Paint It Black Friday

I feel a bit guilty for not doing my part to bolster America's economy on the busiest shopping day of the year (I did purchase an Entertainment Weekly and some green apples, but I don't think that really counts.) To atone for my lack of shopping, I thought I'd post some gift ideas that will encourage my readers to spend their hard earned cash and hopefully eliminate some of the stress that comes with the search for the perfect Christmas present. I'll post a variety of suggestions over the next month. Here are this week's picks:

A Measuring Gaggle: About a week ago, I was unwinding on my couch with a copy of the latest Anthropologie catalogue when I spied this adorable quartet of goose shaped bone china measuring cups. I actually exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, those are so cute!" (talking to yourself is one of the delightful/disturbing things about living alone.) Your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife would probably never think of buying something as frivolous as goose measuring cups, but just imagine how darling they would look resting on her kitchen shelf. And how they'll add a touch of whimsy to even the most mundane culinary chores. And they're microwave and dishwasher safe. Sheesh, I've convinced myself. I think I'm going to order a set tonight.

Artwork: This gift requires a solid grasp of the giftee's design aesthetic, but can be a fun and unexpected present. For some unique ideas, check out etsy.com, a website where thousands of artisans sell their handmade wares. I'm fond of John Golden's digital prints, especially the By Order Of The Management series, Lunastrella Record Player, Lowtops On Baby Blue, and Mind Your P's And Q's.

Personal Stationary: I was raised by one of the most gracious women I know, yet somehow I can't seem to write a proper thank you note. I understand that lack of cute stationary is no excuse for my rudeness, but perhaps I'd be a bit more on the ball if I had some lovely cards to send. Personal stationary is a great gift because it's a luxury most people wouldn't think to buy for themselves, it's practical, there's a plethora of options, and people will enjoy it regardless of their shoe size, taste in music, or 2008 diet plans. I'm particularly enamored with Paper+Cup's OldSchool Numbered Note Card and Framed Silo Note Card and Erin Condren Design's Sugar Spots Note Card (they even come with matching return address labels!)

A National Geographic Magazine From The Month And Year They Were Born: This gift comes across as incredibly sensitive and thoughtful, yet all you really have to know is the giftee's birthday. It's always fun to look back on the events and trends of your birth year and it may spark some fascinating stories on Christmas morning. Check out National Geographic to learn how to order back issues.

On Top Of The World Globe: This globe won't be everyone's cup of tea and it's fairly expensive, but it could be a super buy for any vintage lovers or travel enthusiasts on your list. Restoration Hardware's nifty replica is modeled after globes on the desks of 1950s travel agents and would look gorgeous on a coffee table.

Happy Shopping!

We Gather Together To Read This New Blog Post

On this Thanksgiving day, I'd like to take a moment to express my gratitude for the following things that are consistently excellent: Christopher Guest movies, Bittersweet Cafe hot chocolate, my mom's jokes, Stephen Sondheim musicals, Martha Stewart DIY projects, my dad's sermons, Zachary's deep dish pepperoni pizza, Tim Keller Bible studies, Anthropologie sweaters, discussions at my small group, Project Runway, Amy Butler textiles, Tim Goodman's column in the SF Chronicle, service at San Leandro Honda, Safeway, Mimi's buttermilk spice muffins, Spark on PBS, Disneyland, Discount School Supply products, and Isaac Watts' hymns, including "Is This The Kind Return." I thought it was particularly appropriate for today. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Is this the kind return,
And these the thanks we owe,
Thus to abuse eternal love,
Whence all our blessings flow?

To what a stubborn frame
Has sin reduced our mind!
What strange rebellious wretches we,
And God as strangely kind!

On us He bids the sun
Shed his reviving rays;
For us the skies their circles run,
To lengthen out our days.

The brutes obey their God,
And bow their necks to men;
But we, more base, more brutish things,
Reject His easy reign.

Turn, turn us, mighty God,
And mold our souls afresh;
Break, sov’reign grace, these hearts of stone,
And give us hearts of flesh.

Let old ingratitude
Provoke our weeping eyes,
And hourly as new mercies fall
Let hourly thanks arise.

You Can't Judge A Carol By Its First Verse

I'm not a fan of Christmas carols like "Angels We Have Heard On High" or "The First Noel" that simply tell the Christmas story with no additional teaching or insight. You know, the carols that start "there were some important people in a special place," followed by a chorus of "alleluia" or "noel," followed by a second verse that explains "some other important people came to see them," followed by another chorus of "alleluia" or "noel," followed by a third verse that tells how "some other neat stuff happened," and finally closing with two rousing choruses of "alleluia" or "noel."

For years I foolishly grouped "Once In Royal David's City" with these types of carols, only to discover that it may be the sweetest children's song ever written. Cecil F. Alexander included it in Hymns For Little Children in 1848 and it's the first time I've seen Hebrews 4:14-16 specifically applied to children. I teared up when I read the lyrics today and I hope they encourage you as well.

Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from Heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.

And, through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.

For He is our childhood’s pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav’n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

You Kids Today Are So Spoiled . . .

In my day we didn't have any of those slick "Veggie Tales" videos with catchy songs and Monty Python inspired quips. All we had was the crudely animated "Flying House" series. And we had to walk five miles in the snow to watch it. Barefoot. Uphill. With wolves chasing us.

I Think I Should Take This As A Compliment

This morning in Sunday school, I received one of the greatest accolades a second grade girl can bestow. Cassie looked at me and said, "You look a little bit like Hannah Montana."