Disturbing Signs.

The Scene: A holly-dazed Sheep is driving to another Monday of teaching and trying to work up the gumption to paste a smile to her mug for the little darlings in this, the week before a school vacation. She is behind in the Christmas shopping, still has a number of cards to get into the mail and has given up all hope of finishing the baking in time for gifting unto others. She doesn't even want to think about all those knitted somethings that she isn't going to get done. Casting her eyes heavenward, (but only briefly since she is driving and she knows that having eyes on the road is a good thing even if they are only at half-mast at this hour), she sends up a little shout-out to whatever powers-that-be might be listening.

"I dunno if I'm gonna make it this year. It is all just so overwhelming. I wonder if I should persevere with the holiday preparations or simply let it go and be happy with what I've managed to accomplish. I'm torn...all I need is a sign. Just one little sign! Something to show me what course of action would be best for this frazzled Sheep!"

I drove a bit further and was almost upon the school parking lot. As I passed a house that I drive by five days weekly, I noted a new holiday decoration on the lawn. Could this be the sign for which I'd begged? It was certainly large enough to be given consideration. There, propped up against a tree, was a larger than life Santa complete with red suit, black boots and belt.

And he was headless.

Message received. The day progressed accordingly.

Perhaps this wasn't the sign. It could just be coincidence. It could also be that I'm over-analyzing the sight of Father Christmas lying decapitated in someones yard. Either way, you can't help but think about what it all means...

Despite this, I will make an attempt to get a few more cards out tomorrow. It seems unfair that my lack of organization should be felt by my loved ones. But I'm going to take a little break from any other holiday type activities. Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse, but I didn't happen to see Santa's head anywhere on that lawn. I can't help but think of that scene in The Godfather. You know the one I mean...horse's head in the bed and all? Yeah, that one.

That'll put you off your eggnog. I shudder to think what signs Arbor Day might bring this year...

SA