Silent Sermon Sunday

For each of us, there is a journey to travel,
A star to discover,
And a being within ourselves to bring to life.
~ Author Unknown

The Solstice is upon us. The shortest day, the longest night. We still search the heavens for the Star, the Light to wake us and make us aware, believe, hope, achieve. I wish you mirth, laughter, love, blessings. And most of all, I wish you a renewed sense of joy and wonder about the holy creation which is, You.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

New Baby In Our Family

Oh, Olivia I am sorry to say there is a new baby in our family who is making us coo and sigh. You should have guessed it was just a question of time before your reign as the Baby in the family was complete. I don't suppose that any of us thought it would happen this soon, after a mere 11 months, but sorry to say it has.

Livy, My Dear, accept it with grace.

Yep! There is a new baby in the Dietor/Frock family. I know Melissa's not married yet, but sometimes these things happen. And, we're delighted. So, with that said, let me introduce you to...

...Jodi!!

Oh my gawd, is he not just the cutest thing you've seen in a long, long time?!

An eight-week-old, French Bulldog, Jodi has already proven himself to be a champ and quite self contained. No crying during his first car ride to his new home. I want to kiss those ears! No crying for him through the first night in a strange place without his litter mates, no sir! He is in control.

Rory & Fiona reminded me that throughout history, the Scots and the French have been very good allies, so they are more than delighted to have a nephew. And, secretly Rory is even more happy because now Fiona will have someone else to boss about, relieving some of his daily burden.

Wee Jodi has already established that the blue binky, which is almost bigger than his head, is the toy of choice out of his already impressive stash. As you can see, he guards it quite closely.

But, all of that takes a great deal of energy so fast, often unexpected, naps are required to rebuild that bravado. You can find him in this pose quite often.

However, of all the cute pictures that will be taken of our new baby, I'm thinking this might be one of my continual favs...

...this one of Jodi and Daddy Zach. Zach is Melissa's intended. And, what I say here now is the real kernel of this happy event. The image is the gift of love.

Money is an on-going struggle for the two of them, just as it is for most young people these days. And, let's be honest, for most of us in this down economy and life. Sad to say.

Zach made it his mission to grant Melissa's desire to own such a wonderful creature. It's not been easy. It won't be convenient going forward to be the excellent owners I know they will be. Money is a headache.

But, Zach in his usual quiet, and determined way made it his goal to grant Melissa's wish. And, isn't that what this Season of Lights is all about?

Thanks, Zach, for giving me another example of the meaning of love and Christmas. You and now Jodi are both very welcome additions to our Family.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka DogNanna Holly

True Spirit of The Season

This season beckons me to ask, "What am I preparing for?"
~ Jan Richardson

Each time this festive spate in the weeks of the year rolls around, I find myself looking for a spark, a sign, a silent message to invigorate my faith and belief in the goodness of life. Each year, I find something to carry me through to the next time. I am always, always grateful.

Some years, finding the message in the noise is very difficult. Finding the faith to hold onto what is wonderful in living when life can be so bleeding hard, well....

Other years, finding the message creeps gently into my awareness like a cat quietly curling into my lap for a purr and a snooze.

The point is, despite the world around me, if I ask- I receive. The renewal of faith is granted by Spirit without question. It's up to me, though, to ask for the Gift of Grace. So, each year, especially this time of year, I specifically ask and then with certainty, I wait.

And, as most things do in this tech world of ours, my moment of Grace was delivered to my email inbox.

This photo is of my friend, Donna's, beloved Grand Daughter, Carley. Carley and I have never met in person, but through e-mail I've watched her grow from her first day on Earth, to this little darling who awaits Christmas with anticipation and joy.

I chose this picture to share with you, not because of the red velvet, and especially not because of Santa's arm, for I know so many of us believe in different traditions and celebrate The Light in different ways. So, no, as dear as the suggestion of Santa is to me, that's not the reason.

The true reason, the absolute reason for sharing this is because of the expression on Carley's face. Look closely and see the surprise; the wonder; the excitement; the joy; the fun all rolled into that sweet child's face.

Look at the adoration and anticipation with which she presents her small gift of milk and cookies. She shares what she believes will please the most. It has nothing to do with price or content. She gives what she believes will bring joy.

For me, this is a brilliant photo. And, I applaud the photographer for such a lovely composition. And, I thank my friend for sharing it with me.

Because long after the holiday season has passed, and the decorations are boxed tight for another year, this image will carry me through times when my faith is a little weak. Carry me when my spirits are a bit low. Lift me when I need to see the truth.

This year, Carley is the Agent of Grace when I asked Spirit for my gift of Remembrance.

And, more than anything else you may receive this year, I am hoping you get your Moment of Grace.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Is Graced

Silent Sermon Sunday

"May your days be merry and bright."

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly
image courtesy of The Internet

Sometimes An Image...

...for reasons you can't explain in words, simply captivates your attention, perhaps your heart.

Maybe it's the quality of the light, or the contrast in shadows. Most certainly it's generally the subject matter. But, that's not always a given as I've been attracted to some images where I didn't like the subject...

The image may not be taken by someone with mad skills in photography. Composition may be woefully off. Clarity may not be its best, even. Still, you love it.

So, I can't really explain to you the whys...

I can only tell you, that this picture I took on Thanksgiving Day, is my new favorite.


And, although I know there will be thousands of more new favorites to come based on this subject matter of Olivia...I think this one will always make my eyes go soft, and my breathing slow, and my emotions run to gentle things.

I hope just such an image comes to your eyes today.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Great Aunt Holly

Wishcasting Wednesday

What is your winter wish?

I lay in bed and for the first time in a year, pull the flannel sheets up around my face and clutch the soft, suediness of them in my hand. I feel the cool 63 degree air meet my face and I sigh. Dogs and a sleeping husband fill out the bed. I am at peace. Life is good.

I hate being hot. HATE it. So this time of year is a blessing to me. For lots of reasons...not the least of it is being able to rest through the night comfortably. Especially this year, I am grateful as my hot flashes seem to be decreasing...and I don't want to jinx myself, but perhaps my days as The Human Torch are lessening.

Still, dogs find themselves plastered to me most days for warmth, and I am the one who spoons Michael instead of the other way around. Here's love for you...he HATES being cold. So, the mere notion that he will agree to keeping the temps that low at night shows in another way how much he loves me. That, and the savings to the gas bill, but let's just go with him loving me.

My wish for this winter is to actively find the small joys and comforts this stark season has hidden out in the open. To realize that each season has its own particular high lights and joys, but in Winter, what with all the holidays that get crammed into its start, it's so easy to overlook what nature and life offer for our consideration.

I love the contrasts of black, white, and gray that is often a part of life in Winter. I love that you can see without being distracted, the skeletal structure and stark beauty of trees without the cover of their leaves.

That the earth seems to sleep. Life slows. Mother rests. So should we.

My wish for this Winter is to find the joy and beauty in each day as it comes.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Loves The Cold