Holiday

the stockings

the food

the laughter

the snow

the lights

the candles 

the love

the smiles

the surprises

the family

Hoping you had a wonderful holiday.

Right Now

right now the holiday spirit is beginning to show itself

right now the air is filled with cinnamon and cloves

right now my heart is at peace

right now the glow of a candle is making shadows on the wall

right now the sun is thinking of sleep

right now the cats are napping

right now the schedule is feeling lighter

right now love is sent to all my loved ones near and far

right now i just am and all is calm

A Little Wind Anyone?

If you know me, you know that I despise the wind.  I cannot stand to be out in it (and not just because my hair whips into my lip gloss) and will do everything possible to shield myself from it.  It raises my blood pressure and makes me feel as if I must run a marathon in a few minutes.  It makes me cold to the bone and I don't like to be cold almost as much as I don't care for the wind. 

Today is a snow day.  The schools are closed, not for the snow, because there is only a dusting, but for the wind and the windchill it is generating.  It was a wonderful surprise to wake up to. I really didn't think they'd close the schools, because for us, it was the last day of finals at the high schools.  But, they did. 

Our oldest now has three weeks to study for his math final. Lucky him!

As the wind howls outside our home today I am going to slowly but surely get a few things done around the house today (note I said "few"), put on some music in the house, cater to my two boys, keep calling my husband to make sure he's safe on the road, make some lunch (which may be a frozen pizza), match the socks in the mismatch basket, and enjoy the fireplace and the cats resting at my feet.

I hope you will enjoy your time today and find a few minutes to do something you love.  I plan on staying out of the wind as one of those things!

Thinking Aloud on a Thursday

It’s the 13th and I haven’t addressed any holiday cards yet.  Usually do this over Thanksgiving break.   It’s ok though.   Just going with the flow.

I colored my hair a few weeks ago and am not sold on it yet.  I thought I’d warm up to it, but no such luck. It’s a bit bold for me and makes me feel a little sketchy.  May need some reversing done and opt for a little more sunshine.   Feeling a little goth!

Our youngest son has an obsession with gadgets. He’s taken apart hard drives, usb drives, and continues to ask,  “Hey, mom?  Do we have any steel wool?   Or what about some wire and a few Christmas light bulbs?”   Every time he asks for something, I get a little nervous and always have to confirm that matches are not involved.  He reassures me that he’d never do that, so we continue to encourage the baking soda and vinegar concoctions. 

Yesterday my husband received some good news at work.  So proud of him!

I am a member of Barnes and Noble’s book rewards program so get inundated with coupons and lists of books to read and buy and the ever wonderful coupon now and again.  Just received a 30% off coupon (plus my membership 25% off) in my inbox this morning, so may just have to make a second trip to the book store today.  Santa will understand I’m sure.   (I have connections.) 

Right now I’m reading several books.  

            Night by Elie Wiesel -- Holocaust survivor story and Nobel Peace Prize winner. It’s a very fast read and is an account of his survival through this time.  So moving and think it should be read at least once by every high school student.

          The Power of Flow by Charlene Belitz & Meg Lundstrom -- Practical ways to transform your life   with meaningful coincidence.  It’s filled with great lessons on opening our eyes to the ever present world around us and finding meaning in it for ourselves.  (I like to call them God Winks.)

Tomorrow is Friday!   Just thought you might need a reminder.  I’m so looking forward to the weekend and some time to enjoy the cooler air and the fireplace warming the house.  Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.

Open the Love-Window

This time of year can be quite romantic with all the lights, candles, music and snowfalls throughout the month, but if we keep our love-windows closed and the blinds pulled, we are unable to receive the magic that is.  We must be open to hear the sounds and the touch of softness that wanders in during this time of year.  My grandma always kept the kitchen window cracked open during the winter, regardless of the temperature. Last week, the house was so hot, yet it was only 44 degrees outside and I found myself walking through the house opening every window and set of blinds and within minutes, I felt a wash of calm over my entire being.  Was grandma on to something she never told us?  Was she letting in the love?  Was she simply opening her love-window to receive the  magic of this season?   Perhaps she was.  In my morning reading, I cam across one of Rumi's poems that spoke to me.   It's so simple, yet so romantic and wonderful.   I share it with you today and hope that you will open your love-window and let in the love that is yours for the taking.

Some Kiss We Want

by Rumi

There is some kiss we want with

our whole lives, the touch of

spirit on the body. Seawater

begs the pearl to break its shell.

And the lily, how passionately

it needs some wild darling! At

night, I open the window and ask

the moon to come and press its

face against mine.  Breathe into

me. Close the language-door and

open the love-window.  The moon

won’t use the door, only the window.