Christmas Time is Here...

Good evening! I hope that as you read the title to this post, you hear the children from A Charlie Brown Christmas singing, because that is what I had in mind. ; ) And, *applause, applause* I finally figured out how to put a title on my posts. Anyway, what with it snowing for the first time today (none of it actually accumulated, but it still counts) and my mother decorating the Christmas tree, I was inspired to write a Christmas-y post. I love this time of the year, for so many reasons, of which I will go into more detail some other time. Soon. I promise! But for now, here is what I am looking forward to doing over the holidays. My family and I just went to the mountains to cut a Christmas tree, which is always a delightful experience. Except for when my cousin and I got stuck on a steep and rocky side of the mountain with about a forty foot drop to a small creek. But it was in the worthy pursuit of a lovely tree, and we are back once more on level ground none too worse for the wear. But I digress. Our freshly cut tree is now being draped with lights and red beads and lace, which is always my mom's department. Then I come along to help her put ornaments on the tree while listening to our favorite Christmas music and drinking tea. I am hoping to convince my brother to put Christmas lights on the house, which if he doesn't get to it, I may very well break out the ladder and the stapler and try my hand at putting up lights. I'm eagerly anticipating attending a Christmas party with my friends, baking sugar cookies and eating too much raw dough, watching favorite Christmas movies - including A Christmas Carol, Polar Express, and While You Were Sleeping - and reading Christmas books. And listening to Christmas music. If you are looking for two of the best Christmas cd's, do try On Christmas Night by Cherish the Ladies, and First Christmas Morning, by Dan Fogelberg. They can be heard for free on Grooveshark or by clicking one of these links: On Christmas Night and First Christmas Morning 

While all of these Christmas doings are loverly, one of my favorite things about this time of year is reflecting on Jesus and his first coming. The story of his birth is rather fairy tale like, except that it is real. And the happily ever after - it includes us! Someday we will reach our happily ever after, the beginning of our true lives with our Redeemer and Friend. And I like to think that we might still celebrate Christmas on the New Earth, for this season brings us so much joy, and at least for me, draws me closer to my King. Forget the frantic shopping and holiday madness - it will all pass away. What is imperishable is our King and the treasure that we store up in Him. 

So here is wishing you the start of a beautiful Christmas season, one that I hope will bring you the joy of knowing why Jesus came. To top it off (and because I am having so much fun with links) here is one of my favorite parts of A Charlie Brown Christmas: 

I remain yours,

The Pen Maiden

Greetings! I have at last returned to my blog, which is currently rather infantile, but shall grow with time, I imagine. Admittedly, reading a very good book has diverted my attention from writing, but my job as a writer for a magazine also requires my attention. But here I am, and I'd love to tell you a little more about The Pen Maiden!

To begin with, naming this blog was no small task. Is it ever? All of the names I thought of were already taken, and the writer in me insisted on being as original as I could. So what is the story behind the title I chose? I must admit that I have always had a fantasy of being what you might call a sword maiden, such as Eowyn from Lord of the Rings. She is gentle and virtuous, and she believes in standing beside the ones she loves, even in battle. (Not to mention she has gorgeous hair!)

But, alas! I do not live on Middle Earth. Therefore, I decided to think of myself as a pen maiden, and the thought struck me as quite romantic - one of my one weaknesses.

I'll admit, I have been quite reticent to the idea of writing a blog - it seemed like giving in to one more modern trend. And I pride myself in being rather old-fashioned. But several people inspired me to blog, such as Melody and Miss Dashwood  They are both thoroughly old-fashioned friends of mine and I find their blogs quite delightful! So here I am... writing my first official post, ready for the adventure. I love adventures!

The Pen Maiden will be about anything and everything. Writing, books, movies, tea, dancing, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quotes, music, and all those other delightful things that I am so in love with. I consider myself a farmgirl, a cowgirl, a pianist, and a writer. But today I remain yours,

The Pen Maiden

Gentle readers,

The Pen Maiden is a newly created blog, who's authoress is currently a very busy writer. She hopes to explore new modes of writing through this blog, and will turn her attentions to it as soon as she is able. Thank you for popping over, and please come by again! There are many blank pages yet to conquer!