And the Winners Are…

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal

Christmas Contest Giveaway My Christmas contest has been great fun as all my giveaways because of all the reading friends who send me hellos and stories. For this contest, you shared your best and/or worst gifts, both the ones you gave and the ones you received. Some of the gifts really stunk, but some were so loving that reading them …

New Year’s Resolutions for 1965

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, Heart of Hollyhill

December 30, 1964 Jocie Brooke here reporting from Hollyhill, Kentucky. One more day and it will be 1965. Can you believe that? I remember having to get used to writing 1960 on my homework papers. And now I’ll be out of school before I have to write 1970. Unless I go to college. Dad says I should, but colleges cost …

Socks and Other Blessings

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal

http://blog.absolutesocks.com/2012/12/skid-free-socks.html We hang socks from the mantle at Christmas time in hopes that our sock will get magically filled with our favorite candy or some cute little gifts on Christmas morning. Few people hang up real socks, those kind you actually wear on your feet, for Santa to fill these days. But sometimes those real socks that keep the feet …

The Spirit of Christmas Giving

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ~Andy Rooney Merry Christmas, everybody! I hope you had one of those glorious messes on your living room floor or if not on your floor then you witnessed the mess of Christmas gift opening …

When Time Stood Still

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, Heart of Hollyhill

December 23, 1964 Jocie Brooke here reporting from Hollyhill, Kentucky on Christmas Eve Eve. How do you like our tree. I needs some strands of popcorn. As soon as I get my homework done, I’m going to help Aunt Love with stringing the popcorn. I’ll probably sneak a few bites too. Nobody could have a bowl of popcorn in her …

A Christmas Treasure Box Wrapped in Love

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.  ~Bob Hope I’ve been having a great time sharing forward some of the stories you’ve shared with me about the best and at times, the worst gifts you’ve given or received when you entered my …

The Best Gift – a Happy Family All Wrapped Up in Each Other

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, One Writer's Journal

“The best of all Christmas gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.“ ~Burton HillisThe Gift of a Happy Family Christmas is almost here for me since we are celebrating our family Christmas early. Some of my family has to travel a ways to get home and so a weekend celebration …

A Cedar Christmas Tree

Ann H GabhartAnn's Posts, Heart of Hollyhill

December 16, 1964 Jocie Brooke reporting from Holly County, Kentucky. I am excited! We got to go Christmas tree hunting Sunday at Miss Sally’s farm. I couldn’t believe Dad agreed to get the tree ten days before Christmas. He says I have to make sure to keep water in the bucket of rocks so it won’t dry out. And that …