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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: It's a Colorful World (12/03/09)
Ornamental Views

As I open the box, my journey begins. Angelic choirs vocalize the pure majesty of the season. A cinnamon scented candle ignites, then burns, emitting its spicy aromas. Peace pervades my spirit and its quiet celebration links me with a greater communion of believers longing to capture a holy moment during the Advent season.

My hands find the small brass bell, tinkling as it is lifted from the ornament box. Discovered in Austria, delicate hand painted eidelweiss and many hued wildflowers adorn it. It evokes nostalgic images of lively colorful marionette shows, the gilded baroque splendors of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, and the subdued earthy tones of the sixth century St. Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg. As it’s hung on a fragrant pine branch, Mozart melodies and Strauss waltzes stir within me. The bell takes a prime area near the top of the tree.

My eyes then catch sight of the blue and white medallion ornament, a replica of a native Hawaiian quilt design. As it finds its place on the tree, one image flashes before me. My camera once captured a vibrant red hibiscus with its emerald green leaves framing sparkling blue Pacific waters on Kauai’s north shores. Olfactory memories conjure up fragrances of plumeria and pineapple in the rainbow-colored Hawaiian isles.

The hand painted white and gold clay doves take flight from the box next. Originating from Mexico, they elicit vivid pictures of the mercados (artisans markets) as well as gleaming silver jewelry complemented with gemstones of turquoise, coral, or pearl. The vibrant costume colors of folk dancers are contrasted with the rich yet subtle hues of religious statues in the multitude of cathedrals dotting the cities and villages of Mexico. The clay doves soon find a landing spot on the tree.

Though they could be mistaken for Easter ornaments, the painted wooden egg ornaments were collected at the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremburg, Germany during its usual Advent season. What a kaleidoscope the outdoor Christmas market is, with traditional wooden nutcrackers, a myriad of handmade dolls and toys, hand blown glass ornaments and gifts. And oh my, the smells of spiced nuts, sweet pastries, sizzling sausages, and mulled wine! Waking up from this delightful daydream, I find the perfect branches to hang my German “Christmas” eggs.

My next find is the king figurine outlined in brass and composed of many tinted pieces of red, green and yellow capiz shells brought home from the Philippines. I remember that day of shopping in Manila in the wild colorful “jeepney”, kind of an open taxi-jeep with painted murals splashed on it. Later I wandered through a park, soaking in many floral delights as I observed a few elderly couples performing tai chi. I place the colorful king next to the crèche ornament.

I can’t help but smile as I spy the Disney castle in the corner of the box. Disneyworld is the happiest place on earth they say and I believe it! Why, the Disney princess gowns are grand and elegantly colored and the Tiki birds must be clothed in the richest shades in the world. The castle ornament is hung with a golden cord which secures its special site on my holiday tree. I half expect fireworks to start shooting up from its towers!
Many other ornaments are displayed with care as I complete my Christmas “masterpiece”, each telling its own colorful story. With my task complete and the journey over, I close the ornament box for the season.

Whipping up a steaming cup of hot cocoa , I settle in to the cozy embrace of my blue sofa, sighing in satisfaction as I listen to sacred carols. My quiet celebration continues. Surveying the many splendored hues adorning my Christmas tree, “I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”*



*Song lyrics by Bob Thiele and George Weiss
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Noel Mitaxa 
12/11/09
Thank you for a thought-provoking and colourful tour of the world God love dso much that he sent his Son here as one of us.
A great bridge into this celebration season.