Thursday, December 13, 2012

Archangel Uriel

The number and names of the archangels varies among religious traditions, but four particular archangels are recognized by most all religious traditions: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Uriel's name means "Light of God." It is said that archangel Uriel illuminates our minds with inspiration, ideas and insights and is known as the patron of music. He is also considered by many as the intellectual archangel, the one to call upon for wisdom, knowledge and understanding - he can even help you focus when multitasking. I had an artistic challenge and Uriel came through in a big way.

I recently asked my angels for color inspiration for this portal series of abstracts I'm working on. That night, I received two vivid color combinations in my dreams - two in one night! The second color combo was this one: bright yellow surrounded by white surrounded by gray with a hint of purple. 

©Debbi Smith Rourke
I later found out archangel Uriel, whose name again means "Light of God," is associated with pale yellow candlelight. Since he is known to illuminate us with inspiration, ideas and insights, there is no denying who brought me the specific inspiration for this little painting. I plan to enlarge it to 30x24" soon. Now the lines between my art blog and angel blogs are blurring!! Love it!!

Do you have any stories of inspiration you have received that could have come from Uriel?? 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Live from your heart.

My angels have been showing me that it's vital to live from your heart rather than your head/mind/ego. Today, most people live from their rational minds. Many of us are now learning that you can stay in divine love and create your ideal world by living from your heart. 

The law of attraction brings you what your mind and heart focus on automatically. I've heard that creating from your mind brings both what you want and the opposite of what you want (due to the forceful, resistant nature of creating from the mind). Co-creating your world with God by living from your HEART brings ONLY what you really desire, and FAST. And you are living in the heart of God when you do this. Cool!!

Another song message has been filling my head all week. It's about believing in dreams and living in love and from your heart. What it is?? Ha - "The Candyman" song from the old Willy Wonka movie. It was also sung by Sammy Davis Jr.

Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it in dew
Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?
The candyman, the candyman can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.

Who can take a rainbow, wrap it is a sigh
Soak it in the sun and make a strawberry lemon pie?
The candyman, the candy man can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.

Willy Wonka makes everything he bakes satisfying and delicious,
Talk about your childhood wishes, you can even eat the dishes.

Who can take tomorrow, dip it in a dream....
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream?

The candyman, the candyman can.
The candyman can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.
And the world tastes good cause the candyman thinks it should.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgbdVihagWg
My husband has been playing this on his ukulele and I sing along. So fun to do silly things and just enjoy the moment. It brings more joy to you and the world. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Art Inspiration from Raphael and Gabriel

Three years ago, I had a color dream - I simply saw vibrant wonderful colors: vivid lime green surrounded by brilliant white, surrounded by teal. It was so inspiring. I'm an artist but I wasn't painting or even a fan of abstract work at that time, so I created a still life entitled "Cream and Sugar." In the dream, the colors did appear in the form of orbs within orbs.
©Debbi Smith Rourke
Cream and Sugar  8x10" oil on canvas panel 
Contact me to for purchasing info.

Two years later, my landscapes were becoming so abstracted I was started painting abstracts. Then I remembered my memorable color dream. So I created an abstract painting from it I call "Inspired Dream." Lime green, surrounded or grounded by white, all surrounded by teal. This story is of angelic significance because green (emerald green, even teal) is the color of archangel Raphael. I now know the hits orange or bronzy colors represent the presence of archangel Gabriel, who inspires artists. So I feel very inspired, connected to and supported by Gabriel and Raphael. Woohoo!

©Debbi Smith Rourke
Inspired Dream  30x24" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas 
Contact me for purchasing info.

Yes, someone above knew before I did that I'd be painting abstracts. I've been painting for a number of years, but painting this felt different, freeing, exhilerating. I was painting wildly, using the palette knife for the first time and following my heart instead of my head. Was so much FUN!!

Do you receive inspiration from above?? In what form? Music, art, screenplays, designs? New concepts, ideas to solve problems? I'd love to hear!

