Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Came Early



December 22, 2013

     Knuckles swollen like an old man’s. Happens when I the weather changes and I am wetting my hands constantly. None of the physicians seem to know what causes it, let alone how to correct it. So, I wring my paws in agony, holding them against the warmth of wool or thick cotton gloves, cradle a cup of tea or coffee, sit on them or snuggle up to someone to hold hands. Since it is a seasonal issue, I have a reason to cuddle and no one minds the strange woman with an obsession to be close.
     Exchanged gifts in the middle of the restaurant, over coffee and meatless Eggs Benedict. People within the vicinity hovered to see what present would come next. Despite the crinkled re-purposed wrap, my guest was not in the least hesitant to obey my order, to open a few of the things I delivered on Santa’s behalf. The joy, amazement and pleasure coming from a sixty-something year old (it is unforgiveable for me to reveal her true age) woman’s face was precious. Thrilling games, gorgeous specialty cards, hedgehogs scented with lavender tags for the car, a humorous magnet, lovely notebook, wipes for the obsessively clean, and a handmade card. The table of folks next to us continued to make comments about the items, enjoying them as much, if not more, than her. They insisted on asking where I purchased these delightful things and whispered the question of price. I could hardly reveal my sources. The three year old darling Hispanic girl, hair curled for the occasion, dressed in a lavender pants suit made for a princess, with lace trim, made her way through the obstacle course of tables, to peek over my girlfriend’s shoulder to catch a better glimpse of the gifts. Her big brownie eyes took in the celebration behind a pinched hairpiece. Elegant Mary Janes completed the ensemble, along with her busy hands, flapping a bit with each prize being removed from the rumpled Victoria’s Secret sack.          
    Adore shopping for someone, if I am not in a time crunch. I like to think about them and their interests, how they decorate their bedroom, what they do in their spare time, how they dress, and what they read. Most difficult are the people who buy everything they want and need for themselves. Stop doing that!

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