The Third Act

December 30th

I got a haircut today.  Every time I do this, it looks as if the gray on my head is expanding.  This isn't a bad thing and I rather like it.  I tried to get a photo with the Instax in the sun to show it off.  Alas, the film made it look more blond than gray.  Trust me, it's gray.

The weather today is unseasonably lovely.  There are still patches of ice around the neighborhood from last week, but those won't last much longer.  By the middle of next week, it's supposed to reach around 70F.  

Typically these kind of conditions make me cranky (in winter), when it's supposed to be cold, gosh darnit!  For some reason, it's not bothering me this time.  In fact, it's making me look forward to the spring.  This warmth won't last, but it reminds me that the growing season will be here before I know it.

 

 

 

Gomashio

It's been a while since I made gomashio.  I like to sprinkle it on salads, grains, even in plain yogurt.  Essentially I use it like regular salt.  I added some dried purple shiso leaves as well.  Typically the ratio is 1 part salt to 12 parts sesame seeds.  But that's too salty for me, for the way I use it.  So for mine it was more like 1 to 18.

I'm thinking about the new year and all the things I want to rededicate myself to.  Although it's not like I've totally left different practices and habits behind, it's more like I do them less or less regularly.  This has always felt like the best time of year to bring old good things back to the forefront, as well as new things.

Since the advent of the pandemic many aspects of my life became stagnant.  Getting back into positive grooves has been a very sluggish process.  But now's the time.  It feels...necessary.  And I'm not getting any younger!

 

 

 

 

 

counting the days

It's almost 2023.  Christmas is, for the most part, over for me.  I used to leave decorations up until January 6th.  But that was when there was family around and extended celebration.  Now, I just feel ready to move on into January.  But I'm leaving everything up until New Year's day, anyway.

Of course, the closer it gets to ending the year, the more the introspection and self reflection deepen.  What do I want in the new year?  What would I like to work on?  How can I live more fully and openly?  How can I nurture and strengthen my creativity?  How do I continue the process of healing my heart and loving who I am?  

 

 

 

 

Happy Christmas!

The dogs got me up early (but not as early as two days ago).  Actually, it was perfect...quiet, calm...watching the sky brighten by the warmth of the fire.

I send warm wishes to all who celebrate today.  And I send warm wishes for a lovely day to everyone, regardless of celebration or mundanity!

 

 

 

family

Thanks to my niece and the wonders of technology, I had a great visit with all the family today.  I miss being with everyone at the holidays, but this kinda makes up for it (kinda sorta, anyway).  My Christmas eve meal is prepared and I think I'm going to watch Fanny and Alexander tonight.

Happy Christmas, everyone!

 

 

Christmas eve eve

After some rain a cold front has come through.  An Arctic blast, as they say.  The wind chill is very intense.  I went out to pick some marjoram and cover a couple plants and I was very glad to come inside again.  One more foray to bring in fire wood and that's the last excursion out of the door I'll make today.  

It's been a good day to cook. Poppy seed cakes are on the rise and clear beet barsczc is simmering for my Wigilia  meal.  Since it's just me (and the dogs...we have a canine guest over the holiday) I'll keep the meal simpler than usual.  Instead of cooking fresh fish, I'll have some smoked salmon, for instance.  But I will be making pierogi (I think) and maybe some pelmeni too.  I'll see how ambitious I am in the morning.

There's really no logical reason for me to make this effort.  It's just me and one might think it's too much energy expended for one person. But, a few things...I'm worth it, I enjoy it and it connects me to my family.

 

 

 

 

 

Avery

Here's Avery's Christmas portrait.  She didn't mind wearing the hat at all.  The treat may have had something to do with that.

 

 

Happy Winter Solstice!

Well, my friends, we've made it round the sun another cycle.  The light will gradually start creeping back and we get the chance to do it once more.  Thoughts of starting seeds, bulbs popping up and a spring garden are in the back of my mind.  But I'm still enjoying the darkness and the cold...the restive state.  There's lots to still mull over about life and spirit...about gratitude and love...about creative energy and how it can manifest.

Wishing you all the best this season and a welcome return of the light!

 

 

 

Monday

There are just a couple weeks left to this year.  The winter holidays may as well be one big blur!  As it gets closer to the end of the calendar year, the days seem to pass more and more quickly. Maybe the shorter daylight has something to do with that perception.

I'm home for the duration, writing out a list of what I want to get done and what can wait.  My body seems to want to hibernate, which is okay.  But there are still some things I'd like to accomplish.  When I think about the coming year, I start to feel energy creep up and an excitement for new projects.  That's mostly in my mind, though!

Here are a couple more Instax from Brookside gardens...

 

 

 

model railroad

I was up in Northern Virginia again this weekend.  This was my last little adventure for 2022.  Now, Avery and I will be hunkering down local for over the holiday.  I had a lot of fun with friends up north, and I'm all filled up with those good connections to carry me through Christmas.

These were take at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland...