This or That – Fall Edition

There’s a fun little meme-type called “This or That” where you have a list of choices between two things. I like to use this in my pen pal letters. But I like to then explain my choices. This is the one I’m using for Fall/Autumn…

 

Hot apple cider OR Hot chocolate

For me, if it’s a gathering, the cider wins. With cinnamon, orange slices, cloves, nothing better. Maybe a little splash of whiskey. Hot chocolate is more for alone time.

 

Pumpkin pie OR Apple pie

I will NEVER turn down a slice of either one. Pumpkin is more traditional, of course, for the colder months. LOTS of whipped cream! Warm apple pie with a scoop of ice cream is always appropriate, too.

 

Carve a pumpkin OR paint a pumpkin

Carving is the best for Halloween. So much work! But ultimately better with that candle burning inside. I’ve seen some awesome painted ones, but that is NOT where my talent lies.

 

Bonfire OR Fireplace

A bonfire is better for early Fall. Not so cold. AND there is the added bonus of marshmallows! When it’s really cold out, though, nothing beats sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book and a cup of something warm and yummy.

 

Halloween OR Thanksgiving

Halloween is OK, but it’s never been a big thing with me. When the kids were little, it was fun to get them all dressed up and go get candy. Thanksgiving is the big one, though. Food and fellowship and remembering what we have to be thankful for.

 

Candy corn OR Caramel apples

BOTH!! I know I am one of the weirdos who really loves candy corn. It’s usually seasonal, though, and once it’s gone from stores, that’s it. But caramel and apples go SO WELL together. And you can have that any time of the year. Get some juicy apple slices and caramel dip and you have a meal…

 

Turkey OR Ham

I’ve always preferred ham over turkey, but for Thanksgiving, you MUST have turkey! It’s downright un-American not to! I hate leftover turkey, though. Once a year is just fine for me. Otherwise, it’s ham every time.

 

Cranberry sauce OR Stuffing

Both! Again, you MUST have some form of cranberry sauce. It doesn’t have to be much, but you must have at least a little. Stuffing with gravy is food for the gods.

 

So…what are YOUR choices??

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Random Thought

Some people are a biscuit away from having their own gravitational pull

 

 

Coffee or Side Tables

 

I love weird furniture. I might not have any in my personal house, but I truly appreciate seeing pictures of them. An unusual coffee table in front of the couch or perhaps a side table at the end of the couch might spark interesting conversation. Like: “What???” or maybe “Did you actually pay MONEY for that???” or even “Were you drunk when you bought that???” And I do love providing entertainment for my guests…

 

 

“Eve and the Snake”

Personally, I would chose a different figure/historical scene, but this one was done beautifully. I would probably go for a mermaid. I know, that is not historical, but if it’s in my front room, it’s gonna be something I love. And I do love mermaids.

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“Mr. Croak”

What’s not to love about this one?? Isn’t he cute? You could have lily pad coasters.

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“Chappaquiddick”

Too soon…? Anyway, I would prefer a different scene. Maybe fish and sea plants under water. Maybe a small pirate chest. More on the lines of a fish tank kind of tableau. Maybe add a little octopus.

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“Out of Tune”

Don’t really care for this one. Neat idea for repurposing old guitars though. LOVE the hole for a bottle of your favorite adult beverage. And if you happen to spill…that just adds a bit more character to the table.

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“Ssssnake!”

And we’re back to the garden…sorta. I LOVE THIS ONE!!! I haven’t decided whether there should be two snakes to add symmetry or if one is enough. The tail is certainly enough for stability. What do YOU think? One or two snakes? OR MAYBE THREE???

 

 

 

A Child’s Bedtime Prayers

 

As far back as I can go (and I remember stuff from 3-4 years old) I have ended my day with prayers. Sometimes said with my Mom, but mostly remember my Grandma doing that. There were 4 spoken prayers and a sung prayer. My Grandma was the only one who included the sung one. The German prayer and song I never knew the English words to and never thought to ask what they meant.

 

In no particular order:

 

The Lord’s Prayer (you should all know this one)

 

Tender Jesus

Tender Jesus, meek and mild

Look on me, a little child

Help me if it be Thy will

To recover from all ill

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Now I Lay Me

(this is the version I learned)

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

If I should die before I wake

I pray the Lord my soul to take

And this I ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen

 

(this is the version Marvin learned and the one we taught the kids)

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

Glad and well may I awake

And this I ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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Ich Bin Klein

Ich bin klein
Mein Herz ist Rein
Kann niemand d'rin wohnen
Als Jesus allein

 

(the translation I learned after I was an adult)

I am small
My heart is pure
No-one can live there
But Jesus alone.

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Now, on to the German song. Once Grandma was gone, I never heard this again. I did a lot of research on the Internet and think I found it. The only words I could remember were “geh zur ruh” which means “go to rest”.

 

Here is the video I found on Youtube, with the translation below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNR0IQ0CUng

 

Tired, I'm going to rest,
Close both eyes.
Father, let your eyes
Be over my bed!

All who are related to me,
God, let rest in your hand.
May all people, big and small,
Be commended to your care.

To those sick at heart, send rest,
Close the eyes wet with tears!
Let the moon stand in the sky
And look down on the quiet world!

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My faith has been absolutely fundamental to my life. My faith is what kept me from committing suicide. When I was in the hospital at the beginning of the year and faced the possibility of death, I was fairly calm. I look back at that time and know that I was being well cared for by Jesus. I was saying all these prayers (except for the German song) plus the 23^rd Psalm over and over. I am so grateful for the foundation I had from toddlerhood on by these prayers.

 

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