I am doing a couple of "parties" this month.  Some are on line, some are home shows. Anyone who is looking to purchase a book or two, or twelve is welcome to come and peruse the bookstore... www.peanutshellbooks.com .   I have several orders going in to the company over the next couple of weeks. Normally, I have done some of my Christmas shopping by now, many years I am done completely.  This year, I just haven't had the money to do it in advance, and haven't been motivated to do much.  Most of my neices and nephews are getting... you guessed it... books.  I love to give books, I love to get books, I love books. I love watching my kids sucked into some other world. Current loves are Lord of the Rings (Trent is halfway through the Fellowship), The Boxcar Children ( Max is in the middle of 3 different mysteries), Treasure Island, Dr. Doolittle's Tales, and a few other's picture books.  Gabby is getting 1001 things to spot in Fairyland for her birthday.  She'll love it, of course, it's pink.  I think she is finally starting to show some interest in letters and such.  Guess it's time to pull out the Phonics Pathways.

I was thinking about "love languages" the other day.  My friend R was talking about her son's love language being gifts.  He appearently loves to buy his friends, siblings, parents, etc... the perfect gift.  I have a sister-in-law like this.  She is a bargan hunter to the core and just loves to give gifts to people.  I like to bake for people, but I don't really enjoy shopping, and really don't like giving people something that isn't practical, useful, or necessary.  Some people are easy to find something for, but most people, even people I love and hold dear prove to be a challenge.  It's not an area of expertise for me.  If I had money in excess I would probably just get everyone gift certificates for Applebee's or Barnes and Noble or Home Depot.  That way they could get themselves what they really want or need and I haven't cluttered up their wall, counter, or closet with a gift that they didn't want or need in the first place.  I figure there are probably other people that hate to dust, as much as I do.  The kind of things I put on my personal wish list are as boring as all get out, but I would rather be practical:  a new blender, Steve to figure out how to put a bathroom fan in, a new shower curtain, or maybe a new mattress pad.  See? That's just how I am. I have never claimed to be a fascinating individual. 

Fortunately, I am not married to someone who feels compelled to lavish things on me anyway.  We don't exchange gifts unless it's something that we mutually want to spend money on.  Like the dvd player for the car or a new hot water heater.

As for the love languages.... I haven't figured out what mine is... I guess I ought to read that book or something.  Maybe I don't have one.  It's not verbal affirmation, it's not physical affirmation, it's not gift giving, so I haven't a clue.