Goodbye 2017

December 31, 2017

A friend shared a video with me today that makes me sob every time I have watched it.  Rod Stewart singing Auld Lang Syne with violins and bag pipes.  Go to his FB page and watch it.  I have read those words so many times and thought about our friends we have still with us and those who passed.
It is the most powerful song of remembrance that I have ever heard.

We spent the afternoon with Rick's family, the last of the Christmas gatherings for 2017.  It was just a fun time with family.

This evening has been a good one so far.  Since I am working tomorrow, we did our traditional greens, peas and ham meal tonight.  A gratitude ceremony will be done before bed as well.

I heard from an old friend in Oregon this evening that I had not spoken to in many many years.  Another friend called from out West as well.  We have been talking about taking a trip west this spring.  I think the two calls out of the blue might have been the encouragement we needed.

My friend Lisa who lives in Eugene, Oregon is such a spiritual loving person.  Hearing her voice, listening to her express hope for the coming year lifted my spirits.

This year has reminded me to live the life I teach.  Honestly, it can be a very difficult life to live sometimes.  So often I feel as though I am a stranger in a strange land, trying to shine a tiny match flame in a sea of darkness.  Surrounded by anger and fear, it can be a struggle not to surrender to all that seems to surround me.

Talking with friends in other places reminds me I am not alone.

On this last day of 2017 my hope is that we all shine our light of love and kindness.  If we do, we can push away the darkness, do away with fear and take back hope, joy and peace.  As my friend Lisa reminded me tonight, " remember to be Human, to be Kind....Human Kind.

Happy 2018

Friends

A wonderful group of our friends came over for dinner tonight.  Every one of them an incredible artist, every one of them a good and decent human, every one of them kind and loving.  We had four who couldn't make because of illness or loss of a loved one.  They were missed, but we will see them next time.

I can't think of a better way to end this year than to spend it with people you love.  Tomorrow we see Rick's family.  Next weekend, we rest.

2017 is almost over.  I hope that 2018 is a year of more kindness and civility.  I hope it is year of joy and good health.  I hope it is a year of peace and respect for all mankind.

One last day to spread kindness and joy in 2017, make tomorrow count.

Howling at the Moon

Finally a day of not going full speed.  First time in about 6 weeks, a nice deep breath and no agenda today.  Tomorrow we have friends coming for dinner, Sunday is Rick's family Christmas gathering and back to work on Monday.  It will be nice to be back in my routine and hopefully  things slow down for a couple of weeks.

Isn't it funny how life does that?  You know, all or nothing.  It would be nice if we could divide all those hectic moments and space them between nice calm ones but that rarely happens.

The moon is going to be a heart grabber this week.  I looked up at the sky this evening as I walked Jordan and Anthony back to Jordan's house next door and there was the moon directly above us.
I taught the boys to howl at the moon, which they did all the way back to Jordan's .  I am surprised the neighbors did not open their doors to see what all the racket was about. The kids got pretty good at howling.  I told them that once they learned to howl, now it was their responsibility to howl each time they see the moon.  I figure there will be parents/grandparents calling me soon.

If you get bored tonight or feel the need to express yourself, go howl at the moon.  It's great fun and makes you feel awesome.  Tomorrow spread joy and treat all those you meet with kindness.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Family Picture

A beautiful winter's day.  Rick's friends from Miami came by and spent the day with us as they continued their road trip north.  Brian's wife Linda and I have a great deal in common, so soon we were chatting away.  She had once lived in North Carolina and she talked about how  much our place reminded her of there.  We took them to eat at our favorite place in Jasper, The Black Rock Grill.

After stuffing ourselves we came back to the house and walked the dogs.  When we came to Rick's "thinking bench" down by the barn , we took pictures.  The late afternoon light was perfect.  And of course a couple of the dogs had to have their pictures taken.  Calliou is such a photo ham. Of course Hook was out in the woods digging, pictures are not important to him.

Tomorrow I will shop for groceries to get ready for the next visit with friends on Saturday.  Then on Sunday, Rick's family will have their Christmas gathering.  The season goes on forever.  I will be back at work on Monday.

My tea awaits me and once again so does my bed.  Good night, Sweet dreams.
Remember to be kind and share the joy.

December 27

A cold winter's day with a wee bit of frozen stuff falling from the sky early this morning.  This afternoon the sun came.  It looked all warm and cozy, but the air had a nippy bite. 

