And in the end, we will all be enveloped in this Winter Wonderland...

I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no - Ooh baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been - I'm lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm -- Look out the window at that storm...

You've really been grand - Your eyes are like starlight now

Hello all!

The holiday season is upon us, I have the fortunate chance to enjoy occasions to get together with my entire family, which I cherish as we don't normally get to do as often, what with our busy lives and hectic schedules- during Christmas it always leaves me going back to when I was a little girl, eagerly looking at smiling faces, humorous conversations, the aroma of homemade cooking, and feeling so lovingly warm in the comfortable sphere of it all.

I often find myself watching classic specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, which never fails!

Reading beautiful books that takes your mind to an old-world atmosphere of places. Someday I would love to journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. In fact, journeys by train would be my preferable method of travel- in this modern time where things seem to love the rush, the speed and advancements of so many inventions, it's nice to enjoy quiet comfort in things.

Listening to Pink Martini's holiday album which is played all the time now, as I am in love with their jazzy take on Christmas songs.

My dearest friend had just recently left for France to spend time with his family and is very fortunate to be going to all these different places where the family is, where the last stop would be in Paris! We promised each other that the fact that we're an ocean apart tugs our hearts, and we vow to write letters to each other, in which I'll send a couple by mail and the rest when I see him in January.

Apparently there's a surprise for me in store when he gets back and I'm very curious to see what it's about.

Drinking candy cane hot chocolate and Caramel Brulee from Starbucks.

The Black Swan costume that one of my favorite designers Rodarte had made for the film "Black Swan". The costumes are just wondrously beautiful to make us all sigh in bliss.

I am in love with this Tiffany ad- it might just be that it defines the perfect moment and lifestyle we wish to aspire to be in someday.

Most importantly, the sheer joy of having a couple of weeks off is potential time to continue my writings for my book "Memories of an Evening". I've got these lovely ideas drifting in and out of my head, one involving a curator, a ballet dancer, a violin player, and an economist.

I wish you much happiness and may your spirits be bright during the holidays with your loved ones!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne