………………………….This Christmas is special to me in so many ways……..both terribly sad, and happy……….Last year we didn’t get to decorate the house as Jac and I had done for so many years. I put up the minimal decorations….the wreath over the fireplace, the swag on the mantel and the tree with just the lights. I did this the day after Thanksgiving when Jac asked if we could have the tree now….I think she already knew what was to come even though Jac never said a word………………….This year I wanted to decorate the house exactly as we had always done. With each decoration joyful memories came flooding back. We made the platter of dough ornaments in 1987…………………… I did this for Jac so she can see it from heaven…………I pray that Jac can see it all and is with her Mom smiling her sweet smile……………………………………………….
Merry Christmas Louis, I hope you have had a lovely Christmas. Your house and decorations are lovely. I’m happy your 2 girls are keeping you company and giving you a lot of love. They may know that Jac is seating next to you on that couch. One night many years ago I woke up at 2 or 3 in the morning smelling chocolate chip cookies. My grandmother who had passed always baked chocolate chip cookies. I spoke the next morning to my mother who told me of her dream that she was with my grandmother baking chocolate chip cookies. You never know. Just believe and keep talking to her, she hears you. Sending you love and peace.
I pray that prayer with you. God bless you. You have done you both proud. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Louis!
What Christmas treasures you and Jac collected through the years! So glad that you chose to display and enjoy them again this year with her. As it should be. I hope each item brings you joy.
Merry Christmas,Louis. The decorations are wonderful, the house looks gorgeous. I’m sure Jac is very proud of you, and that she and her Mom are looking at it all and smiling. I know it will be bittersweet this year but hold all the good memories close. Wishing you a joyous Christmas.
This made me smile (the naked dough lady!) and share in your sadness, too. I’m sure you can feel the warm embrace of Jac in everyone of those Christmas treasures. We love you and hope you find comfort in your lovely home.
Louis, Your home looks beautiful with all of the lovely Christmas decorations that you and Jac shared over the years. I bet she’s looking down from Heaven, with her mom, and admiring how beautiful everything looks. We know from your clothing line that you have fine taste and a wonderful eye, and your Christmas decorating reminds us once again of your outstanding artistic talent. Enjoy the lovely space that you’ve created, and know that Jac is not far away, as she is with you in spirit. Merry Christmas and very best wishes for a healthy, happy, and love-filled 2019!
Louis, last night there was a special, extra bright full moon – called a “Cold Moon” because it occurred within 24 hours of the Winter Solstice. For the next two nights, there are going to be meteor showers. I think Jac is sending you some Christmas lights, just as you’re sending some to her.
Dear Enjay…..I saw the moon rising over the Long Island sound! It was amazing as it ascended into he sky. I immediately starting talking to Jac. From where she sat each night she had a direct view of the moon rising over the Sound, and would always say, “Lou, turn around and look at the beautiful moon!”. She would say you know Jesus looked at the same moon, or Cesar and Cleopatra looked at the same moon. Every time there was a beautiful moon shining on the water, no mater what stage it was in, Jac would tell me who she thought of from the past that looked at the exact same moon……She felt it was something we all had in common even though the centuries…..that our eyes looked at the same thing……Beside the sun there aren’t too many things that we can see that everyone else sees or saw in the past…….I didn’t know it was called the “Cold Moon”. I will be sure to write it in my journal to Jac. I am sure Jac is sending this to me as a Christmas present! I will go outside this evening and look for the showers. It gets pretty dark over the water without any city lights.Quick update….it’s too cloudy tonight to see anything….too bad
Greetings from st. Moritz Switzerland. Even though we are on holiday away from our Wisconsin farm, I fondly look forward to checking in the Linea blogs when I am away. Louis, my heart is warmed by your posts of Christmas and the Cher show. I, too, have had loss, but I now recall fond memories with a warm heart, continue holiday traditions, and have excitement for what the future new year will bring. If you look for joy on purpose, it appears, in the smallest of measurements as well as the big “ah ha” moments. May everyone have some wonderful 2019 surprises!
“There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of your son, or daughter, or your wife (Jac)…, brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. It will happen. My prayer for you is that day will come sooner than later.” ― Joe Biden
Your home looks warm & inviting. The decorations look lovely. Jac is very proud.
Have a peaceful Christmas.
Regards,
Chris
thank you Chris
How beautiful! I’m sure Jac can see it all from Heaven.
What a lovely home and beautiful decorations, Louis! I truly believe that Jac is looking down on all of this from heaven and remembering your wonderful times together. I wish you and yours a joyous Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!
Best,
Pam
Dear Louis,
Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with all of us! Your home is lovely and so warmly and tastefully decorated. I am positive that your beloved Jac is smiling brightly to see how well and bravely that you have carried on and is so proud that you honor her with every memory you share of her. You, Sir, are an example of what love looks like in human form in both action and deeds. Bravo for carrying on and sharing your time and talents. We are all better for it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Best wishes to all the Linea Ladies as well!
Louis, Well done! It takes a special person to decorate like this and I’m sure Jac is so proud of you how you have been so very brave this year. As you know, I lost my Aunt in January and then in October, my Grandma passed. Losing both of them in the same year has been very difficult, especially for my mom. So, this Christmas will be bittersweet for us also. When my mom is feeling down I tell her that we must push forward for the ones we’ve lost. There are still blessings everyday. I will be thinking of you this Christmas…..
Hi Louis!
Welcome back. Opening your blog I couldn’t figure out the first pic. When I enlarged the pic I said “Salt dough ornaments”.
