I’ve adopted a phrase similar to the teen catch-all word
”
whatever.
”
Using the term
”
it’s all good
”
works wonders for my holiday stress. (I say holiday with a
small
”
h
”
due to the numerous celebrations this time of year, not out of
political correctness.)
I’ve adopted a phrase similar to the teen catch-all word “whatever.” Using the term “it’s all good” works wonders for my holiday stress. (I say holiday with a small “h” due to the numerous celebrations this time of year, not out of political correctness.)
In reality, all the hustle and bustle of “this time of year” was invented by those who love to keep lists and check them off. Santa suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it’s rubbing off on a few too many. Making a list and checking it twice is two times too many.
For me and my type (the live-for-the-moment, no-planning-required, come-fly-with-me-and-my-dreams type), we’re still finding presents we hid under the bed last year and had since forgotten. “It’s all good” is a soothing chant when we’ve missed appointments, forgotten to buy a loved one a present or continued to wrap presents in the back bedroom Christmas morning.
No time for lists, anyway, because there are too many parties to attend. Good parties, too, and they’re all in South County. Santa, take a break and have some fun!
Mr. Claus himself was spotted this past weekend attending the holiday concert of South Valley Symphony and the Gavilan Choir. Called on stage by maestro Henry Mollicone, Santa promised to check the behavior of the symphony’s percussionist before delivering the requested red Ferrari.
Santa doesn’t always abide by the “it’s all good” principle. A nearly full house enjoyed the symphony and choir, along with the Morgan Hill Ballet Co. performing selections from “The Nutcracker.” The best way to avoid the stress of holiday gift lists? Attend a concert.
Another avoidance technique is to go miniature golfing. Have a few relatives in town and looking for something to do? Viand Restaurant in Morgan Hill is open for lunch and dinner. The tandoori chicken is delicious, with wonderfully prepared vegetables and homemade mango chutney.
Owner Yogi Patel, a Live Oak High School graduate, has created the ultimate family place. The dining room is lovely, with local artists’ works gracing the walls. The wait staff is attentive and eager to please.
When the kids grew restless toward the end of the meal, my brood traded their dessert fund for a round of miniature golf while mom and dad enjoyed an after-dinner coffee and chocolate crème brulee. Put this restaurant on your list of must-visits!
On the list of generous businesses is Dividend Homes. During a recent family adoption program run by Community Solutions, Dividend Homes donated thousands of square feet for storage of donated items. Way to go Dividend Homes.
The ultimate solution to the busy holiday rush is to organize a get-together of old friends and new friends. Dubbed the AWOL ladies, more than 45 South County women did just that: They gathered in the cozy bar of the Golden Oak Restaurant in Morgan Hill Tuesday night after hectic days spent decorating, shopping and entertaining kids on vacation from school.
Ramune Ambrozaitis brought the talent down from Napa Valley in the form of singer Kathleen Cronin and her accompanist, Leigh Wyckoff. Cronin comes from Napa (fourth generation) but in 2003 won best song in the Nashville Star Search for her original single “Pony Up.” With the voice of an angel, Cronin made it “all good.”
Enjoying a table for two and happy to share a holiday together were sisters Dina and Marinela. Dina has just arrived from Romania with her seven daughters ranging in age from 6 to 18. According to their Aunt Marinela, the girls are beautiful and very talented.
Talent for design and creativity was shown on the table near the fire in the bar with a display of one-of-a-kind belts made by Melisse Basso and Catherine Lowney of Ava Londen Designs. We call it “light shopping” when purchases can be made while sipping our Cosmos and listening to a country singer.
Mr. Dana Peterson of Trendwest Resorts fell into the heavy shopping category when he generously purchased eight belts for his employees attending the party. Peterson may have found a new angle to timeshare ownership. Buy a timeshare, receive a free belt. Hmm. Can we skip the sales presentation?
All good stories have happy endings. Local children’s author David Keane will be headed out on a book tour in May to promote his new book series. “Joe Sherlock and the Case of the Neighborhood Stink” comes out soon, according to his wife and promoter Christine Keane. It just so happens Christine has enough enthusiasm to promote anyone and everyone. I’m sure she’s a list-maker.
Ciao for now.
