December 24, 2007

It always sneaks up.  It's summer, and BOOM, it's HalloweenthenThanksgiving.  And you need to have almost everything done by Thanksgiving because time rushes to end the year.  The odd thing is that it happens every year.  You (read "I") know it's coming--and on the SAME DAY even--yet there is always that surprise followed by an anxious state that lasts roughly til the New Year's Eve party. 

December in a coastal town is interesting, especially this year.  There is little paying work to go around, yet people find ways to give to the community and celebrate among themselves.  For instance, the American Legion always does a toy and food drive.  When I was taking some photos of the presents and boxes prepped for delivery, Nancy Teagle of the Legion said that, in spite of this hard November and December, they received only a few more applications than last year. 

Sometimes I miss the glitz and sparkle and excitement of Christmas in the city.  Sometimes I miss the three-hour drive in the back seat of my parents' car heading for my grandparents' house on Christmas Eve, gazing at colored lights on the banks of the Ohio River.  It's up to me now to find the new memories, the new charm of being here. 

Regardless of where I am or with what emotional state I'm grappling, I always feel gratitude.  I'm grateful for this venue to express myself and show my work.  Thank you for visiting this site and for sharing your comments and encouragement.  This means very much to me. 

I wish you inner joy and inner peace and a safe holiday season wherever you are.