These last few days of 2017 are going so fast.  Soon we will start a brand new year.  I had wanted to do my vision board this week, but  things are hectic with guests coming tomorrow and then again on Saturday.  I need a few days by the fire and a good book to read but that is not reality.  I am bone tired tonight, as soon as I drink my tea I am going to bed.

Almost everyone we know has the flu or some sort of nasty respiratory stuff.  Keeping toes and fingers crossed that no germs enter my body.  I have caught the flu for the past few winters.  I think I have had more than my share of flu bugs.  Time for them to stay away.

I think most of us are dealing with frigid air.  My cousin in Chicago reported a temp of 4 degrees yesterday.  There are still predictions of snow for us this weekend with lows in the teens.  My winter sweaters no longer feel ignored.  They are being worn daily.

Spread a little joy tomorrow and always spread some kindness.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday Thoughts

I took this week off.  I have truly missed work today.  But, I have a sparkling clean house.

One of our best friends called this morning.  He has serious health issues but he was in an awesome mood.  He made me laugh so hard and though he is so very sick, he was calling to see how he could help someone else that has helped him recently.  He also told me there were some interesting rumors circulating about me.  No worries, they were not bad and we laughed and I told him what someone else thought about me was none of my business.  He loved it.

Weather alert says we have sleet and freezing rain coming later tonight and in the morning.  Another round of some sort of frozen stuff Thursday and then again this weekend.  Last winter I wore my coat once.  This year I have worn it daily.  I am so loving it.  Hoping for snow.

My cup of hot tea awaits and I am very tired.  Enjoy these last few days of 2017 and remember to be kind.

Christmas 2017

December 25, 2017

Christmas Day is almost past, the year will soon be over.  Today has been another family filled day.
A wintry day that made it feel like Christmas.  Christmas Fettuccine for dinner tonight.  Now, that the hustle and bustle is starting to fade, I can sit and look at my decorations and enjoy the peace.

As I cooked dinner tonight, the sky resembled Christmas lights.  The outline of bare trees and tall pines made it a surreal landscape.  This week is a time of reflection.  I don't do resolutions but I think about my intentions for the coming year, build a vision board and send gratitude and hope to the universe that we may all feel peace and kindness.

On this Christmas night, may we all know peace.  May we all be kind.  Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2017

Christmas Eve Breakfast with my brother Ricky and his whole family this morning.  We all were in our pjs and chowed down to a breakfast feast!  Then came the frenzy of gifts being opened and kids squealing with delight.  Next it was on to our house for the annual cookie making  and singing carols.
Wow, only noon and way more to go.

I told Rick today these holidays are not for the faint of heart.  There is bittersweetness though, the memories of those who are no longer with us, those who can't be with us and those who are making their final transitions this holiday season.  Holidays are life to the ninth, there's good and bad, happy and sad, just like our routine daily lives.

I hope this Christmas Eve has brought you joy, I hope you have passed on kindness. 
Here are some pictures from the cookie gala.

Baking Frenzy

It has been a baking frenzy at our today.  I have made biscotti, Irish Fruitcake, and the dough for all the kids to come over tomorrow and make cookies for Santa.  I think my hands and my old wooden spoon are just about gone.

We are about to have a cup of nog and watch Scrooge.  Tomorrow we will have breakfast with my brother Ricky and all his family.  I love it, we wear our pjs, eat until we are miserable, open gifts and then all the kids come to my house to make their cookies.

We have a flu epidemic here, so many that we know are postponing get togethers because of illness.  And sadly, we have friends who are suffering the loss of their loved ones this week.  It has been a strange Christmas season, a little more sad this year.

Where ever you are I hope that you are healthy and that joy fills your home and kindness fills your heart this holiday.

Christmas Pig and Chick

Finally over the vertigo and the gifts are wrapped.  No cooking yet, that should take place tomorrow.
Rain  moved in again this evening, more to come tomorrow and cold weather comes back by Christmas Day. 

A couple of more pictures to share tonight of the outdoor Christmas feature.  How many people do you know that have a Christmas Chick and Pig?

Snow People

I am taking a few days off work next week, not going back to Jan.1  Usually I work all during the holidays, this is a first for me and I am so excited.  It's time to recharge my batteries.

Another bout of vertigo hit me around 2:00 this morning, really really bad.  I made it to work after lunch but I am still not at the top of my game.  By tomorrow all should be good.

I wanted to share a couple more pictures of my decorations, I promise no more after these. I just wanted you to see some of my snow people.
All the shopping is done, except for groceries and now it's time to bake and wrap.
I hope your Friday is merry and bright, and please be kind.  Tis the season you know.

