Whittler's Hollow

Nelson and Lela

2011-02-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

"My parents were married for almost seventy years. They lived through the depression, my Dad going to war, the birth of three children and countless times of not having enough money. My father always kissed my mother hello and goodbye and held her hand when they rode in the car. They celebrated two anniversaries, November 15, the day they were married and March 9, the day they met. Dad loved to tell the story of his first meeting with Mom. His family was moving into the White Springs community and a low overhanging limb was blocking the truck. His father sent him to the nearest house to borrow a saw. The closest house happened to be my mother’s and she helped him find the tools to remove the limb. They were 9 and 8 years old. The date was March 9, 1924.

I asked my father what his secret was for staying happily married for that long. “Son,” he said.”Your mother and I had an agreement. She was to handle all of the small decisions and I was to handle all the big decisions. Luckily there hasn’t been a big decision yet.”

"Don’t marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can’t live without."

"Love is like penicillin shot. It’s good for you, but you know it’s going to be a pain in the butt."

"No matter how many times you help bathe your mother or how many times you help feed her or help get her get dressed, it will always be at least one less time than she did those things for you."

Nelson and the Flying Lesson

2011-02-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

Dad and I were enjoying our usual Sunday morning drive. I knew Dad missed attending church, but we both looked forward to our weekly adventures. As we neared the river, Dad reached for his Coke and peanut butter crackers and said, “Tom, if I were going to ask you to learn to fly, would you take lessons from a bird or a mammal?” My father is always asking quirky and thought provoking questions but this one seemed fairly straight forward. “A bird,” I said confidently. "Why would you do that?” he quizzed. “Because a bird can fly,” I answered. Dad paused, took a long drink from his Coke and said, “An ostrich is a bird and it can’t fly. A bat is a mammal and it can. It is not what someone is called that is important; it is what they can do. Find out if someone can fly before you label them." How many people could teach us wonderful things if we took the time to find out if they “knew how to fly”?

"Don’t try to be famous, try to be unforgettable. People forget famous people. You can’t remember who won the Academy Award for best actress in 1963 but you remember your fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Cunningham."

"I don’t have enemies. I just have friends I haven’t convinced yet."

"If someone offers you a gift, take it. Do not deny them the joy of giving."

"You have to change in order to become better."

Nelson and Working on Sunday

2011-02-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

There are some ways I'm just like him
Some ways he was just like me
And sometimes when the mirror's dim
His face is clear to see
Tonight the winds of heaven
Blow the stars across the sky
I brought my father with me
I couldn't say goodbye

Michael Smith “I Brought My Father With Me”

Dad was never happy that my brother and I did not continue the family tradition of not working on Sunday. When we were younger we were not even allowed to fish or swim on the “Lord’s Day”. My parents took resting on the seventh day seriously and in the years after I left home, my not resting was cause for many interesting and ongoing discussions. During one of these discussions, I decided to use the Bible to justify my cutting grass on Sunday. “Dad, doesn’t the Bible say in Luke 14 that a person can get their ox out of the ditch on the Sabbath?” “Yes, Son,” Dad responded. “The Bible does say you can get your ox out of the ditch on Sunday. You just need to quit putting your ox in the ditch on Sunday.”

"It’s called work because it’s hard to do. Even a mule backs up to do it."

"The road that brought you in here mad can take you out of here happy. The direction you travel is up to you."

"Worry is like rocking in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but you don’t get anywhere by doing it."

"If you have a car, you will have car problems. If you have an airplane, you will have airplane problems. Problems are the cost of having things."

"Teachers, be nice to your A students, they will come back and teach. Be nice to your C students, they will be rich enough to build you a new school. Be nice to all of your students, because some will be taking care of you in the nursing home. Everyone you teach will eventually touch your life."

"Whose life will you change today?"

Nelson and the Yellow Jackets

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

My younger brother Kenny went to see my parents a few years ago. He had promised to help Dad do some projects around the house and this seemed like a good time of year to get them done. My mother was working in the yard when he drove up. “Where’s Dad?” he yelled as he was getting out of his truck. “He was headed toward the barn about 15 minutes ago,” Mom responded. “I guess he’s working down there.” Dad’s barn was built in the 1920’s and had seen its better days. It was filled with a collection of “treasures” that Dad had accumulated over the years. Approaching the barn, my brother could see Dad in the loft. He was standing in the loft opening about 8 feet from the ground, holding a pitchfork and staring at the stacks of hay he was moving. Suddenly he started swatting at his ears and immediately launched himself out of the loft. He continued swatting and my brother says that he would swear Dad was trying to fly. As he neared the ground, Dad tucked his legs, hit the ground with a thud, and came to rest at my brother’s feet. “What’s wrong Dad?” my brother asked. “Don’t you know a 75 year old man shouldn’t be jumping out of the barn loft? You could have killed yourself.” Dad slowly got to his feet and brushed the grass from his pants. “To tell you the truth Son, those yellow jackets never asked how old I was and they probably wouldn’t have cared if I’d told them.”

"You can’t cure stupid. You can hope they go into remission, but you can’t cure it."

"Some people are on a different level of smart."

"You won’t ever know if you built it too strong but you’ll know fairly quickly if you didn’t build it strong enough."

"Can’t never could do anything."

"If lifting weights is good for you, why are they called dumbbells?"

Nelson's Bible (Conclusion)

2011-02-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

“About a year ago I was in the auditorium at church and your dad was sitting in his usual seat. I walked down the aisle and spoke to him. ‘How are you doing Brother Nelson?’ I asked. ‘Are you ready for a great morning service?’ ‘You know I am son. Sit down. It’s a while until the service starts. That’s a nice Bible you have there. Isn’t that the one your mother gave you when you and Tom were about 13?’ ‘Yes sir it is.’ I replied. ‘I have had this Bible my entire life,’ ‘It must be a good one’, he said. “Mine’s falling apart.’ “I looked at the worn, frayed book in his hands. The cover was battered from being held by those calloused hands, the edges of the pages were torn from his fingers searching for just the right words. There were stains on the pages, stains that could have been sweat from reading the Word after a hard day’s work or tears from comforting someone in need. As my eyes moved to my Bible sitting on the pew, I thought about why our Bibles were different. Your father taught me a great lesson that day. In his own way he showed me that some people read the Bible and some people just carry it on Sundays.” “Tom, Brother Nelson would be proud of me. I am well on my way to wearing out my first Bible.”

"I say grace before every meal. But most of the time only God and I know it."

"Belief is thinking that a chair will hold you up. Faith is sitting in the chair."

"There is no right way to do the wrong thing."

"Live your life as if it is the only Bible someone will ever read."

"Don’t worry about what other people do. It’s their little red wagon and they are going to have to pull it."

