The closer the holidays get the more it becomes clear why being a writer is a pleasure for a career.
I may have only been with The Post-Journal for about six months now, but during that time I've met a great number of people from the community who have a story to tell. And, some of those people found it in their hearts to add me to their Christmas card list.
I haven't received that many letters since I started, but generally when I do get one it is to inform me of a possible story lead. So, several days ago when I opened a letter, I didn't expect it to be a Christmas card from none other than the Amazing Kreskin, whom I interviewed this fall. Of course, I'm no mentalist, not like Kreskin, so there could have been no way for me to guess that he'd send me an embossed fine art greeting card to wish me a merry Christmas.
Article Photos
Dusten Rader
The front of the card is a beautiful representation of a sculpture by George Carruth entitled "A Stable In Bethlehem." Inside the card reads, "With all the excitement during these days, I cherish those quiet moments to reflect on the true meaning and blessings of Christmas."
I've given that statement some thought, and it reminded me of something a friend recently posted on Facebook. It read, "You know you've grown up when none of the things you want for Christmas can be bought in a store."
To me, Christmas and the new year signify that I'm fortunate enough to have made it through another year to celebrate life with those I love and cherish. So, as the days count down toward the holidays, try to remember that nothing in life worth keeping is easily earned. And, that the most important things in life aren't bought, or free, but rather are gifts meant to thank you for being the person you've become.
HIGHLIGHTS
Live at the Met Season Features "Aida": The 1891 Fredonia Opera House continues the 2012-13 season with Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" on Saturday at 1 p.m.
In a staging that captures the grandeur of Ancient Egypt, this production features more than 200 artists. Verdi's tragedy sets a heartbreaking love triangle against the backdrop of an empire at war. It features Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska in a Met debut as Aida, the enslaved Ethiopian princess. Opposite Monastyrska are two major Met stars: tenor Roberto Alagna as the war hero Radames and Olga Borodina as the pharaoh's daughter Amneris, Aida's formidable rival.
Tickets are $20, or $15 for students, and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office, by phone at 679-1891 or online at fredopera.org.
New York City Band To Perform At Mojo's Saturday: Stratospheerius, a jam band that provides funky dance grooves that mix jazz, funk and rock with gypsy influences, will appear on Saturday at 10 p.m. at Mojo's in Jamestown.
Stratospheerius is led by violinist and vocalist Joe Deninzon, for more information visit joedeninzon.com.
Other band members include: French guitarist Aurelien Budynek; bassist Jamie Bishop; and drummer Lucianna Padmore.
For more information visit stratospheerius.com or search for "Mojo's of Jamestown" on Facebook.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Monday.
Tonight
Local Author Book Signing: 6:30 p.m., Sinclairville Free Library, 15 Main St., in Sinclairville. Jessie Anderson, author of "At What Cost," will host a presentation on the writing process and her journey to publishing.
Blue Grass Jam: 7-10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday
"It's A Wonderful Life ... A Live Radio Play": 8 p.m., Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown.
Chris Bell: 8-11 p.m., Miley's Old Inn, 845 E. Second St. in Jamestown.
"Ugly Sweater Party" Featuring The Saloonatics: 8:30-11:30 p.m., Mayville Legion, 144 S. Erie St. in Mayville.
Saturday
Doc And Bill: 6 p.m., The Corner Coffeehouse, 54 W. Main St., at the VSK Emporium in Frewsburg.
"It's A Wonderful Life ... A Live Radio Play": 8 p.m., Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown.
Sammy Slicker Band: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Chris Bell: 8-11 p.m., Chautauqua Suites' Bellini Lounge, 215 W. Lake Road (Route 394) in Mayville.
Sunday
"It's A Wonderful Life ... A Live Radio Play": 2 p.m., Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown.
Wednesday
Cindy Haight: 8-10 p.m., Wing City Grille, 273 E. Fairmount Ave. in Lakewood.