You really did a great job decorating but it wasn’t your first time. The roaring fireplace looks so cozy and comforting. I like the heart ornament with the wedding rings. Jac must be so proud of you!
Thanks for allowing us into your holiday home.
Dawn
Dear Louis,
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home and touching memories of Jac. Carrying forward all the traditions and beauty you two created keeps them alive and honors Jac’s love of the season. I know it’s a bittersweet time, but I hope you find both solace and joy in Christmas with your girls. Wishing you all the very best in 2019.
P.S. And, thank you, for another shout out during the velvet dress segment on your recent show! Grace (aka”Carol” lol) You got it right! I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on that dress!
Louis,
“The worst part of holding memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.” ― Lois Lowry, The Giver
Thank you for sharing the beautiful home and memories that you and Jac created.
Merry Christmas Louis
Dear Louis,
I have no doubt that Jac is looking down on your beautiful decorations and smiling. She would surely want you to be surrounded by all of the things you collected together and to remember the wonderful times you had with a smile rather than a tear. But I know that is easier said than done. Last year we lost my 26 year old nephew around the same time you lost Jac. A sudden illness, a few weeks and he was gone. This year we lost another close family member in Dec., this one elderly, but a great loss no less. So I understand how hard it is to decorate for Christmas when your heart is aching. But you have surely risen to the task and I thank you for sharing it with us!
Dear Louis, How touching that you decorated for Christmas in honor of Jac. I’m sure she’s comforted by your sweet tribute to her. Everything looks lovely. l hope you have a beautiful peaceful Holiday with your family.Jac might be gone but her presence will always live inside your heart.She will always be your inspiration.
Yay! Your site is back up. I didn’t get a chance to comment when I first saw your pictures. Now I have a chance to comment how beautiful your decorations are. I’m glad you decorated this year. I know many of my Christmas decorations are very sentimental and have many memories associated with them. I’m sure Jac is glad you decorated too. I love the dough ornaments. I made some when I was little, but not like those! LOL. 😆
Dear Louis,
I was just going over dear Jac’s recipe for the snowy mountain bread, to be sure I had the currants and supplies to make it for my family. This year it will be in such gratitude for the gift and memory of Jac … and I came on your post. What a beautiful thing to do, to get out all Jac’s favorite treasures so she can see them shining again. You bring joy to our hearts too.
Blessings and Love,
Cathy and Walter in PA
Dear Kathy, would you believe I can’t find the recipe! I thought I might try to make it!!!!??? I was always by her side when she did it and I know the yeast is tricky. Can you send it to me?
Louis, in the “search” box above, right hand side on the top, type in The Christmas Bread and it will bring you to the page on here. oxoxoxo Cat
Thanks, I got it! Now if I can make it?
Dear Louis,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and sweet memories.
There is absolutely no doubt that your Jac is with you every step of the way.
Elaine
Your Christmas decorations in your beautiful home are absolutely gorgeous. I am sure your beautiful Jac is smiling down on you. You have made us smile also Louis. Happy holidays to you.
These gorgeous settings are so richly beautiful with the exquisite taste you and Jac shared as well as precious memories. I understand the mixed emotions stirred up by ornaments and decorations that carry priceless memories.
I’m glad you decorated for your Jac.
Louis, so very beautiful! What a treasure trove of memories in each and every photo! How very rich and full your life with Jac! The pleasure and joy of remembrance of each and every vignette fills my heart with joy for you both. Of course Jac sees this in all it’s beauty and love. It is glorious as was your life together. How wonderful you chose to celebrate your life together this way. You can see the joy and the pleasure in a life that was shared, wholly and completely. May God bless you in the coming year and thank you for allowing us to see the beauty in your home and the love and life that you both shared. It is a joy to behold. oxoxoxoxoxo Cat
Bittersweet memories, dear Louis. I wish you a blessed Christmas and all things good this holiday season. Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures.
The house with all the Christmas decorations is stunning. I can picture Jac smiling.
So beautiful – a true labor of love.
Ruth
Absolutely gorgeous – so inviting and cozy! I’m sure Jac is smiling. I am also happy for the comfort this brings. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am smiling too.
Love,
Susan
So beautiful, cozy and comforting only thing missing is the hot chocolate. I noticed some racy decorations there LOL that alone I’m sure brought back some funny memories and stories. I’m sure Jac and her mom are smiling down at you. All the best to you may you have a happy and healthy 2019 and beyond……
While taking a break from making my mother’s almond crescent cookies (she passed a year ago in August from Alzheimer’s), I decided to sit down and check in here, and found this magical transformation. I am SO glad that you found the strength and will this Christmas season to take on the job of decorating your beautiful house on your own, and because I believe in cosmic justice, I haven’t a doubt in the world that Jac is aware and was with you every step of the way. Christmas is all about our memories; happy ones when we take out the ornaments we’ve collected that mark the special occasions in our lives over the years, but inevitably, the sorrowful ones as well when we have lost those most precious to us. It is such a time of reflection and reminiscence, and I think we need all our reminders around us, as you have brought out again this year. That blue and white platter of dough ornaments that the two of you created together, for example, must bring you such happy memories; it is the very essence of merry and bright. I wish you all the best of everything going forward into the new year, and I hope this Christmas season brings you more healing and rest. God bless you.
Beyond beautiful. (I like that racy cookie!) Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Your home and Christmas decorations are positively STUNNING, Louis. You not only brought joy to Jac and her Mom looking down, but also to your heart. The best of the holidays to you and a happy, healthy 2019.