Back before I was a bit derailed by life and took a break from the blog, I had my Friday Spotlight, where I wrote about movies, books, and music that I like.  Well, I’m bringing it back, but a little early this week for topical reasons.

My husband and I have a Christmas Eve tradition of reading Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory aloud to each other.  We take turns, each reading a few pages at a time.  It is so magical for me.  Though I know the plot, each time is new and wonderful, full of funny quips and brilliant details, bringing me both laughter and tears.

If you aren’t familiar with A Christmas Memory, it recalls Capote’s own youth when he lived with relatives, and in particular, Miss Sook and their dog Queenie.  The story centers on the Christmas season, but like any good tale, it is so much more than that.

We watch the trio venture into the woods to cut down a tree and decorate it with home made ornaments (they couldn’t afford any others).  We also learn of the myriad ways they earn money for the fruitcake fund.  Each year making cakes (and enjoying a little whiskey themselves) for strangers dear to them, including President Roosevelt.  What different times – can you imagine sending the President a cake today?

Like so many of the stories I am drawn to, it is also about love and the deep connections we share, for Buddy and Miss Sook, and little Queenie, too, have a most tender and sweet relationship, one that, despite distance and time, only grows stronger.

If one day you come upon the story, regardless of season, please do read it, for it is so very special, one to treasure, and you will never look at two kites flying in the same way again.