There’s something about this time of year, isn’t there? When the evenings grow still, the air turns crisp, and the world seems to lean just a little closer to the heart. Christmas has a way of stirring memories long tucked away — quiet moments, warm gatherings, and the gentle light of home.
As we move through December together, I thought I’d share a little holiday verse from Honey Hill Country — a simple reminder that Christmas isn’t found in the rush or the noise, but in the places and people who help us feel rooted. Perhaps you’ve known that feeling, too?
Please enjoy this Christmastime moment from Little Red Bear’s world.
“Christmas Lives On Honey Hill”
The moonlight drifts through the walnut trees, Soft silver on Honey Hill, And something familiar keeps whispering there In the quiet, deep, and still.
Down in the towns the lamplights glow, And wagons roll through the square — But my heart keeps turning to holler paths And to all my friends who gather there.
For Christmas lives in these winding woods, Where the creek runs slow and mild, And stories rise like chimney smoke From every home-bound child.
I’ve walked through cities dressed in lights, And felt the winter’s bite — But nothing warms a wanderer’s heart Like a hearth fire burning bright.
So, I’m heading back through the frosted pines, Where the evenings smell of tea, Where Little Red Bear keeps an extra chair At the table — just for me.
Where neighbors stray in two by two, Old tales are passed around, And laughter spills like fiddle tunes Across the snowy ground.
Where the young and old lean shoulder-close As the carols rise and fall, The golden glow of candle lanterns Shining hope for one and all.
And I’ll remember those gone on ahead, Their love still here to guide me — For love still lingers in these hills, And guides my spirit home.
Yes — Christmas lives on Honey Hill, In every heart and hand. A place where the season’s truest gifts Are easy to understand.
So let the moonlight drift through the walnut trees — It knows where I long to be — Back among friends in the quiet holler, Where Christmas comes gentle and free.
Thank you for sharing a few quiet December moments with me today. Isn’t it comforting how a simple poem can call up warm memories when we least expect it? Wherever you may be this season, I hope a little Honey Hill spirit finds its way to your home and heart.
— Jim (and Red!)
If this poem brought a little warmth or comfort your way, I’d be honored if you shared it with someone who might need the same.
And this Saturday, I will be sharing a brand-new Little Red Bear Christmas vignette — “The Lantern in Clara Thimblewick’s Window.” It is a gentle story of light, kindness, and the spirit of the season. I hope you’ll drop in and join us for it.
Pen-and-ink illustrations created with the assistance of AI and lovingly styled for Little Red Bear Land.
We are in the middle of the holiday season! Or should we say the “shopping season,” maybe?
Have you been busy shopping? How is your Christmas list going this year? Do you still visit the local stores, malls, and small business shops like we used to? Or do you do most of your shopping online, as so many seem to do nowadays? Or a mixture of both?
Are you one who wraps up their holiday shopping early and has everything checked off their list well before the holiday arrives?
Or rather like me? No matter how well I plan it out or the lists that I have prepared ahead of time over the years, I always find myself behind and busy right to the end.
But in a way, and knowing myself as I do, and if I am being honest, that may be the true plan, after all. I always enjoy the last minute chase for that special gift for someone, along with the holiday crowds and rush. Seeing and watching everyone. Maybe it’s just the last minute holiday scene, soaking up every second of the holiday season, my favorite time of the year. I know that many dread going out at the last minute before the holiday, but call me what you may, I have always enjoyed it.
So, if you are like me and still have some shopping to do, maybe for a special person in your life — be it husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, daughter, son, co-worker, Secret Santa gift, boss, or dear friend, we may have something to help with that. Have you considered gifting a special cologne or perfume, perhaps?
My dear friend, Renato Carotti, is a structural engineer and a married father of two children living in the beautiful “Sunshine State” of Florida. And Renato is an acknowledged Parfum Maestro, knowing more about colognes and the perfume industry than anyone I have ever met. When I smell a cologne, I can tell you if I like it or not. That’s it. Simple and to the point, the full extent of my knowledge. Renato can describe each note, its origin, and the creation process of every fragrance. Truly amazing. His knowledge of the fragrance industry seems boundless.