A Different Day

My morning started as routine, Jordan and Anthony, two great-nephews were coming, shopping later in the day, lots of fun stuff.   Before Jordan made it in, I had done laundry, straightened the house, and started breakfast for him and Anthony.  About fifteen minutes after Jordan walked in, I was brushing my teeth and the Meiniers decided to visit me. Within seconds I could barely stand, nausea hit, headache hit, and then vertigo.  I made it to my meds and the sofa and called Rick.  Jordan came and sat on the couch with me, he had seen this before. 

It took an hour or so of couch time, water and no lights, but finally I was able to walk around and spend some time with Jordan and Anthony.  It has been over six months since the last episode.  I think the sinus infection and fatigue played a big part in this one.  Not a 100 percent tonight, but better. Not a day I had planned for, different, but you learn to go with the flow.

Sharing more pictures of my little scenes with ya'll tonight.  I suppose it is obvious that I like Santa and snowmen.  It was almost 70 degrees today, muggy and rainy.  So ready for the cold again.

Christmas Scenes

Another foggy rainy day.  Jordan spent most of the day with me before I left for work.  Driving home tonight, Christmas lights brightened the dreary drive home.  I never like to drive in fog and for the past two nights we have had fog.

The cards are done, the decorating is done, a little shopping, a lot of wrapping and a great deal of cooking and the Watson house will be Christmas ready. I am off tomorrow and then go back to work on Thursday.  We have an outbreak of the flu and a stomach bug at our facility.  I am washing my hands like crazy.  No one wants to be sick at Christmas.

My decorating is nothing fancy.  I do little scenes here and there around the house.  Most of my decorations are old but dear to my heart.  Tomorrow is hump day, five days to Christmas.
Be healthy, be kind.

Self Study

Classes today were on the 4th Niyama, Svadhyaya - self study.  I thought the quote from Ernest Hemingway was perfect.


"Before you act, listen
Before you read, think
Before you spend, earn
Before you criticize, wait
Before you pray, forgive
Before you quit, try."   - Ernest Hemingway

Hook Loves the Tree

The Christmas tree is decorated and Hook approves.  Calliou and Taz are never quite sure about the big tree with lights.  It blocks their view of the outside world and chipmunks running through the yard are way more important than trees with lights.

We missed the Nutcracker this year, the first since in several years but the sinus crud is having its way with me.  The rain started this morning, for the first time in months I did not even take a walk.
Taz is not happy.

Jordan and Samantha brought me my Christmas gift this evening.  It is the most beautiful light arrangement.  I will take pictures this week so you can see it.  Jordan painted the vase and helped his mom gather the greenery for it.  They could never have bought me anything more perfect and the fact that they made it, just thrills my heart.

It's hard to believe that next Sunday is Christmas Eve.  I will work this week, many of the staff will be taking vacations with their families and while some patients get to go home, others don't.

Please don't forget to be kind, spread cheer and joy.  There is darkness and sadness even during the holidays. 

 

Favorite Traditions

I started the tradition with Samantha, this going out in the woods and looking for a scruffy little pine.  We brought it back to my house, found a flower pot that would hold it and decorated. We started the tradition of having a Charlie Brown tree.
That was many many years ago, Sam is 26 years old now and the mom of Jordan.

When Jordan was about 3 years old, it was time for him to carry on the tradition.  He and his mom came over this afternoon, ready to find his tree.  We live in a forest, it did not take long and soon Jordan and Rick chopped away.  Jordan carried the tree down the barn road, back to his house singing Oh Christmas Tree at the top of his lungs.

His grandfather bought him new lights, I got him some ornaments and he and his mom did the best Charlie Brown Tree ever.  This and baking Christmas cookies are my favorite traditions.

Finally

Finally I don't feel so Scrooge like.  Rick bought a cd player yesterday and I got to listen to some of my favorite Christmas music today.  First up was Tori Amos' Christmas album, Snow Angel got me going.    Next I finished all my painting, got my Christmas dishes out and bought red carnations for the table.  I am on a roll!

I am almost through with shopping.  We are going to see The Nutcracker tomorrow night and will bring our tree in Sunday and decorate it.  And we will help Jordan find his Charlie Brown tree tomorrow and decorate it.

Today has been cold and damp, perfect Christmas weather.  We bought several gifts at our local Books AMillion store today.  I love shopping there and we always end our trip with a coffee from their  Joe Muggs Coffee shop.  I had a gingerbread mocha today which was awesome.