Tomorrow:Nelson and the yellow jackets

Nelson's Bible (Part 1)

2011-02-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

The morning Dad passed away was a whirl of activity. People were coming in and out the house and, being good Southern neighbors, everyone was bringing food. I was numb and slowly beginning to get into survival mode. I looked around the den and my eyes fell upon Dad’s Bible lying on the kitchen table. It was battered and worn with many of the pages falling out. You could tell it was well read and well loved. I went across the room and picked it up. This piece of my father’s life was the sum of everything that he lived for. As I held it in my hand, I thought of all of the comfort that this book had given my family. One of my lifelong friends had just arrived. “Isn’t that your father’s Bible?” he asked as he sat down at the table. “I would recognize it anywhere.” “Yes it is,” I replied, pouring myself a cup of coffee.” “Well, actually it is his latest Bible. There are three more worn out ones in his bedroom.” He laughed and reached for the Bible. “Let me tell you a story about Brother Nelson,” he said as he gently picked up Dad's Bible.

"Churches should be hospitals for sinners, not museums for saints."

"Churches have stained glass windows so they don’t have to see what’s going on outside.

"If you have to tell people you are a Christian, then maybe you are trying to convince yourself. If you really are, you shouldn’t have to tell them. They should already know, because they have seen the way you live your life."

"The Lord provides for the sparrow, but he doesn’t drop the worm in his nest. We all have to do in order to get."

"If someone tells me that they are going to pray for me, I let them. I know I need the prayers and they may need to practice."

Nelson and Shania

2011-02-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

Dad and I were on our way to my brother’s farm. Nothing special was on tap, Dad just needed to get out the house for a while. I was deep in thought and he was staring out of the window of the truck. When a new song came on the radio, Dad perked up. “Isn’t that the one I like to watch sing?” he asked. My father was always interested in music but this comment surprised me. “Yes Dad. That’s Shania Twain. I didn’t know you were into country music,” I said. “How do you know who sings that song?” “I watch her on TV sometimes. She’s real easy to look at. You know God is good to all of us, but He was especially good to that young lady.” “Yes He was, Dad.” I replied smiling.” Yes He was.” After all, I am my father’s son.

"Your Uncle Cecil always said 'You can’t make men too rich, women too pretty, or coffee too strong'.”

"I like pretty women and I don’t like coffee. But both sure smell good."

"She’s not big, she’s just overfed."

"I wouldn’t take a million dollars for him and I wouldn’t give you a nickel for another one just like him."

"Good days or bad days depend on which side of the grass you are looking at. If you are looking the top, it is a good day."

"'When saying something that is not flattering about someone, always end with 'Bless their heart'”.

Nelson and The Doctor

2011-02-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

Dan Fogelberg “Leader of the Band”

Dad was trimming limbs from the apple trees when the ladder slipped and he fell. He tried to catch himself, but his head hit the base of the tree. The impact opened a cut about 2 inches long on his forehead. I put him into the truck and drove to Dr. Rowe’s office. “This is embarrassing,” he groaned as we sat in the exam room. “An eighty year old man is not supposed to have his son take him to the doctor.” “An eighty year old man is not supposed to be climbing apple trees either,” I quipped. Just then, Dr. Rowe entered the room. “What happened, Mr. Robertson?” he asked. Without missing a beat my father replied “Doc, it’s my wife, my firewood, my story.”

Some of you are requesting Nelsonisms on particular topics. Here are some of his thoughts on life.

"It’s not a mountain for a climber."

"Anyone who thinks that the sweat of a working man stinks has their nose too high in the air."

"If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t."

"You miss all of the shots you don’t take."

"The difference in a person who would like to do something, a person who wants to do something and a person who does something is the level of their commitment."

"If your choices are do nothing or do something, always do something."

"The person you are when no one is watching is the person you are."

Nelson on The Good Old Days

2011-01-31T04:36:00.000-08:00

Dad was 93 when he died and loved to tell me about the "Old Days." I cannot imagine the changes he lived through or the things he saw. I know his head stone reads 1916-2010 but the two dates are not what's important, it's the dash in between. Here are some Nelsonism's on the dash.

"My mother and father are gone. All of my brothers and my sister have passed. All of my childhood friends are dead. No one is alive that has known me for my entire life. It’s kind of lonely, but I don’t have any peer pressure now."

"I never took a driving test. I just went to the court house and paid a nickel and they gave me my license. I’ve never had a ticket and never had an accident. Best nickel I ever spent."

"You are your ancestor’s descendant and your descendant’s ancestor. Wrap your brain around that one."

"It only cost a nickel to get into the movies, but I didn’t have the nickel."

"I am getting stronger in my old age. When my wife and I first married, it took two hands to carry $10.00 worth of groceries. Now I can carry $75.00 worth of groceries with one hand."

"I have never had a credit card. If I can’t afford it, I don’t need it. I may want it, but if I need it I will save up until I can buy it."

"This is the fifth last car I will ever have to buy."

"I’m not hard of hearing, I’m tired of listening."

Nelson and The Good Samaritan (Conclusion)

2011-01-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

"Who would you be?"

“I would be the good Samaritan,” I responded. “He’s the one who showed compassion and cared for his neighbor.” “In my younger days, I would have said the same thing.” Dad said.” But the older I get, the more I think there is something else to learn from this parable. I have decided that I would be the inn keeper. The Samaritan took the man to the inn and told the inn keeper to care for him. Not only care for him but spend his own money on the promise that he would be paid back. The inn keeper cared for someone he had never met and was given only a promise from someone he didn’t know. The Samaritan had a story written about him, the inn keeper did most of the work. We need to take care of people. That’s our job on this earth and our payment is God’s promise to us.” I just sat quietly and thought about what my father had said. This man was still learning and teaching from the book that had guided his life. As he slowly turned and looked out of the window I heard him say under his breath, ”Yep. We just need more inn keepers.” I hope to live my life as the inn keeper lived his. Nelson would be proud.

"The person you are when no one is watching is the person you are."

"If your choices are do nothing or do something, always do something."

Nelson and The Good Samaritan (Part 1)

2011-01-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

Dad and I were riding around on a warm Sunday morning, enjoying the beauty of a spring day. As he has gotten older, his Sundays are spent more often with my wife, Diane, and me than at church. “Do you want to talk Bible this morning?” he said. “Sure,” I said, knowing that this was the opening he was waiting for. My father had read the Bible literally every day of my life. Sometimes we read it as a family, sometimes he read it alone. “Do you remember the story in Luke chapter 10?” he asked. “It was always one of my favorites. “ I remembered hearing this story all of my life. “Isn’t that the one about the good Samaritan? I bet you thought I wouldn’t remember that.” “You’d better remember it, Son. I read that story to you at least once a month when you were little. If you could be anyone in that story, who would it be?” I thought about the story Dad was referring to.

Luke 10:30-37 Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Who would you be? As Paul Harvey would say, "Tomorrow, the rest of the story."

