Piapie

Incommunicado

I don't mean to neqlect this space. I rather enjoy spending a little time here each day. And in my head I often do so. A little interaction here or an image there will inspire a post and I'll start crafting it in my head. I have been doing so much writing lately--holiday cards, thank you notes, journaling for myself, journals for the girls, updating my cancer site,... By the end of the day I want to do something that doesn't involve words! Between the overuse of pens and the pre-Christmas flurry, I knew that I needed to dedicate any down time to just enjoying the season with my family. I am now perched up high, watching the sunrise. Rolling hills and mountains fill the horizon. I will be here through the first of January whereupon I return home for a few days of moving slowly and quietly. My intention is to return to this space more regularly in the new year. I am hoping that 2012 brings us far less intensity and none of the challenges that faced us this year. I am hoping for a return to a simpler existence where I can focus my energies on growth, creativity, community, and healing. I am not sure how this space will play into all of that but I am sure that it will. Until then, I do hope that everyone enjoyed their winter holidays and I wish for all of you that 2012 is filled with laughter, loved ones, and good health. Here's to a NEW year! Piapie

Middle List

He's making a list, checking it twice.

Gonna find out who's naughty and nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

This list thing makes perfect sense to my rule-abiding first born.  She likes things black and white.  She knows which list her name is written on.  She's not worried.

 

MonkE though.  Oh, she's another story.  She's a consumate negotiator and a "where there's a will, there's a way" type of gal.  She's also had a harder time managing her feelings about my disappearances to the hospital.   And now she has to figure out how to get some presents when recent events have left her with pushy fingers and a contrary disposition.

So when a conversation about those lists came up, she informed us that she was on "the middle list."  It's the one for all the kiddos who fall somewhere between perfectly well behaved and trouble-maker, for those who are "both good and bad".   Apparently those kids get "some of the presents".   Not all, mind you, but some.  They get more than a lump of coal.

Like I said, where there's a will, there's a way.  The middle list.    For all those who really want to be good but for whom life makes it awfully hard to be good all the time.

Winter Solstice 2011

The shortest day of the year.  The longest night.  Of course, we've had more than our fair share of long nights this year.  I would even venture to say that this is the easiest of the longest nights we've had to wait through.  I am looking forward to tomorrow morning when sun rises, knowing that each day that follows will bring us more light.  I could use more light in my life.  More light and more lightness.   

Of course if you ask MonkE the longest night has yet to come.  So hard to wait for that man in red.

Frost

Right on cue.  We turned the page on the calendar this morning and then, on our walk to school this morning, there on the ground was frost.  Frost!  Most of the tree branches are bare.  There are a few that hold tight to their leaves and stand among the evergreens that now dominate our view.  The air has shifted from brisk to chilly.  We can see our breathe puffing out infront of our mouths.  Cheeks get pink, fingertips cold.  Clearly winter is here.   It is December, you know.