carol"

by the Indiana Repertory Theatre.

I found congenial people wherever I happened

to be Friday night, enjoying the season and each other

in the glow of holiday lighting

in the gently falling snow.

Small Blessings

Ready for his close up is my grandnephew, Knox Freeman, 

one third of a trio known as Lulu and the X-Men. Along

with his brother and sister, Lennex and Tahlulla, Knox entered 

the lives of his parents this past summer, finally bringing them, in one fell swoop, the blessing of the family they had wanted for some while.

All three babies are shown above: Tahlulla looks out at the camera 

from her mom Laura's lap, Lennex rests in the familiar comfort 

of his Grandma Fran's arms, while the ever-hungry Knox 

is fed by his dad, Joseph.

Every Thanksgiving, a large sack of Christmas-themed millinery

appears, from which we each choose a piece of headwear -

everything from elfin caps and fuzzy pimps' hats,  to redneck ball caps 

and reindeer antlers. This year I chose an elegantly sequined

Santa number (I find myself wishing for a Kate Middleton "fascinator," which means I'll probably have to make them myself). We all grouped in front of the fireplace for our picture, set up by Joseph in his jester cap.

The holiday season, it's hee-re! Catch it!