a-musing-lee twin reflections

As this Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close, I reflect on the last few days, the last month and the holiday itself and what it means. I'll start by saying that I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day shared with people they care about and love. I am so grateful to have been able to spend this Thanksgiving with one of my sisters and her two youngest boys. What a joy it was to have them share in the warmth of the desert a traditional thanksgiving feast. I know there are many things to be thankful for and as I go through the process of counting my blessings, acknowledging the wonderful people (both family and friends) that have been brought into my life and the things and places that make up my reality.....thankfulness comes most from the comprehension of the gift of simply being alive. I don't know about you, but sometimes I find I get caught up in the ups and downs of my experiences and forget to remember that the world expands and contracts, gives and takes and ...

It's that time of year again, when the joy and the sounds of the season surround you. I am one of those that love this time of year. Yes, I actually love listening to holiday music for 30 days, I love the lights and all the sculpted, stuffed and painted Santa's, all the colorful ornaments that adorn the windows and shelves of every store. The gift baskets and stockings and outrageous Santa hats galore.  But what I love most about the season is that it always takes me home. The cherished memories and love that is felt and in the air. I'm lucky this year that I actually get to physically transport myself to spend the week with family, but even when I'm not able to be in their presence, this season takes me home. I remember the Christmases of past, even of the year my sister Paula swore to Lori and I that she saw Santa's sleigh take off from our rooftop and heard the jingle of his bells.  Only to look out the window unable to catch a glimpse of him next door or acros...