Monday, December 25, 2006

A surprise dose...

...of Christmas eve cheer was administered to me tonight.

A friend who lives in the building next to mine -- which is a charming little 1920s apartment court -- invited me to join her, and two of her neighbors, for Christmas Eve dinner.

I had time to whip over to Trader Joe's and pick up some sparkling apple cider and pie, so did not arrive empty-handed. The food was traditional fare: turkey with stuffing, mashed 'taters, peas, wild rice.

The really nice part of the evening was the company. H. is a photographer, so we have something in common. Better, she and the other guests are part of what makes this area so nice to live in, what the inevitable yuppification Where The Ghetto Meets The Sea will destroy: a kind of benign but slightly demented end-of-the-continent sensibility that breeds individuality and a desire -- almost a need -- to live among all kinds of oddball people.

Does that makes sense to you? I don't know. It might be one of those you-have-to-be-here things. I simply dig hanging out with real people who don't care about image or status. They simply are.

Christmas-y it wasn't. Not exactly, anyway. No religion involved, just four people who craved relaxed, friendly, caring company in a season that virtually demands such close social intercourse.

Christmas: be there or be square, Jim.

So it was four people and two cats in this little 1920s apartment with its hardwood floors, a space for a long-gone Murphy Bed on one wall, munching on holiday food and making each other laugh.

H. will never know what she saved me from, bless her heart. I had a bout of self-revelation today, and the revelation did not please me. I will write about it, because it is most bothersome.

But not tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

Tonight, I'm smiling. H. is a good friend, her neighbors are interesting and likable, her kittycats dug me, and Hobbes is snoozing after enjoying some turkey leftovers.

According to NORAD, Santa is at this moment in Calgary, Alberta. I know a place there where he's going to leave some fine presents. A few lumps of coal dropped over Idaho, and he'll soon be on his way to Seattle.

I don't care that he'll zoom right past my place, too. I was given a sweet gift this evening, which I hope I returned in some small way.

It's already December 26th in Manila, where Art Bell is doing his show. I've got a full stomach, a full heart, and a shot of Trader Joe's best single-malt.

Seems like a perfect moment to say "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night."

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, Scrib. Glad you had a good one!

Anonymous said...

YAY!!! I am so glad for you!

Merry Christmas from the east coast :)

Doug said...

The spirit of Christmas had a stop over in the Ghetto by the Sea. Merry Christmas again, Scribbs.

MrScribbler said...

Sometimes, it's the small things that keep you glued together.

I really needed that....

Anonymous said...

How wonderful. I am so pleased that you had a good Chrictmas Eve. All the best to you.

Dorrie said...

I am SO happy that you had a bit of Christmas spirit presented to you! See, things CAN work out! {{{hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

Happy Christmas you Scribbling ole git! I'm glad you had a good evening. See, not everyone hates you!

Anonymous said...

So the Christmas spirit caught up with you, too. :) This sounds like the kind of good time/camadarie you needed. Maybe you can build on this tomorrow. Merry Christmas, friend.

Anonymous said...

Aww!! I am SO happy you wound up having a nice time!

And I can very much relate to the nostalgia you describe of life in your area!

Except instead of "Where the ghetto meets the sea", we are "Where the hippies still think it's 1963" :-)

The big joke with the tourists is: "Don't miss the Jesus Christ look-alike contest in Hanalei" - ha ha ha... C'mon man... they're talking 'bout one of my long-time FRIENDS & fellow artist now!!! But we are able to laugh at ourselves...

But, like where you are: it's bound to be fully taken over by the yuppies some day.

Again: i'm glad you found company & a nice time for x-mas eve.

**hugs** and alooooha!

Anonymous said...

:) Merry Christmas.
-Lauren

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, Scribbs!
benb

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Mr. S.
Our Christmas Eve was very much like yours - there is little better than laughter and food with friends.

Anonymous said...

Lately I've been wondering why everyone always has turkey...turkey for Thanksgiving..and then turkey again for Christmas...Next year Imuh spice things up and cook a leg of lamb or something crazy like that...

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Happy Christmas from across the pond Mr Scribs.

Unknown said...

Dude that rocks. You had fun and good company. Hope the rest of the holidays treats you well - maybe evem BETTER! Looking for company on New Year's, eh?

Anonymous said...

Yay! I'm so glad you had a nice time. You deserve some good company for Christmas.

Gill

Anonymous said...

This is so great to read, MrScribbler! See? Miracles happen! Merry Christmas from St Petersburg, Florida. {{Hugs}}

Anonymous said...

{{{{{MrS}}}}}}, we had a special toast for you. I'm so glad you didn't spend Christmas all alone. I just know that next year at this time there will be someone special in your life. :))