"A Christmas Carol" 1951 version and I still believe in it!

Posted by Virgil Burks

There are many different versions of "A Christmas Carol" but my favorite is the one staring Alistair Sim. He is a British actor and is marvelous as Scrooge.

Every December, as Christmas is almost here,my sister,two of my nieces and I watch "A Christmas Carol" the non animated version special on satellite television from http://www.direct.tv/.

The movie reminds me every year to stop and review just what is important in my life. After I watch the movie, I find myself wondering if I had given of myself in all the ways, I feel truly matter. The movie stirs a peaceful and loving place inside me at holiday time.

"A Christmas Carol" takes place in such a nostalgic manner and the different time changes are so well portrayed in the 1951 film version. The style of the clothing and the sound effects, have a way of drawing me into the entire movie.

All the characters are well developed and evoke so many different emotions in anyone who is watching them.

I think Alistair Sim's excellent portrayal of Scrooge makes you believe the actual story plot. What a wonderfully spirited Christmas Story! I love watching it many times each Christmas Season.

Hitting the Slopes

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

Tamara and I hit the slopes of Keystone yesterday. It was brilliant. The sun was perfect; the snow just packed enough to give you the ride of your life. You ever had one of those pristine days? This was it. The cold air, the glare of the sun of miles of white snow, and the rush of the air as it whisks passed. Perfection. At least once we hit the slopes. The day had started a littler rougher than that.

I'd woken up to the sounds of distant ringing. It always take the brain a while to start firing, when it did I realized it was the phone. It couldn't be the boss, it was Saturday. So that left family or some one I didn't have a mind to talk to. Not to mention it was much too early, I had thought to myself as I glanced over at the alarm clock. Seven a.m. on a Saturday was nearly criminal. I finally managed to locate the phone to hear Tamara voice. Seems here and Cadence had gone to splits. And there was only one cure for that. It was a good thing my gear was already packed up in the car. It always is during the season. I barely managed to get a comb through the hair, and enter the alarm code for the home security system from www.Securitychoice.com/ before I was heading out for a day of girl time and snow.

Find updates on last year's gathering on Karin's site

In the past few years, my friend and fellow peace gatherer Karin Zirk has been keeping a new blog related to each year's annual gathering of the tribe of the rainbow family of living light. Last year the gathering took place in the Allegheny National Forest. You can find Karin's record of this event at East Coast 2010 Rainbow Gathering. Her sites are informative and well put together so mark them as a reference for anything rainbow. Now there are many other sites that serve as information resources like Welcome Home. This site alone will give you the gateway to multiple websites and groups.

Black Friday Shopping Groups

Guest post from: Denver Stephens

Never go shopping on Black Friday with a group of friends. They want to go to different stores or one is hungry (at three in the morning) and there's always one that is stuffed hours after Thanksgiving dinner. I went with three friends to the Glen Burnie mall on Black Friday because it had what we were looking for. We split up at the front door and the Keystone Kops ensued.

Becky went into every single store to see their wares but bought nothing because she changed her mind. Sheila bought one thing from every store and got some good prices. Amanda wanted everything but her credit card was almost maxed out so she got a good deal on baby clothes for my granddaughter. I headed for Claire's for stocking stuffers and walked out with six pairs of earrings for five dollars each, one makeup bag for three dollars and several hair restraints of varying size, color and method for a dollar each.

We did decide to move down the street to a clothing store opposite the mall and there all four of us found a gem. I got a sweater, Amanda a pair of jeans, Sheila got a Tshirt and Becky chose a jacket. Prices were two thirds regular price and watching Direct tv in my warm sweater when I got home was great.

When disaster strikes get reliable help

There are many precautions that will help prevent being injured in a fire but sometimes disaster still strikes. Smoke alarms will give an early warning so you can get your family out of the house quickly. Other alarms can be installed that will notify emergency services like police and fire. There is still the aftermath when a fire strikes your home or business and it is never easy to deal with the tragedy. Call upon professional services to help salvage your home and belongings like the folks at fire damage austin and rest assured that all measures will be taken to restore your home. They understand what it takes to salvage your belongings, furnishings and your home so you don't have to be concerned with the technical side of things. Ease your mind by getting familiar with their services and add their phone number to your emergency list. Let restoration services austin deal with the insurance company in getting the funds to repair your home which relieves an even heavier burden from your mind in a time of great distress.

