"...The holidays were always special for Marisa, ever since she could remember. Precious memories of past celebrations always brought a smile to her face. As she arranged flowers in a bowl for the table centerpiece, she recalled watching her grandmother and her mother performing the same ritual for their holiday table. She could recall the youthful gnaw of anticipation, when she was certain the festivities would never begin."

"Her guests had started to arrive and she ushered each group into the family room for drinks and snacks. There were so many new faces - distant relatives she hadn't seen in many years. She loved seeing the excited looks on the children's faces as they gazed around at the decorations and wrapped gifts."

"She spied Sam, her cousin Louis' 7 year old son, seated in the conservatory with his hands clenched in his lap. 'What's wrong, Sam?', Marisa asked, with a smile. 'My Mommy told me to sit out here where it's quiet, 'cause I'm all 'wound up'. So, I'm holding my hands so I don't unwind all over your house.'..."

800-566-6360

copyright 1999 british conservatories