One Last Hurrah

Our first big city Christmas market and our last market of the season (maybe) was our very own city, Stuttgart. Brian’s heart’s desire was to ride the massive Ferris wheel set up at the Palace that overlooked the whole city, and Nola was dying to ice skate. Her hopes were dashed as it was far too warm. The rink had been converted to a rollerskating rink!

Hello pretty city!

80% of Stuttgart was bombed and destroyed during WWII so it is a very modern city with tiny pockets of history preserved.

The elaborate displays on top of the stalls really sets apart the big city markets from the small village ones. We loved seeing the moving displays of fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty. Matt spied the best one though. Just over a bakery stall was a scene of bakers created with moving Ken dolls.

Just imagine the Ken dolls moving back and forth taking bread out of the oven.

There really aren’t any small vendors at the big city market and you’ll see items on repeat — a jewelry stall with pretty silver items, another with felted wool bottle warmers, phone cases and winter wear, nativities, mugs, ornaments, etc. etc. My favorite random stall I saw over and over again was the everything-bristle-brush vendor. There were brooms and bathroom scrubbing brushes, beard brushes, dish brushes, bottle cleaning brushes. Any kind of bristle brush you can think of. I wish I had grabbed a picture!

I loved the miniature train village and ride they had set up on the beautiful Schloss Platz. We wandered slowly, ordered crêpes and flammekuchen and really loved being out.

I’m up early on Christmas Eve as I write this, although I think my blog time stamp is set to Mountain Standard Time. It’s been a happy Christmas season, not too busy, with lots of new things to experience and explore. I miss my parents, Matt’s parents, and Joel, and am holding everyone extra close right now.

Christmas At Midlife, by Mary Ann Perrone

I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.

I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.

I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; it’s just not their task.

I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.

I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; It already did, and I survived.

I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.

I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.

I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.

I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.

I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.

I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I dance in a holy circle.

I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness. I believe, I Believe.