P.S. In the prior post, I tried hard to get the type to match my other posts - black. But nothing doing. Then I realized the type color was teal green and the post was all about Raphael. So he definitely wanted the type to be GREEN. And so it is!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Archangel Raphael

I feel very close to and blessed by Archangel Raphael. He is the archangel of healing. I have invoked him to help my parents' with their health and my own health, and he has really come through. He is represented by the color emerald green. 

Raphael's name means "Medicine of God" in Hebrew, or "God has healed." In the book of Tobit, Raphael reveals himself as one of the seven archangels "who stand before the Lord" (Tobit 12:15). It's said that the longest speech by an angel appears in Chapter 12 of the book of Tobit. Here Raphael takes human form and cures Tobit of blindness and helps Tobit's son on his travels and delivers Tobit's family from many difficulties.


I just learned tonight that Raphael healed Tobit of blindness! My parents have both recently had fabulous results with cataract surgery, after I invoked Raphael on their behalf. They have had healing breakthroughs in many areas. Yay!! 


I often have massages by my spiritual friend and great healing worker Anne Marie PalmerShe invokes the angels and particularly Raphael before a massage. With my eyes closed I see colors in my minds eye. During my last massage I could "see" emerald green light from corner to corner of the room - in my minds eye with my eyes closed. It was a powerful feeling - surprising and comforting. I came home, checked my angel books and yes, it is indeed Raphael that is represented by green light. So he was clearly there helping Anne Marie help me! 

I recommend you invoke Raphael's assistance when you or a friend need healing. You are likely to feel or see green light, feel a tingling sensation in your limbs as Raphael does his healing work. Let me know what happens when you call upon Archangel Raphael. Ask and expect amazing healing. It may take time but it will come.



Sunday, August 26, 2012

Be the Love You Want to See

One more song message story. I'm particularly open to song messages because I'm primarily clairaudient. Others are open to third-eye visions (clairvoyant). Still others are clairsentient and are sensitive to feelings and experiencing intuitive knowings. I have a bit of all three but am primarily clairaudient.

The last few weeks, I've been hearing an old song in my head that became a BIG message for me. Ever heard of the 60's song "Georgy Girl" by The Seekers? It's from my early childhood days and I was hearing a few words and a light melody:


Hey there Georgy girl
Do do do do do do do do do do dooooo.
La la la la la la la la la la la la la laaaa.
The world would see, a new Georgy girl.

OK, I was intrigued. I loved the spirited melody, brought up fun memories -  but what were the mysterious missing words? I looked up the lyrics and was quite moved. Here's the refrain:




Hey there, Georgy girl.
There's another Georgy deep inside.
Bring out all the love you hide, 
And oh what a change there'd be.
The world would see a new Georgy girl.

Wow! This was a big message. In the areas of my life where I want more love, I should BE the love. At the office, in my neighborhood, among friends, family and even in my marriage, I need to be the love I want to see. This takes courage.


Other artists have spoken similar themes. In the Beatles' song "The End," Paul McCartney wrote the line: In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.


I've heard this is true for anything we are seeking. Whether it's love, abundance, acceptance, fun, adventure, comfort or compassion. Whatever you are seeking, simply be the thing you want to see.

Longing for compassion - take a gift or offer a kind gesture to another.
Longing for abundance - contribute to a cause you love or give an unexpected gift.
Seeking acceptance - forgive or accept someone you have held at a distance.
Seeking love - offer deep appreciation or love in a relationship that could use rejuvenation.

I like to think of myself as a giving person. But there are many areas where I can reach out, open up, be bolder and more caring and giving. Thank you Allison for opening my eyes to new challenges and new ways to grow.

Happy communicating with your sacred guides!! Please let me know what messages you are receiving. We can all learn from one another!!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Understanding Angelic Messages

Haven't posted in weeks. But I've known what to write since my last post.

When I awoke on Saturday, July 21st with the St. Francis prayer song message, I was so excited Allison, my guardian angel, had sent me such a sweet message. Beautiful to ponder AND perfect for my angel blog. I got up early, wrote my blog post and went back to bed feeling fulfilled. What a wonderful message to share.

