Most of the time, I go outside to take nature shots (of course), but I wanted to include this little pine cone Christmas tree ornament from Germany and the real tree inside my house.

I used to live in Ansbach, Germany with my family and enjoy the Christmas markets in Ansbach and Nuernberg in Bavaria. It was an absolutely lovely place to live during the holiday season.

I hope I never forget the Christmas service we attended in a Lutheran church in Ansbach. There was no heat inside the small chapel, but it was beautiful anyway.

My mother also had ornaments like this one, so it brings back good memories of holidays I'd spend in my hometown of Ashland, Ky.

I have had the good fortune to see so many places in the world.

It took a long time to make handmade holiday cards for my friends in Germany, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland and elsewhere. I realized how fortunate I am to have so many friends, a roof over my head, food, work, a mother who is still living and opportunities to meet fascinating and uplifting people.

Blessings and peace to everyone this holiday season.