Oh my goodness Heather could write! And think! Her essays are so rich and thoughtful - it boggles my feeble consciousness at times. I'm so sorry I never got to meet her; however I'm grateful again that we have reconnected, and I am getting learn about her through you.
The daylight has finally started extending at both ends of the day here, and it is such a spirit booster. Unlike Texas, we do not fear too much light and warmth (yet!). Cheers Martin!
I love this post, Sabrina. In fact, I've loved all of them. This one struck me for its discussion of light in this dark time, both in the hours of daylight and the cruel and persisting war in Ukraine. It reminded me how important it is to make an effort to bring life into our lives all the time, especially since I woke up at 9:30 this morning (and that wasn't because I was trying to take a rest day). I was horrified and bolted out of bed. I reminded myself that spring is on the way when I'll be able to enjoy the light early and late. It also reminded me to hope and pray with love and light for the people of Ukraine.
My New Year's resolution is to buy holiday lights for next December and put them up even if we're not here at home for days around Christmas.
I'm so glad Claire and your new son-in-law made it for Christmas. That must have been very special for many reasons.
Looking forward to your next post and new things to ponder.
Thanks so much Andrea-I'm so gratified to hear that some of this has resonance with you. One never knows when sitting alone at a keyboard what will be relevant to others! It seems all the more important when there are such dark events in the world to make room for art and music and ideas that spark delight and joy and magic, if only to keep our spirits refreshed so we can help bring about the end to injustices. I remember my children's doctor telling me how important it was to take care of myself first, otherwise I couldn't possibly care for my children. And that goes for all of us-we need to keep that light burning inside, whatever way we can. One of my never-ending delights and sources of strength is longtime friendships like yours. Wishing you light and joy ahead!
Loved this post Sabrina, and am left feeling happy for the light and freedom you are feeling with holiday decorations away until next season, and the home settling and decorating proceeding so beautifully! I also tend to avoid making set “resolutions” at the New Year, especially in the last few years, in the spirit as you mention of not just focusing on what I’m not doing, but thinking more about what I’d like to do more of. This year it is to set aside one true day of rest a week, something I’ve attempted to do in past years but not been tremendously successful with. It’s funny that even in retirement I find myself typically so “busy” with tasks, errands, etc. that having one day set aside to do none of that feels wonderful, and something to look forward to.
Thank you for this lovely thoughtful post, and I so admire those bottle lights! I have twinkle lights set up in my studio and also over our fireplace that I turn on frequently this time of year and always love their magical light. I also restocked our supply of tea candles to keep our numerous candle holders glowing through this season. An extra treat is the set of beautiful layered scent candles that Hannah and Blake gave us this year for Hanukkah, from Brooklyn Candle. We’ve been burning them almost nightly and enjoying their light and scent. That feels magical too! A toast to a light filled 2023....
Thanks for sharing your focus on what you'd like to do this year Martha. And I really like your commitment to resting. What an important thing for our bodies that we all struggle to give ourselves permission to do. It seems the value is to be always busy-not to rest and give our bodies and minds time to wander and process and develop new thinking. I really love that, and look forward to hearing how it goes to keep that resting time in your schedule. And yay for wonderful scents! What a treat!
This is the first year in *forever* that I rushed to take down Christmas, so no judgement from me! Thanks-I do love a glittery fairy light in any form!
We were all ill over Christmas and New Year so I was quite happy to take the decorations down with the Hope that we would all be healthy again in the New Year!
I’m not one for resolutions but do like to reflect on little changes I could make. I definitely intend to carry on reading more - something that I got back into late last year.
I’m pleased to hear that Pete is cracking on with the painting and am looking forward to seeing you again soon x
Sorry to hear you were all ill over the holidays Vicki! And I agree that getting the clutter out seems to be a good way to try to clear out germs too. Reading is the best, isn't it? We've both been reading a lot more this year, and I am loving spending time that way. We are looking forward to visiting you soon, so stay tuned!
I took our decorations down yesterday - I missed the Christmas tree immediately, but now every time I walk into the living room I'm grateful for the new bright space we've reacquired now that it's gone.
I don't make resolutions - I find the risk of failing to be deeply problematic, so I'm happier without. That's my kind of magic!
I was thinking about you just yesterday - I've been working on a post loosely related to your beautiful island, and I'll be popping a link in it to your post which was all about its sense of community. Hope that's okay with you!
Hi Rebecca, and Happy New Year to you too! Always happy for a mention, thank you, and glad that the Island is making an appearance if even tangentially. Glad to hear it is not just me avoiding risk of failure! Why ? Why not focus on what you DO get done, I always think, anyway. Wishing you lots of bright light this month!
It's a balancing act, isn't it? I like to think that I'm intentional on an ongoing basis, rather than setting too great a store on massive goals right at the start of the year that then become a stick to beat myself with. Much happier this way!
Another lovely post. This one reminded me of one of Heather’s, which you might enjoy. http://madronoranch.com/?p=355#comments
Oh my goodness Heather could write! And think! Her essays are so rich and thoughtful - it boggles my feeble consciousness at times. I'm so sorry I never got to meet her; however I'm grateful again that we have reconnected, and I am getting learn about her through you.