This evening coming home we drove slow so we could look at everyone's Christmas decorations.
I love the lights, people get so creative.


Tomorrow as you scurry about, remember to spread joy and share kindness. 

Commitment

Just a reminder that a week ago we had snow.  I am hoping for more soon. 

Classes today on the 3rd Niyama, Tapas...commitment...literally fire...in the belly.
We did lots of core work, but talked about commitment.  To have a relationship, a career, to live a sober life there has to be commitment.

The crud is still keeping me in its clutches.  Peppermint tea tonight and hopes that I feel better tomorrow.

Make a commitment to kindness tomorrow, see where it takes you.

Light in the Darkness

I went to bed last night with a heavy heart.  Our state is beautiful with mountains, lakes, rivers and even the Gulf of Mexico.  It is like most states with wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated but then the stats start to pour in and we are at the bottom or almost of the barrel in such things as infant mortality, obesity, lack of exercise, opiates addiction, education.

We live in the middle of the Bible belt and for the most part (contrary to that rumor about the war on Christianity) the religious right runs the show.  Somehow all that religion has not helped us in the things that are written in red in the Bible, you know like helping the poor, the needy, those who are hungry  or who are different or old.

The whole world knows our political story that has filled front pages for the past week.  So many of us knew in our hearts we had to do something to try and save our state from digressing even more than it has already.  It was such a long shot.  Alabama is as red as it gets in politics, which was not the case when I was growing up.  Doug Jones is quiet, smart and has done wonderful work in battling hate groups here.  He does not broadcast his faith with every word that comes out of his mouth, but instead his actions have shown him true and fair.

I tossed and turned most of the night and finally about 2:00 am I fell asleep.  I dreamed of my dad, an honest, loving, kind man who did his best every day to let his faith show in his actions.  I dreamed he handed me a notebook filled with all the words he use to tell me:  love one another, we are all equal,
treat people the way you want to be treated, don't straddle the fence, stand up for what you believe,
have faith, and always love.  He told me in the dream to read the book, to never forget the words.
I woke up with peace in my heart.

I was in the bathroom getting dressed when I heard Rick shouting, he grabbed me and hugged me and told me we had a miracle, Doug Jones had won.  We both wept tears of joy.  I left for work and when I turned the key in my car, Silver Bells came on the radio, my mom's favorite song and the first time I had heard it this season.  Both my parents believed that The Golden Rule was the way to live your life, it is what they taught me.  I felt as though they both gave me a big hug this morning.

I believe that my state finally did right by its people who live here and our people did right by our state.  For all the negativity that fills the news daily about Alabama, there are good souls here.
People who want their neighbors to be taken care, to lend a hand to those who need it, to not judge others who are different.  People, like me who could not stand the thoughts of a possible child molester representing us in Washington.  We stood together last night and our light shone through the darkness.  I hope that light lasts a long time and I hope it spreads across this country.

Contentment

Classes today were based on the second Niyama, Santosha, contentment.  How do you find contentment, be here, now and practice gratitude.    Most of the students had spent eight hours today in therapy for trauma.  It is important after a day like that, they understand how much they need to express gratitude.

During breath work, the asanas and savasana I encouraged them to think of one thing to be grateful for and to be here now.

Teaching with this sinus stuff is tough, maybe by morning it will loosen its grip on me.

Tomorrow practice kindness and gratitude, there will be joy and contentment.

Manic Monday

There is some sort of sinus crud making the rounds and it has found me.  My head feels like a squash.
Almost every student at work has the sinus or bronchial stuff, at least it's not the flu.  This has been the longest Monday I have had in a very long time.

Card painting is done, first batch was mailed today.  I do have a few ornaments to paint, but now I concentrate on decorating the house and getting the tree in this weekend.  This weekend we will go see our nephew James and his whole family in The Nutcracker.  This is something like their 4th year to be in our local production.

I love Christmas music, at Christmas time, and I have a great collection of cds.  For some reason our cd player has died and I am really missing my music.  It's just not the same without the music.
Radio plays the same 10 songs over and over.  We have a very varied and unique collection of Christmas music so I am sorta of having withdrawals.  Maybe Santa will bring me a new cd player.

Tomorrow is a special election here in Alabama.  I am holding my breath and hoping that our state will  restore its dignity and take a giant step forward and not decades back.

Remember to spread some kindness along with the Christmas cheer.

