The SOS Porch Light: December 2007

Seasons Greetings and Welcome to the December 2007 edition of the
SOS Porch Light newsletter!

This is the time of year when the spirit of Christmas takes over and makes everything look bright, shiny and new. No matter where we go or what we do, the holiday spirit entraps us like a big beautiful blanket and buffers us from the negative forces of life. There's a sense of hope and renewal as we look toward the new year and a fresh start.

At Christmastime, our hearts are full of good intentions while our senses get "jazzed," with an overload of things to see, smell, hear, taste and touch. We gaze at the lights; sing-a-long to our favorite carols; take-in the heavenly aromas of baked cookies and scented candles; indulge in our favorite comfort foods; and go heavy on the hugs. And, let's not forget the retail therapy and power shopping!

In addition to the obvious joy and merriment, we cannot truly appreciate Christmas without paying attention to our spiritual needs. It is the birth of the Christ child that reigns at the heart of our celebrations and continues to remind us of what is truly important in our lives. In the end, it's all about love for mankind, which is the greatest gift of all.

May you and your loved ones have a very happy and blessed Christmas.

BIG HUG - Josie
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HOLIDAY TIPS & TREATS

From the Kitchen: Chocolate Pretzels

2 bags chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate)
1 bag pretzels (logs work well for this, but you
can try any of the medium to thick variety of twists)
Chopped nuts, for garnish, optional
Colored nonpareils, for garnish, optional
Sprinkles, for garnish, optional
Coconut, for garnish, optional
Crushed cookies, for garnish, optional

Melt chocolate in double boiler over medium heat on stove top. Using tongs,
or your fingers, quickly dip pretzels in chocolate allowing the excess to run off. Place dipped pretzels on waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, colored sugars or other toppings. Allow to harden. You may need to refrigerate for a while to help this along. Once hardened, remove from sheets and store in a cool location, with waxed paper between layers.
Tip: Package pretzels in clear cellophane bags or in vase for festive gift giving!
This cookie recipe comes from the Food Network.

For more appetizing holiday recipes, visit:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/
Copyright, 2006, Robin Miller, All rights reserved
See this recipe on air Saturday Dec. 08 at 9:30 AM ET/PT.

Show: Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller
Episode: Quick Fix Holiday
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For the Table: Photo Place Cards

Printing a snapshot of each guest next to his or her name is a perfect way to honor your nearest and dearest — as well as an instant conversation starter to break the ice for guests who won't already know everyone at the table.

Here's how to make it happen:

1. Buy place cards designed to be used with a printer at an office supply store.

2. Scan snapshots or gather digital photos of all of your guests.

3. Using Microsoft Word, go to the Tools menu and select "Letters and Mailings," then "Envelopes and Labels." Click on the "Options" button and select your place cards' product number. Click on "New Document."

4. The cursor will automatically move to where you'll add a guest's photo and name. Insert a guest's picture by going to the "Insert menu" and selecting "Picture," then "From File." Browse for the image you want, then click on the "Insert" button.

5. Type the guest's name next to the photo. If you need a special font, do a Web search for "free fonts" and download one.

6. Print!

For more party planning ideas, visit http://www.evite.com/
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MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION:

This month's contribution comes from Julia Kerner:

LIFE'S LESSONS FROM A DOG

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in our face to be
pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent. sit close by and
nuzzle them gently
- Unknown
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SOS SURVIVOR UPDATE

Congratulations to:

Martha Aziz, who recently
became a citizen of the United States.

and Rosemary Herron who just returned from
Peru where she conquered Machu Picchu!

