All-Dressed Up

 Kookie Christmas Wearables

Get up, dress up, and show up! – Anonymous

Hey! This is not “kookie" dressing. Sometimes, we just like to ditch the ugly sweater and don clothes like it’s the best day of our life. 

Enjoy the fashion!

Keep calm and … OMG. Is that pasta?!

Guapo Son-In-Law looking cool and warm at the same time. Little Italy, New York: December 2025

We get to dress how we want, but sometimes, we gotta wear different hats.

 Ohana Trio try out Cossack hats. Soho, New York City

I’m still hot. It just comes in flashes now.

Right: Second Daughter shows off snowman dangle earrings, Gabe waffle-shirt and bandanna.

Never forget how fabulous you truly are.

Top right: Fav Younger Granddaughter proudly models long-sleeved shift dress handed down from Fav Young Granddaughter.

Dear Santa: I'd like to explain. I’ve been naughty and it was worth it!

Left: Hubby is delighted that he had kept Santa necktie gifted by Second Daughter some 40 years ago.

Best way to get rid of kitchen odors? Eat out! 

Right: Wearing hand-crocheted slouchy hat, 20-year old cross-stitched top, and Ho-Ho-Ho purse from Aldi’s

Our favorite exercise is a cross between a lunge and a crunch. It’s called lunch.

Early Christmas lunch celebration. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. Columbus, Ohio: December 21, 2025

May your eggnog contain enough rum

to get you through the Christmas season.

And may the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family

hope, love, and happiness!

Santa Cape

Kookie Christmas Wearables

The true spirit of Christmas? Finding the perfect gift… for myself. - Unknown

It’s Christmas.

So, why not get me a bright red Santa cape trimmed with soft, white fur? It’s the perfect me-gift for that classic, cozy Christmas look.

Dressing up as Santa is a delightful way to bring joy to both young and old. The red of the suit is vibrant and eye-catching.

Think of the rich, merry hue of holly berries or a crackling Yuletide fire.

They said I could be anything I want to be. I choose fabulous.

 

Fav Granddaughter agrees. It's not just about the outfit. It's about the spirit you bring to it.

 ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so suit up.

Practice your Ho ho ho, 

and get ready to spread some festive cheer!

Oh, Deer! And More

  Kookie Christmas Wearables

"Up, up and away!" called Santa. Off they flew into the dark sky, with Rudolph's shining nose guiding the way.

Wow! I asked, and you delivered. Here are precious contributions from a faithful reader on “Kookie Christmas Wearables.”

Left: I haven’t been naughty yet, but I’m about to be. 

Pretty puppy, 3 weeks old, selected to model annual Holiday Night gown, 2020 

Right: You say "no sticks inside" yet you drag a whole tree in the house?

"Noel" wrapping paper makes fashionable statement, 2023

Be more Rudolph! Two red-nosed reindeer, 2017 and 2018

Right: Oh, deer! I want more wine. 

(Lolo's unspoken mantra behind the red nose)

Christmas came early in 2009, blessing us with a little cutie.

Left: Baby boy in Santa bib, hat, and booties, crocheted with special care by G'amma, 2009

Right: Reindeer Boy at his school's Winter Assembly, 2015

Christmasy Favorite Granddaughters. Left: Youngest Fav enjoys zoo lights, 2020

Right: Young Fav models “Pretty Awesome” penguin outfit, 2019

There's no such thing as too much Grinch in your Christmas cheer.

Guapo son-in-law in Grinch shirt, 2023

Luv the outfits! 

May your presents be many and your troubles be few.

 Happy Holidays!

Oh, Deer!

Kookie Christmas Wearables

Life is too short to wear boring clothes. - Carly Cushnie

Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas?

As Bart Simpson says, it’s the birth of Santa!

So, let’s feast. 

Set up luminarias. 

Light advent candles. 

Give and receive, and find the greatest gift in the hearts of family.

Celebrate the season with a Walmart-special red top with multi-striped sleeves and gold-embroidered Oh, Deer.

I bought it on sale, so I actually made money.

I dress to impress ME.

Now, how do you make a reindeer-theme outfit even cuter? Upgrade with accessories and a top from Home Goods' bargain bin.

Reindeer earrings with moveable head. Light-up reindeer ring from Oglebay Shop

 

All I want for Christmas

is to sit in front of a dead tree,

eat candy out of socks,

and wear a nerdy, on-clearance Christmas sweater!

Cozy Wooly

  Kookie Christmas Wearables

Don’t expect much for Christmas. Santa’s sleigh was repossessed. The North Pole is in foreclosure, and the elves had been laid off. 

But, not to worry. An ugly Christmas sweater or hat and accessories are all you’ll need to bring joy to the holidays. Guaranteed.

Featured in this series are some of mine that might inspire you.

********************************************************

‘Tis the season to rock ugly sweaters. - Unknown

Sweater weather is my favorite excuse to stay cozy.

How’s this to spread Christmas cheer? 

A fabulous wooly green, embroidered top and Santa hat with lit deer antlers.

Life isn’t perfect but your outfit can be, especially when you’re snuggled with your Favorite Granddaughter.

You can never have too many cuddles.

So stay cozy with a touch of kookie wooly.

Let's cuddle and forget everything else!

Illusion Vs. Reality

 Optical Illusions 

Responses to last week's Do You Have Good Eyes:

AVH: Bad eyes!!

ITV: BAD EYES!

Congratulations, you two have GOOD EYES. I can’t say the same about this one.

He wasn't able to read anything.  Why don't you close your eyes about 90% and then read.

 

I’m pretending to know what you are talking about to get you to stop explaining.

You don't have such BAD EYES, do you?

Would you agree that there is an optical illusion about some things we see? 

Whaddya mean? My nose doesn't look like a cat's face.

Or that everything we see is a perspective, not the truth?

I'm so absolutely, incredibly, extraordinarily confused.

What then is real?

How do we disengage from the illusion and engage in truth?

I’m not confused, I’m just exploring the outer limits of my understanding.

Truth be told,

IDK. 

The only Spanish we know is, "Buenas Noches" which means "bonus nachos" - like finding forgotten tortilla chips in your cargo pants.

And let's just leave it at that... maybe tackle it in a future blog.

On seeing glowworms in New Zealand cave: We don't always whoop,but when we do, there it is.

For now, I hope that this series had been a fun distraction for you.

Tadaaa!

I'm not weird. I'm just limited edition.

Ivy With Heartsong And Friends

Benefit Concert for Kaleidoscope Youth Center

Sunday, November 23, 2025 - King Avenue UMC

Good music, good friends, good vibes. - Anonymous

Just a few highlights... 

You don't always have to go to the symphony to hear beautiful music.

Out Under the Sky: Pam Springer, flute. Iris Velasco, piano

Left: A Caribbean Christmas: Handbell Choir and Percussion

Right: You Make It Feel Like Christmas: Brett Gambill, Linda Guyton

Why does music sound better late at night?

Left: I Wish You Christmas: Emily Moore, soloist. Iris Velasco, piano

Right: Christmas Time Is Here: Andy Burns, Trumpet. Iris Velasco, piano

Heartsong And Friends

It wasn't just a concert, it was an experience.