*December Moon II, digital art using painting and photography*

December days, how I love you. There is so much going on yet nothing, all at once.

Work is full and busy, on some days overwhelming. I am learning, it is satisfying, I am grateful.

Home is sanctuary and to-do list, in that order. When the to-dos threaten the sanctuary I take action and move through them as gently as I can to restore the proper order. Until it shifts again.

I sink into books, sappy movies and the magic of Christmas lights.

I obsess with all things winter: winter art, winter writings, winter music, winter activities. I am intrigued by its mystery. There is much to process, there. Stay tuned.

"Gray skies and December lights are my idea of secret joy, and if there were a heaven, I would expect it to have a lowering violet-gray sky (and I would expect them to spell gray g-r-e-y) and white lights on all the trees and the first flakes just falling..."

~ Adam Gopnik, Winter, Five Windows on The Season (CBC Massey Lectures)

I continue my experiment in movement, embarking on Week 16 of regular practice. Imperfect and consistent. I feel strong.

I navigate life with an elderly Golden Retriever who's been diagnosed with lymphoma. I am sad at the thought of her not being here. I rejoice in her tail-wagging greetings and her 13 years. I practice presence. I learn and grow into this experience along with my Love, D., one day at a time.

I practice ease where I can, surrender when I can't. At least that's the goal.

I make soup. I savour clementines. I drink water.

I use my fancy Christmas mugs.

I love.

I live.

Yes, December days, I Iove you.

With gratitude,

Stephanie

♥

It's Thanksgiving.

I miss the gathering this year. I miss the laughter and company and the sharing of bread across the table.

And I am grateful.

I am grateful for slow, space and silence.

I am grateful for my tiny family of three: D., Cassie and myself.

I am grateful for the warm, comfortable home that is our sanctuary.

I am grateful for the rest of my family, near and far.

I am grateful for our health.

I am grateful for my recent rediscovery of movement through hiking, dance parties in the kitchen and focused workouts in the comfort of my own space.

I am grateful for art, music, books, movies, documentaries, the entire box set of Little House on the Prairie and the amazing '80s hits list I found on Spotify yesterday.

I am grateful for my computer, my laptop and my tablet. They enable me to connect and create.

I am grateful for my job and the possibilities that come with it. I am grateful for my colleagues with whom I learn and laugh on a daily basis.

I am grateful for creative kindreds.

I am grateful for food in the fridge and a full pantry.

I am grateful for this scene, our new-to-us pop-up camper and the adventure that awaits.

I am grateful for trees, birds, and water. I am grateful for the availability of all three in close proximity to our home and city.

I am grateful for double smoked cheddar, Haagen Daz Pralines & Cream, and sweet corn on the cob fresh from the farmers market.

I am grateful for friends.

I am grateful for YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Stephanie

December Days (or, A Love Letter to December)

♥

Feeling Thankful