The Geek Tree

Several people have heard me talk about the surprise I had planned for Richard this year... an aptly named "Geek Tree" covered with ornaments from movies, books and cartoons that he loves.

Finding some of these ornaments wasn't easy, but it was a nice distraction from the upcoming holidays, which I knew I would not find pleasant, and it would be something that would bring Richard some happiness.

The thought to use Cornelius from Planet of the Apes as a most unlikely angel topper was sort-of last minute, but he actually works very well as the icing on the top of the cake, so to speak.

Now this is maybe only half of the ornaments that currently decorate the tree and the joy is knowing that we can add more to the tree in the years to come.

This won't be our tree every year; or maybe we will set it up as a small, secondary tree some years.

It certainly makes for something unique, and a conversational piece for those who have seen it.

There are a few pieces on here that may be just a wee more me than Richard, like the Fantasia ornament of Hyacinth Hippo and Ben Al E Gator (below), though my Raggedy Ann and Andy ornament somehow failed to be used... I am not sure how I forgot it, but that's okay, because I can use it next year.

So what ornaments would you include on your own "geek tree"?

Would it be the Ecto1 from "Ghostbusters"? The one I didn't get around to buying, but that I will certainly be adding for future trees?

Or would it be something newer, like Iron Man or Thor? I would have loved adding a Loki ornament if I could have found one.

Would you stick, as I did, with purchased ornaments, or would you try sculpting some of your own?

Would you go with a complete theme, like novels only, or use a eclectic hodpodge of favorites from throughout your life?

So what do you think of our tree for this year? Feel free to comment and let me know.

First Snowfall

The first real snow of the season arrived yesterday here on the valley floor. We had been teased by dustings of snow covering the mountains, with only a few flirtations here far below... quick falls that would quickly melt and fade nearly as fast as it had come. I sat and watched as large, feathery flakes spiralled out of a gray sky, blanketing the world in a quilt of fluffy eiderdown, dappled in shades of white, gray and pale blue.

What a beautiful way to bury the dying remains of fall and leaving everything fresh and clean; allowing the world the time it needs to be reborn again in the spring into something new... and there is something so comforting, so soothing and peaceful in watching the snowfall when you are safe and warm indoors. Some reassurance that you are home...

Maybe its because snow is so tied to the holidays. Growing up in the mountains of northern Washington state, the snow would sometimes arrive in time for Halloween, and by Thanksgiving it was down to stay; not to melt until March or April. Seeing the world wrapped up in its winter finery always makes me want to reach for a cup of steaming, fragrant hot cocoa or a warm spiced cider. Something cosy against the chill outside.

Jason loved the snow. He would wait for the first snowfall, and when it came, would put on his traditional song, light candles heavy with the scent of Christmas and watch the snow as it drifted down.

I thought of that tradition yesterday... I even considered doing it for myself, but somehow couldn't bring myself to do it. I even found excuses... oh the speakers aren't set up yet, or I would have to dig the CD out of the office.

I woke up this morning and saw the trees outside my window, looking so lovely and graceful with their bare branches wearing their new winter coats, and couldn't resist any longer. I got up, made my way here to the living room where I found the song on youtube.

Feel free to listen for yourself to the introduction to winter.... its called "First Snowfall" and its by Michael W Smith.

I hope you will excuse me, for I am off to make myself a cup of cider now.

Welcome winter....