There Goes Connie – A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

Heartwarming Encounters at the Grocery Store

01/18/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I only had 4 items on my list. The sun was shining, and the temperature was so warm I didn’t need a jacket. Exceptionally nice in early January.

The parking lot had a convenient spot just for me — a sure sign that this wasn’t one of those wild and woolly days when the whole world needed groceries. It would be a quick in and out, and I’d be back home in no time.

And, that’s what happened . . . with a few heartwarming encounters along the way.

Steve and I like sharing an apple with almond butter while watching television at night, so my first stop was the produce section. I was happily bagging my Gala apples ($.99 a pound) when I spotted Becky, an employee at the store I’ve seen forever. She’s one of those who is always friendly and always remembers my name. I said, “Becky, how long have you been working here?” She said, “44 years.” Can you imagine that?? I think it says a LOT about Becky AND the Kroger company that they could instill that kind of loyalty for such a long time. I said, “Wow, that’s almost as long as Steve has been practicing veterinary medicine!” Becky asked how he was doing, told me how kind she thought he was and asked about the children. We shared grandchildren numbers. I won the count, of course. Our conversation was brief but so indicative of how it feels to be back in a town that knows who I am and seems glad to see me.

A few aisles further, I saw a former student stocking shelves and thought about what a tall, strapping young man he has turned out to be. I went through the self check-out but took a few seconds to wave to one of the checkers who was actually in the same youth group with my kids several decades ago. She always greets me happily.

On my way to the car, I stopped to allow the car beside mine to back out. After backing out only a few feet, I caught sight of the driver and recognized her as a senior adult in my church who taught my daughters in GAs when they were children. In turn, I was HER daughter’s piano teacher. Bless her. Seeing me must have distracted her because when she backed out, she backed a little too far and hit a parked truck behind her.

Yikes! I had just witnessed a crash and had 10 frozen items in my cart. (Yes, I know I said I only had 4 items on my original list. Judge not). Somebody’s tail-light was now in pieces, but it took a minute to see whose it was. The lady sitting in the parked truck got out. I held my breath. But, instead of watching an angry tirade, I saw an example of extreme graciousness and kindness. Amazingly, no one was upset. Her truck, as it turned out, only got a tiny scratch. It was the GA leader’s tail-light that was busted.

I knew both of the ladies. They were kind and pleasant to each other, exchanging names, etc. My GA leader friend caused a chuckle by saying, “Don’t worry. I’m in good hands. I have All-State!” I guess nothing beats a positive attitude and good car insurance, right?

Anyway. The whole grocery trip took less than 30 minutes, but it was one of those times when you’re just glad to be where you are at a particular moment and happy to interact with so many good people in such a short time.

I want to always be thought of as one of those good people, don’t you? The kind of person who does not respond angrily when a mishap occurs. The kind who stops to ask about what is happening in another person’s life and is quick to share sincere compliments.

Let’s do our part to make the world a better place in 2019. It starts with little acts of kindness and grows.

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

FYI — Quick explanation for those of you who didn’t grow up as Southern Baptists. GAs was/is an organization designed to educate young girls about missions and missionaries, encourage participation in mission projects and promote Bible memorization. The letters used to stand for Girls Auxiliary, although no one that age knew what the word “auxiliary” meant. It was later changed to Girls in Action. The organization had a PROFOUND impact on my life.

5 Things I Loved about The Plaza

01/14/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

When you’re 68 years old and you have a Travel Bucket List, it’s high time to start marking items off that list. Or, at least, that’s my reason, and I’m sticking to it. On three previous trips to New York City, I stayed in very nice hotels, but this time, if it was at all possible, I wanted to stay at the most iconic address in the city. It was worth every penny (ahem, dollar). I absolutely loved it, and here are 5 reasons why.

STORIED HISTORY

When The Plaza opened for business at 9:00 a.m. on October 1, 1907, Alfred G. Vanderbilt was the first to sign the guest list. He died in 1915 on board the Lusitania, when the Germans hit it with a torpedo.

Famous guests who have stayed (some even lived) there include: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1946, Frank Lloyd Wright, Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and hundreds of others.

Julie Nixon married David Eisenhower there on December 22, 1968.

