Winter Obsessions

Most of my December was spent making our first west coast Christmas perfect. I sent out close to a 100 holiday cards with cheery notes which I wrote while listening to nothing but Christmas music. Santa’s were on display all over our new home, lights were strung and lit. We fully engaged ourselves in all the festivities, shopping and cooking and baking, while wearing silly hats. As you might have guessed from this idyllic opening the holiday could not live up to my hype. But it did not stop my push to make our New Year’s eve filled with all the garnishes I could throw at it. Yes, lesson not learned. Thankfully sense and sensibility did surface, eventually, to the realization that we were indeed somewhere new, and quite possibly, I could slow down, take a breath and notice all the possibilities in this here.

cactus in bloom

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A Dragon, Super bowl, Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day

What a week! The dragon has entered the conversation, capturing our imagination with all the thrill and anticipation of a new George R. R. Martin novel. That soaring scaly fire-breathing beast can both incinerate an entire village and still allow Khaleesi to direct its fury. As we slide further into 2024 one can only dream this powerful authority will grant us abundance and good fortune. Might we hope that a beast with deadly talons and a powerful tail will sweep ignorance out of view to reveal truth?

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Self Care is Survival

No doubt you need it, self care that is. But my first question is: are you even on your own care list? Do you ever take a break just for yourself? Treat yourself to a moment in the tub or ski along a groomed trail? Well, here in Vermont, we are in the midst of the deep winter freeze, an easy time to feel defeated, but I would encourage you to gift yourself one tiny joy at least once a day. Perhaps make time for some morning yoga, or a mid-week lunch date with a friend, or even a self- massage? Don’t have time for yourself you say? Seriously, you must. Or at least I hope to encourage you to get on your own list.

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