Believe

One my all time favorite stories around Christmas time is "Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus", the famous letter from little Virginia to the editor of the New York Sun in 1897 that asks that one question -- Is there a Santa Claus?

This story is close to my heart for several reasons:

#1 - My middle name is Virginia, which is also the middle name of my grandma. Over the years, I have grown to love my middle name for its uniqueness and the truly inspiring woman that I was named after.

#2 - When we were younger, my sister and I acted in several plays at our local community theatre and one of the characters Carol portrayed was Virginia in this beloved Christmas story.

#3 - Whether you believe in Santa Claus or even the idea of Santa Claus, belief in anything is important and can truly add value to your life.

So, my question to everyone this holiday season is - What do you believe in?

Macy's, the department store, declared this past Friday, December 11th as National Believe Day and although an ad campaign for the hectic holiday shopping season, this one quote provides legitimacy to the entire idea:

"Macy's has declared Dec. 11 National Believe Day in honor of everyone across the county who wants to believe in something"

I believe in - love, family, sunshine, Butler basketball, chocolate chip cookies, the world, coffee in the morning, a higher being, acceptance, holidays, Koko, music and friendship.

What do you believe in?

Live the Good Life

Checking back in after the Thanksgiving holiday. My entire family (mom, dad and sister) traveled out to California to spend time with Terry and the Butler family at the 76 Classic. The trip was wonderful, minus the outcome of some of the games. It was great to spend time with everyone and soak up the warm Cali sun. Here's a quick recap/highlights:

- Thanksgiving dinner at cousin June's condo with Terry's side of the family.
- Disneyland and California Adventure Park and getting to see the newest addition to the Disney princess family (Disney at Christmas is the best of both worlds)
- Trip to Laguna Beach & Newport Beach and making footprints in the sand
- Dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant for an early birthday dinner (best meal ever)
- Watching the Dawgs play ball and a W against UCLA
- Laying by the pool with a good book

So thankful for these opportunities, the sunshine and most of all spending time with family and friends. Missing Cali, but so happy to be home with Koko and getting ready for the holiday season. Life is good.

Love the Christmas decor in warm, sunny California!!