Celebrations of Faith and Family

This is always the beginning of the end. The year is coming to a close and before it does, we gather together and celebrate. We celebrate our thanks and our faith and all that makes faith come alive in us. In my family, we also celebrate birthdays. This month my mother, my sister in law, several cousins and their progeny. Next month is mine. So we spend a great deal of time coordinating and planning... Not to mention eating. The hardest part is keeping the details in check and taking time to savor the people. So breathe deeply. Take in the sights, sounds and smells. See if you can will the season to move more slowly. Because next up is the New Year and, for me, three more birthdays in January. Including that baby of mine who turns 16.

Familiar sights, sounds and smells of November.

It is here. One of my favorite months of the year. November. Colors scream outside every window. I need my blanket on the bed. The coffee tastes better. I smell wood burning fireplaces at night when I go outside. Cinnamon, gingerbread, pumpkin spice and cloves are everywhere. Starbucks has my holiday drink favorites. I can find turkey and cranberry sauce all month. Egg nog is on the shelf. It is dark before dinner. My mail box is full of glossy magazines and letters seeking contributions for charities. I have restocked on the hot chocolate and marshmallows. I can bring our my George Winston "Thanksgiving' album. My family starts talking about family meals and visits. And everyone is inside more.... closer together. It is time to breath in and be aware. So if you catch me and I am not smiling. Please remind me. I love what this month brings. Let me be the first to wish you Happy Thanksgiving.