A McBirney Chrismas Eve

Tomás watches as Margaret walks by. She has been avoiding him ever since he returned a couple of weeks ago with his cousin, Marisol. He is a little disappointed because he felt he and Margaret made a connection early this spring.

"Margarita...con permiso..."

"I'm sorry Tomás. I don't have time now. I need to tend to Eva."

"Aleta is having so much fun caring for her needs. Would you put a stop to their play because you are afraid to talk to me?"

"Afraid? Who's afraid?"

"I have been back for several weeks now. It seems that you are out of the castle or unavailable each time I've asked to see you."

"Then I guess your timing is a wee bit poor."

"The necklace looks wonderful on you Lady Villanueva."

(startled Marisol blushes under Adémar's gaze)

"Muchas gracias Lord McBirney."

"Adémar...please"

"Then you are not angry with me?"

"Angry? Why ever would I be angry with you?"

"For leaving so abruptly. I am sorry I did not have time to say good-bye."

"Don't be so full of yourself Tomás. Adémar informed me that you had a family emergency and had to leave."

"Yes, that is true. But, I would have preferred to tell you myself, Margarita."

"Whoa...I was just coming over to ask you for this next waltz."

"Waltz? Me?"

"Yes, would you do me the honor?"

"But, I was just going to talk to Tomás. Aleta needs to turn in now."

"Aleta doesn't look tired. My daughter is so happy to have so much attention."

"Eva is a beautiful child. I'm grateful for Eva's friendship. It seems to help Aleta smile again. It has been very hard these past months. Her father's care took precedence over all of our needs."

"I am very sorry for your loss mi'lady."

"Gracias", she murmurs quietly. She finds his attention a little discomforting. Her husband, Luis, was more of a father to her. He was almost 50 when they were betrothed. He lost his first wife, Aleta's mother, to childbirth. Marisol's father arranged the marriage soon after. Luis was very good to her, but never requested any wifely duties of her. He was thankful that Marisol cared for his daughter, Aleta as her own. In turn, Marisol loved Luis and Aleta.

"Now. I feel it is my duty to delay you a wee bit."

"Why?"

"My sister, Margaret and Tomás have a little catching up to do."

"oh?"

"I can tell you more if...I could have this one waltz?"

Tomás chuckles quietly, "Now that's the fire I remember."

"I have missed our talks and strolls. But, I see this is going to take more time than I have this eve. I promised Mari I would make it an early night for Aleta."

"Buenas noches, Margarita. Feliz Navidad."

"I look forward to what the new year will bring."

"I see Tomás and Aleta are waiting. Good night mi'Lord. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas mi'lady."

Margaret has disappeared and it is just Adémar and Eva sitting by the fire.

"I like Aleta, Papa."

"Yes, I saw how much you liked playing this evening. I think you are helping to make her happy."

"Eva like happy Papa."

"Yes, poppet I know you like happy."

"Merry Christmas Papa."

"Merry Christmas child."

A PREGO Special Christmas

I participated in a gift exchange with my friends on PREGO. Here are the photos and a big THANK YOU to my PREGO partner.

All right everyone, let's have a nice family photo for Inti. Her HUGE box is waiting for us to open and unwrap the goodies! (Thanks for the lovely card Inti!)

Aleta opens our first package.

It is full of hats and a wonderful mini print of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The book is the perfect size for my BJD scale. Thanks Inti!

Eva and her collie, Ela get to open present #2.

A sweet Angel Bear!

I think someone likes it!

Margarite grabs a few more packages.

A loaded basket for a picnic.

2 Disney ornaments (for me!).

Marisol is all ready to open yet a few more packages.

A paper bag full of miniature purses.

Some fun Rement items. Taco/restaurant set and a cosmetic set.

Eva is so excited to open yet another gift.

A snow sled! Yay!

Aleta uncovers a beautiful chair. She's thinking it will be perfect for the Solarium.

Belén is thrilled to have received gifts as well. Thanks for the necklace, pilsner, gift box, telephone and Christmas book. They are perfect.

A full photo of all the goodies. I even unwrapped some gifts. Inti sent a Christmas tree and Barbie bar set.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my doll house to yours!

To Dream Again

"¿Amor?" whispers Belén.

"No entiendo...¿estás aqui?"

"Does it really matter Love?"

"No..no...te echo Amor. Besame."

"Belén"

"no...era un sueño..."

"Te echo Amor...te echo muchisimo."

A Lazy Day

Belén and I have found a little cottage in the Adirondacks of New York. We've spent a couple of days cleaning and moving her things in. I decided to leave her alone to get her room settled. I had work to do on the fireplace.

(A few hours later...)

(knock on her door) "¿Belén?"

"Sí, entre"

"Well, I like what you've done to the room. It looks really cozy in here."

"Gracias, Leonor. La cama es pequeña, pero muy comoda."

"Yeah, a twin size bed is all we have right now. I'm looking for something a bit larger. But, I agree. It does look comfy."

"What were you reading?"

"Una novela romántica. Se llama..eh.."The Inheritance". Me gusta much la historia."

"Oh, that's a good one! I'll let you get back to reading. I just wanted to tell that I was done with the fireplace repairs."

"Que bueno. Vamos a verla ahorita."

"oh, okay. Sure...let's go. I don't have much time. I have to get back to town to ring bells."

"¡Nos vamos!"

(half hour later, we return to Belén's room. It's the only room fit for company!)

"Gracias, Leonor. Me encanta la chimenea. Yo quiero trabajar en la sala atardecer."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you this afternoon then."

"Pienso que es un acto muy sincera a "ring bells" a fuera de la tienda."

"I think so too. I really enjoy the people you meet while ringing. It's too bad the children can't do it with me this year. "

"See you later Belén."

"¿Eh, Leonor?"

"Yes?"

"Gracias por toda."

"Hmmm...no te preocupas amiga. Feliz Navidad."