Sunday Drain

This is another weekend that has zipped by.  Last year we had no invites or events other than family for the months of November/December now we are jammed.  First batch of Christmas cards go out tomorrow.  By the weekend the tree and the inside of house should be decorated.  Jordan and Rick handled the outside this afternoon. 

It is so wonderful to have winter weather.  The cooler temps ( daytime highs in 40's/50's) have been so invigorating and the blue skies, wow.  I actually have worn a coat for the first time in a couple of years.  Can you feel the excitement in my words?

I am kinda tired tonight.  We did a run to Costco today, as well as the usual Sunday stuff like washing yoga blankets.  Here's to a Monday that is full of kindness and joy. 

Until Next Time

We drove to Tuscaloosa today to watch Jordan and our great-niece Breeze swim. The roads were clear but the woods that lined the Interstate were still snow covered.  We had a great day, other than an incident with my car but it worked out fine thanks to the kindness of a stranger.

Yesterday it seemed the world would be covered in snow forever.  This evening, it is pretty much gone.
I know that those of you north and east and west of us have snow that does last forever and must think I am crazy as I go on and on about the white stuff.  I love it.  I love winter clothing.  I love boots and sweaters and scarfs and mittens.  I love hot soothing soups and bare trees. 
I love the cold dark winter nights and the blazing sunsets.  And the snow, is just the frosting on the cake.  We get it so rarely that I cherish every flake that falls.

Tonight I share one final show picture, until next time. 

Snow Magic

Back in October, Jordan and Rick and I did a weather experiment with persimmon seeds.  Jordan's prediction using folk lore about the seeds...we would have a cold winter, with three snows.
Last night when we went to bed the local weather guys were warning everyone to the south and east of us to watch for snow.  They said we might get a light dusting.  We got three inches.  Two more snows to go and Jordan will be a professional.

I love snow.  I love the cold.  There is something about snowfall that changes the world, from darkness and anger to light and peace.  Snow is magic.  Samantha kept Jordan home from school today and I am so glad.  We have had an incredible day.  I wish our other nieces and nephews had brought their kids over to enjoy it with us.  We started the day with waffles and hot coco.

Before I went to bed last night, I set my intentions for today.  Again tonight, I will do a daily review and set my intentions for tomorrow.  Will keep you posted.

Spread kindness and joy tomorrow, don't be stingy with it.

Review/Intention

I watched a podcast today that just blew me away.  It was one that Oprah did with Mariel Hemingway on ApplePodcasts.com/Oprah.    It inspired the handout that I gave to my students today.
Here is the handout that I composed, I hope you watch the podcast.

Daily Review: ( each evening)

Was I kind?  Did I accomplish what I wanted to do?

Did I do something healthy?  Was I grateful?

Did I spend time outdoors?  Did I laugh?  Did I tell someone I loved them?

Did I remember to be here, now?

Did I pause before speaking?

Did I breathe?

Was I honest with myself and others?

Now before you go to sleep tonight, set your intention for the next day.  See your day going smoothly, things being accomplished, people being kind.  What ever you need for the next day, breathe, visualize it and then give yourself permission to get a good night’s sleep. (this was inspired by Mariel Hemingway’s interview with Oprah)

100 Years

100 years ago today, my mother was born.  She grew up in the midst of the depression, living on a red clay farm in the hills of Alabama.  She married young, way too young, hoping to escape the poverty of her family.  She was a child having children.  Before she was 20, she had buried her first born and was a single mom with three sons and a daughter.

By the time World War II had started she had married my dad and started a new life.  My mom had grit.  She did what it took to survive and made sure that her kids had grit too.  We all knew how to garden, clean and cook.  When I was 15 she signed a work permit so that I could work weekends and after school.  I have been working ever since.  Mother's favorite saying, " you can rest when you die."

She passed away 12 years ago.  I miss her every day.  She taught me to cook, to sew, to draw.  She had amazing style on a tight budget.
She was beautiful, olive skin, dark coco eyes and dark hair.
One of my friends told me that she was always amazed at the love she felt in my mom's kitchen.
This is one of my favorite picture of her.  She is holding my oldest brother ( her second born) Herbert.  She loved to tell the story of how so many people would brag about what a pretty baby Herbert was that she became scared someone would try to kidnap him.  Each time they went out, she pinned him to her coat.  Herbert died suddenly just a couple of months after momma did.
I like to think they are pinned together for eternity.

Mother loved Christmas.  We shopped together.  I helped her decorate her tree, wrap her packages and send out her Christmas cards.  We had so much fun hitting the malls, the dollar stores, we shopped everywhere.

