Mystic, Merry Toyland

The other day I was watching the movie Prancer. There's just something about this 80's classic, that brings back memories of my childhood.

It was released in 1989, which would have put me in the 5th grade. That also happens to be the grade my oldest is in this year.

When I watch this movie, I'm instantly taken back to the 80's during Christmas time. A time of magic and wonder. A time of earmuffs, and cocoa with extra marshmallows. (cocoa, served in a festive mug, of course.)

A time of visiting my grandparent's on Christmas morning, to show them my favorite toys from Santa. The sound of my boots crunching in the snow, while walking up to their house. The smell of their chimney smoke in the cool, crisp air.

A time of asking my grandma and grandpa what Santa had left them in their stockings. (He always came through.)

A time of thinking how loved my grandparents must have been, because their entire mantle was filled with Christmas cards from friends and family. I was always sure to admire each picture.

Going straight for my grandma's Christmas ribbon candy, because they were delicious and full of Christmassy colors.

I'm taken back to the way their blue Christmas lights twinkled in the snow, and the beautiful glow of the lights on their tree, glistening with the tinsel.

I would give anything to go back to that time, and those feelings. We're little for such a short time in our lives. I always tell my kids to slow down and enjoy the ride. They'll want it all back someday.





"Toyland, Toyland
Little girl and boy land.

While you dwell within it,
you are ever happy there.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry toy land.

Once you pass its borders,
you can never return again.

When you've grown up, my dears
and are as old as I,

You'll laugh and ponder on the years
that roll so swiftly by, my dears
that roll so swiftly by.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry Toyland.

Once you pass its borders
you can never return again..."

          Little Amy, in 1980's Toyland

'KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 31: Send Someone Holiday Greetings

My holiday greetings go out to all of you. Anyone who's taking the time to read these words. I want you to have a beautiful Christmas, filled with memories of the past, and positive energy for the future.

And don't forget to gaze at your Christmas tree with your eyes squinted. It's just better that way.;-)


Thanks, Michele and Mel! Merry Christmas!

My Name is Amy, and I Could'nt Care Less if You Wish me Happy Holidays

Why must we make a thing out of someone wishing us Happy Holidays? Seriously, if one person walked up to me and said Merry Christmas, and the person directly after them said Happy Holidays, mentally, I would be taking that as the same thing.

I believe in Christ, so I take both as Merry Christmas, with the added wish for a Happy New Year, from the person who said Happy Holidays. I don't overthink this stuff, you guys. (Although, if I were Jewish, I'd probably get more out of the Happy Holidays.)





123Friendster.com - More Happy Holidays Comments     What I'm trying to say, is that you shouldn't let these things that aren't meant to be hurtful, as something hurtful. This isn't someone trying to be politically correct. (Unless you're actually talking to a politician.)

No one is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. We've been saying "Happy Holidays" since forever. Let's not make it a thing. Bing Crosby sings Happy Holidays, in the movie Holiday Inn, and that was made in the 40's! Zero political correctness back then. Not to mention, he was a man devoted to his faith. Openly, you guys. The King of Christmas music. There was no so-called "War on Christmas" in the 40's.

Sounds grand, doesn't it?

Now, the whole "Holiday Tree" thing, I find annoying. I mean, it's a Christmas tree, people. No other faith has that custom. It's like referring to the Menorah as a "Festive Candelabra." The tree's soul purpose is to help celebrate the Christmas season.

But, I will say this: Although it may annoy me, that the government and a few select businesses take the "Holiday Tree" route, it doesn't stop me from enjoying MY  Christmas. I mean, why would it? My sister calls her Christmas tree Brutus. Should I get my Christmas socks in a bunch because of it?

No! One, because I actually find that quite endearing, because she got it from the Christmas cartoon, Noel, about the little red ornament who was born with a happiness. And two, because who cares? It's not affecting my glad tidings, comfort and joy, or my holly jolly Christmas.

So, if you see me in town, and want to wish me a Merry Christmas, I'm all in! And if you want to say Happy Holidays, I'm all in! Because it's Christmas! It's the holidays! And I plan to keep Christmas well.

God Bless us, everyone!

Ketchup with Us - Prompt 30

"In 57 words or less … OR with just a simple picture … tell us about your favorite  mustachioed man."


When I think about a man with a mustache, I of course think of Tom Selleck, because duh! He's the poster child of Mustachio Land! But, I decided to go the holiday route for this here post, and chose Professor Hinkle, from Frosty the Snowman. 'Tis the season, after all! Everyone loves a good villain. Not to mention he did try redeeming himself at the end. (Even if it was because he wanted Santa to bring him a present.)