Oh Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

I soon learned the song message was meant FOR ME! Sometimes when we receive angelic messages, it can take time before we understand the true meaning or guidance. But we will always be so enlightened. And that's the thing about messages from your angelic or spirit guides. They bring you just what YOU need to hear, when YOU need to hear it.



Back to July 21st. I found out at lunchtime that my husband was going to have to work most of the weekend. Surprise! Not only did he have to work that weekend, but the next two weekends and VERY late each weeknight for the next 3 weeks.

At first, I was NOT happy I would have to entertain myself all weekend. And each weeknight.  Luckily I did have a big art show to prepare for, so it helped me get that work done. Notice that I've still been talking about ME.

Oh Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

That song message was my guiding light for 3.5 weeks. It was Allison's way of gently helping me become a more considerate and giving spouse. It opened my eyes to the many areas of my life where I can seek to offer support, understanding and be attentive instead of longing for support, understanding and attention.

Iridescent Spirit Figure  22" x 7' x 3" by Mark Abildgaard


I'll share more stories about the revealing nature of angelic messages in future posts. Until then, thank you St. Francis and thank you Allison for your loving and soft but obvious guidance. 



Saturday, July 21, 2012

This morning's song: St. Francis' prayer

This morning I clearly heard the refrain of the song created from the prayer of St. Francis:

Oh Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.


Today's message was definitely the refrain of the song. In fact, it wasn't until after hearing it softly rolling through my head for 15 minutes that I began to hear the beginning of the song:

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we're born to eternal life.

I attended a memorial service last evening for a dear family friend who died suddenly and totally unexpectedly last week. We celebrated her life with a service at St. Martin's Lutheran church in Austin and then a small group went to El Gallo restaurant in Austin to remember our joyful times with this special lady.  My husband and I used to regularly join my parents and their friends on Friday nights at one of three local Mexican restaurants. Boy did we have fun!!! The stories, laughter and dear friendships that developed over enchiladas, margaritas, Mexican martinis and mariachi singers are priceless. Last night was no exception. While we were sad, we banded together, young and old, ate and drank, consoled one another, told fun stories and reflected upon her joyous vivacious spirit. Annette, we miss you!!

Funny that this morning's message wasn't either of the two hymns sung at Annette's service: How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. It wasn't any of the songs I heard on my ipad I listened to yesterday afternoon. There were many options, but only one crystal clear message. So today, I send you consolation for your sorrows, understanding for your trials and love for your day.


P.S. Two years ago today I lost my precious Oma, my 98-year old grandmother. She was with me yesterday, her 77th wedding anniversary, as yesterday's service was in the church she and my grandfather attended their entire adult lives....where my grandfather used to sing solos regularly with his robust baritone voice. So here's to you also, Oma and Opa! Know you are enjoying being together again after being apart for 17 physical years. This pic is of Oma (center), my mom (left) and me at another joyous family outing.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Song Messages

Ever get song messages from your angel guides? I get them ALL the time.

I know it's common to get a song in your head after hearing it somewhere recently. This is different. When my guardian angel Allison has a song message for me, whether it's important or something to lighten my day, I hear it clear as a bell, with full instrumentation. Often these songs will play in my head through the night preventing me from sleeping soundly. That's a big message! Sometimes I get every single lyric line and a rousing chorus. Other times, a single line from a song will play over and over.

Love songs for a week in 2003
In the spring of 2003, when I was single and ready to meet the man of my dreams, I went to the Mayan Riviera with dear friends from my Chicago days. Every night on that trip I had a different love song running through my head. Not any of my favorites or anything I had heard recently. Each one played all night long!

©Debbi Smith Rourke - "Mayan Riviera"  24" x24"
I painted this oil painting of the Mayan Riviera from a photo I took on the 2003 trip. 

The song I remember most from that vacation week was from the sixites. It's called "Love Grows" by Edison Lighthouse. (You Tube link for your amusement.) Don't even remember that group's name! Just looked it up. I was very young when it was popular, but I do remember it. 
Oh, but love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody knows like me
There's something about her hand holding mine
It's a feeling that's fine and I just gotta say
She's really got a magical spell, and it's working so well
That I can't get away.
I'm a lucky fella and I've just got to tell her
That I love her endlessly.
Because love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows like me. 

