The Third Act

Final day of 2020

I'm ready for the new year.  We all are.  2020 was hard.  While the beginning of 2021 is going to continue to offer massive challenges, there's still that sense of potential, hope and a fresh start that New Year always brings.

Over the past few days I've been working on my house.  Cleaning, organizing, and general tidying.  The upstairs still needs a going over with the vacuum and the bed linens changed out, but otherwise I'm feeling good about my domestic situation.

I like to note, to document, to remind myself of the need for gratitude in my good fortune.  Yes, I still struggle, but I at least have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a safe space to move on in my life.  In this upcoming year, that would be my wish for everyone.  

Going through 2020, it's sort of simplified my notion of what I need.  Mostly, right now, I would just like to be with family again, to share a meal with friends, to freely give hugs.  That too, would be another wish for all in 2021.

Continue to be safe, my friends.  Take care of you and yours.  I'll see you on the side of this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

preparing for the new year...

I spent a few hours yesterday afternoon, finally getting around to putting away my "new" china.  It was surprisingly easy to rearrange and make use of otherwise wasted space, to find a place for everything.  I did take a six stemless wine glasses and put them in a box, because no, I really don't need access to a dozen of those!  The tea and tincture cupboards got purged and reorganized as well.  Lastly, all the pantry spaces also got a good going over.  The only thing left to clean in the kitchen would be the fridge.  Other than that, a quick going over with the vacuum and a bit of random tidying and the house will be ready to welcome 2021.  

My head is a different story.  The usual reflection and new energy for what lies ahead is dampened this year.  I could list all the reasons for this...both personal and collective...but you get the idea.  It's okay.  One day at a time, right?

 

 

slowly

The light is creeping back ever so slowly.  I don't think it will be noticeable, until it is.

I feel like that light...creeping back ever so slowly.  I don't judge the light, so why judge myself?

Winter...winter 2020!  Am I right??

 

 

In the neighborhood...

...on this mild winter day.

I don't take the same route everyday for walks.  Sometimes I go by the river, sometimes I walk on the street above the river, and other times I go in the opposite direction of the river.  Wherever I go, there's always something interesting to see.  And I think Avery would tell you (if she could talk) that there's never a shortage of things to sniff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

one more week...

I've just about finished my 365/6 project for this year.  While most folks start such things on the 1st of January, I've traditionally used my birthday as the start date...January 4th.  So on the 3rd of January 2021, I'll wrap up my daily blog posts (I'll still be posting, just not as much). 

When I started this year's project, I thought I'd be doing a lot more writing.  Well, it turns out that life sorta went belly-up and with that my resolve to move my creative output in a different direction.  I did, however, take a couple writing classes, building that skillset at least a little bit.  But photography and artwork, those remain my default mode of expression.

What will 2021 bring?  Do I even want to guess??  I must say, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to travel and visit family and friends again.  Other than that, just the same ol' same ol'...there is always so much to do, internally and externally, work and fun.

And for those who have followed my posts throughout this year and beyond, I most humbly thank you for your interest!

 

 

the in between times

And now, after all the gifts are unwrapped, the visiting is done, the treats are starting to diminish...

The light, still only incrementally changing, with dark, chill mornings...

Life is suspended between the old year and the new.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Have a lovely, cozy, safe and happy holiday!

 

 

 

 

Christmas eve...

Well, it'll be an interesting day.  Supposedly severe storms on the way...we shall see!  I need to get some cooking done (and this blog post up) in case power goes out.  Woo hoo!!  2020, the gift that keeps on giving.

My card pull today is interesting...past: Devil card (yup, that fits); present: six of Clubs (yeah, I can see that); future: Star (sure, I'll take it!).

 

 

 

Christmas eve eve...

Working on a few things for my Christmas eve dinner.  Poppy seed cake is baking in the oven, pierogi filling and fruit compote are made.

I didn't have much saffron from my garden this year, but just enough for the coffee cake dough.

What a strange year it's been...what a strange and melancholy holiday.  But...there is some light on its way.

 

 

 

we made it...

The days will now (well, soon anyway) start getting longer.  Welcome back the sun, the light...the light at the end of the tunnel.  It's still going to be a challenge, but we've made it this far, no?