So tonight, Happy Birthday momma, I know you are somewhere laughing.  I hope they are playing your favorite Christmas song, Silver Bells and you are wearing your high heels.

Difficult Roads

Coming home tonight the fog and the rain seemed to paint the road in mystery.  It is a narrow curvy country road that I travel to and from work.  There are long stretches of nothingness and then tiny groups of homes and an occasional small country church.  A small grass airstrip and small meat and three are on that road as well.  Tonight many who live in those modest homes had their Christmas decorations shinning in the darkness.  I love Christmas lights out in the country.  They are hung and flung with joy and happiness.  No method seems apparent, yet there is beauty in their lack of design.

Several of my students are leaving this week and next.  Going home to start their lives over.  Usually they are apprehensive and fearful, they should be.  The path they travel is difficult and some lose their way.  I send them out with hugs and love, always reminding them it is a tough road, but many have traveled it with success.

This time of year our population is low.  No one wants to be in rehab at Christmas, but come January the numbers go up.  Promises and vows are made and everyone wants to start the New Year clean and sober. 

Tomorrow I finish painting my cards.  Friday we start to decorate the house, and hopefully Sunday the tree comes in.  We shall see.  There is still some shopping to do and then the  wrapping begins.

Make someone's day tomorrow.  Be kind, be joyful, be loving.  We all travel difficult roads.

Rumi Poem

I love this poem.  I shared it with my students today.  I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond. 

– Jelaluddin Rumi,

Sunday Thoughts

Super moon.  So glad the clouds were gossamer and your glow so bright you could not be missed.
Every dog for miles around tonight is barking.  Our dogs are not happy because we closed the doggie door and they have to stay in. No, they cannot participate in the full moon howl fest.

The moon is worthy of all the hype it has been given on Face Book this week.  The moon rise was something to behold, black bare tree branches like skinny humans outlined in the silver, at times yellowish light.  The clouds covered the face of the moon like silken gauze as it rose above the tree line.  Super moon, a good description.

Another busy weekend, good but busy.  We had our siblings lunch at my sister's house today. Our oldest sister Nell came, the twins Lynn and Glen and their spouses, Shelia and Gwyn, my brother Ricky, Rick and I all gathered at Pat's house for lunch.  Pat's daughter Jayna helped with the cooking and our great-nephew  ( Pat's grandson) Jonathan's wife Kelsey came.  Kelsey had never met our siblings, I think really enjoyed herself.  I mean what could be better than a group of seniors sitting around laughing and talking?

The years are going by so fast and this Christmas lunch is the only time that we all get together since our mom died.  We all had so much fun today.

A new week begins tomorrow.  Please remember to treat each other with kindness.

Favorite

When we walked the dogs this morning my heart skipped a beat.  There is a tree on our property that is dazzling in the fall.  Through the years it has become my favorite fall tree, I wait each year to see it in all its glory.  My tree did not fail me this morning.  I don't even know what kind of tree it is.  Rick thinks it is some sort of crab apple, but it does not bloom in the spring.  It doesn't matter, it is breath-taking in the fall.  Seeing that tree this morning, seeing dear friends this afternoon, my day has been a good one.  I hope yours has as well.

Full super moon tomorrow night,  spread kindness  tomorrow and then bask in the glow of magic when the full moon shows his face.

December 1

December 1...today is Rick's mom's birthday, she would have been 94

December 1...on the 6th of this month my mom would have been 100

December 1...more birthdays this month, Rick's sister, my niece, my nephew, and a great-niece and a great great niece and a niece by marriage.  How much cake can we eat????

December 1...painting Christmas cards

December 1...the tree sits patiently in its pot waiting to be brought into the house mid-month

December 1...cold weather and maybe snow is coming our way  :)

December 1...I miss my mom and dad so much these days

December 1...almost done with shopping, but when will I ever wrap?

December 1....fall colors are still strong and beautiful

December 1...I love Christmas lights in the cold and dark

December 1...supper moon on December 3, will be it's brightest and closest to the earth

December 1..our calendar is almost full, how did that happen?

December 1...the last month of 2017, let's make it kind

December 1...fall decorations put away, slowly the Christmas ones come out

December 1... families gather, friends gather, it is the happiest time of the year and for some the saddest time of the year

December 1...Jordan started his Advent Calendar today, it's filled with chocolates

December 1...Peace on Earth, always my hope, my wish, my prayer