Jingle Ball

Okay so maybe it doesn't jingle,


Or jangle,

Or make any noise at all,

But it happens to be my favorite ball.

Of the Christmas variety......

And it came from a special store, from a special person.

There used to be a store at the Rideau Centre call "Just Curious".

It carried all sorts of Canadian made goods and tons of great gift giving ideas.

Sadly, Rideau Centre in an effort to increase traffic and customer appeal is slowly not renewing leases of stores that don't appeal to those who shop the downtown core.

Every time I walk through there I am thrilled that there are a ton of new stores.

I won't lie that I was tickled pink when I saw the new Michael Kors store.

But I was also sad.

Just Curious is no longer there, recently replaced by a Calvin Klein lingerie store.

My sister and I used to stalk that store before and after Christmas in search of all sorts of unique ornaments.

Usually on Boxing Day the ornaments would be anywhere from 50 to 75 percent off.

One day when we saw the sale sign up we literally ran to the store to score some Christmas goodies.

I spotted this ball and I was in love.

It was so ornate and beautiful.

It was also the tiniest ball you have ever seen.

I don't remember why I didn't get it but after exiting the store my Sister handed me a little something wrapped in tissue.

I'm sure you can figure out what was inside.

Every year when I decorate my tree I think about that store and where I will go to find all those special one of a kind items.

And I think about my Sister and her generous spirit.

Thanks Sam.

I hope today is filled with all the things you love.

Happy Birthday!