The daylight has finally started extending at both ends of the day here, and it is such a spirit booster. Unlike Texas, we do not fear too much light and warmth (yet!). Cheers Martin!
I love this post, Sabrina. In fact, I've loved all of them. This one struck me for its discussion of light in this dark time, both in the hours of daylight and the cruel and persisting war in Ukraine. It reminded me how important it is to make an effort to bring life into our lives all the time, especially since I woke up at 9:30 this morning (and that wasn't because I was trying to take a rest day). I was horrified and bolted out of bed. I reminded myself that spring is on the way when I'll be able to enjoy the light early and late. It also reminded me to hope and pray with love and light for the people of Ukraine.
My New Year's resolution is to buy holiday lights for next December and put them up even if we're not here at home for days around Christmas.
I'm so glad Claire and your new son-in-law made it for Christmas. That must have been very special for many reasons.
Looking forward to your next post and new things to ponder.
Thanks so much Andrea-I'm so gratified to hear that some of this has resonance with you. One never knows when sitting alone at a keyboard what will be relevant to others! It seems all the more important when there are such dark events in the world to make room for art and music and ideas that spark delight and joy and magic, if only to keep our spirits refreshed so we can help bring about the end to injustices. I remember my children's doctor telling me how important it was to take care of myself first, otherwise I couldn't possibly care for my children. And that goes for all of us-we need to keep that light burning inside, whatever way we can. One of my never-ending delights and sources of strength is longtime friendships like yours. Wishing you light and joy ahead!
Loved this post Sabrina, and am left feeling happy for the light and freedom you are feeling with holiday decorations away until next season, and the home settling and decorating proceeding so beautifully! I also tend to avoid making set “resolutions” at the New Year, especially in the last few years, in the spirit as you mention of not just focusing on what I’m not doing, but thinking more about what I’d like to do more of. This year it is to set aside one true day of rest a week, something I’ve attempted to do in past years but not been tremendously successful with. It’s funny that even in retirement I find myself typically so “busy” with tasks, errands, etc. that having one day set aside to do none of that feels wonderful, and something to look forward to.
Thank you for this lovely thoughtful post, and I so admire those bottle lights! I have twinkle lights set up in my studio and also over our fireplace that I turn on frequently this time of year and always love their magical light. I also restocked our supply of tea candles to keep our numerous candle holders glowing through this season. An extra treat is the set of beautiful layered scent candles that Hannah and Blake gave us this year for Hanukkah, from Brooklyn Candle. We’ve been burning them almost nightly and enjoying their light and scent. That feels magical too! A toast to a light filled 2023....
Thanks for sharing your focus on what you'd like to do this year Martha. And I really like your commitment to resting. What an important thing for our bodies that we all struggle to give ourselves permission to do. It seems the value is to be always busy-not to rest and give our bodies and minds time to wander and process and develop new thinking. I really love that, and look forward to hearing how it goes to keep that resting time in your schedule. And yay for wonderful scents! What a treat!
Oh dear, it’s the 7th and the tree is still up! 🤷♀️
And I Love your festive gin bottles as light sources!
This is the first year in *forever* that I rushed to take down Christmas, so no judgement from me! Thanks-I do love a glittery fairy light in any form!
Happy New Year Sabrina
We were all ill over Christmas and New Year so I was quite happy to take the decorations down with the Hope that we would all be healthy again in the New Year!
I’m not one for resolutions but do like to reflect on little changes I could make. I definitely intend to carry on reading more - something that I got back into late last year.
I’m pleased to hear that Pete is cracking on with the painting and am looking forward to seeing you again soon x
Sorry to hear you were all ill over the holidays Vicki! And I agree that getting the clutter out seems to be a good way to try to clear out germs too. Reading is the best, isn't it? We've both been reading a lot more this year, and I am loving spending time that way. We are looking forward to visiting you soon, so stay tuned!
Such a great post, Sabrina! Happy new year!
I took our decorations down yesterday - I missed the Christmas tree immediately, but now every time I walk into the living room I'm grateful for the new bright space we've reacquired now that it's gone.
I don't make resolutions - I find the risk of failing to be deeply problematic, so I'm happier without. That's my kind of magic!
I was thinking about you just yesterday - I've been working on a post loosely related to your beautiful island, and I'll be popping a link in it to your post which was all about its sense of community. Hope that's okay with you!
Hi Rebecca, and Happy New Year to you too! Always happy for a mention, thank you, and glad that the Island is making an appearance if even tangentially. Glad to hear it is not just me avoiding risk of failure! Why ? Why not focus on what you DO get done, I always think, anyway. Wishing you lots of bright light this month!
It's a balancing act, isn't it? I like to think that I'm intentional on an ongoing basis, rather than setting too great a store on massive goals right at the start of the year that then become a stick to beat myself with. Much happier this way!
Bright light right back atcha! 😁
Thank you Martha for the editorial catch! ❤️