Last Saturday before Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy Soltice

The blog this week falls on the Solstice this year, the shortest day of the year.  Many customs consider this a day of celebration and renewal, a reset.  There have been several changes over the last few years and sometimes it is worth considering where you are standing and where you have been.    I have found myself working a couple days a week at a local gallery.   It isn't for the money, which is nice; but for a new studio space and access to framing materials.  I keep learning more and more about keeping my work fresh and sticking with my resolve to go larger and offer a selection of prints.

Many people in the past considered the Solstice a time of power, but we also need to recognize that on the other side of the world; it is again the longest.  While the north is in darkness, the south has a full day and night of light.  They wait for the first sunset as we hold our breath for the first light of the sun.  That is what I consider the "Great Balance" of our existence.  We all talk about how nothing happens for no reason but I believe that some of us just have a touch of luck.  What ever happens, I will always be grateful for the gifts of the past year and the opportunities of my future.

We accept we have an effect on the planet as a whole and we can make choices that will help or hurt the greater good.  So while we start are way around the sun again, what things would you like to do differently?  It is the reset of the year, what would you like to do better or even just differently?  Each year I work on being a better person, a gift to those around me that hopefully comes back.  Since we are on the last Saturday of the week before Christmas and we have only  4 shopping days left, lets consider the world around us.  When you are out shopping (I'll pray for you), think before reacting and give the sales clerk a smile.  Try to be the one patient and happy customer of the day.  Help others with their carts, even if it means taking the extra steps to put it away for them.  It isn't much but it can mean a lot to the person who has children who are excited in the car.  Do a bit of heavy lifting for someone or keep an eye out for someone who is vertically challenged trying to reach an item on the top.

Let's work to make this world a better place this year, one decision at a time.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Solstice to everyone.  May you find your joy this holiday season, however you celebrate and my wish is that you are with people who love you this year.