The New York Yankees had their celebration party there a few hours after winning the World Series in 2000.

Donald Trump owned The Plaza for a few years starting in 1988, calling it “a masterpiece.”

Glimpses of the hotel’s lobby and guestrooms can be found in numerous movies, with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York being the most recent, where it was featured in many scenes.

The Plaza was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, for its lavish architecture. And I can assure you, the building deserves that recognition.

SINGULAR VIBE

From the crisply-uniformed doormen, reception clerks and discreetly-placed security guards to the gold-plated entrance doors, spectacular chandeliers, floral arrangements and even the aroma, you know you’ve walked into a special place.

Several times we got on the elevator with tall, chiseled-cheekboned models wearing exquisite fashions and speaking to their companions in Italian, Portuguese or French (or so it seemed). It would have been easy to feel like hayseeds from Alabama, as in “the Pearsons, i.e. Clampetts, go to New York,” but we didn’t. I’m sure there were famous people at the hotel while we were there, but we were treated just as exceptionally as all the guests.

The level of service is a source of pride instilled in the staff, and they take their roles seriously. Each guest is assigned a butler, for example. You don’t go traipsing down the hall to an ice machine with your plastic bucket. You alert the staff, and the ice is brought to your room — silver bucket, silver tongs and all.

When we were escorted to our room, a personalized note of greeting was waiting, along with a tray of colorful macarons. Nice touch. Very nice.

Doorman awaits guests at the ornate entrance.

LUXURIOUS AMENITIES

The gold theme, along with crystal chandeliers, ornate tilework, elegant furniture and plushness carries over into even the most basic guest rooms. (In other words, we did NOT reserve a suite. There has to be a limit, you know).

Plush bathrobes and slippers, deluxe toiletries, a fully-stocked snack bar, a safe for your valuables (who, pray tell, travels with valuables?), huge bathroom with soaking tub, separate shower, separate toilet room, amazing linens on the bed. Wow.

And there was an iPad on the desk. Hmmm. An iPad. As it turns out, iPads were introduced by Apple in 2010, and The Plaza was the first hotel in the world to install these iPads in their guest rooms. With this iPad, guests can control the lights or the room temperature, order room service, request ice, a newspaper or a shoeshine from the butler, find out information about the area, and on and on. Another wow.

When the hotel first opened, it had 805 rooms. But, in 2008, it was renovated and now houses 282 guest rooms and suites, 152 condos, and an underground mall with retail shops and a fabulous food hall with specialities of many kinds. We loved strolling through, eyeing the various options for a casual dinner. We decided on crepes, made to order right in front of us.

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court were both fabulous. Wonderful food. Impeccable service.

When I looked out our windows, I noticed several rooms on other floors with Christmas trees in them. I learned later that “for a small fee” you could order a fully-decorated Christmas tree to be in your room upon your arrival. Triple wow.

OUTSTANDING LOCATION

If you want to have the iconic NYC experience, it would be hard to beat the location of Central Park South at 5th Avenue and Grand Army Plaza. Just cross the street and you can enter Central Park, a wonderful place for a stroll or jog. Three blocks away you’ll find Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. It’s an upscale shopping mall with a Whole Foods on the bottom floor, great for picking up a quick, inexpensive lunch. By the way, Columbus Circle is the location for one of the best outdoor holiday markets in New York City, most of them open from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas Eve. A very convenient subway station is also located at Columbus Circle.

But, speaking of upscale, step outside the door and you’re practically at the entrance to Bergdorf-Goodman, then cross the street and make your way down 5th Avenue, probably the most recognizable retail hub in the world. Take your pick of Gucci, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue or Tiffany’s, to name a few. By continuing only a few blocks, you’ll reach Rockefeller Center with all of its attractions, including the newly-opened F.A.O. Schwartz Toy Store. Radio City Music Hall is within sight of the toy store.

For a visit to NYC at Christmastime, it would be hard to find a better location. But, actually, with the subway so near, you can reach pretty much anywhere from The Plaza.

THE INFLUENCE OF “ELOISE”

The children’s book Eloise at the Plaza by Kay Thompson was published in 1955. It tells the story of a very rich, but also very mischievous little girl who actually LIVES at the Plaza, is well-known to the staff, and who causes all kinds of “situations.”

