Holiday Warmth. Tender Sharing. Christmas Eve, 2014

I'm thinking that we will experience ever more loss, ever more change as we age. Still, it seems to startle our hearts awake every time a loved one dies. There is first the tightening of the heart that comes with grief; then the heart unfolding into an open flower as we allow ourselves to embrace the endless love that prevails. Our little community said good-bye to Sara, Irene, Dworka, and John all in a matter of months. The day after Sara's memorial in June, I became very ill and suddenly found myself facing my own mortality in a new and sobering way. This necessarily impacted the lives of those I love and who love me.

But we made it through this year...perhaps stronger, more whole, and with precious wisdom we now possess only for having experienced those changes. This made the winter holidays especially tender for me. I'll start with Christmas Eve.

12-24-2014. Christmas Eve at Mandala Evening Star

"'Twas the night before Christmas and all through Mandala
Loved ones had gathered in hopes of a hell-of-a ('heck-of-a') good time!
Coats and hats piled high on the going-out-shelf...
Plates of goodies arranged by each happy elf.
You in your hair-dos and I with my fuzz
Were just catching up on the community buzz
When we paused for a moment, our hearts all a glow...
And Orina called out, 'There's no time to waste; let's get on with the show!'"

 

We long for the light, for the love that connects us all. We are joined with every culture around the world who is reminded during the darkest of days, the winter season, that there is hope. And we share the symbolic  flame knowing  that in the end love is all there is.

From infants to elders- in laughter, song, and story form- dreams, fears, joy, and wonder were exchanged. These are the greatest of gifts!

 

After everyone went home, Moriah engaged her sweet boys with a precious tradition...reading the official version of "The Night before Christmas". Poor little Canyon winced as he swallowed his tea. He got his tonsils out the week before and his throat was till so tender! 

Starting With Today.....A New Year!

Oh My! I knew it had been a long time, but I was surprised to look back and find that I have not posted in my blog since March 20, 2014! In hindsight, I was probably starting to get sick in April and May and somewhat struggled through the last two months of the semester. In June, my life changed profoundly...and I just did not blog for the rest of the year! I decided that what I want to do is start with today. I'll probably go back and forth from present to past until I've caught up. I'm looking forward to documenting my life with pictures and stories again. Thanks for coming along!

 

12-31-2014.  New Year's Eve...I knew a storm was coming in, but our feathered friends were still coming to the ponds to drink.

The robins look out for one another, calling if the dogs or I get too close.
 

Reaching in behind the ice for a drink from the waterfall...so sweet.

 

 

1-1-2015.  It did snow on New Year's Eve and into the morning of January 1st!!! Such a lovely start to the New Year. I spent the day alone. The quiet serenity allowed me much needed reflection as I enter in to this next era of my life. No resolutions this year. 'Lots of hope that I will be able to engage fully with the love and light that are ever present. Happy New Year!!!

1-2-2015.  It was FREEZING today (high of 27 degrees!), but the dogs and I decided we really wanted to get out for a bit of fresh air. So we bundled up (except Bo- he comes with enough layers to keep him warm) and braved the elements. 

 

 

 

Everyone had a really good time. My heart just swells with the simple joys.

 

 

Bo wishes everyone a Happy new year too!