Nelson, Little Brother and Me

2011-01-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

After my post yesterday, Kenny mentioned to me that big brothers have the "I am older than you and Mom and Dad put me in charge so I now control everything. Shut up and do what I told you to do" meter. He informed me that I ranked higher on the big brother meter than he did on the little brother meter that I referred to on my last post so I think a few more Nelsonism are needed.

The world’s a better place because you boys are in it.

Your Mother and I raised you so everyone else would love you. We were going to love you anyway.

When we brought your brother home from the hospital, you wanted to send him back. I see you still feel that way sometimes.

No one can make corn bread, tea or fried chicken like you mother. They may be good, but they are not your mom’s. These are some of the things that you will miss for the rest of your life.

Try to better than average. Average is just the top of the bottom.

Your mother and I always discussed the decisions we made concerning you boys. Two hearts are better than one.

Let’s get this straight son. You dropped your BB gun, it went off accidentally, and shot your little brother in the butt. Five times. Are you sure you don’t want to rethink the truth on that one?

The only difference in a brother and a bother is the letter “r”.

It takes two sons to make one brother.

Nelson on Fathers and Sons

2011-01-27T05:55:00.000-08:00

My younger brother Kenny is one of the best singer/songwriters I have heard. I am not saying this because he's my brother, I am saying it because it's the truth. Kenny used to be my "little" brother but now we both agree on "younger" brother. Like most little brothers, Kenny ranked high on the "pain in the %^&$" meter when we were growing up and as a result many Nelsonisms began to deal with fathers, sons and brothers. Here are a few more of Nelson's thoughts.

"Lightning, lightning bug. Only one word is different. Which one would you rather be hit by? Little things do matter, son."

"My sons had a drug problem. I drug them to church. I drug them to school. I drug them everywhere they needed to be."

"If someone says'you are just like your grandfather', you’re on the right track."

"The greatest compliment someone can give me is 'You’re your father’s son'."

"Take your little brother with you; he’s the only one you’ll ever have. From the looks of it, he’s the only one you’ll ever need."

"Three and one half acres is not enough room for a horse." (Nelson, when I asked for a pony).
"The dog pen is plenty big for a pony." (Nelson, when my little brother asked for a pony).

"My sons didn’t get their good looks from me, I still have mine."

The Day Nelson Preached (Part 2)

2011-01-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

As the week went on, he worked on his speech every night. When I visited his home, he would read parts of it to me. He was really proud of the thoughts he put to paper. When Senior Citizens Day arrived, he was ready. He slowly got up from his spot on the pew, the place he sat every Sunday for seventy five of his ninety years, Nelson’s seat, and slowly stepped to the pulpit. He drew himself up to his full height and began to speak. “The pastor asked me to share some bits of wisdom with you today. I will begin by telling you a great secret. The secret of how I lived for 90 years. It works and I promise that if you do this simple thing, you too will live a long life.” As everyone leaned forward to hear this wonderful insight into life, my father slowly lowered his head. When he raised his eyes, there was a sparkle that I had seen many times in my life. It was there more often before my Mom died, but now it was there again. With a voice as calm and strong as any evangelist, Dad told everyone his key to life. “Always remember, breathe in after you breathe out.” The pastor and congregation began to laugh. Dad had them where he wanted. He told them all of the stories that I had grown up with. My Uncle Cecil and the bees, meeting my mother, swimming across the river with his brothers and many stories about growing up in this community spilled from my Father’s memory. The next 30 minutes flew by. When Dad finished the story of his life, there was not a dry eye in the auditorium. He walked back to his seat and calmly sat down. He leaned over to me and said in a low voice, “I know it sounded silly, but I was serious about the breathing thing. We focus on all of the things going on in our lives and forget about the gifts God has given us. The simple gift of life is the best. Don’t worry about the length of your life; it will take care of itself. Worry about the width and depth of your life. It is the only part we control.”

When things get hectic in your life, remember the words of my father on that Sunday morning. “Breathe in after you breathe out.”

The Day Nelson Preached (Part 1)

2011-01-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

My father was asked to speak at his church’s Senior Citizens Recognition Day. During my life my father has been, at one time or another, chairman of the deacons, assistant pastor, music director, Sunday School superintendent, custodian, finance director, and any other job that was necessary at White Springs Baptist Church. He had spoken to congregations all over the county and had always done a more than an adequate job. But this time it was different. He seemed nervous and when I questioned him about it he said simply, “This isn’t talking about the Bible, this is talking about me. The pastor wants me to tell the congregation my life’s story and I’m not sure what to say. I haven’t done anything interesting.” As I listened to him, I thought of the things that had occurred during his lifetime. He was born on May 17, 1916 and saw more changes in his world than I can imagine. His father bought the first radio in the community, he remembered seeing his first airplane, his first automobile, the first electric light bulb, five wars, cell phones, computers, a man orbiting the earth, Neil Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, John Kennedy and was married to my Mom for 69 years. He reared three children, fought in WW II, was the first fire chief in our town and served on the first City Council. But this man did not think of his life as anything other than what he was supposed to do.

“Just tell them about all of the things that you told me,” I said as we sat under the tree out back. “I always loved hearing about the old days.” “You had to listen,” he explained. “I controlled your allowance. These people are not interested in the ramblings of a 90 year old man.” I thought to myself, “If you only knew the impact you have had on this community.”

Tomorrow-The Day Nelson Preached (Part 2)

More on Getting Older

2011-01-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

Word spread that I was collecting Dad's sayings and people have begun to call and tell me ones they remember. This is becoming a way for the community to remember Dad and celebrate the way he lived his life. Some of these Nelsonisms are from these calls.

"Don’t mess with old."

"Never say” good bye”, always say “See you later”. It gives us hope."

If you asked Dad if he had been to a particular place or seen a certain event, his response, if he had not already experienced it, was always the same. "Not yet."

”The Devil can’t have me and the Lord is not ready for me yet. When He is, whoever is with me will be the second one to know."

"A man called the other day to offer me a metal roof for my house. He said that it would last me the rest of my life. I told him, 'I’m 91 years old. A cardboard roof will last me the rest of my life.' But now that I think of it that metal roof might not be a bad idea.”

"Tom, you need to order some more tags for the bags I make. I only have enough to last 3 more years." (Nelson at 90)

Dad and I ran into one of his nephews one Saturday morning. “It’s good to see you Uncle Nelson. How is it going?” he said. Without missing a beat my father responded, “At my age if you are being seen and not viewed, it is a good day.”

Getting Older

2011-01-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

Dad had a unique perspective on getting old. I think he embraced the process of aging and truly believed that "whatever age you are is the age you are supposed to be". The next few posts are some his thoughts on getting older. Enjoy.

"I am not old. I’ve just lived a long time."

"I never realized I went to school with so many old men."

"I’ve been to see the old people at the nursing home." (Nelson at age 90)

"Try to live until you’re 100. The obituaries rarely have someone dying after they are 100."