Many Eloise-themed souvenirs, clothes and decor items have sprung from the book, and there is a popular store in the underground mall which sells this merchandise.

The very popular Afternoon Tea at the Plaza includes a menu specifically for little girls. In fact, there is a full schedule of activities wrapped around the character of Eloise that girls and their mothers can enjoy year-round. See the link here. There is even an Eloise Suite which can be reserved for an overnight stay. Be sure you like pink. A lot of pink. In a few months, we will welcome our EIGHTH granddaughter into the family. Wouldn’t it be fun to take them all to NYC for a tea party? . . . . If I didn’t have to PAY for it. 🙂

THOUGHTS

It’s not cheap, but I’m so glad we got to stay there for a couple of nights. To me, it was definitely worth the splurge, and I would eagerly anticipate a return visit — once I get more items marked off my Bucket List.

For a few more details, click here to see this article I wrote for Trip101.com.

“Only God can do this.” Dabo Swinney

01/11/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

“You can’t write a Hollywood script like this, only God can do this. That’s a fact.”

Those were a few of the words spoken into a microphone to be heard by thousands of football fans after the National Championship game last Monday night. Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers had just done what many thought was impossible. They defeated the Crimson Tide of Alabama, the undefeated previous national champions, resoundingly. Not just by a point or two, not just with a last-second field goal, but in a way that was impressive and irrefutable.

Of course, he was smiling broadly, but if you watched the game, you saw other signs of what makes this man and his team special. There was love on their sideline. There was a unified commitment to a goal. There was an atmosphere of family.

Yes. Last year, there was a strong Christian testimony given by Tua Tagavailoa, the freshman quarterback who saved the game for Alabama and gave glory to God. But, this year it was Dabo Swinney.

Consider a few remarkable facts about Coach Swinney:

His real name is William Christopher. Dabo is just a nickname — thank goodness!
Swinney actually played football at Alabama, starting as a walk-on, earning a scholarship and then being a part of Alabama’s National Championship team in 1992.
He and his wife Kathleen have 3 sons, all of whom have accepted Jesus as their Savior — a fact that he calls his greatest blessing.
He fell in love with Kathleen when he was in the 6th grade.
Swinney is the youngest of 3 boys.
His father was an abusive alcoholic for many years which caused the family extreme poverty.
His mother, an emotionally strong woman who overcame much, has had a profound influence on him throughout his life.

For much more of Swinney’s story, read this interview filed by ABC News in 2016.

As I’ve thought more about Swinney’s quote — “only God can do this” – I believe it applies to every single one of us. When we look at the circumstances of our lives, isn’t it true that God has orchestrated every one of them? We are ALL unmistakeable evidences of His plans for us, His purposes, His design. The situations He’s led us through make up the total of our character, our personality, our reason for being born. Isn’t it our privilege, our responsibility, our job to acknowledge Him in everything we do?

Dabo Swinney had a microphone in his face on a nationally-televised stage. If you or I found ourselves staring at a person holding a microphone, what would we say?

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Philippians 4:20 – “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Dabo Swinney photo courtesy of Google Images.

Looking Back at my 2018 Travels and Recommendations

01/07/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t just looked back at my calendar and all of the photos I took. During 2018, I visited 23 destinations, finished construction/decisions/moving involved with our new house and hosted the 11th Annual Cousins Camp. You might think I’d be ready to stay home for awhile, and yes. I truly do savor days for writing, thinking and “just being.” But, those of you who know me best, know that I always LOVE planning. So, happily my calendar is filling up with more amazing places to explore in 2019.

A few of the trips I made in 2018 were purely for fun, but 100% have or will end up as blog posts or articles in other publications. And, 100% of the places I visited can be wholeheartedly recommended for you. The vast majority were in my heartland, a.k.a. The Deep South, but I also got on a few airplanes along the way.

I began the year with Steve on Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL, and we ended our travel year seeing New York City at Christmas time. In between, there were fabulous restaurants, hotels, museums, attractions of all kinds and stunning displays of nature. Here are some highlights, pretty much in order as I saw them through the year. Maybe one or more of them will capture your attention and draw you in for a closer look. Please stick with me as we explore more hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems in 2019.

Shellhunting with the shorebirds on tranquil Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL in January of 2018.

The iconic tree in Rockefeller Center, New York City, December 2018.

February is a wonderful time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. There are many activities and advantage for snowbirds, and of course, the seafood is always fresh and delicious.

A search for the many painted mules in Jasper, AL is a fun pursuit. While there, the shopping and dining options are plentiful.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum is an important destination. While in town, try some of the great restaurants — Highlands Bar and Grill, Galley and Garden, Chez Fonfon, etc. — and take the elevator to the top of the Vulcan.

It was so much fun to share a “Gone with the Girls” tour with my daughter and granddaughter. Clay and Henry Counties and their towns of Jonesboro, Locust Grove and McDonough (just a few miles south of Atlanta) are full of great eateries. shops and attractions, among them is the Road to Tara Museum.

Oxford, Mississippi is home to the University of Mississippi, 4 restaurants owned by John Currence and Rowan Oak, home of novelist William Faulkner. What a great town!

In addition to famous recording studios, boutique hotels, the University of North Alabama and good Southern eats, be sure to visit the store and workshop of Natalie Chanin and get a close look at her fabulous textile artistry.

The historic and beautiful Dunhill is a great place to stay in downtown Charlotte. The rooms are comfortable, the location is great, and The Asbury, adjoining restaurant, has award-winning chefs.

Biltmore House and Gardens is a MUST when visiting Asheville, N.C. Also, consider one of the delightful B & Bs in the area.

While visiting the Old 96 District of South Carolina, I highly recommend staying at The Inn on the Square in Greenwood, S.C.

Historic Brattonsville is an informative attraction in the Olde English District of South Carolina, between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC.

Canton OH is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and SO MUCH MORE!!

Downtown Cleveland is filled with sports venues, hotels and restaurants. A little further out are attractions for history, art and music lovers, and don’t forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Columbia, TN has a great historic downtown, the James K. Polk Home and the Blythewood Inn Bed and Breakfast. Be sure to plan a stop when you’re in the Nashville area.

Gadsden, AL has Noccalula Falls within its city limits, plus a wonderful Main Street with shops, restaurants and a very active cultural center.

Corinth, Mississippi is the site of important Civil War history. Here is a poignant fountain outside the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center.

The Palm Court, ornate restaurant inside the Plaza Hotel in New York City, is where one of America’s most famous Afternoon Tea parties takes place.

Go. See. Eat. Experience. There’s a great, big, fascinating world out there.

(Just scroll back through my blog posts to read about these places in greater detail).

An Important Prayer for 2019

01/04/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Driving home from taking grandkids back to their parents on New Years Eve, I turned the car radio to 88.1, the Christian music station in my part of the country. A song I had never heard came on and immediately captured my heart.

If you want to hear the song, click here for the YouTube link. It was written and sung here by Natalie Grant and is called “More Than Anything.” The part that lingers in my mind goes like this:

Help me want the Healer more than the healing.

Help me want the Savior more than the saving.

Help me want the Giver more than the giving.

Help me want you, Jesus, more than anything.

Wow. I was immediately convicted. Far too often, my prayers are requests that begin with “Please give me . . . .” I want to be healed and to see my loved ones healed. I want to be saved from bad situations and have my loved ones delivered from them. I want to be given things over and over again. But, I KNOW that God’s desire is for me to long most of all to know, love and long for the Healer, the Savior, the Giver, Jesus above everything.

Matthew 22:37 — “And He (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 6:33 — “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness . . . .”

Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself in the Lord . . . .”

Deuteronomy 6:5 — “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

That will be my prayer focus for 2019. I’d love to hear about yours.

Corinth, Mississippi: 5 Great Reasons to Take a Short Detour off of Highway 72

12/31/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Corinth, Mississippi is SO MUCH MORE than a convenient pit stop between North Alabama and Memphis. Yes, Highway 72 has numerous fast food chains and gas stations, but this fun Southern town has a great deal more to offer if you’ll give it a few hours (or a day or two) of your time. For that matter, you could even make it your actual destination and have a wonderful time.

