La Festa di Natale

Every other week I attend a wonderful italian class.  It's an informal gathering of friends who are all bonded by a love of the italian language.  We have alot of fun throughout the year not just in learning italian but also attending concerts, museums and other fun field trips.  Our teacher Luisa is from Sardenia.  This is a picture taken during one of our class sessions. We meet at our friend Judy's home.

top row: Me, Michael, Mitra, our teacher Luisa
bottom ro: Marion, Judy, Isa  (two other classmates not pictured are Barb  Bionda and Bill)

Yesterday we celebrated the last class meeting of 2012 with a little "Festa Italiano" Italian party.  Here is a smilebox of our festivities:

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Christmas Time is Near

"Christmas time's for dreaming
Thoughts of long ago…Holidays of childhood,
Memories all aglow."--Alice Kennelly Roberts ("Christmas Time Is…")

How Will You Be Judged

"I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask,
 'How many good things have you done in your life?' 
rather he will ask,
 'How much love did you put into what you did?" -Mother Teresa 

"Corners of the World" Gift shop, Palos Verdes California

There is a beautiful little gift shop located in Palos Verdes California called "Corners of the World". The owner, Jurgen Kading is a dear friend of mine. He chooses a wonderful assortment of charming gifts from all over the world to fill his store.  It is especially delightful to be in this cozy store during the winter holidays when trees are full of sparkling ornaments and there is a warm glow throughout the interior.  I am trying to support local shops like Corners of the World, buying my Christmas gifts from local vendors.  I hope you are doing the same.  Here are some photos I took on my fun shopping day in Palos Verdes.

When you visit Corners of the World be sure and go upstairs too. There are so many nice things to look at.

Here is Jurgen with me.  He originally is from Germany but has been in the U.S. now for many years and is proud of his American citizenship.  We met in an Italian class a few years ago.  Our mutual love of Italy is a strong bond between we two and the friends we have made in our italian languages classes.

This shop is located in a quaint area called Malaga Cove Plaza just off Palos Verdes Drive high above the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

My cousin Ann joined me in todays fun shopping adventure.

A few feet away through an arcade walkway we had a lovely lunch in a little cafe in the same area.

Here we are relaxing after a "tough" day of shopping.  What a fun adventure!

Corners of the World is located at:

1 Malaga Cove Plz
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

(310) 373-5096

Just off Palos Verdes Drive North. It is located next door to the Palos Verdes Post Office.  If you go you will not be disappointed. It's great shopping if you are looking for speciality gifts, charming imports and unique items.  I felt like a kid in a candy store, with every turn of my glance a multitude of exciting things to gaze upon. 

You Need to Remember

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"Once in a while, amidst all your bad days, you'll have a good day.  A great day even.  Make sure you remember those days.  Keep them safely in the pockets of your coat or in a jar on your desk because you need to know that there are and will be better days.  You need to remember how on those days you felt all warm inside.  Like you've just drunk a hot cup of tea.  Like a small fire has ignited inside of you.  Hold on to the warmth and never let it go."

Saturday Night Fun with Girlfriends

 On this Saturday night I had a great time with some of my friends.   It was "Mexican Train" night at my friend Maria's home.  Everything was decorated with such holiday flair.

The place settings were so cute with party gifts for each of us.  Now I have my very own
flashing red nose like Rudolph!

Here's my friends Karen and Jo.  We all love to play games which are always enhanced by good wine and good food.  I know how to pick my friends!  Hee Hee

And here's our hostess Maria.  She's wearing her Xmas bulb headband but truth be told it's her smile
that lights up any room she's in!

Here's a little smilebox to give you a peek into our game night.  Of course you know we girls "just wanna have fun!"  

 

A free scrapbooking design by Smilebox

Enough Said