To my surprise, I discovered he is also a poet. Earlier in the year, Renato penned a poem about fragrances and has graciously allowed me to share it with you for the holiday season. Perhaps it will provide some inspiration or ideas for your next shopping trip.
Oh, the Scents that You’ll Find!
(inspired by Dr. Seuss)
by Renato Carotti
Oh, the scents that you’ll find, if you give it a try,
with a bottle in hand and a nose held up high!
From spicy to woody, to fresh citrus so bright,
Each fragrance you find is a burst of pure light!
You’ll start your adventure with just one or just two,
But oh very soon, you’ll ne’er have so few!
A spray in the morning, a splash at the night,
Each bottle a journey, a fragrant new flight!
Some scents will be bold, with a roar and a cheer,
Others will linger, soft whispers to hear.
There’s rich and rare Oud, like a story untold,
And Sandalwood smooth, a soft blanket of gold.
There’s Bergamot bursting like a breeze in the spring,
And Amber that hums like a glowing warm ring.
Tobacco that’s all smoky, like a tale from afar,
While Vetiver whispers much like winds in a jar.
Oh, you’ll mix and you’ll match, and you’ll learn what you like,
Maybe Lavender fresh, or Ginger that’s just right.
With each bottle opened, a new world to see,
Oh, the places you’ll go with each scent you set free!
So go forth, brave explorer, with your nose held up high,
Let the fragrances float, let them dance in the sky.
Collect them, enjoy them, in bottles or by sprays,
For each scent is a journey through life’s fragrant maze!
A heartfelt and very special “Thank You!” to my friend Renato Carotti for allowing me to share his fun poem with you this holiday season.
And with the holiday season in full swing now, I wanted to take a few minutes to remind everyone to check out all the free Christmas and Holiday Features available here on my Writing Pages. Freely shared, as always, because it is the holiday season and that is simply how we roll here.
I also invite you to Like and Follow my Writer’s Page on Facebook and my Patreon Page to be notified and enjoy all the upcoming holiday postings not appearing here on my Writing Pages — Holiday Recipes, Christmas-themed Videos, Images, Wallpapers, and more.
Thank you always for visiting with us!
Very best wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyous Holiday Season! Happy shopping! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠🐻 🎅 🎄
When not out fishing or gathering honey, Little Red Bear and Cinnamon Charlie love to color in their spare time!
Download and color as many as you like. And remember to color up some extras for the grandparents to decorate their refrigerators. We love that sort of thing!
Happy Holidays & Happy Coloring!
(image credits — Artwork by Tammera Malicki-Wong. Banner image artwork by Hazel Lincoln)
In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be Kind!
“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.” — Pindar
“Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.” — Dave Barry
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How are your Halloween preparations coming along? Are you wearing a costume, have it picked out or is it made and ready? Necessary make-up at hand? Wigs? Treat Bag or Plastic Pumpkin? False Vampire Teeth brushed and flossed for the big night?
Are you having or going to a Halloween party or get-together this year? Does anyone ever bob for apples anymore? That was messy fun back in the day!
What sort of treats will you be handing out to the little trick-or-treaters at your door? Does anyone make Popcorn Balls these days? I always seemed to get two or three of those in my bag years ago. If you would like to read about other Halloween memories, check out “A Nostalgic Look Back at Halloween Trick or Treating in Days of Yore”
Offering a little poem for Halloween today, unabashedly inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem — “The Raven.”
With a tip of the cap and nod to the master then . . . . .
“NEVERMORE”
We never know what lies in store,
When ghastly, ghostly spirits roar.
Witches soaring across the sky and moon
Causing knees to buckle before we swoon.
We’re never really sure, for certain,
What’s lurking unseen behind the curtain.
Or who may be on the ceiling knocking,
All the while our courage and bravery mocking.
Or who (or what!) it is that’s tapping,
At first so softly, gently tapping,
But then so forcefully rapping on the outer door.
