J is (not only) for Jingle Bells - 2014 A-Z Blogging Challenge

April 11, 2014
2014 A to Z Blog Challenge A Rural LifeDay 10
J is (not only) for Jingle Bells….
We’re almost through the second week of the challenge, and so far I’m right on track. This is the fourth year I’ve participated in the challenge, and this year is all about My Rural Life and the forces that come together to make my unique world. 


_*_*_*_*_*_The title of today’s blog might make you think I’m “pine-ing” for Christmas. While it’s an idea for a blogging theme, I’m not ready to embrace Christmas 2014 just yet. Let’s enjoy summer and fall first, okay?
When I built my house, so long ago in the way-back time, it happened that I moved into my new home in November. And as is often done, family members came by to see the “new digs” and nose around. My father’s sister arrived with a housewarming gift - Christmas bells she’d made.
Now, this was a big deal. My aunt didn’t normally do any sort of needlework but she’d made me this adornment for my new home. I was beyond appreciative. She instructed me to hang the bells on my front door, which I did until she left. Then I hung them inside of the house, on the coat closet door where they’ve been every Christmas season since. You see, my front door is due south and the winter sun would have destroyed the fabric in a few short seasons. I did not want that to happen.
In the course of time, all the cousins got the same bells when they moved into their own homes.  Of the five sets of bells my aunt crafted, only mine have survived. (Please don’t display fabric heirlooms in the sun!) My aunt is gone now and last Christmas I gave serious consideration to giving my bells to her son, but I didn’t.
It may be selfish of me but I want to touch the fabric she touched every year when I hang them and remember a lovely lady who graced my life and who was called away from us far too soon.
J is not only for Jingle Bells, it’s also for Aunt Jane.
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You didn’t really think you’d get away without one more brief book promo, did you?
J is also for JONAS CHADWICK of Passion’s Victory, a 2008 CAPA nominee. 
For more information please visit the
Passion's Victory page at my website. 
KC Kendricks
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