"When people ask if I have lived in Alabama all of my life, all I can say is 'Not yet'.”

"I knew I was getting old when people quit telling me I was good looking and started telling me I was looking good."

"At my age I don’t even buy green bananas."

"Surely I’ve got something they can use." (Said when he signed his organ donor card upon renewing his driver’s license at 90.)

"Getting older is better than not getting older."

Nelson's Way

2011-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Tom and I will be taking over the blog for the next few weeks. Nick is happy is his new home and sends everyone his best. I will try to post pictures of him every now and then to let you see how he is doing. We are getting ready for next year but for the next few post, I will be sharing some humor and wisdom from my father.

Nelson’s stuff– A collection of comments and rephrasing from the smartest man I ever knew.

'And now the old man's gone, and I'd give all I own
To hear what he said when I wasn't listening
To my old man'
-Steve Goodman “My Old Man”, 1977

It has been a year since my father passed away. Like most sons, I never really thought it could happen. I knew it would happen, I just never thought about it. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. When things aren’t going well, things he said pop into my head. When things are going well, things he said pop into my head. This is my way of coping with the loss of my best friend and remembering what people in my home town call “Nelsonisms”. Some he invented, some he repeated, some he rephrased, but all have had a profound influence on me. I hope you enjoy the wit and witticisms of my father, Nelson Robertson.

"Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the quicker it goes."

"The last pair of pants I’ll wear won’t even need pockets."

"I will accept you couldn’t, I won’t accept you didn’t."

"Don’t fight with an old man; we don’t have anything to lose."

"When things aren't going well, remember, this too shall pass. When things are going well, remember, this too shall pass. Things will always change. Be ready for it."

Another legend

2010-11-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hello again. It has been a busy week in the workshop. Christmas Village was fun and we met a lot of great people. Some of our new friends have interesting blogs themselves. You never know what you will find out about someone. "Steve" promised some pictures of Nick when he gives him to his wife. I can't wait to see his new home. I'm new to this blogging thing and sometimes I feel like Doogie Howser. I guess you have to be old enough to to remember that show and his daily journal entries. I am finding out a lot about other Christmas traditions and I thought you would enjoy this one. Keep in touch.

T. Nelson Robertson Jr.(Tom)

The Legend of the Donkey's Bray

After hiding in Egypt for some years, Joseph decided to move his family back to Nazareth. During the night they camped along the side of the road. One night while they slept, their donkey heard the soldiers' horses coming from afar. Afraid that the soldiers were coming to kill Jesus, the donkey neighed to wake Joseph. He neighed and neighed, again and again, but his voice was just too soft to wake the sleepers. Finally, as the soldiers approached, the donkey prayed for a loud voice to wake the family. When he neighed again, he was rewarded with the loud bray such as donkeys have had ever since.

Annoucing Our Gallery

2010-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Some of Nick's friends are sitting in the workshop, hoping to find a new home for the upcoming Holidays. You can see them by going to the Whittler's Hollow 2010 gallery.

Perhaps you know of someone who would like to adopt one of Nick's friends.

Merry Christmas.

Tom

Greeting from Nick's friend

2010-11-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Tom and I would like to thank you for following my friend Nick's journey. I promised him that I would keep up the blog. We had a great time at the Christmas Village Gift Show in Birmingham, Alabama last week. Nick is now at home with "Steve" and says he loves his new friends. I can't tell you his exact location because "Steve" is giving him as a gift. A few of Nick's friends will be at my studio in Gadsden, Alabama and Gene and I will be putting some on the Whittler's Hollow web site soon. Here are some pictures of some of the completed figures. I thought you might enjoy some facts about Nick's other friends from around the world so I will research them and let you know what I find out. Keep in touch.

Tom

Victorian Father Christmas

This is a typical, kind Santa as depicted during the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837 to 1897, and featured on postcards of the era. Christmas was a very important event centred around children & family. Many of the customs originated in Germany,(including the Christmas tree), reflecting the heritage of the Queen's husband, Prince Albert. A Victorian Santa often carried a Christmas tree along with 'tons of toys'.

Final Visit

2010-10-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hello for the last time. It has been a great year. I hope following this blog has given you the opportunity to keep the Christmas spirit throughout the year. Mr. Nelson Robertson, Tom’s father, once said that Santa never stops talking to us, we just quit listening. Keep listening and I look forward to seeing you soon, if not in Tom’s shop, then somewhere, sometime, before Christmas. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Νικόλαος, Bishop of Myra

Dear Editor,

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in “The Sun”, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Francis P Church

Our next to last visit

2010-10-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

German - Froehliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!

All that is left is for Tom to sign and date me. Each figure he carves carries the date of completion and is given a number beginning with 001 for that particular year.

Here I am 2010-001. I hope you have enjoyed following me the past 36 weeks. It has been my pleasure to guide you through my creation. I promised some more pictures so here they are. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Village Festival in Birmingham in November. Feel free to contact me at www.whittlershollow.com if you have any questions. I thought you might enjoy one last Holiday tradition.

Until our next visit, I remain your friend,

Nick

PS. Several of my friends left yesterday for Sue’s house in Abernathy, Alabama.

According to legend, on Christmas Eve in Germany rivers turn to wine, animals speak to each other, tree blossoms bear fruit, mountains open up to reveal precious gems, and church bells can be heard ringing from the bottom of the sea. Of course, only the pure in heart can witness this Christmas magic. All others must content themselves with traditional German celebrating, of which there is plenty. As a matter of fact, there is so much celebrating that is has to begin on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day.

The end is near.

2010-10-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Choctaw - Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito.

The waxing is done and Tom will be here soon to buff and polish me one more time. He uses a special mixture of waxes to achieve the smooth finish that characterizes the collection and hand rubs each figure with a cotton cloth. This finish will last for years. The softer sheen of the waxed figure allows the beauty of the wood to show. Tom says the finish is “in the wood not on the wood”. How do I look? I am not the only Holiday Visitor carved this year. Here is a class picture. Were you able to pick me out? I am still the good looking one in the middle. Tom has done some different things this year, nativities, birds and several sets of Wise Men. Here are pictures of his new carvings. I found some interesting things about Advent. I thought you might enjoy them.

It cannot be determined with any degree of certainty when the celebration of Advent was first introduced into the Church. The preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord was not held before the feast itself existed.

One of the earliest references to Christmas being celebrated on December 25 appeared in Antioch in the middle of the second century. At that time, Christians were still persecuted. An official determination was made in the fourth century, when the Roman emperor Constantine embraced Christianity, thereby ensuring the legality of Christmas celebrations. The Council of Tours in 567 established the period of Advent as a time of fasting before Christmas. They also proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany a sacred, festive season.

According to present usage [1910], Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) and embracing four Sundays. The first Sunday may be as early as November 27th, and then Advent has twenty-eight days, or as late as December 3rd, giving the season only twenty-one days.

