...is as good a reason as any to make a blog post. Truth be told, I've not been in the frame of mind to write, or even take many photos. The reasons for this ambivalence? Many and varied. But the reason for not doing is the same reason I'm using to push myself into the activity. Occasionally I need to step back and take an objective perspective...look from the outside in...prime the pump of gratitude, in what can be a personally challenging time.
Sleep has been elusive and the sense of loss and loneliness ramped up lately. The holidays will do that, no? Not to mention all the FaceBook memories that pop up. Certainly those things that have been posted are mainly the good parts and I know there were many not so good parts in the past as well. Still, this stuff can tweak my brain and then my heart into melancholy. Add to that the crazy political climate, the general sense of perfectly legitimate unease among those in marginalized and minority groups, and this mental load can get heavy. Action has helped; donating to worthwhile groups, getting involved on the local level, networking with folks who are also committed to making things safe and sane.
On the very personal home front, things are trickier. It's easier right now for me to miss having someone close. Someone to talk to, share with, and make plans together counts for a lot in an uncertain world. Of course, the world is always uncertain but it seems to be to an exaggerated level these days. What is it about having someone close? Maybe it's not as important for everyone, and I'm definitely learning to deal with my stuff in new ways.
So, today is cold, wet and dreary. It seemed a good time to photograph the house in its holiday dress. I actually was quite confident I was not going to get a tree this year. But I made the mistake of nosing around and came upon one that resonated with my sensibilities. The little fir is not much bigger than me and on the skinny side. It reminds me of the pinon pine Christmas trees we got on occasion when living in Phoenix. It's rustic and simple and I had just enough ornaments to gussy it up.
Other than that, there are mostly lights up...everywhere. With the low angle of the sun and continued in and out of storm systems, things can stay kind of dim. The strands of lights bring a buoyancy and warmth to my mood. Granted, I don't climb on top of my house, so everything is no higher than I can reach with a stepladder. But, it suits me fine.
I'm not sure if there will be another blog post until after the Christmas holiday, and my return from out west. Of course, whenever I say that it seems I find something to share. If nothing else, a 2016 wrap up and hopes for 2017 may happen. What a year, huh? Crazy business. That being said, I wish one and all a warm, loving and happy winter holiday season. May you be safe, may you be content, may you be strong, may you live your life with ease.
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