'tis the season (my holiday balancing act)

 

I obviously must enjoy challenge and pressure because this is how I craft the final weeks and days leading up to Christmas.  Two days, three nights to go and I have a knitting project I'll be casting on after supper later tonight.  Under normal conditions it is a 4 night project, but factoring in afternoon time tomorrow and Christmas Eve and I'm confident I'll be sipping spiked hot cocoa and laughing mirthfully at the folly of last minute mall shoppers.

Of course I still have holiday cards to finish writing.  Ah, but in my wisdom I've learned to make them seasonal and consider New Years as the true cut off date, buying me another week and some change to go!

What I didn't factor in was 1) coming down with a nasty sinus infection that had me working from my bed, a Celtic Frida Kahlo if you will, and 2) a blizzard and 10 hours without power.  

I may harbor fantasies of Little House in the Prairie, but I humbly admit I would have either succumbed to the elements, illness or madness the first long winter.  Bundled in every woolen item I've ever knitted, I was still a icy wreck.  Even the dog shivered under his Woolrich hunter's plaid dog jacket and blanket.  The highlight of the adventure was hot tea and ramen noodles for breakfast.  The girl was happy as noodles are one of her favorite breakfast items!

But my one superhero power is my ability to complete a task under the most trying of circumstances and so, while huddled another another blanket in the quiet and the cold,  I finished knitting a shawl which I promptly wrapped about my already knit-bulky person.  And then the power came back on!

Cowgirl and I sang a song of thanks to the power people (working in frigid temperatures with howling winds, I do not begrudge them their pay increase that is bundled in our rate hike) and we tossed in for good measure thanks to baby Jesus and "whose his mommy?" Mary and Ganesha (when hovering close to extinction, you want to cover all deities) and Moon Goddess.  

Then we warmed up and head out into the snow.  

 

 

 

This is our holiday madness.  May your world be merry and bright.  May you and your loved ones enjoy this time together, celebrating the miracles that come your way each and every day.   

May you not only survive the holiday season, but find within the tumbled chaos and merry making time to savor those things that bring you true joy. And may that joy inspire all around you to share the love and warmth of their own hearts, their own shining if sometimes snow covered selves.

Warmest of holiday wishes,
xo Lis, Cowgirl, & Moose