Flooding is equally disastrous with fire and it also takes special care to restore the property to a safe livable state. Water damage from fire is also a concern. The same professionals who care for fire damage can handle either of these situations as well. Count on the services of flood damage austin to provide the right restoration service regardless which disaster affects your home or business. Have a safe and happy holiday and please share this knowledge with your friends and loved ones. Pass on the phone number for their services when you give your gifts this year.

The Midnight Writer

The Trail of Peace is a forever journey

I asked myself when I started this path in my life and I'm not sure that I have a conclusive answer. It seems as though I have been a peacemaker my whole life. Now I am human with all the traits and tendencies of all beings with free will. That said, I admit to being weak and succumbing to my own temper and selfish desires. But there is a stronger drive within me that wants to reach beyond my own existence and my own moods to stand in a place of harmony and tranquility. That has to be the place where peace abides and love is actualized.

The Midnight Writer

Fashion for the medical field has come a long way

The days for wearing drab uniforms to work are over now that the industry has improved on nursing uniforms . The medical field requires its workers to wear uniforms for many reasons, one of which is sanitation and identification of a field. When I worked in the nursing home, I dreaded putting on that frumpy bulky uniform so I am delighted to share this news. Now you can opt for streamline waists, softer and subtler colors and fabrics that feel good to the skin. The leg cut is very complimentary and a great improvement over the square pants of the past. Scrub hats that match are available for any uniform choice.

Scrubs are not only worn in hospitals, but  a dental uniform is similar to hospital dress. Dental assistants and hygienists can find an equally stylish scrub uniform to wear in the designated colors for their office. You can mix and match bottoms and tops or select an outfit already put together for you. Jackets are in the catalog selection that can be mixed with different uniforms. Blue Sky Scrubs caters to men, women and children of all ages and sizes so check it out today. Add this to your Christmas list for any family or friends who work in the medical field. It will be a delightful surprise under the tree Christmas morning. And stuff the stocking with some matching jewelry from the same online catalog!

While you are browsing, don't miss the cherokee medical uniforms . Give the men on your list a new stylish look for work that is sure to make them smile. Smart stitching and tapered legs give these uniforms a chic design that resonates style whether the wearer is a doctor, nurse, dental assistant or works any where in the medical field.

The Midnight Writer

Thanksgiving Counsel took place in beautiful Washington

I haven't gone to a rainbow Thanksgiving counsel since Colorado in 2006 but I cherish the memory from that one. Raven and I stayed an extra month on the White Buffalo Farm outside Paonia, Colorado. It was an incredible experience for me with a bittersweetness that will stay with me forever. I wanted to attend this one in Washington but work and life called me to California. I thought we'd be heading to Montana for a spell but that hasn't happened yet. We're busy pursuing a dream but I'm following all the updates about the upcoming gathering because Raven and I are going this year. We hope to go scouting regardless of what else is happening, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. (a friend of mine says that all the time. God bless you Plunker)

Someone posted pictures of the Washington Thanksgiving counsel. I'll find some and post them here along with news and stories.

The Midnight Writer

A Movie That Offers Maximum Intensity

Guest written by our friend Gladys Fuentes

Sarah Conner was an average lady just minding her own business. She had a decent job and was just trying to make ends meet. Sounds like the average life, right? Yeah, well, it's average until you find out you're the future mother of a general that will lead the resistance against the machines. It's average until a man is warped down to earth via some form of electrical field and programmed to kill you. It's average until you're chased all around town by a machine that is nearly immortal. It's average until some guy shows up and tells you he's there to protect from a machine. Does this sound adventurous to you? Probably. And there's a good chance you have seen The Terminator before. Yes, I am speaking of the original. There have been so many sequels that I'm beginning to lose track. Part II: Judgment Day was awesome, but the others donât compare to the original. I will admit that I didnt remember how good the original was until I saw it on my Direct TV deals about two weeks ago. The original is just so pure and the action is relentless. I could feel my heart pounding through most of the movie. It was so intense that I needed a nap afterwards. If you want to see a great action movie, or if you need a nap in about two hours, watch the original Terminator.

Still walking the rainbow trail of peace

It's been fourteen years since I first walked through those gates of "Welcome Home" and the memory is as vivid today as it was on that day. It is etched into my soul and motivates me with love every day of my life. Some days it's hard to be the peace maker. But I know it is the only way to be and the only life to live while here on this earth and I am so grateful that I was granted the opportunity to experience the way of the rainbow. The annual gathering of the tribes of the rainbow family of living light nourishes my soul for yet another year away from my tribe/my family in gathering on the land in the national forests and mountains. I long for it before my feet ever leave the land.

Summer Breeze, The Midnight Writer