The popular idea that the four weeks of Advent symbolize the four thousand years of darkness in which the world was enveloped before the coming of Christ finds no confirmation in the Liturgy.

The familiar carol "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" belongs to the Advent season since it celebrates the expectation of Christ's coming rather than His actual birth.

A cautionary tale

2010-10-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

Tom's friend Gene sent this note yesterday. As we enter the Holiday Season, the lesson in this note is something we all need to remember.

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day,the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about.

I just did!

Nicholas

I am getting older.

2010-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Brazil (Portuguese) - "Feliz Natal" or "Boas Festasantique

Hello. It has been a long week. I have been waiting for my final finish. Tom has applied a special antiquing medium to me. I must dry for 5 days to make sure that the paint will not be rubbed off after he applies the wax. He will begin to wax all of us within the next 24 hours. I can hardly wait to see my new waxed surface. It is getting closer to the end.

A well known English plant, the Christmas rose, is a true Christmas flower. It is sometimes called the Snow or Winter Rose. It blooms in the depths of winter in the mountains of Central Europe. Legend links it with the birth of Christ and a little shepherdess named Madelon.

As Madelon tended her sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other shepherds passed by the snow covered field where she was with their gifts for the Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Poor Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing, not even a simple flower for the Newborn King. An angel, seeing her tears, brushed away the snow revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose.

Also in central and northern Europe it is the custom to break off a branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of the Advent and keep it in water in a warm room; the flowers should burst into bloom at Christmas time.

Some more of my friends at Sue's house.

The eye is the jewel of the body - Thoreau

2010-10-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

French - Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

I just love my brown eyes. Tom uses a toothpick to paint my iris and pupils. He must wear jeweler’s loops since my eyes are only 1/8 of an inch wide and 1/16 of an inch high. This is the most tedious part of the entire painting process, but it also the most important. The eyes give my friends and me our personalities. The small white dots in my eyes bring me alive. Tom sands the toothpick to a smaller point to place them at just the right place. I am now ready for the final finishing process to begin. I hope you like my new “look”.

In Mexico, a heart-warming story explains the origin of the poinsettia:

On a Christmas Eve, long ago, a poor little boy went to church in great sadness because he had no gift to bring the Holy Child. He dared not enter the church, and, kneeling humbly on the ground outside the house of God, he prayed fervently and assured our Lord, with tears, how much he desired to offer him some lovely present --"But I am very poor and dread to approach you with empty hands." When he finally rose from his knees, he saw springing up at his feet a green plant with gorgeous blooms of dazzling red.

Throughout the world, in every nation, from every heart, one prayer....

that all people live in freedom and peace reign everywhere.

A Christmas wish for you and all the world... PEACE

--- artist Brummett EchoHawk

Back with Tom

2010-09-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Greek - Kala Christougenna Kieftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos

I am now back with Tom. It is time for me to get eyes. This will be a three step process and the paints have to dry at least 24 hours between steps. Next week I will find out what color my eyes will be. Here are the answers to last week’s questions.

Joel Poinsett, the developer of the popular Christmas poinsettia flower, was the first ambassador.

The Barnum’s Animal Cracker and box was introduced by the National Biscuit Company. The box, as it does today, had a string designed so that that it could be hung as a Christmas ornament.

Here is a picture of some of my friends at Lisa's house.

Finished with Diane

2010-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Icelandic - Gleðileg Jól og Farsaelt Komandi ár!

I am getting my rosy cheeks today. Diane combines several shades of red to get the color she needs. I think this really adds to my look. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Who was the United States first ambassador to Mexico?

What popular children's cracker today was introduced in 1902 as a Christmas ornament?

I will give you the answers next week.

Adding Details

2010-09-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

30 Italian - Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovpaint

The additional details on my gown are ready to be finished. The paint on the gown has been allowed to dry for 48 hours. The details may be painted or burned, depending on what has been added. I found this information about my favorite Christmas carol. Enjoy.

The original lyrics for the song in German, Stille Nacht, were written by Joseph Mohr and the melody was composed by Franz X. Gruber. The carol was first performed 191 years ago on December 24, 1818 at the St. Nicholas church in Oberndorf, Austria. Since then the Christmas song has achieved world wide appeal and it said that there are over 300 translations of the song in the world.

Christmas Punch

2010-09-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Swedish - God Jul och Gott Nytt År

It is now time to paint my inner gown. There is no traditional color for this garment. Don’t you love the color Diane picked for me? How about a little punch to brighten up the day?

Claus Cranberry Punch

Ingredients:

2 cups cranberries

2 cups water

1 cup sugar

Cook to pulp, then strain. When cooled, add the following:

Juice of 3 lemons

Juice of 1 lime

1 quart ginger ale

Red and green cherries

This serves 6 - 8.

This is the view from Tom's shop. I am so lucky to get to see it each day.

A Woman's Touch - Adding Color

2010-08-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

Welsh - Nadolig LLawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

I will be spending most of my time now with the other member of our household, Tom’s wife Diane. She is responsible for determining the paint scheme for my friends and me, and it will be interesting to see her color selections for this year. I won’t see Tom again until it is time for my eyes to be added. Diane will begin by choosing a color for my outer robe. Some of my friends will have a red robe; others will have different colors depending upon the country of their origin. Diane must mix the paints carefully or the stain will not penetrate the grain of the wood. Let’s learn about another visitor.

St. Nicholas was born in 280 AD, in Patara, a city of Lycia, in Asia Minor. He became the gift giver of Myra. His gifts were given late at night, so that the gift giver's identity would remain a secret. St. Nicholas was eventually named the patron saint of children, sailors, Russia and Greece.

St. Nicholas was a Christian priest, who later became a bishop. He was a rich person, and traveled the country helping people, giving gifts of money and other presents. St. Nicholas did not like to be seen when he gave away presents, so the children of the day were told to go to sleep quickly or he would not come! Nothing has changed and Santa Claus will not arrive this Christmas unless the children go to sleep early.

About Beards

2010-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Spanish - Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo

My most recognizable trait is ready to be completed, the traditional white beard. Not all of my friends have white beards, some have grey; some have black, some have brown. But mine will be white. Tom will apply several coats of thinned acrylic paint until my beard is just right. Hope you enjoy some facts about an Old World friend of mine.

The Scottish people have their big celebrations on New Year's Day, called Hogmanay. There is a superstition that it is bad luck for the fire to go out on Christmas Eve, since it is at this time that the elves are around and only a raging fire will keep them from coming down the chimney.

On Christmas day, people sometimes make big bonfires and dance around them to the playing of bagpipes. Bannock cakes made of oatmeal are traditionally eaten at Christmas.

In Scotland, Christmas had traditionally been celebrated very quietly. The Church of Scotland - the Presbyterian Church - has never placed any great emphasis on the Christmas festival. However, members of the Church of England or other churches generally celebrate Christmas in the same way. The English people disapproved of Christmas and believed that there was too much riotous festivity. Nowadays these celebrations are held at Hogmanay, but they do celebrate Christmas with some very interesting customs.

