Pipecleaner Snowflakes

You probably read that title with a bemused expression.

Well, I actually made a snowflake out of a pipecleaner today.  Not a real snowflake, of course - but the familiar, six-pointed shape, with little loops on the end of each point, simply by twisting three strands of white pipecleaner together.  Of course, that's not all I did today...

I also made a fuzzy little ring and a shiny red flower out of pipecleaners.

Well, I also took care of chores and did a little cooking, as usual. My craving tonight was for the flavors of my childhood, so I took stock of the ingredients available and prepared some Vietnamese-style spring rolls.  Granted, my finished dish was not completely authentic, but I always make do with what I have.  I simply sauteed some diced mushrooms with garlic and a splash of gluten-free Tamari soy sauce, cooked rice noodles, and prepared the rice paper by swishing it around in a shallow dish of warm water.  Then I laid out the noodles on the softened paper, sprinkled the mushrooms on top along with diced white onion, cucumber and sprigs of cilantro. A dash of fish sauce later, I rolled up the sticky rice paper and my rolls were ready to go. Dessert was a special rice cake from last night's Simbang Gabi festivities.

I have been practicing playing Christmas carols on the piano, since the Nativity is only days away. My sight-reading is improving, my best friend says.  There are still ornaments to be hung on the Christmas tree and presents to be wrapped. But the best part for me is kneeling in the church and receiving the Baby Jesus in my heart again.  I am always fascinated by the tiny Child who came to teach us to love, appearing among us in a very ordinary way.  Usually, I write a verse or two each year around this time, to share with family and friends my reflections on Christmas.  I think tonight is the night...

Time to sharpen my pen and dip into the inkwell of God's love and the Spirit's inspiration!

After all, life is too short to die. One must appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's everlasting love.