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I'm pretty lucky that I get to be with my friends and family this year, however, most of my family is still scattered all over the world, and I don't know them all.

My mom and dad traveled to the USA over twenty years ago in search of a new life, new hope, and opportunity. They are pretty happy, and this is their home now, but I know my mom sometimes misses her old home. I can't imagine what it would be like to leave everything I knew at the age of 26 and follow my husband halfway around the world. In fact, I know I'm not strong enough to do that.

So here's to all of you! Here's to the people who sacrifice their lives, give up their friends, and give up their holidays. Here's to our soldiers that keep us safe. Here's to the immigrant families that leave their lives and their comfort behind in search of new opportunity.

And here's to the new hope they all bring as we look forward to a new year.

Happy Holidays <3

I wonder if Darth Vader was modeled after this guy?

World War II era poster seen at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC

Holidays mean friends family, and this year, wine! My husband and I took a week off and visited Michigan's wineries. I was pleasantly surprised! While the wine is very different from California wine (CA wines are more full-bodied), this light and crisp wine is very good :)

Wineries I would definitely recommend checking out:
www.founderswinecellar.com/ - we had a great experience at Founders... we met the wine maker and had a few glasses :). The Riesling is really good!

www.whitepinewinery.com/ - White Pine was a cute little store-front in St. Joseph. We grabbed lunch near there too :)

And if you're looking at your own trip, Michigan grape and wine council is a GREAT resource!!!

A spot on the ottoman curled up with a blanket at my feet while I study in the arm chair is her favorite place... and mine.

After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference."- Charlotte Gray