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puzzle pieces

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas means...

Have you ever watched the movie "Babe"?

I mean the talking pig movie....
where the pig is the hero- and the duck is just the annoying animal who 
everyone wishes would just waddle away?


When the duck realizes Christmas is upon them and one of the barn animals are in line for
 the dinner table, 
he quacks out in horror,

"Christmas Means Carnage! Christmas Means CARNAGE!".


This saying has become my boys' and my mantra (joke) as we challenge the city and all the 
shopping 'occupants'
 as of late.

Wow.

Talk about parking animosity, bumper to bumper cars, honking, cart line-ups along 
with the budding in line, 
glares, mutterings, and the quick grabbing of last items off shelves.

(Enter:  The Duck. "Christmas means carnage!")

I almost am embarrassed to call myself human. 
~~

So now, when we're out and about, and yet another person steals the parking spot we have been sitting waiting for WITH our signal light on,
we  yell out, 
"Christmas Means Carnage!"
...and putter down the parking lot for another available spot.

When someone almost takes my car door off as I try to get out, (in their haste to find parking):
"Christmas means Carnage!".

(Little do the boys know it's my half-hearted attempt to 
curb my own hostile retaliation...
Anger Management if you will.)



And then....I return home.

I grab my camera and walk.
And I find little scenes here and there, realizing that no one here
is budding in line 
or jostling in front of me 
or glaring.


Only quiet, little, vacant stares.
(Don't worry- not from my kiddos;)

No carnage here.
Just simple finds.

And the breathing room to remember what Christmas really means.


And once someone quiets the duck- 
we can eat.

44 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

lovin' those gorgeous bushes (rosehips?) and that cute, silent snowman. glad you can regain some sanity!

Patrice said...

I'm convinced that Christmas shopping means carnage!I think spending time with the snowman would be far more pleasant.
Have a great week!

Randy said...

Funny post and the photos are just amazing. I hope this isn't a preview of what is in store for me. I am heading down to Albuquerque for some shopping. I must be nuts.

Slamdunk said...

I have got to use that one as well.

"Christmas Means Carnage" is in full swing here also. It reminds me the joys of online shopping.

Rambling said...

Beautiful photos! I agree it's time to avoid the places where humanity gathers.

Kathy said...

I love Christmas, but hate the 'carnage' that goes with it! I have done a lot of shopping online this year too!
Your photos are beautiful! You live in a stunning place.
xxx

Peter said...

I remember the film but not that phrase. A great catch cry for all the things that Christmas has become.

darlin said...

Excellent photos Dawn, I LOVE the first snowman... that's way too cute. It's sad the way people have become, what ever happened to the Christmas spirit? I'm not giving up hope, not yet (as I grit my teeth in line when someone is trying to get in front of me!). Thankfully the shopping is almost done, it's only the final grocery shop and then it's family time... ahhh, yes, family time, this is what makes Christmas so special for me. I can't wait for Elyssa to open her gifts, hey wait a second, I'm sitting on Friday night... hmmmm. ;-) Have a wonderful day!

Cat said...

LOL quiet that duck!!!!
there she is...it can be crazy out there, that if for sure
love the images and the sentiments Dawn
good stuff

Love and light

Buttons Thoughts said...

I love this "the carnage" what a great way of looking at the madness. I love your photos and would take a peaceful walk with you anytime. I miss snow; whoops did I say that out loud. It is like we live in Florida here; what happened?
Love this post peace to you and your shopping buddies. B

sage said...

I've not seen the movie, but I like the quote and can imagine that such an annoying duck would best be served with an orange glaze... Yes, the holidays are busy times and people are often not in the spirit.

Ruby said...

cool images and a very cute snowman!!!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love that movie. I once blogged (ages ago) about the farmer when he does his dance for the pig.

Christmas means carnage indeed.

Judy said...

Wow, this post is a reminder of what I would have faced if we were still living in Illinois and shopping at the crazy mall. Beautiful photos Dawn!

Anonymous said...

I am SOOOOO falling out of my chair laughing at this post.

Leah J. Utas said...

Carnage and rosehips. Oh yeah.

Jo said...

Hahahahaha! That is perfect. I have been thinking about driving to the city today to tie up the last of the shopping, but the task seems quite daunting. People get their crazy on during the holidays, don't they?