CIVIL WAR HISTORY

Corinth and its immediate surroundings are steeped in significance related to the Civil War. I strongly recommend a tour of the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 501 W. Linden Street. There you’ll find a modern, 15,000 ft. facility with exhibits, a video about the Battle of Corinth and a very impressive water feature.

The Verandah Curless House, 705 Jackson Street, is Corinth’s only historic house museum and was the headquarters for several generals during the war. The plan for the Confederate attack on Union troops at Shiloh was set into motion at this house.

Corinth Contraband Camp at 902 N. Parkway was the site where newly-freed ex-slaves were given refuge. The American Missionary Association assisted in this effort. Sculptures on the property evoke an emotional response.

Shiloh National Military Park is a short drive away at 1055 Pittsburg Landing Road, in Shiloh, Tennessee. It is a must-see if you have a serious interest in the Civil War. Seeing the terrain and conditions firsthand add to your understanding of who and why the circumstances happened as they did.

At the entrance to the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center

SLUGBURGERS and Lots of Great Food

Borroum’s Drug Store on the courthouse square at 604 E. Waldron Street, has the distinction of being the oldest drug store in the State of Mississippi still under continuous operation. But, in addition to a chance to see artifacts and relics from Native Americans and the Civil War, you can have a soda or a milkshake at their vintage soda fountain or try their signature Slugburger.

Nickels used to be called “slugs,” and these burgers were originally sold for a nickel. They were made from ground pork and beef that had been stretched with flour (during the Depression) and then deep fried. The accepted way to serve them is with a slice of onion, some pickles and mustard. The price is $1.75 now. Actually everything on the menu is very reasonably priced. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped WAY back in time.

Other restaurants and eateries that I heartily recommend in Corinth include smith. (yes, it begins with a lowercase s), Abe’s Grill (go at breakfast time and try their chocolate gravy), Pizza Grocery (housed in a wholesale grocery warehouse built in 1920), Joe’s Diner (another popular breakfast spot), tamales at Dilworth’s (strictly a drive-through) and Vicari (an upscale restaurant downtown). There are plenty of chains in Corinth, but, as always, I urge you to try the locally-owned places.

Chocolate gravy for breakfast at Joe’s Diner

Slugburger and chips at Borroum’s Drug Store

Entrance to smith. in Corinth – upscale restaurant.

FUN SHOPS

Corinth has a surprising number of unique shops for clothing, gifts, home decor, accessories and more. Some to keep in mind are Carli & Co, Lipchic Boutique, Baxter & Me, Rowan House, Hoochies Gifts and Accessories, Taylor Wick & Co and T. Feazell. I want to return soon and spend more time in each of these.

Two I explored and found a couple of things that “had my name written all over them” were Shirley Dawg’s and Sanctuary. Shirley Dawg’s has clothing for men and women, mostly casual and mostly sports-oriented but also high quality. Sanctuary is a beautiful shop of antiques, collectibles and art. They also have signature-scented candles, one of which is sitting on my desk as I type. The business is housed in a former Episcopal church building constructed around 1904. You’ll enjoy looking for evidences that this was once indeed a sanctuary for worship.

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES

Possibly the most unexpected place I found in Corinth was the motorcycle museum inside Lake Hill Motors right on Highway 72. It is sometimes called the bike museum and displays many of the ones Dwayne McLemore has been collecting for more than 30 years. You’ll be amazed at the variety.

Visit from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday or from 8:00-3:00 on Saturday.

One of the fine motorcycles on display at Lake Hill Motors museum.

CORINTH COCA-COLA MUSEUM

Corinth didn’t invent Coca-Cola, of course, but its bottling company in the town has been in existence for more than 100 years. The museum showcases more than 1000 pieces of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia. Admission is free. The hours are 8:00 to 4:45 Monday through Friday, but you’ll probably want to email museum@corinthcoke.com to schedule a group tour. I suspect you’ll be treated to a refreshing Coke float while you’re there.

Coke float offered to visitors at the Coca-Cola Museum

I hope these photos and suggestions have convinced you to plan a day or two to explore Corinth, Mississippi. It’s a fascinating town, loaded with attractions, food and history.

What Will 2019 Bring?

12/28/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

The short and definite answer is “No one knows but God.”

