Yes, Virginia...

Believe in the your heart...

When I was a little girl and my younger sister told be about Santa...I ran to my Mom in tears. She told me not to worry, Santa will always be alive as long as we believe in our hearts...

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Francis P. Church

Have yourself a
Merry little Christmas!

Ballerina Frances

This past Sunday, a group of "Aunties and Uncles" along with Frances' parents went to enjoy a Winter Ballet Recital performed by various ages.It was held at the Newman Center on the campus of University of Denver- very posh!

Our beloved Frances was the fourth group to show their talent! It was so darling- I was taking photos (no flash allowed) as fast as I could...tears in my eyes and laughter in my heart!

Frances on far right end

our prima ballerina!

As I sat back for just a moment, I noticed the people in the audience around me- they all were mesmerized- it was in that moment where sweet innocence made it's appearance and touch each and everyone there. It was special!

Mommy! I have the prettiest dress!

Flowers for the Ballerina from Auntie Mary Lou

After the recital we were all invited over for lunch, it was nice to all be together as "family".

One tired princess after her recital!

After a nap, Frances is good to go with a celebration princess cake!

Frances with Mama & Papa

Life really is good for Frances
and for us all!

Little Children of Mexico

Last week Mark and I were in Cozumel for our annual dive trip. We have been fortunate to take vacations there for over 18 years. During that time we have stayed at the same hotel, The Galapago and now, The Scuba Club, and have become friends with many of the people there.

sunset from the dock

For that last few years, two of our dear friends, Juan and Raymudo have invited us to their homes for a visit. Juan was our waiter and Raymundo was our dive master. We have seen them grow in to fine men and have met their families.

Birthday Boy Juan Pablo

This year, Mike and Candy and Mark and me were invited to Juan's home for his youngest son's, Juan Pablo, fourth birthday. It was very much an honor for us to be invited to this traditional celebration. We all have limited Spanish but that did not stop us from enjoying the festivities! The party was held outside in their side yard. There were chairs lining the walls and at the far end was the prized pinata.

View from pinata towards street- happy people!

Little one taking her shot!

All the sweet little children would crowd behind the pinata and one woman would pull each child out to take thier turn at hitting it. We, Americans, all marveled at how patient the little ones where in waiting for their shot.
All the audience would sing a song.

Spanish: Dale, dale, dale. No pierdas el tino. Porque si lo pierdes. Pierdes el camino.Ya le diste una. Ya le diste dos. Ya le diste tres. Y tu tiempo se acabó.

English: Hit it, hit it, hit it. Don’t lose your aim. Because if you lose it. You lose the way.You hit it once. You hit it twice. You hit it three times. And your time is up.

After the small ones took a crack at it, the older kids would step in to break open the pinata for it's candy. I found this to be particularly fun- so patiently the kids would wait for their turn but once it burst it was mass mayhem- everyone for themselves. All the children would dive to the ground (which was btw-concrete) grabbing candy as fast as they could! Heads bumped, fingers step on...no one crying...and they were having the best time! Each ending up with a pile of that precious candy!

Mass mayhem!

Juan Pablo's brother with his loot

When the party was closing down, our friend Raymundo, gave us a ride back to our Hotel. We had no candy (well ok- except for my husband) but we had big smiles on our faces and a warmth in our hearts that is only when you have shared a wonderful experience with people you love!

Little Alberto and Candy

Gone finshin'

Well actually... diving!

This week Mark and I are in Cozumel
with our dive buddies for our annual vacation!
Talk to you next week!