Schmaltzy I know! And my name is not Rosemary. So each day on the trip, I'd ask my friends if they remembered each night's song. My roommate was convinced they all meant I was going to meet Mr. Right very soon. That was March and I met my husband Jim in early July of 2003 - four months later. We celebrate our 8th anniversary on Tuesday!! Woohoo. We recently went to the Mayan Riviera for one FABULOUS vacation, just a few miles from where I stayed in 2003. This one was even better!!! Our love continues to grow, just like the song states.

I'll save more Allison song message stories for later. Since this is my anniversary week, thought this would be a special post. Here is a picture of Jim and me on our big day. My Mayan Riviera compadres from 2003 were in attendance of course.

So the next time you get a song in your head, just consider that it might be a message from your angels. It's an easy way for them to communicate with you. Happy angel connecting.


Friday, June 29, 2012

Are you open to receiving?

Some people are natural givers. They see a person in need and they are right there to help. I admire these people greatly. While I might not be the best giver, I have noticed I am quite open to receiving love and abundance in my life. I was not always this way. Over the last 15 years, I have allowed much love and abundance to flow in. It is ALL a divine gift and I am very grateful. Guess it's a good thing that the more grateful you are, the more you attract things in your life for which to be grateful!! Woohoo.

While I am open to receiving, I've noticed that not everyone is.

Are you fully open to receiving?

Often when we pray, deep down we might doubt our request can be fulfilled. We want healing but can't envision it or don't make the effort to think about what the healing would be like - but rather continue to focus on the challenges of the illness. If we desire a full bank account but doubt the economy is robust enough to provide the ideal job and income, or believe our skill sets don't match the market, we prevent our natural answer from flowing to us. This lack of belief, fear or focus on the current state hinders the divine's answer from automatically flowing to us. Maybe not permanently, but it can certainly delay it.
Are you fully open to receiving? Through my guardian angel Allison and the archangels, I've learned many big life lessons. Here's one: whenever you ask for something, stop thinking about what you don't want, stop thinking about the situation the way it is, and focus on the OUTCOME you desire. Envision it. Feel the feeling you would feel once fulfilled. Spend time in this space. Lots of time. Actually KNOW that your request has already been answered, and that the partiuclar components to fulfilling your wish are zipping their way right to you. Hear the words, "And it is done." Wheeeeee. What you'll notice is your prayers are answered usually in a BIGGER way and maybe even faster than you imagined. I'm blessed to say this has been my experience.

When my husband and I were newly married and looking for a home, he wanted to build and I wanted to buy something already built. However, the one thing I did want was a view. After an exhaustive search of lots, my hubby was finally ready to look at existing homes. Yay - I was thrilled. As it turned out, there was one more lot left to look at that came on the market in the neighborhood I had always dreamed would be ideal. And guess what. This lot had one amazing view!! I was hooked. I gave in to building. It wasn't until the house was built that we knew how fabulous the view would be. I love living with the natural world all around me. It's very restorative and uplifting to my soul. I now know our home was only possible by joint commitment, tolerance, love and going with the flow. I see the hand of the divine here each day.

Are you fully open to receiving? I believe that each of our paths is perfect for each of us, whether it appears good or bad. One big lesson I've learned through my angel guidance is to trust the natural flow - to ALLOW good things to flow to us. If the natural flow doesn't appear good, trust that allowing and not resisting is optimum. If we don't stress, don't live in angst or worry but focus on living in the feeling of the answered prayer, the answers come with ease and without much effort. Sometimes the answer is different than we envisioned. But in hindsight we will see that all was necessary to get to where we wanted to go.

Are you fully open to receiving? "And all things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." Matthew 21.22. Belief and trust are key.

Here's the kicker. When I started conversing with my guardian angel Allison 19 years ago, when I was single and renting, she suggested I drive around town envisioning the nice home I might live in some day. Ha! I totally disregarded her suggestion. Would never happen. I couldn't even fathom it. Now today I am living happily married in the very neighborhood I considered ideal as a single, heartbroken young woman. Who knew? Allison knew!!!  




Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Theo - The Collective of 12 Archangelic Beings

In my 1st post, I told you I've been speaking to my guardian angel for 20 years. This occurs via writings as I hear her voice in my mind after I have invoked her to speak to me or answer a question or help me.

In my 2nd post, I introduced seven archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Sariel, Uriel, Raguel and Remiel. I invoked these archangels in October or November of 2010 and felt their healing power and answer to a deeply intense prayer. I felt their powerful presence as each seemed to drop into the space like they were quite large entities. I thanked them and made my heartfelt petition - to bring me exactly the right job for me. I was deeply moved. By the end of the "visit," I felt my wish had already been granted. I heard them say, "And it is done." I felt it was indeed. Within 24 hours, I had my first of 2 or 3 interviews at a local technology company for which I work today. Still enjoy it and am growing in many ways. These archangels are present with me as I have asked them to come live with me in my home. Something I recommend you do, if so inclined.

Today, I'd like take another bold step and introduce you to Shelia Gillette who channels Theo - an entity or collective of 12 archangelic beings. They have much inspiration to offer each of us. I will post two videos. This first one is Shelia describing how she met Theo a few months after a near-death experience and amazing healing.

In the next video, Shelia describes her channeling process and Theo comes through with inspirational words for each of us. They speak of 12 dimensions (similar to string theory) and the goal for each of us to reach our masterhood and understand our own divinity.

I wanted to be sure this was all a good idea so I asked Allison, my angel. Here is her response. Then the second video.

D: My dearest Allison - I am about to do my 3rd angel blog post and thought i would introduce Theo - the collective of 12 archangels as channeled by Shelia. Do you think this is optimum at this time?
A: Oh YES my dear! We are quite excited about reaching new beloved ones on this earth, to help them find their own masterhood in their love of the Lord. Yes that is correct. Their own masterhood which is part and parcel in their love of the Lord. Being a godspirit on earth is an exciting adventure with many thrills and some heartaches - but all part of the cycle of love and fulfillment. You will each all see your marvelous and spectacular place in the heavens when you depart, but we are hoping you will also discover your masterhood while still living upon this precious earth. Love to you and all those who read your angel blog. If you cannot tell already, this is my message to you and your sweet readers. Have a lovely and blessed evening my sweet one. Love abounds.

Now the second video where Theo speaks. Let me know what you think!!!


Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Archangels

After telling you about my guardian angel Allison, I thought I would write about the archangels. Multiple religious traditions tell us there are nice choirs of angels immenating from Divine Source. Our guardian angels and the archangels are in the outer realms and have the ability to take physical form. Some say the archangels oversee the responsibilities of the guardian angels and other celestial beings that guide us.
I have invoked the most commonly known seven archangels with amazing success - was a stunning and emotional experience. I have also been in the presence of Remiel when my 98-year-old grandmother was transitioning out of our physical world. I will save my personal stories for another day. For now, I thought I would introduce you to the seven archangels with whom I am familiar. Some say there are twelve and the number varies by tradition. But I can attest that these seven heard and answered my call.

Michael: His name means "Who is God." Michael is considered the number one archangel and is known as the protector, warrior and leader of the celestial armies. He is passionate about protecting you and helping you move into action and overcome fear.

Gabriel: Her name means "God is my strength." She governs your emotions, calming doubts and anxiety, helping you gain confidence. She is also known to coach and inspire artists and communicators (hope she is helping me now). 

Raphael:  Her name means "shining one who heals," so it's no surprise that in the Judeo-Christian tradition, Raphael is most known for healing. In Islam, Raphael is called asIsrafel. Call upon Raphael for healing of body, mind and spirit.

Uriel: Uriel's name means "God is my light," "fire of God," "flame of God," "light of God." Uriel is often considered the great archangel of the Earth, the patron of music and the messenger of warnings.

Raguel: This archangel's name means "friend of God." He is the angel of justice and fairness and acts like a police officer to keep us (ourselves and others) in line. He is considered the angelic ambassador of harmony, balance and orderliness and is a powerful champion of peace.

