close to open

While 2014 will not go down in my personal records as my favorite year, it did have some shiningly glorious moments. My top three -- regaining strength and movement in my right hip which allowed me to walk normally; being the featured artist in a special edition of a national publication where my collage art was showcased followed by an online interview followed by having another of my photographs appear in a national magazine; and arriving at a door on my path with just the right combination that when opened, it revealed a gift I've been waiting for.

As we once again close out a year to begin another, remember all that you are grateful for and hope there will be much more to come.

Wishing you every joy and peace in the New Year ahead. Be happy and…



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holiday inspiration

We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want. – Lao Tzu

I remember the first time I saw a ginger jar, its graceful opening leading to a voluptuous bottom; the desire to caress the fullness of round called for me to pick it up, hold it between my palms and eventually have it for my own. I really cherished that piece because at the time I was an adolescent, money had to be earned so I was pleased that the store allowed me to pay over time (they did not have layaway, so they entrusted me with a responsibility that I lived up to, something I never forgot) and that I had enough saved enough to get started. That jar began a love of Chinese and Japanese art, china and porcelain, the jars in their various shapes, sizes and designs, some with tops, that has lasted to this day. Most of the collection I built adorned my first apartment but is now packed away as my current home is eclectic, no one cultural influence taking center stage. Ginger jars, vases, bowls and pots made of any material dot my surroundings, the emptiness of each of them hold emotions, stories, memories and wishes that keep spirit alive around whatever is my abode.

While enjoying the holiday, I happened upon a piece that sent me back to that time in my life when my entire apartment had a feeling of the Orient. Seeing it inspired what I’m writing right now; I think I need to do some exploring in those boxes sitting in the closet and while I do…

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eve

Happy Christmas Eve and May Your Tomorrow Be Merry!

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what is

This past Friday, I arrived at the Willard Hotel for a much anticipated annual holiday tea with one of my good friends. The place was bursting with people bustling around the huge Christmas tree admiring its branches heavily laden with ornaments, bows, garland and lights; it is a show stopper that takes center stage in a lobby decorated with old world warmth and charm.

For the past two years, we have had tea in the Alley location, a cozy softly lit narrow corridor that lends itself to private conversation though there are many seated amongst you also there to enjoy a holiday afternoon away from the crowds. So when we were escorted to a table in a nook just off the lobby, I was perplexed then a bit disappointed. The tables were too close together, the harp right behind us, and the lights were quite bright. As I sat down, the comfort of the cushion beneath my bum immediately welcomed me,

suggested I sit back, relax….all would be well. It was. I barely noticed what others chatted about as I talked with my friend and yes, though the music sounded louder than I like, it did not disturb our ability to hear each other nor did we have to shout. I glanced around the room and got tickled -- it was full of other gal pals and mothers and daughters enjoying holiday tea at the Willard too! I suddenly felt warm, grateful… it was a lovely time.

If we allow the little disappointments to take control we may miss out on all that is so very good. Being in a new spot did not dampen a holiday tradition that's in its third year nor did it diminish the delight my friend and I shared sipping champagne, followed by tea and a tower of tasty finger foods both savory and sweet. My favorites this year were two tarts, one made with goat cheese and caramelized onions, the other a pumpkin pie topped with a

raspberry and crème fraiche, each a tiny morsel of big time sinful deliciousness! I am counting the days until next year when once again it will be time for tea at the Willard.

Sometimes we must be grateful for what is rather than what isn't so...

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happy hanukkah

May it be a luminous celebration for those who celebrate.

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cheer bliss

Really been feeling the spirit since December began; a quiet bliss has filled my heart. So as you shop, enjoy time with friends and family, trim the tree, party hop, or maybe take a spin around an ice skating rink, take a moment to totally soak in all the holiday cheer and…

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woo-hoo-liday!

Live wreath is on the door with a seasonal mat placed below to wipe the weather off my boots; holiday CD’s carol songs everyone knows so well as I sing off tune, a bit of tinsel in my hair; the scent of baked cinnamon apples and pine mingle to fill the air with aromatics that dance from room to room…

…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! So…

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issues

This past week was rough in more ways than one. Health and home issues first took some nibbles then swallowed me whole consuming time, energy, dollars and my body. I will spare the details. Suffice it to say that I found myself under duress, had to take immediate steps to address what was happening and found myself creating a meditation from sequentially shot pictures…

…each time I look at them, I am stilled all over again.

Paying attention to warning signs however they present, whenever they come is good for the mind, body, soul, spirit so do what you need to do for your overall wellbeing even when others take issue with your decisions and…

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illuminating

When the days are dark and gray, find your light and...

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