Heartbeats rising, chest walls pounding evermore.
Tapping, clapping, slapping, rapping!
With each thump, my will it’s sapping.
Oh so menacingly now rapping on our door,
Bearing fearsome, frightful tricks of yore.
Are we brave with steadfast courage?
Or, should our fearless pluck discourage?
And perhaps, in prudence, open the disquieting door . . . . . . .
Nevermore?!?
Thanks always for visiting and having a bit of Halloween poetry fun with us today!
I hope you enjoyed this little piece and your time with us, and will return often as new features and posts are added during the upcoming Holiday Season. Register Today to be notified of every new post and feature and never miss out! Because that would be truly scary!
“I love Halloween, and I love that feeling: the cold air, the spooky dangers lurking around the corner.” – Evan Peters
This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of developing new materials, maintaining, and operating.
If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you toJoin our Patron Communitytoday, because together we can do so much!
With the help of patrons, we are able to donate free print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories and books to Senior Citizens, School Libraries, Local Libraries, Classrooms, and those who could otherwise not obtain a copy.
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“There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.” – George Carlin
Thank You for visiting with us!
Please feel free to share with family and friends. Likes, Shares, and Comments are truly appreciated and help greatly to expand our reach and encourage new readers and visitors!
Because together, we can do so much!
“During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open-minded.” – Unknown
As this is written here on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri, it is late August, the “Dog Days of Summer”, 103F degrees outside in the full afternoon sunshine, and a withering heat index of 117.
Whoa. That’s hot, by any stretch of the imagination or thermometer.
Squirrels are flared out flat as a pancake, cooling their bellies on shaded concrete. Birds are eerily silent and panting in the trees.
It is simply “Hot!”, and the August heat wave we are experiencing reminded me of a poem by Shel Silverstein, from his book of poems and drawings — “A Light in the Attic.”
The poem appropriately titled — “It’s Hot”, is reprinted below.
“IT’S HOT” by Shel Silverstein
It’s hot! I can’t get cool, I’ve drunk a quart of lemonade. I think I’ll take my shoes off And sit around in the shade.
It’s hot! My back is sticky. The sweat rolls down my chin. I think I’ll take my clothes off And sit around in my skin.
It’s hot! I’ve tried with ’lectric fans, And pools and ice cream cones. I think I’ll take my skin off And sit around in my bones.
It’s still hot!
Humor aside, many areas of the country are and have been experiencing dangerous heat levels this summer. This stretch of combined excessively high heat and humidity is unprecedented for this area, especially given the duration. Please take the necessary steps to keep yourself, your family, your loved ones, and your pets safe.
If you must work or be outside for any length of time, please remember to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, take frequent cooling breaks, drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged, direct sun exposure as much as possible in the afternoons.
The duration of this extreme heat means that conditions become progressively more dangerous each day for everyone, especially for the elderly, the very young, pets, and those exposed to the heat for extended periods outdoors, or even indoors without proper cooling. Again, Children, Seniors, and Pets are especially vulnerable to high heat. It is important to remember that in times such as this, the impacts of excessive heat can be CUMULATIVE, making it all more insufferable and dangerous the longer it goes on.
Heat Stroke is a life-threatening emergency with possible life-long, and life-threatening effects. Be smart, know the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, be careful, and stay safe.
As anyone who knows me well is aware, I do love the change of seasons here in the Midwest on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri, and try my best to appreciate each season and its unique beauty. But, for various health reasons, I do not handle the heat and humidity of Summer very well anymore.
So, taking liberties and having a little fun with William Shakespeare, I offer the following little ditty, inspired by the William Shakespeare page on Facebook several years ago —
“Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day? Okay, fine then. Since thou asketh — Thou art a sticky, bug-infested, sweat-stained, and uncomfortable mess that seemest to go on insufferably without end. Art thou happy now?”
“Thank You!” for dropping by to visit! Please take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during these prolonged summer heat waves. Hang in there with me — Autumn is coming soon! And as always, please remember — Kindness Matters!