We don’t know what minute we will breathe our last breath on earth, nor do we know when the Second Coming of Jesus will happen. We are only promised the specific moment we are experiencing at any given time.

The GOD’S WORD Translation of Matthew 24:36 puts the circumstance of the Second Coming like this: “No one knows when that day or hour will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son don’t know. Only the Father knows.”

When my mother opened her new 1986 calendar, she had no idea she would be in heaven before the end of that first month. I have that calendar and can see her notes for events she expected to attend in the first months of that year. On Saturday morning, January 25th, she had her ingredients lined up on the kitchen counter ready to make cookies when an aneurysm burst in her brain. Others I’ve known and loved died suddenly, completely without warning.

But this post is not about death, it’s about life.

I have some great expectations for 2019, don’t you? Mine include: celebrating another wedding anniversary and birthday (gulp!), watching our oldest grandchild graduate from high school in May, welcoming grandchild #14 into the family in July (yes, you read that correctly), continuing my travel writing with some fabulous trips, enjoying our first full year in the new house, undertaking fresh ministry opportunities at church and spending lots of quality time with family and friends. It all depends, though, completely on God’s provision, HIs timing, His mercy, protection and grace. My job is to live with joy, love and gratitude.

Here are some wonderful verses to encourage each of us as we face the challenges, the uncertainties, and yes, the blessings of 2019.

Zephaniah 3:17 — “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Matthew 6:26 — “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”😆

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone. God has a plan for each of us. Let’s enjoy finding out what that plan is for 2019.

Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone!

12/24/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

It’s Christmas Eve. If you haven’t already had all of your holiday parties and family gatherings, then likely today and tomorrow will be packed with food, gifts, excited children, tons of discarded wrapping paper and the inevitable dilemma of storing all the leftovers. Maybe, too, you will take time to attend a Christmas Eve service at your church or read Luke 2 and remember how all of this began, what it meant then and what it continues to mean today.

Before we start to take our own Christmas trees down this year and pack things away until next November, I just wanted to share a few more Christmas trees that we spotted in New York. Maybe you can start hinting to whoever controls the budget at your house that you’d like to see them for yourself in 2019.

A very Merry Christmas to all of you from Steve and me.

Elaborate tree in a store window on 5th Avenue.

A tree comprised of beautiful Louis Vuitton accessories for the fashionable woman.

A tree in the entrance at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, greeting worshippers coming in for Sunday services and the yearly Christmas programs.

A tree beside a Menorah, when Hanukkah and Christmas intersect. These two symbols were in the Food Hall at The Plaza.

Tiny trees and other symbols of Christmas incorporated into the sweets served at Afternoon Tea at The Plaza.

35-foot tree made of Swarovski crystals in the lobby of Radio City Music Hall.

An unintentional self-portrait while photographing scenes in Rockefeller Center. Can you spy my Silver Fox waiting patiently for me to move along? 🙂

What to Do “When Hate is Strong”

12/21/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

You know the Christmas carol.

I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the 3rd verse of that carol recently.

And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Hate is a word I very deliberately try to keep out of my vocabulary. Yes, I embrace hatred for sin and all of the things that the Bible tells us God hates, but in my heart, I choose not to hate anyone. I don’t even allow myself to say I hate certain foods, certain football teams or certain annoying medical procedures such as root canals. I definitely chastise any of the grandchildren who might mention hating something or someone. I think the word itself is toxic. It has the capacity to harm us deep down inside.

Yet, hate is everywhere in our world right now, and the results are devastating. As I mentioned in several posts recently, Steve and I were in New York at the beginning of December. This year Hanukkah fell on December 2-10, so we were in the city for the first two nights. Right outside our hotel “The World’s Largest Menorah” was erected, and each night one of the lights was ceremoniously lit. I suspect that in years past there have been great throngs of Jewish people who gathered for the occasion. Yet, this year, the crowd seemed small. No doubt there was some fear and apprehension about gathering in such a place and then becoming a target for anti-semitic extremists, such as the deranged man who entered a synogogue in Philadelphia and gunned down 11 innocent people while they were having a prayer service in late October. News reports described it as a “terrible and unspeakable act of hate.”