Color and History

2010-08-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom

My face is now painted. Tom mixed several colors to achieve the desired tone. Some of my friends have brown faces, some very pale faces, and some have darker flesh tones. The acrylic paint is mixed very thin to allow the pigment to penetrate the wood. The Holiday Visitor Collection is characterized by the color being in the wood not on it. Artists have always been painting my picture. Some of the most famous were done by Haddon Sundblom.

Haddon Sundblom & Coca-Cola

Born in 1899, Haddon Sundblom dominated the commercial art scene for decades. Often using himself as the model, Sundblom developed the image of jolly Saint Nick for Coca-Cola.

For inspiration, Sundblom turned to Clement Clark Moore's 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Moore's description of the man as "chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf" led to an image of Santa that was warm, friendly and human. For the next 35 years, Sundblom painted portraits of Santa that helped to create the modern image of Santa -- an interpretation that today lives on in the minds of children of all ages all over the world.

Santa Painting By Shelby Coffman

First Coat - The sealing secret

2010-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Norwegian - God Jul og Godt Nyttår

The painting process has begun. Tom must seal the wood and apply just enough color to tint the bare areas. My entire surface must then sanded again and a tack cloth used to remove all of the dust. I will be rubbed with a clean, dry cloth and given a final check for unwanted tool marks. The adding of color will be a gradual process to guarantee the look that sets Tom’s creations apart from other carvers’ works. Sometimes Tom applies the color all over. Sometimes only on certain parts of his figures, depending on the look he is trying to achieve. As soon as the added pigments dry, Tom will be able to begin painting me. Interestingly, another Tom, Thomas Nast, created one of the first images of me in 1863.

See you later.

St. Nick

Thomas Nast (1840-1902)

America's foremost political cartoonist and the creator of the image of Santa Claus as we know him today.

In 1863, political cartoonist Thomas Nast began a series of annual drawings in Harper's Weekly which were based on the descriptions found in Clement Moore's poem and Washington Irving's work.

Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862; Santa was shown as a small elf-like figure that supported the Union. Nast continued to draw Santa for 30 years and along the way changed the color of his coat from tan to the now traditional red. Nast popularized several political symbols: the Democratic donkey, the Republican elephant the Tammany tiger. He also gave us our present-day conception of Uncle Sam, John Bull and Columbia. The figure Nast drew, which was based on Pelznikel, the St. Nicholas of his German ancestors, is the famous Santa Claus, now known to everybody in the country.

Carving Completed!

2010-07-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

Mandarin - Sheng Dan Kuai Le, Xing Nian Kuai Le

Hooray. I have been looking forward to this day for 23 weeks. The carving process is over and my transformation from cypress knee to Father Christmas is complete. It has been time consuming but for Tom, it has been a labor of love. The addition of color is the next thing that will happen. I don’t know what colors I will wear, but I trust Diane’s judgment. Keep in touch.

Nicholas

Tom says he like to work with different types of wood, so here’s a fact about holly.

Holly was the sacred plant of Saturn and was used at the Roman Saturnalia festival to honor him. Romans gave one another holly wreaths and carried them about decorating images of Saturn with it. Centuries later, in December, while other Romans continued their pagan worship, Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus. To avoid persecution, they decked their homes with Saturnalia holly. As Christian numbers increased and their customs prevailed, holly lost its pagan association and became a symbol of Christmas.

And there will be a new generation of carvers:

Details and Code Words

2010-07-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Irish -Nollaig Shona Dhuit

Hello again. I can’t believe that the journey is almost over. Thank you for being a part of my transition. I am almost done. The finishing details are tedious and time consuming but it is this process that brings the personality to my friends and me. The next time we talk, I will be ready for the painting process. See you then.

It is said that the traditional Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a secret teaching tool to instruct children in the meaning of the Christian faith. From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were, apparently, forbidden from openly practicing their religion. So, this carol was devised to get the message across without upsetting the Protestants. Here is the broken code.

The "Eyes" have it

2010-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka & Hauoli Makahiki Hou

I can’t believe that I have eyes. I wonder if they will be blue, brown, or green. I guess we will have to wait to find out. I am beginning to think about what color I want my gown. I will ponder that and let you know next week. Till then, here’s another interesting fact.

1939 Copywriter Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company created a poem about Rudolph, the ninth reindeer. May had been "often taunted as a child for being shy, small and slight." He created an ostracized reindeer with a shiny red nose who became a hero one foggy Christmas eve. Santa was part-way through deliveries when the visibility started to degenerate. Santa added Rudolph to his team of reindeer to help illuminate the path. A copy of the poem was given free to Montgomery Ward customers.

1949: Johnny Marks wrote the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Rudolph was relocated to the North Pole where he was initially rejected by the other reindeer that wouldn't let him play in their reindeer games because of his strange looking nose. The song was recorded by Gene Autry and became his all-time best seller. Next to "White Christmas" it is the most popular song of all time.

Say it in Inuit!

2010-06-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Inuit - Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo! (Merry Christmas!)

I thought this was cool since everyone is familiar with the whole North Pole thing. Tom is still using sand paper to get my surface smooth enough for the hand finish that will be used. He uses different grits of sandpaper. He starts with a rough sand paper called 120. He then uses smoother sandpaper until he gets to one called 400 grit. This gets me ready for the next step. He now begins to add details to my gown. These may be flowers, stars or various images carved or burned into the wood. Until next time, here are some Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. - Oren Arnold

"Finishing School" - Part 1

2010-06-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello. Merry Christmas. I have decided to begin the rest of my post with how to say Merry Christmas in other languages. We are all familiar with how it is said in English but other languages are also beautiful. Tom and I are now in the process of getting me ready for the intricate detail that will be necessary for me to have my eyes. A secret solution (actually Tom says it is lacquer thinner and DEFT wood sealer) is applied to my face, beard, hair and any other areas that will need additional strength. After the solution dries, Tom can carve the small lines that will become my eyes. I can’t wait. I found another game that my friends and I love to play. Hope you enjoy it.

Nick

Are your friends a small, quiet group who prefer less demonstrative games? Why not pack up a bag for Santa? The game starts when you say, "I packed a bag for Santa Claus and put in some socks." The next player goes on to say, "I packed a bag for Santa Claus and put in some socks and books." As each player continues they include all the listed items and add their own item. When you miss an item on the list, you are out of the game.

"Sandy" Claus and Friends

2010-06-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hello. I hope you had a great week. This has been an interesting couple of days. Tom has been working on many of my friends and we are all in different stages. It is hard to recognize some of the newer guys but I remember what it was like to be in their shoes. The Carver, oops I mean Tom, is still working every night and I can see that he loves his work. He is sanding me this week. He will have to use four different grits of sandpaper to get me to look just right. I think this is a good look for me. I promised the answers to the song quiz, so here they are. How many did you know? Have fun and talk to you later.

