This year I discovered the perfect boat friendly decorations. As portrayed on the featured photo – a small tree, a quaint poinsettia, and a wooden sailboat ornament fit nicely in Flapdoodle’s salon.

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As I sit and listen to Christmas carols lyrically strummed on a harp, I am pondering what I would wish for myself and others at this festive time. I am also considering which of my collected photo images to include to accompany my message. For me it is sometimes hard to know what comes first, the thought or the image.

When I walk Shelter Island this December, I sense it is – “beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Though there are some commercial ornaments adorning the streets and shop windows; it is the living plant “ornaments” that prompt me to think of the beauty of the season.

I spy joyous, hanging BELLS!

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Listen for the bells ringing music in your ears; including the chatter and laughter of friends and family resonating within your soul.

See the shiny, round BAUBLES!

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Watch the glowing tree baubles reflecting the happy, bright smiling faces of loved ones gathering.

Look at the sparkling, glittering JEWELS!

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Be touched by jewels, the treasured memories of loved ones and times present and past, may these refresh your soul as you enter another year.

Don’t miss the bright white STARS!

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Follow the bright white stars as they guide your focus into a hopeful future.

May many bells, baubles, jewels and stars, along with the accompanying sentiments, adorn your holiday season; bringing love, energy and color into your life. I hope that your Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah, or whatever it is you enjoy to celebrate at this time of year, is exactly the right size.

Sending LOVE to all our friends and family, far and near, from the Captain and the First Mate , Sailing Vessel Flapdoodle .

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