Sariel: This archangel's name means "Command of God," "Commandment of God" or God's angelic commander." Sariel is known for being an angel of guidance and knowledge. Call upon Sariel to help keep things in order when events and life seem like chaos.

Remiel: His name means "mercy of God." This is the angel of vision and the angel of hope. He is responsible for true divine visions and is assigned to greeting us at death's door and escorting us to heaven.

I encourage you to invoke each one individually as needed, and for powerful intercession, invoke them all by slowly chanting their names and breathing between their names. Be prepared for it will be a powerfully moving experience - and be ready to state your request and to be heard and answered! 

I will write about each one individually over for the next few weeks, and then write about the 9 choirs of angels and what is generally understood about them. Unless you have other topics you would like for me to address. :-) Would love to hear from you. Send me your angel story. Those are always inspiring and wonderful to share. 

Have a blessed day!! 



Sunday, June 3, 2012

Conversing with my guardian angel.

I grew up believing angels were part of the heavenly arena, and was told as a child I had a guardian angel. It wasn't until my early thirties though that I realized this was a reality for me and everyone else.

Living in Chicago in 1991, I was going through some life challenges and was praying for guidance. I started receiving unexpected "messages" - concepts or thoughts started popping into my head. After testing these messages or directives, I realized something outside myself or beyond my physical understanding was there to help me or make my day just a little brighter, whether it was running into a good friend after something told me to walk a different path to work or the perfect luminous acrylic paint for my artwork mysterious dropped off the art supply store shelf right in front of me.

So who / what was this voice? One day, the voice directed me to go to mass late on a week day afternoon when all I really wanted to do was go shopping. After a wacky back-and-forth banter in my head, I was convinced to go. I was "reminded "I would still have 15 minutes afterwards to get to William Sonoma to buy the item I wanted. I was convinced so I walked into mass and discovered it was the feast of the guardian angel!! I felt she/he was slowly revealing her presence to me. I was blown away and began reading lots of angel books.

After moving to Austin in 1993, I read a book called "Ask Your Angel." After following just two of the five exercises they suggested, I was in touch!! I discovered my angel's name is Allison and since that day she has given me enormous support and guidance (mostly via writing exercises). When I am fearful, frustrated, angry, happy or in need of inspiration, I go to Allison and she encourages me, offering guidance and clarity I am not able to see on my own. This has helped me enormously!!


If you or anyone you know is interested in meeting their angel and receiving divine guidance, I am thinking of starting some angel workshops. I just have an outline at this point and a few pages of notes geared to help you open to and listen to the unique way your angel can communicate with you. Hope to do a run through with my friends soon to optimize the format. So stay tuned.

As for Allison - why don't you say hello! Her words are normally just for me - she has told me she is an expert on ME. Though she has graciously offered to give me a message for my first post, and I sure hope she'll have more in the future. So here is a message to you from my guardian angel Allison (I am transcribing right now so here goes):

Allison: "Dear friends of my precious Debbi. I am sure you already know what a special creature and Godspirit she is, whether you know her well or not. I assure you, she is kind hearted and deeply committed to discovering the Divine Will for her life and for others. So I hope you will inquire - call, write or let her know you are interested in learning more about our angelic guidance - always available for each and everyone of you to help you however YOU need guidance. We are here for YOU. No one else. You have free will to act however you wish. But if you get the notion to discover more, we all above encourage you to take that step. We can't wait to talk to you!!! A big door is opening for so many on this planet, so I hope you will read on your own or visit Debbi's blog, but get in touch with your angelic guides. We can't wait to hear from you."

Debbi: Wow!! Thank you Allison!!! Much love to you!! You always come through for me!!

This is how it works, folks. I ask a question by typing it on my computer, and then I hear answers in my head, not my ears, and type them out. Kind of like how your would remember someone saying something in your head. Allison's vocabulary is a bit broader than mine, too. I save my writings so I have encouraging words to read later. Let me know what you think. Many of you may already have a connection like this on your own. If so, I'd love to hear from you as well. Happy angelic conversing to you all!!!

P.S. This image is from a Christmas card my parents gave me last Christmas Eve.