And I would totally take you up on that offer to come sip wine and watch your tree sparkle. When will they get this teleportation thing down?

Alica said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog...I still have a pan of cinnamon rolls in the freezer, so stop in for a treat! :)
I haven't had a lot of time yet to browse through your posts, but so far what I've seen, I've thoroughly enjoyed! Nice job!!

Farm Girl said...

Lovely pictures and yes, when my boys were the age of yours they would say that same phrase. That is so funny.
Yes, I love Babe too. Especially since I have a Border Collie, she and Fly do all of the same things and it cracks me up. All of my grand-kids now watch it to see Sasha.
She does kiss everything the way Fly does too,
Well I love your snow pictures. Something so nice about the red of the berries and the white of the snow.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Heeehehehe!!! Loved it sweetie!!!

I'm so glad you had some beautiful bushes and a cold hearted little dude to bring ya back! :o)

Me...since I have to travel so far to get to a 'real' city, I shop with my keyboard and I have it in the bag!

God bless ya and have yourself a fantastic day sweetie.

BTW: Giveaway...my place...ya'll come!! The tea pots on and the fudge is goooooood! Heeehehe! :o)

Pat Tillett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pat Tillett said...

LOVE those photos! What a contrast between the red and the snow!
I'm with you on the shopping. That's why I DON'T go shopping in December. If it isn't bought by Thanksgiving, it doesn't get bought!

Allison said...

Sweet wonderful post! I will remember that!! Your last picture is truly a dream, Dawn. I am LONGING for snow.

♥ Helen said...

You have rally nice photos :)

Saz said...

I love Babe! One of my favourite films ever. And yes, the duck is rather funny, but annoying. Sounds like a good way to avoid getting angry!

And some gorgeous shots Dawn!

beth said...

i love the movie babe....and wow, do you have snow. can you believe here in wisconsin we don't have any yet....it's kind of odd :)

Anonymous said...

Ha ha. It's what I've always felt but never had the words for! It seems much more calm up here in the Alps compared to the big city back in SA. I think I prefer it here...

Michelle said...

What a phrase for the commercial side of Christmas!

variety tree said...

I have! I love that movie!!! I love the snow man! That is funny!!

Darla said...

That snowman looks like good company. Much better than the mad crowds.

Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning, I always like to meet new people.

Darla

Kerri Farley said...

Great post! Love your pics!

Ransick said...

People can be so rude! For the most part I dislike shopping all together (except grocery shopping). Beautiful pictures from your yard Dawn, nice way to de-stress.

Jack said...

I didn't see the connection between the photos and the text for a while. You have a very creative mind, Dawn.

Aimee said...

It is sooo crazy right now! People are just plain rude and it's so depressing!
I love your pictures...they are so beautiful!

Brian King said...

Beautiful photos, Dawn! Love the red!

Hilary said...

Wonderful photos and "Christmas Means Carnage" made me laugh. I suppose not too many would react to "That'll do, Pig. That'll do." ;)

GardenOfDaisies said...

Dawn, I turn out all the lights and just sit and enjoy the tree.... every night. It is so relaxing.

I stay away from the stores as much as possible! I don't need anything there anyways. I love the snow and the beautiful red berries at your place. Now that put a smile on my face!

Nancy said...

Misery loves company I guess -- love the fact you and your kids can laugh at the insanity. What a gorgeous bush with all of those bright red berries/hips. Lovely against the white snow. :)

Rick Watson said...

Christmas can be crazy and a lot of people forget what it's all about.
I loved the photos.

Anonymous said...

Such lovely peaceful shots!

I do hate the Christmas rush and rude rude people.

Rosaria Williams said...

What are those jewels behind the snowman?

Enjoy the beauty and quiet wherever you can find it.
Happy Holidays.

Deb said...

lol....Dawn..you quack me up...beautiful photos...Merry Christmas...

Carole Barkett said...

I love your view of it all. It's true. It took me a long time to get used to the city ways.

Janie said...

A funny battle cry, and a little too true of all the mad Christmas shoppers. Love the photos of the more sane Christmas quiet and reflection. Have a happy Christmas season, hopefully without roasting the pig or the duck!