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FYI:

From Josie Sethi:

Good News! "The Faces behind Breast Cancer" is now available online at Amazon.com. To order, visit: http://www.amazon.com/

If you pick up a copy of "Any Day with Hair is a Good Hair Day," by Michelle Rapkin, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see acknowledgements to Rosemary Barr, Rosemary Herron and yours truly. The author solicited our input prior to publishing this book which targets newly diagnosed cancer patients.
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From Marty Imper:

Retro Spandex, an all girl teen rock band, is very excited about their Hoodies & Hugs project. The girls are collecting new and gently used hoodies from their schools, friends,neighbors, and church members, and will donate to Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

If you would like to contribute to this worthy project, please Check Retro Spandex’s website for drop-off locations or contact their manager, Marty Imper to make arrangements for a pick-up.
http://www.myspace.com/retrospandex
Email: retrospandex@mac.com or Call: 281-658-0757
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From Kimberly Powell:
be-lie-ve Lifestyle Boutique
(Formerly OPAm Breastcare Boutique)

Happy Holidays!!
As the holiday season is here I know the stress of the perfect gift for the ones we love is often on our minds and impossible to find!! This year give a gift that gives back!!! Watch, record, or view online (www.greatdayhouston.com) the Tuesday (11/27) show of Great Day Houston where I will showcase some gifts that truly give back!!!
The show airs live on channel 13 at 9am!!
Have a happy and blessed holiday!!!
~Kimberly 713.843.7714
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AROUND & ABOUT HOUSTON
Mark Your Calendars!

SOS CHRISTMAS PARTY/ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
The SOS Christmas Party/Ornament Exchange will take place at Serenitea Tea Room on Tuesday, Dec, 11th , 7-9pm, located in the Sugar Creek shopping center (where Gerland's is located) by the SW Freeway. The cost is $15 per person and includes ice tea, a meal, and dessert (includes gratuity). Visit the website http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/ to learn more about this pleasant restaurant. It should be a lovely gathering and we hope you will plan to attend.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY TEA EVENTS!
Sat. December 15th & Sat. December 22nd
at Serenitea Tea Room and Gift Shop.
13889 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX
Share the joy of the holiday season over a cup of steaming hot wassail and spiced pecans along with a delicate assortment of finger sandwiches; gingerbread with honey nut cream cheese, egg salad with watercress,spinach and pimento stack-up, ham and pear with walnuts, and the classic cucumber sandwich.

You will also enjoy classic English scones with a twist, chocolate chips and orange. And for dessert try the mini traditional rum fruitcake,chocolate-dipped shortbread biscuits and grapes. A pot of tea...your choice from the Tea Selections menu. Plus, a special gift for everyone...compliments of Serenitea!
By Reservation Only. Phone: 281-491-4588
Cost is $30 per person + Tax and Gratuity
http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/

FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK SIGNING EVENT
All participants are invited to sign books on Tuesday, December 18th, from 11am - 3pm at Appearances Boutique, located in the Mays Clinic at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2nd Floor. Come and stay as long as you can! We encourage everyone to invite friends, family and co-workers since this will be the last book event of the year...and should be an enjoyable afternoon.

THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building,6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview) at 7:00pm. The final 2007 meeting is January, 2008.

For weekly updates and additional events, please refer to: http://pinkcrusader.blogspot.com/ ********************************************************
Directions to Holy Cross Episcopal Church: From the corner intersection of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59: Continue South on Hwy 59. Exit at Grand Parkway-Texas 99. You will go by an H.E.B. grocery store on the right as you turn right at a traffic light to get on the Grand Parkway. Proceed to the next traffic light (River Park Drive). Turn left. You will be facing the church. Go through the next intersection (traffic light at Texas 99) and park in the church parking lot. The address is 5653 West River Park Drive. If coming from New Territory: Go to the intersection of New Territory Blvd. and Texas 99. Turn South on to Texas 99. River Park Drive is one intersection (traffic light) past New Territory Blvd. Turn right at that intersection. If coming from 90A: Turn at intersection of 90A and Texas 99 (Grand Parkway). Go South on Grand Parkway, passing Sand Hill Blvd. and New Territory Blvd. Next intersection is River Park Drive. Turn right. Church is right there.
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This concludes this month's issue of the SOS Porch Light. We encourage you to share your thoughts, suggestions, photographs and topics of interest with all members for future editions of the newsletter. Comments may be posted directly to the blog or by email to JosieSethi@aol.com
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THOUGHT OF THE MONTH:

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the
present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."

- Agnes M. Pharo