Virginia Blog Carnival - preparing for Christmas (UPDATED)

(UPDATED at the bottom!)

Here we are, finally, with the Virginia Blog Carnival for this week. I've got quite a few entries, mainly because I poked around my RSS feed and added quite a few that caught my interest. I'm bouncing between "do-it-yourself," and the Blog Carnival's formats, so please forgive any awkwardness you may encounter. Also, if I didn't send a trackback, let me know (if you HAVE them, that is) and I'll fix it ASAP.

So, on to the show!

Always on Watch writes about the beautiful and moving Wreaths Across America posted at Always On Watch. The picture has been cruising aroung the 'sphere, and I'm giving this pride-of-place because it is a reminder we all need.

On another somber note, Craig, over at Craig's Musings, has a terrible story to tell: Robbed at gunpoint in my own driveway! Thank God no one was hurt, but Craig said the robber threatened his daughter. How awful! Please make sure you stop by and offer what support you can, and keep Craig and his family in your prayers.

Doug Mataconis, in One Man's Private Duty posted at Below The Beltway, returns to the wreaths at Arlington. Paired with AOW's post, this is a powerful reminder of the love and respect we owe to those who have served this country in honor and valor.

Douglas T presents Be negative posted at Thoughts on Design. Douglas is a blogger with whome I'm unfamiliar, but he's obviously got an experienced eye for composition and art.

Roci, of Rocinante's Burdens, presents War of words, discussing the Iraqi "civil war" - is it, or isn't it, and are we properly defining terms? He also adds a post from last year about the Santa myth.

Adam presents Innovative Reforms, decrying the paucity (ooo, I'm using up all my 25 cent words!) of new ideas when confronted by a deadlock of opposing views. Adam writes at Sophistpundit.

Rick Sincere presents Seasonal Silliness, about the insanity of Fairfax County regulating charity casseroles!

Kilo presents Chad Dotson takes Court to School, a very cool entry that talks about actually taking the courtroom to the school. Now, that's innovation! And, Kilo's co-blogger, Wise Girl, submits Christmas Traditions, which is exactly the kind of post that this blessed season calls for! They are, of course, blogging at Kilo Sparks It Up!!!

The Mason Conservative notes the article by George Will On Senator Temper-Tantrum, and the reaction to what many perceive to be Senator-elect Webb's rudeness. Perhaps the Democrat(ic) party didn't get such a good deal after all...

Romance at The Homestead.... is a lovely post by SWAC Girl! It's full of beautiful pictures, and how wonderful to see another long-time happily married couple. I'll hit 25 years in 5 more, and I'm blessed with an awesome husband, too. Guys (well, and gals as well), take note of how to romance your love!

Xrlq rips into Dennis Prager, Christianist Judeochristianist Idiotarian at damnum absque injuria. I haven't read or seen the full context of what Mr. Prager said, but from what I have seen, he deserves a smack-down! Xrlq has a follow up here.

Ward Smythe posts Preparing for the Messiah: The first Sunday of Advent, which takes us through the liturgy for the day. Lots of beautiful readings in Scripture, and a welcome reminder of this blessed season.

Jon Henke explains the Social Security problem without the hyperbole typical of both sides. When you read this with Sophistipundit's entry, above, you should have several new points to consider on the topic.

Finally, Bwana at Renaissance Ruminations offers some free advice to the Virginia GOP in view of what he observed at the Advance this weekend. I think they ought to listen...

Well, I hope you enjoyed this Carnival. Next week, we will be over at Jason Kenney's blog (UPDATE: I goofed! Jason will be hosting on December 18th, so next week is free - please contact me if you're interesting in hosting romeokat -at- gmail -dot- com)... and maybe he'll be able to sneak a picture in of his new niece, if her Daddy says it's all right. My congratulations go out to the Kenneys on this beautiful (yes, ALL babies are beautiful - and this one has a lovely and charming Mom and Dad!) and precious new life.

So, make sure you get those posts ready - especially the ones celebrating Christmas - and send them in via the submit post link, or to vablogcarnival -at- gmail -dot- com.

Technorati tags: Virginia, politics, Christmas, Carnival, Virginia Blog Carnival

Comments

[Kilo]

Great Job!

[Ward Smythe]

Great job! Thanks for the mention.

[SWAC Girl]

Thanks, Cat House Chat! What a wonderful surprise to find my post about Romance at the Homestead on the Virginia Blog Festival ... and with such special commentary. Thank you.

[M. Douglas Wray]

I really like this wreath.

Hotlinking, even in comments, isn't really kosher, Douglas. Thanks for stopping by, though!

-- Kat

[M. Douglas Wray]

I really like this wreath:
http://durangoherald.com/news/06/images/news061130_1a.jpg

Ah. OK, it's early and I haven't had my coffee yet. Much better, Douglas, thank you.

-- Kat