1) Nutcracker Suite

2) Little Drummer Boy

3) Deck The Halls

4) Silent Night

5) Noel

6) All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

7) It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

8) Joy to the World

9) 12 Days of Christmas

10) Do You Hear What I Hear?

11) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

12) Up On The House Top

Perfecting my beard - and a word game

2010-06-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

I hope this post finds everyone doing well. The Carver was in the school house a lot this week. I can tell he really enjoys working with us. I’ve noticed that he sometimes listens to Christmas music as he works. This week’s project was my beard. Tom, I don’t think he will mind if I call him by name, uses several different chisels and bits to make my beard look this way. It may take him hours to get it just right but I think my beard is wonderful. How about you? Here is a fun game to begin to get us into the Christmas mood. Can you name the Christmas Carols from these clues? I will post the answers next week.

1. The apartment of 2 psychiatrists.

2. The lad is a diminutive percussionist.

3. Decorate the entry-ways.

4. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis.

5. A B C D E F G H I J K M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z.

6. Present me naught but dual incisors for this festive Yuletide.

7. The smog-less bewitching hour arrived.

8. Exuberation to this orb.

9. 288 Yuletide hours.

10. Do you perceive the same longitudinal pressure which stimulates my auditory sense organs?

11. The red-suited pa is due in this burg.

12. Stepping on the pad cover.

Getting Decorated!

2010-05-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

It’s me again. Today is a great day. The Carver will finish my face this week except for the eyes. He must seal the wood to stabilize it enough to do the fine detail. Until then he's working on my attire. The rest of my friends are pleased with their progress. We all think we are the Carver’s favorite. I found this story very interesting. Till next week.

THE MAGI – Argentina

The children of Argentina practice the custom of putting a shoe beneath the Christmas tree – or perhaps beside their bed – when awaiting the Magi. The Wise Men arrive on the night of January 5th, the eve of The Epiphany, which is when the people of Argentina celebrate the holidays. Just as the children of North America leave cookies and milk for Santa, Argentinean children leave hay and water outside the main door of the house, so that the horses of the Magi can be refreshed during their journey.

The Features on my Face

2010-05-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Nickster. Doesn’t that sound so 90’s? My friend Malcom, a 41 inch tall knee, says I need to make that 1990’s since he remembers the 1890’s. My facial features are almost done. My beard will be completed within the next couple of days. My gown and robe are almost finished and my body is beginning to take shape. My friends are coming along and I can’t wait for you to meet them. This is the last of names so we will have to look for other interesting tidbits about my friends and me for any future post.

Poland: Gwiazdor

Portugal: Pai Natal

Russia: Ded Moroz

Spain: Papa Noel

Sweden: Jultomten

Turkey: Noel Baba

United States: Santa Claus

Taking Shape

2010-05-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hello again from the little red schoolhouse. It has taken the Carver 3 hours to get me to this stage. My face is still a little rough but it’s getting there. He has begun sanding my gown and robe and some of the features in my beard and hat are beginning to take shape. I really like this picture. My friends are beginning to take shape also. Here is a picture of some of them. A lot of you emailed that you enjoyed learning my other names so here are some more.

France: Pere Noel

Germany: Christtindl

Hungary: Mikulas

India: Ganesha

Iran: Baba Noel

Italy: Babbo Natale

Japan: Hoteisho

Netherlands: Kertsman

New Zealand: Father Christmas

Norway: Julenissen

Peru: Papai Noel

Starting my Makeover

2010-05-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Carver started my transformation today. He took knives, chisels, and small power tools and began to remove wood from around my face and gown. It will take him 10 hours to finish the process. I will include more pictures as I am closer to being finished. Three women came by today. They have several of my friends in their collections. I heard the Carver tell them about the process of carving. He said that there are only three things you can do with a knife. Chop, peel, and slice. Almost anyone can be taught these skills, but no one can teach someone “how to see the man inside the wood”. I can’t wait to see what I look like as my journey continues. I thought we could learn some of my other names.

Australia: Father Christmas

Brazil: Papai Noel

Canada: English Speaking: Santa Claus; French Speaking: Pere Noel

China: Shengdan Laoren

Denmark: Julemanden

Holland: Sinter Klaas

Egypt: Papa Noel

England: Father Christmas

Finland: Joulupukki

My Little Red Home (for now)

2010-04-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hello from my new home. It is a woodcarving studio in Gadsden, Alabama. The shop looks like a little red school house. It is a long way from the swamp but I really like it here. The Carver is here almost every day.

This is the sign on the front door. I think it is a nice welcome to my new home.

He’s placed us on shelves and works with one of us every time he comes in.

Today he picked some of us up and drew lines on us with a pencil. It kind of tickled but I like my new look. What do you think?

Here’s another tradition for your enjoyment.

Christmas is celebrated in much the same way in Portugal as it is in Spain. The Portugese enjoy an additional feast, called consoada, in the early morning hours of Christmas Day. They set extra places at the table for alminhas a penar ("the souls of the dead"). In some areas crumbs are left on the hearth for these souls, a custom that derives from the ancient practice of entrusting seeds to the dead in hopes that they will provide a bountiful harvest.

And here is a drawing by Kylee.

Nick and the Carver

2010-04-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

It’s finally time. We are all dried and ready to go. Today’s the day the man from Alabama comes to visit. Wait, I hear someone coming up to the house. It’s a different truck than usual and it’s not stopping at the house. It is coming to my building. The big man and his wife are walking to the truck and someone is getting out, and he is even bigger than the big man. I think this is Tom, the wood carver we have been waiting for. Everyone comes into the building and looks around. The woodcarver, I don’t know him well enough yet to call him Tom, begins to pick up many of my friends. Some he places in a box, some he puts back down. As he gets to me, I can tell he thinks I’m special. “This one is perfect for an idea I have,” he says. “I think I will carve him first.” The Carver puts several of us into boxes and moves us to his truck. He waves to the big man and his wife and pulls back onto the quiet county road. I am on my way to Alabama and I think I will know the Carver well enough to call him Tom before this is over. The next time we visit, I will be in Alabama.

Anticipating a trip

2010-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

It’s me, Nick. Welcome to all of my new friends from Gene’s blog. He is a great artist and all around good guy but don’t tell him I said so. I hope you have been well since our last talk. I am almost ready for the next part of my journey. I heard the big man say that someone has been calling and asking about my friends and me. He is from a place called Alabama and he must come a long way to see us. I think the big man’s wife said is name is Tom. We are all looking forward to his visit.

I have to go now so they can move us into another building. A lot of you seemed to enjoy learning about my friends, so here is another fact. Keep believing. Bye.

In France, Christmas is always called 'Noël. Everyone has a Christmas tree, sometimes decorated in the old way with red ribbons and real white wax candles. Fir trees in the garden are often decorated too, with lights on all night.

