On the New Year and the eighth day of Christmas, my True Love gifted me something special: the power of reframing. Though I recognize the Western construct of the calendar I follow, acknowledging the cyclical nature of life as a blessing has been transformative. The eighth day of Christmas and New Year’s Day provide a … Continue reading Reframing Beginnings: Embracing Growth and Presence on Christmas’s Eighth Day
As the seventh day of Christmas coincided with the last day of 2023, it became a profound moment for reflection for me. This unique overlap marked not just the end of a year but also a time to introspect deeply. I chose this day to ponder the lessons learned, the gifts received, and the grief … Continue reading Reflections on the Seventh Day of Christmas: Embracing Change and Deepening Faith
On the sixth day of Christmas, my True Love gifted me something invaluable: Presence. Yesterday, the final day of our festive celebrations, marked the departure of our cherished Christmas visitors—our daughter and her boyfriend. In the past, such days were overshadowed by a sense of impending loss, a preoccupation with the ‘goodbye.’ However, this year, … Continue reading On the Sixth Day of Christmas: Embracing Presence
On the fifth day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me: a journey. Let me set the scene a bit. We have lived in proximity to the nation’s capital of the United States for almost 32 years. A favorite excursion for us is heading into town at night to walk around the monuments - … Continue reading The Fifth Day of Christmas: Finding Joy in the Detours
During this festive season, I had the pleasure of immersing myself not in my own creativity, but in the artistry of others. The fourth day of Christmas took me on a journey through a local artists' collective and gallery, where a spectrum of artistic expressions came alive. The gallery showcased an impressive array of mediums … Continue reading On the Fourth Day of Christmas: Embracing Creativity
As the third day of Christmas unfolded, a gift from my True Love emerged: the essence of renewal. This week, I've paused my usual work routine, anticipating a return on Sunday. It's a curious observation of mine that several days into a vacation, one truly begins to experience the profound sense of relaxation and detachment … Continue reading On the Third Day of Christmas: Embracing Renewal
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a startlement. Sometimes, the unexpected graces our lives, especially when we cling to preconceived notions about forthcoming events. My wife, Linda, found an opportunity for five of us to attend a one-man performance of 'A Christmas Carol.' Having experienced around five film adaptations … Continue reading Second Day of Christmas: Awe
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gifted me something priceless: rest. Amidst the beauty of the day, I savored the luxury of extra sleep. The day's leisurely pace was a welcome change; we were unbound by pressing commitments or stringent plans. Each moment unfolded naturally, free from the usual rush. In our … Continue reading On the First Day of Christmas: Embracing Rest
Last night, a pivotal moment occurred: the Northern Hemisphere experienced its maximum tilt away from the sun. This celestial event marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Now, as the Earth continues its orbit, we embark on a journey back towards longer days. Today, though subtly, is incrementally longer than yesterday. This … Continue reading Subtly, the Light Grows
In the northern hemisphere, we’re approaching the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This shift, a result of the Earth’s axial tilt, isn’t just a celestial event; it’s a poignant reminder of life’s cycles. As daylight wanes and shadows stretch, we often find ourselves contemplating losses, mirroring the diminishing light. Darkness, for … Continue reading Embracing the Darkness: Lessons from the Shortest Days
Infinitely Precious 