Best Wishes & Blessings! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠 🐻
With children and grandchildren around (and for those of any age who like to color!), we invite you to visit “LITTLE RED BEAR’S ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ COLORING PAGES” for hours of family coloring fun and time together!
“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.” – Kellie Elmore
This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating.
If you enjoy your visits and time with us, I invite you toJoin our new Patron Communitytoday, because together we can do so much!
With the help of patrons, we are able to donate free print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Senior Citizens, School Libraries, Classrooms, and to those who could otherwise not obtain a copy.
Patrons also help my friend Little Red Bear and me to continue this as a Non-Monetized site free of distracting advertisements, dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes while sharing positive messages of Happiness, Inspiration, Kindness, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation with everyone.
“Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape…” — Harper Lee
Thank You for visiting with us!
Please feel free to share with family and friends. Likes, Shares, and Comments are truly appreciated and help greatly to expand our reach and encourage new readers and visitors!
Welcome to a special Tuesday edition of “Monday Musings” in celebration of National Limerick Day.
Celebrated each year on May 12th, National Limerick Day observes the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear (1812 – 1888).
Edward Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks, so the day also observes the Limerick Poem, popularized by Edward Lear’s “Book of Nonsense” published in 1846. While Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before the publication of his book.
As you may (or may not) recall from high school English classes, a limerick is a short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick, there are five lines, the first two lines of which must rhyme with the fifth, and the third and fourth lines rhyme together in the middle. The proper Limerick poem should also have a particular rhythm which is officially described as ‘Anapestic Trimeter.’
The Limerick Poem celebrates amusing turns of phrase, rhythm, and humor in a short, prescribed format. It also plays with words and peoples’ expectations.
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In honor of National Limerick Day, I have penned my own Limerick of sorts which I would be honored to share with you now. (Hope you like it!) . . . . .
There once was a lady named Spicer,
Who when outside with others just couldn’t be nicer.
But at home, she was spiteful, nasty, and mean,
To her gentle, kind, and loving husband named Gene.
Until, alas, he tossed her into a woodchipper and diced her.
It is my sincere hope and wishes for you that this message finds you and your loved ones well and in good health today and that everything continues the very best.
As restrictions loosen and many areas begin to open up again soon, even in a limited fashion to start, I encourage everyone to wear a Facial Protection Mask to stop the spread of the COVID19 virus, keeping in mind that wearing a mask is not really about protecting ourselves, but others. Wouldn’t you like others to wear a mask to protect you?
After sheltering in place for some weeks now, and with many suffering enormous budget and financial difficulties being out of work or with businesses shut down, stress levels are running high for everyone. Gentle words of kindness and compassion during these times help us all to get thru it. And that is what it has always been about — getting thru this together.
In a world where we can choose to be anything, please choose to be kind. It can be life-changing for someone and will come back to you in kind. Because that is how it works.
Best wishes for continued health and wellness! — Jim (and Red!)
PS — As a friendly reminder, Little Red Bear and I have changed some Amazon marketing structures and eliminated all royalties on his “Adventures of Little Red Bear” stories to make them as affordable as possible for leisurely and relaxing reading during this time for everyone. They are always Free with Kindle Unlimited.
And if you have already read and enjoyed Red’s adventures, we would sincerely appreciate if you could take a minute to leave a review to help others find their way to the books.
“Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.” – Leo Buscaglia
“An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” – Agatha Christie
This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us,Join our new Patron Communitytoday, because together we can do so much!
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” – Mother Teresa
So began the song of the same name by the Eurythmics back in 1983. I always loved that song and still do. There was just something mesmerizing about the voice and style of Annie Lennox that set the song apart at the time.
What brought it to mind is that we are expected to receive a good bit of rain over the next few days, three to four inches in our neck of the woods they are saying. That can be a lot all at one time here in the Midwest. The last time it rained on a Saturday night a few weeks ago we had a two-and-a-half-hour power outage that started before the rain even arrived. I think the power lines grew overly anxious just hearing about it, somewhat highly strung as they are.
