How are you, my friends?
The holidays...
the best of times
and the worst of times.
I'm crazy 'bout these images from Mokkasin
So often during this busy season,
it's tricky to step away from the trappings,
take a cleansing breath of clarity, and
simply reflect on the the season's
personal meaning, right?
I get weepy this time of year.
I not only feel beautiful things deeply,
I sense
the grief of love lost,
of economic hardship,
and of physical suffering.
The worst of times.
My second beloved dad, Big Jim, is not with us.
My mother is battling breast cancer.
Violence in the world seems
out of control.
The best of times.
I sense the wonder of Christmas
almost as if I am a young child.
We hosted a holiday party Wednesday
(12/12/12 was a fun date to schedule it!),
and though the adult me covered the cooking,
baking, cleaning, and fluffing, it's hard to
imagine anyone enjoyed the evening
as much as the child who is me.
from every denomination who
gathered with smiles
and without judgment.
I felt fully engaged and energized by
friendship, love, laughter, good will,
and the sweet spirit of the season.
I used to get overstimulated by Christmas as a child.
I can't lie.
Sometimes I was bitchyspice unwrapping
the EasyBake oven.
In my defense, booze was not an option for
taking the edge off.
artist: unknown
You already know I'm a Jesus lovin freak,
so maybe comprehending the layers
of love and meaning
within His birth
while also contemplating
a nice plump man who
would be navigating our chimney
(but maybe not everyone's chimney),
weirded me out.
Our son just arrived home for Christmas break.
All four of us under one roof for the holidays.My heart may burst.
We hosted another dinner party
for close friends tonight,
and I danced under our
disco ball with a
7-year old to
"I'm Sexy and I Know it/Gangham Style."
The best of times.
I am so grateful for the rich moments
the holidays compel us to seize.
I am grateful for you.
For the time you take to read me.
For a wonderful year of blogging
and connection.
I wish you joy during these holy days.
I wish you warmth and tenderness.
And I wish you peace. Right where you are.