Father Christmas is called Père Noël. The Christmas meal is an important family gathering with good meat and the best wine. Not everyone sends Christmas cards.

Mrs. Geneva's Visit

2010-04-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I am still sitting in my new home. The big man’s wife came in today. She’s really nice and I can tell she enjoys visiting me. She moved us around so that we can dry quicker. I will have to wait for a while before I can continue my adventure, so here’s another fun fact about my friends.

In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the important time - when 'Father Frost' brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas can be openly celebrated - either on December 25th; or more often on January 7th. This unusual date is because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the old 'Julian' calendar for religious celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and 'meat dumplings'.

Drying Time

2010-03-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

Not much to talk about. I will have to stay in this building until I dry. Sometimes it takes weeks for this to happen. It’s boring, but it has to be done for me to become the best I can be. I thought you might enjoy an interesting fact about some of my future friends.

Latvians believe that Father Christmas brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Eve. Usually the presents are put under the family Christmas tree. (What a good idea to spread Christmas out longer!) It was in Latvia that the first Christmas tree was decorated. The special Latvian Christmas Day meal is cooked brown peas with bacon (pork) sauce, small pies, cabbage and sausage.

This is a rather abstract Santa from the mind of an artistic 3 year old.

A New Look

2010-03-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since we last talked. The day after our last visit was a very important day for my friends and me. The big man put us in a large metal container filled with water. He then placed the container over a large fire. As the steam began to rise, I could feel the rough bark that covered me loosen. When we were taken out, the big man and his wife began to pull the bark off. Instead of a looking rough I now have a smooth membrane covering. They washed us with a special solution and placed us back into our temporary home. Here are some pictures of how we look now.

Mr Van Hays boiling cypress knees

A cypress knee still in the bark.

One cypress knee ready to begin the drying process, and one still wearing his coat of bark.

And Finally! The Santa of the week!

Going for a ride!

2010-03-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

The big man put all of us in the back of his truck and took us to his house. It is on the edge of the swamp and I heard him say that the house was over 100 years old. That must be old for a house but not for a cypress knee. We grow about ¼ inch per year, so many of my larger friends are 150 years old. The house has a building out back and the big man placed us into a large room to wait a while. It’s kind of dark but I like it here. Later.

If you have young ones who would like to send us a picture they have drawn of Saint Nick, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. We would love to use it as our "Santa of the week." Thanks.

Moving out of the Swamp

2010-03-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

It was quiet last night but there seems to be something different in the air. I can hear far away voices. I recognize the big man’s sound but there are others with him. There is also a whirring noise. I can see them now. The big man and two others are pulling a jon boat behind the bateau. Sometimes they will get out and the whirring sound starts. Suddenly the sound stops and one of my cypress knee friends is taken and placed in the second boat. They are getting closer. I hope the big man sees me. They stop in front of me and get out of the bateau. The sound starts and before you know it, I am in the boat with my friends. As we start out of the swamp, I realize that this is the beginning of my great adventure. That’s all for now. I won’t know where I’m going until I get there.

More from the Swamp

2010-03-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Were you able to pick me out? I am the good looking one in the middle. Just kidding. Many people make interesting things out of us. Some of my friends have become lamps and clocks. I don’t know how long l will remain in the swamp. I heard the big man say that he was coming back to get some of us. I hope he takes me. I like the swamp but I know there are greater things in my future. Maybe this will be the year I get to leave. I wonder what it will be like. We’ll talk later.

The Cypress Tree and Me

2010-02-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

I promised to tell you more about the cypress tree and my relationship to them, so, here goes. These trees grow in wet areas, along rivers, lake shores, and springs. Cypress trees are known for the growths on their roots called “knees”. No one really knows what these “knees” do, but, --are you ready? -- I am one of these cypress knees. There are many of us here in the swamp. All of us are different and no two look alike. Here are pictures of me and all of my friends.

“For decades this tree stood and observed the changing of the swamp. Its roots have put out an extension called a “knee”. Mother Nature truly sculpted them into works of art that cannot be equaled by man. Even more amazing is that the “knee” serves no purpose to the tree. It is as if it were put here for us to enjoy. “ Geneva Hays, Olla, Louisiana, 1989

Life in the Swamp

2010-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Bonjour. I got that from the big man. The swamp is an interesting place to live. Beaver, muskrat, and weasel live here, so does the possum and raccoon.

Fish swim all around me. Scary critters live here too. Alligators, snakes and turtles are everywhere, but I’m not afraid. They’re my friends. Spanish moss, lily pads and cypress trees surround me. I am especially fond of the cypress tree. I actually owe my existence to them. I will tell more about that later. Some of my younger human friends have drawn pictures of me. I will include one each week for you to enjoy. Gotta go now. Bye

“It is early morning and the sun is just beginning to rise over the cypress tree tops. The mist is rising and in the distance, an owl gives its lonesome call. Spanish moss hangs in ghostly threads from tree limbs and an alligator slowly raises its head searching for its breakfast. Around the cypress tree roots, fish and turtles are seeking their first meal of the day. A lone beaver swims by on his way home after a long night’s work. This is my home and I love living here.” Geneva Hays, 1989

Somewhere in the Swamp

2010-02-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

Hello again. It’s me, Nick. I thought I would let you know how things are going. I live in a bayou that is part of a large swamp somewhere in the southern United States. The big man in the bateau was here this morning. He comes here almost every day to fish. I like him. He is always talking to the animals and plants and seems to know us all by name. “Hello little sac-a-lait. Bonjour Mister Cypress Tree. “ The big man has lived here for over eighty years but his home is not in the swamp. I heard him say that he lives between the cities of Monroe and Baton Rouge, in a place called Louisiana. The next time we talk, I will tell you about my friends here in the swamp. See you later.

Sac-a-lait is the name by which both black and white crappie are known in Louisiana, especially in Southern Louisiana, but white crappie are more commonly called by this special Cajun name for one of anglers’ all time favorite fish.

Week 1: Hi, I am Nick

2010-02-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hello. Welcome to the story of my life. I will be posting each week until my journey is completed. Throughout history, people have searched for a representation of the goodness in mankind. The tradition of giving gifts during the holidays is one of the most enduring aspects of the season. Those living in America associate the practice with the Jolly Old Man himself, Santa Claus. Santa is the joy and happiness of Christmas’ past and the hopes and dreams of Christmas’ future and has been around in one guise or another for hundreds of years. Holiday Visitors around the world look different, but the qualities they possess and the impact they have upon the peoples of the world affirms what we have known all along. They are different versions of the same ideals; the collective conscience of mankind. The distinct styles and colors of dress, methods of travel, dates of arrival and ethnic and gender representations reflect the diversity of our earth. Because of these differences, I have been called many names over the centuries, but you can call me “Nick”.

Watercolor by Gene Black

Other Santa Images: