CHRISTMAS CARDS

We got about two dozen Christmas cards this year. Twenty years ago we probably got 80.

As I recall, when I was a kid, my parents got more than 100. Mom and Dad would set aside a couple of evenings to write personal greetings, as did Janice’s parents, and they handed that down to us.

After becoming Christians, the Christmas cards sent to us from our Christian friends included an activity letter of family highlights from the last year. There was always some activity in the letter that we didn’t know about, like a trip abroad, or a new job. Like many Christmas cards, they came from people whom we really only connected with at Christmas.

I like getting cards, w-a-y more than an e-card. I like the ink signature and quick "hello." I like knowing there’s a tradition set by my friend that includes me. "I’m on their list!"

It seems most people in their 30's and certainly 20's, don’t send cards. It must be a generational thing. Maybe mailing a Christmas card is a thing of the past because social media greetings have taken over. I’m not pining for the good old days - but I do enjoy getting cards. I like making my own list and sending cards. It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it. I also like the Christmas Ginger Boy cookies!

WAR IS OVER - IF YOU WANT IT

On afternoon, in 1969, I was in the car and Mom was driving me to Northview Mall in Toronto. (It's gone now - I think there's a bunch of condos)  I looked out the window, and up in the sky there was a cloud of words that said "WAR IS OVER IF YOU WANT IT. HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM JOHN AND YOKO". 

I thought - wow, a Beatle is sending us message!

Apparently there were billboards as well, posted in 11 cities, although I didn't see any in Toronto.

The skywriting - I knew it was John Lennon. I knew it was big news.  I remember it today very clearly.

It was just a few months after the Montreal bed-in, where John and Yoko stayed in bed for three days to promote world peace.  (Side-bar: A DJ friend of mine was in the room at the time.)

There's nothing really more to say, other than - war is over if you want it....I guess we don't really want it.

LIFE STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY 2014

Photos from the staff xmas party.

Pastor Jim Woolcott and his wife Pat. Pat is attempting to
pour my coke back into the frozen bottle.

Games - Don Cowan, Luke Langman, Andrew Hamilton and Laura Evison.

Cathy Faubert winning the Special Recognition Award at the Sheepies.

Don Cowan presenting a Sheepie Award.

Laura Evison and Evan Duran.

Evan Duran accepting the Sheepie for "Rescue".

Games - Heather Hooymans, David Botting,
Pat Woolcott and Tanya Robertson.

Games - Andrew Robertson, Maria Lopez, Cathy Faubert and Kevin Faubert,
Marliene Cathline, Pip Lucas - Crystal Martin.

Heather, Henry Hooymans and me.

me and Heather Hooymans.

Pastor Jim and me.

Dennis Colley, Jay Mac, Dino and Terry Molinaro.

Tim Maasarany accepting his Sheepie.

Marcel Preston, Crofty, Brian and Marliene Cathline, Ray and Marilyn Bryson,
Melanie and Chris Greenwood.

Sky terminal. - Crofty, Pat Woolcott and Marcel.

Pip receives his Sheepie for "Most Likely To Be Arrested">

Sky Terminal

Jay Mac, Me and Terry Molinaro.

Tim Van Dyk wins the Sheepie for "Most Likely To Snap".