I’m a very fortunate person in that I’ve made money and lost it. I’ve gained fame around the world as an expert in the printing Industry and now a little as an author. The problem is that all of this doesn’t mean anything to me as much as a smile. This is one reason I’m the clown making wise cracks.
Some years back we invited a group of friends over for a Christmas cocktail. One couple in their late 70’s was the last ones to show up. Eliane came in
without Bartie because he was parking the car. You have to understand he to some degree was the guest of honor for he was dying from cancer. He was the
type that made the best of everything. Though he would tell you how he felt and what the doctors had said he never complained. He was the type that never cussed or show his frustrations when he got mad. He always made the best of a situation.
Well he finally walked into our home that was (compared to now) moderately
decorated. He did not get more than 5ft into the living room before a tear
ran down his cheek. I had gone over to welcome him and I saw the tear and asked if he was in pain. He smiled as he looked around and he told me it had been 40-50 years since he had seen anyone decorate as we had. Within 6 months he died and I felt good about putting a smile on his face.
Since then we’ve added to the collection and it sits up in the shop waiting
for Christmas. It takes us 3 weeks normally to set it all out but it’s worth it. Our home has always been open to whoever comes by. As an example Ray and Heddy Kayser came by with their grandchildren. The boys inspected the tree from branch to branch touching an ornament here and there. Then they say the animated toys and began pushing buttons. Grandpa began yelling at them for touching and playing with them. As politely as I could I told him that was why they were there. The toys could be replaced but not the smiles. He was stubborn and the four of us had the same conversation a number of times as they went through the house.
You need to understand, the bathroom, to bedroom and throughout the house
gets decorated. We have been told it didn’t matter where we went for Christmas we still had to decorate since the neighbors know where our house
key is. With this need to see our decorations people have begun coming out the 12 miles. In fact one night we had 35 people in front of our place caroling (off tune). Once inside there was hardly enough room for everyone with the decorations and all. As with others these visitors commented that we should take our show to town. It seemed like a good idea but we know how difficult it would be. It sounded like a nice idea but a lot of work.
Then a couple of months ago we were talking and I realized it was time. With the economy being as it is people need help. Then in looking around town I don’t get the feeling of a united community. With all that I saw I want to pay Mountainair back for being so nice to Sandi and I. I know I can’t do enough to make a difference but if I can give a few people something to smile about, and a bite of food. I will have done something. Keep in mind we have made it clear we can’t do it all by ourselves for we want this to be a community affair. This year we maybe furnishing the majority of the decorations but we still need help in setting it up and manning it. We also have explained we would like to ask an admission price of money for the Summer Church Camp, or Non perishable food, or toy for Toys for Tots.
So far everyone has been enthusiastic about the idea. Once it opens it will
be from the assistance of the city for letting us use the Community Center,
the Chamber of Commerce for buying the 3x30 ft banner, the Ministerial
Alliance, and the volunteers. So far we have also had decorations donated
(one item is on loan), and promises of cookies and cake for opening night.
I personally hope this will in some way bring all of us closer together and a smile on a few faces. I have to say I do wish for a little more to happen. I would like to see this become a yearly event with the art departments in the East Mountain Schools making things that can be added as I am with my Adobe Village. If I had thought of it sooner I would also have made a model Saw Mill. Still more buildings could be added, a meadow full of animals, or other dioramas could be designed and added to Christmas Land.
As you might have gotten this message, I don’t want this to be a Steinlage event as much as an event brought together by the community.
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