Greetings to all folks near and far.

It will not be long before the holiday season is upon us. Do yourself a favor and shop early to avoid the throngs, mad rushing, and stress of holiday shopping.

If you like to make your own crafts and gifts, make sure you have all the supplies you need so you can get an early start on your projects.

My latest article is about Lorelei, the enchantress who lures sailors to the treacherous rocks below her in the Rhine. Come read about Lorelei at:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art45342.asp
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Did you know that in olden days most celebrations for the holidays included dancing and singing? Create an old fashioned holiday party with old folk songs and those old dances our ancestors so loved. When I was a child my folks often cleared out the large dining room, set up snacks and drinks on the kitchen table and invited all the neighbors over for singing and dancing.

The doors and windows were left open, the kids were allowed to run in and out and when the music started, people started drifting in -- bringing cider, cakes, sandwhiches, all kinds of food to place in the kitchen. Mom played the piano and Dad played the guitar or banjo. Dad also took turn dancing with my Mom, sister, or I. I always begged to dance a polka with him. Singing and dancing went on till folks became too tired to dance anymore. It was great fun!
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Hoop-dee-doo, hoop-dee-doo
I hear a polka and my troubles are through
Hoop-dee-doo, hoop-dee-dee
This kind of music is like heaven to me
Hoop-dee-doo, hoop-dee-doo
Has got me higher than a kite
Hand me down my soup and fish
I am gonna get my wish
Hoop-dee-doin' it tonight
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Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's Heaven on Earth.
- Mark Twain
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Have a great day. May your home be filled with laughter and may it ring from floor to rafter. Blessings to you and yours.

May you walk in peace and harmony.
Phyllis
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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=131

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Phyllis Doyle Burns, Folklore and Mythology Editor
http://folklore.bellaonline.com

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