Supposedly, the baseline for converting inches of rain to snow is that one inch of rain equals about ten inches of snow, subject to vary with the amount of moisture, temperature, etc.
Simply using the general baseline as our guide though, that means that if it were cold enough to support snow, it being early January after all, that we could receive up to forty inches of snow instead. Yikes! That would certainly shut things down for a while. Personally, with apologies to the snow bunnies in the crowd, I will take the rain at this point.
Back in the day and maybe before many readers were born, Karen Carpenter sang about how “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down!” A beautiful song, as so many were by The Carpenters.
B. J. Thomas sang a different, more upbeat tune than the others. Butch Cassidy fans please feel free to sing along —
“Raindrops keep falling on my head, But that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red, Crying’s not for me, ‘Cause, I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining, Because I’m free, Nothing’s worrying me.”
So then, how do you feel about rainy days? Love ’em? Or not so much, perhaps? Please take a moment to share your thoughts about rainy days!
Here in the backwoods with my story friend Little Red Bear, we always try to look for the good to be found in any situation, rainy days notwithstanding. Excluding torrential downpours, floods, and hurricanes, of course, of which I have seen my share over the years. We are merely talking about your run-of-the-mill, overcast, grey skies, rainy days here today.
You know the sort. The cozy by the fireplace, pull-up-a-blanket and take a nap on the couch kind of days.
For me, everything just seems to go at a more relaxed pace when the clouds darken and heaven’s sprinkler is turned on for gentle and refreshing rains. The pit-pat-pit on the windowsill. The “splack” sound of raindrops falling on dry autumn leaves still lingering on the ground. (Little Red Bear is a master with a fishing pole in his paws, but just try to get him to stand still long enough to put a leaf rake into them.) A cup of tea or hot cocoa and a good book. Conversations with friends and family. Many folks seem to be more at ease and open on a rainy day, like the rain sort of smooths out the wrinkles and sharp edges. Have you noticed that, too?
On a particularly good day, maybe even a batch of cookies or brownies baking in the oven. I can almost smell the chocolate chips now, just thinking about it!
For those who would enjoy a nostalgic break while munching on a cookie at this point, or for those maybe new to Annie Lennox and the song mentioned above, here ya go. Newbies can have a cookie, too. We’re all-inclusive here.
A rainy day inspired this fun little piece whilst reading about Harry Potter and his friends a few years ago . . . .
“The Muggle in a Puddle”
Walking home I encountered a Muggle.
The wee Muggle seemed stuck in a Puddle.
Working quickly I soon had him outed.
Then running on he turned back and shouted-
“Thanks, mate, for the break but I am rather late.
So sorry for the bother and trouble!”
“No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
Having nothing to do with rainy days directly, but still sort of in a “Saving For A Rainy Day” kind of way, this wonderful quote has been variously attributed to Abraham Lincoln, James Dobson, Danny Thomas, and others. My feeling is that if any of them did not actually say it, each certainly could have.
Such a lovely sentiment and meaning, applying not only to children but also the spirit of bending over and lending a helping hand to anyone struggling or in need. Stuck in one of life’s puddles, perhaps.
And isn’t that what we are all truly here for, to help each other?
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
Thank you always for visiting and spending part of your day with us here! What can you do today to reach out and help ease another’s burden?
“A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods.” – Rachel Carson
This is a purposefully non-monetized, ad-free site to be able to offer the most enjoyable reading and viewing experience for everyone, with all content freely shared, and generates no income to offset the costs of maintaining and operating. If you enjoy your visits and time with us,Join our new Patron Communitytoday, because together we can do so much!
With the help of patrons, each month we are able to donate free print copies of “The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” to Senior Citizens, School Libraries and Classrooms, and to those who could otherwise not obtain a copy.
Patrons also help my friend Little Red Bear and me to continue this as a non-monetized, ad-free site, dedicated solely to entertainment and educational purposes while sharing positive messages of happiness, inspiration, and kindness with everyone. We invite you to join us in making a positive difference in the world!
“Into each life, some rain must fall. The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
James Milson - The Writing Pages 