The Storyteller | Mary Vee

photo by Mary Vee It's the third week of Advent 2016. Set aside the crazy aspects that take place, you know what they are, and think of the heart meaning of Advent with me.  Breathe in deeply. Hold the air. Slowly release. Ready? This is a time of wonder and preparation. Dedicate your thoughts for what is about to come: The celebration of the birth of Christ the King. Feels good, yes? Okay, I couldn't keep from talking to you about Italy another week. I learned so much about the rich heritage of this country while there. Trust me, you'll see why today's post is worth your time and its connection with Advent.  Photo by Mary Vee After walking through the entrance of St. Francis Basilica, through the lower chapel with the breathtaking painted ceilings, up the narrow stairs, and out to a court, I saw this view. The lower brick area was the first floor I just walked through, the upper stained glass windows are the third floor, the main chapel where the P...

Today we give honor to our veterans photo courtesy of morguefile.com I'm sitting in a hotel restaurant eating breakfast. The employees for the hotel and restaurant walk about doing their job. A custodian walks through with ear buds in and a bright smile on his face, clearly enjoying his music. Another stops when an animated movie on the central TV catches his eye.  Life walks by.  And it can. Thankfully thousands of soldiers starting from the American Revolution to military issues today have and are giving their lives to protect us. Not everyone enters the military with the intent to give their life for their country, yet many have found themselves in this position. Bullet whiz by, land mine explodes. One soldier sees another injured and helps him. Another signals danger. There is nothing glamorous about war. The soldiers didn't know me personally. Yet the result of their service is a gift to us. One that allows us to go about our daily lives in peace...