World’s Largest Menorah outside The Plaza Hotel in NYC

At the 9-11 Memorial, we saw the place where one of the most horrendous attacks, fueled by hatred for America, took place. Thousands of lives were snuffed out and thousands more have suffered the consequences.

9-11 reflecting pool with the names of victims inscribed

On the news night after night, we see our own governmental leaders spewing hate and venom toward each other and watch the sectarian violence occurring constantly in countries around the world.

My friends, this is NOT what God wants for His people.

In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you LOVE one another.“

What about it? What would it be like if this Christmas season we purposely put on love? How would it feel to choose to love that relative or neighbor or acquaintance or even a fellow church member with whom we disagree? How would it look to love store owners, restaurant servers or other shoppers waiting in line with us? Is it possible that we would be recognized as disciples of Christ if we “wore” love in these days?

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.” . . . . AND LOVE.

Afternoon Tea at The Plaza

12/17/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Before our recent trip to New York City, Steve asked me for suggestions as to what I’d like for my Christmas gift this year. I jokingly said, “Well, what about something from Tiffany’s?” But, in seriousness, I replied that I’d really like to have Afternoon Tea at The Plaza. In spite of the fact that such a frou-frou occasion sounded WAY out of his comfort zone, he agreed and let me make our reservations. The event matched my expectations and anticipation beautifully.

First of all, the setting at the Palm Court is exquisite. The ceiling, the architectural details, the ornately woven rugs, the plants, the music (light jazz a la Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole), the table linens, all of it has been welcoming dignitaries, movie stars, and common folks like us since 1907.

A closer look at the ceiling in the Palm Court.

Our server knew how to put out-of-town, fairly unschooled, formal afternoon tea people at ease. She helped Steve choose a wonderful green tea, and my black tea had a light, but complex flavor. I noticed hints of cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and apples. I liked it with a cube or two of sugar, and lo and behold, I discovered that I really like a touch of milk in my tea. Who knew?

I chose a black tea with hints of apple, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Oh my.

Although guests are booked solid every afternoon from noon until 5:00 p.m., especially during the holidays, we felt completely unhurried. Eventually, our tiered tray of sweets, savories and scones arrived and looked amazing. After a morning of browsing holiday markets and walking through Central Park, we were ready to enjoy these special treats.

After the first cup of tea, it was time to get started on all of the treats.

The middle tray of sandwiches and savories included a smoked salmon and pumpernickel napoleon, deviled egg salad on white bread, roasted turkey on wheat bread, English cucumber on rye bread, Parisian ham and gruyere cheese on a pretzel ficelle and roasted prime rib on a brioche roll. So much variety, definitely something there for even the finickiest eaters.

Salmon, cucumber, turkey, ham, egg salad and prime rib sandwiches.

I’ve never thought of scones as being extra special, but that’s probably because I haven’t had them with double devonshire cream, lemon curd or fresh preserves. Lemon curd was my favorite. That touch made the scones positively decadent.

Preserves, devonshire cream, and lemon curds for the scones.

The pastries and sweets were tiny (but not too tiny) bites of artfully-presented and intricately-delicious perfection. Listen to these descriptions: chocolate hazelnut nutella turron, chocolate and cherry buche de noel, eggnog tart with cranberry preserve and candied orange, raspberry tart, maple cheesecake with candied pecans, mandarin orange chocolate eclair and green apple and cinnamon macaron. And, yes, I had to look up several of those words. Turron is not in my everyday vocabulary. 🙂

Intricately-prepared pastries and sweets, all with a holiday touch.

I was completely surprised when the server appeared with a chocolate replica of The Plaza for each of us as parting gifts. (And, they both made it home unscathed in my carry-on bag). I can’t imagine actually breaking these apart and eating them, but I’ll enjoy showing them to the grandkids. 🙂

A chocolate replica of The Plaza with my last cup of tea. I can’t believe I didn’t stick out my pinky finger for the sake of this photo.

Apparently, very few people are able to eat everything on those trays in one sitting. Happily, the servers are gracious to offer to box up the leftovers, so Steve and I enjoyed them later than night after more sightseeing.

So, thank you, Silver Fox, for giving me this unforgettable afternoon. I loved making this memory with you.

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