Thanks, Michele &
Mel, for another fun write up! Follow these lovely ladies. You won't be disappointed. =)

 

Ketchup With Us: Prompt 19

"In 57 words or less, tell us about a favorite or memorable vacation you've taken in your life. Feel free to include pictures or video."


This prompt comes just in time for our almost yearly vacation to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. (We leave Friday! Woohoo!)

Thanks to my husband's mom and dad, we get to stay right on the ocean for a week. We wake up in the morning, walk out on the deck, and watch dolphins swimming right in front of us. It's absolutely blissful.

It's a week filled with cousins making a lifetime of memories. (Not to mention the parents and grandparents.)

I love it there. =)

Want to play along? Be sure to follow Mel and Michele!! =)

Ketchup With Us-Prompt 18

In 57 words or less, tell us about a favorite book or author.



These days, it's hard to find the time to read anything but kid's books, & the daily posts from Buzzfeed.

But at the age of 10, books took over my summer.

I was in love.

My mom bought me The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and it's been my favorite book ever since. I've watched nearly every version of the movie, and love those just as much.

I've always taken great care of my books, which is great, because my oldest daughter is 10 now.

Just in time. =)

If you're reading this, & would like to link up, and play along, please follow these awesome women. Michele and Mel. =)

 

Ketchup With Us - Prompt #16: Celebrity Encounters

Ketchup With Us - Prompt #16

Celebrity encounters


I've never met any celebrity. Like, ever. I've been to concerts, and that's about it.

 But then I discovered Twitter.

 Oh, Twitter, you addictively magical morsel of life.

 When I was a teenager, we had to write an actual letter, and wait anxiously for a reply. Sometimes we'd never get one. But with Twitter? I've hit the virtual jackpot! (I'm totally going over the 57 words this time, you guys.) I've been tweeted and followed, by Kendall Schmidt from Big Time Rush, I've made celebs laugh with my pics and comments, which is a plus for me, because it means they "get" me. Recently, I was tweeted by Dule Hill, from one of my favorite shows, Psych.

 Dick Van Dyke favorited my tweet, and Jimmy Fallon follows.

And I don't mean to sound braggy, or anything. Haha! But I totally earned those tweets & follows! And I did it without spamming anyone.

I know they're just "virtual" meetings, but they're special to this girl from Indiana, who never gets to travel anywhere. =)


ketchup with us

'KETCHUP WITH US' - PROMPT #15

IN 57 WORDS OR LESS, TELL US THE BEST PRANK YOU EVER PLAYED, SAW  EXECUTED OR WERE THE BUTT OF YOURSELF!

Here's another fun writing prompt, from the girls over at According To Mags and Old Dog New Tits.=)

The summer before 9th grade, I was staying the night at my best friend's house, with another one of our girl friends. When my friend left the kitchen to use the bathroom, we put Taco Bell mild sauce in her root beer. When she took a drink, she looked at us and said, "This root beer tastes like chili dogs." I'm glad she still loves me. ♥

Ketchup With Us: Promp #13

Here's another fun writing promp, from the girls over at Old Dog New Tits and According To Mags.=)


'Ketchup with us' - Prompt #13

In 57 words or less, tell us about whose shoes you'd like to walk in for a day.

                                                  Santa

Eat all you want! People expect and want you chubby!

People wouldn't tease me about my obsession with all things Christmas.

Elves would do all the real work.

Magical sleigh ride.

Assuming the day, I may get to be in the Macy's Parade.

People are always happy to see you, even first thing in the morning.

Ketchup With Us - Prompt #11

(This is a writing prompt, brought to you by my fun new pals at, According to Mags and Old Dog New Tits. In 57 words or less, I will tell you something that I'm just a tad bit embarrassed to love. Here goes nothin'! ☺)


I love boy bands, and one might think that was the confession right there. But, I am who I am, and have always accepted that. But here's the thing.....


I adore this 22 year old man!!

Yep, I'm an almost 35 year old woman, and I have a crush on Kendall from Big Time Rush.

Why yes I DID take this pic from 8th row center at their concert!

(PS, He follows me on Twitter, and when it happened I almost died.)

(Extra note: I realize this all makes me seem quite cougarish, but I'm okay with that. There are so many of us "Older Rushers" on Twitter, that I feel less weird about it. Haha! My husband just shakes his head at me, because he knows it's all in fun. He's actually going to tag along for their next concert!)