Tis the season ...

 YOU know the rest ...

and I'm ready.

When relatives who were supposed to come down for Thanksgiving

decided to stay put 'up north' to keep us all safe,

I decided to channel my disappointment into decorating 

for Christmas.

 

As a result, I'm fully prepared already for Christmas

before the First Sunday in Advent -

and I LOVE it.

Only one project left -

and even that should be 'hot glued gun' complete

by this afternoon.

Don't breathe too heavily or it will fall off - again!

 

 

So many reasons for thanks

 

 

Even on gloomy fall days, this guy loves to be outside,

walking on trails and seeing insects up close.

Nanny is willing to try to keep up ...

and grateful for a reason to keep active.

Waiting for the election results to be finalized was the perfect time

to talk about actions and ripples

 

At the moment, there are no words to describe the feeling of waking up in the morning

and NOT knowing what the President was tweeting in the early insomniac hours of the day.

And now onto the next holiday - which just happens to be my favorite.

Life goes on

 I'm here. 

Up to my neck in work related to being a Senior Warden at a time of transition in our church. A time with inherent anxiety, confusion and heightened emotions.

I'm here.

Up to my neck in work related to being a citizen of the United States at a time of transition in our country. A time with inherent anxiety, confusion and heightened emotions.

And despite all the emotions swirling around, life goes on.

Seasons change.

Holidays and birthdays are celebrated.

Four years ago, at the start of our national nightmare, this sweet boy was born -

and he's brightened every day since.

Hopefully at some point soon, I'll have time to write more; 

but what I don't need right now is another obligation.

Enjoy the beauty - and keep breathing through all the rest.