This year, I had a hard time getting “into the spirit” of the holiday. Too many things going on in my life. Juggling balls I was afraid would fall and conk me on the head. I was a better at it when I was younger… true of so many things…
This past weekend, I had mirrored sliding doors installed on my hall closet – and everything looks different reflected in the huge mirrors – it will take some getting used to. With my Christmas bonus, I also treated myself to a new vacuum cleaner, Miele S4212, which was on sale at Costco. And I think I’m in love! Well, like, anyway. I detest vacuuming but this machine is SO light, quiet and dust free, with a delightful telescopic handle that means I no longer have to stoop and bend and suffer the resulting back pain.
Naturally, all this put me in a pretty good mood, so I dug out my Christmas CDs and played a few – including my all-time fave, the Boney M Christmas album circa 1980. I also found some old cassettes to give to a friend’s son, who rediscovered the Walkman and enjoys listening to music on it.
My sister’s birthday is December 22, which brought to mind many family doings of old. I miss my sis at this time of year because I have no one with whom to harmonize on Christmas carols!
This will be my last Christmas at our family homestead – where I lived with my parents, grandparents and two aunts when we came to Canada. I grew up in that house and have always loved it. Saying goodbye will be poignant…
But I am very much looking forward to a refreshing break from work! Rest and relaxation, time with friends, and time for quiet reflection. It has already begun and I’d like to share a few things I have learned in 2014…
- The conclusion of a story can be both happy and satisfying and sad and unsatisfying (read Jodi Picoult’s “Plain Truth” and you will understand)
- It’s amazing what you can do in photography – the stunning effects that render a photo a painting, and more (visit https://byrnesbeth.wordpress.com and read Glow Plug to see what I mean)
- The end of one thing is always the beginning of another – as I say “farewell” to old boss Dave I am saying “let’s go” to new boss Steve
- Life is unpredictable; and when I thought I would be winding down my working life I find I’m winding up for new challenges, assisting a professional ‘rising star’
- If you can love someone at his worst, it’s a richer experience loving him at his best (someone close to me has learned this poignant truth)
- Habits are hard to change – even when you know better it’s not always easy to do better
- In the immortal words of the Grass Roots song, I’m going to “sha la la la la la live for today and don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow anyway…”
Merry Christmas, everyone! Enjoy the holidays and may 2015 be chock full of good news and nice surprises. With Love and Blessings in the Name of the One who Is Love – Jesus Christ.
verawrites 
It is indeed! All the best to you Vera, in 2015. 🙂
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Thank you Geraldine. I wish you and your kitty (I envy you – I’m allergic and can no longer have a feline roommate and I miss my sweet old BJ Hunnicat who passed on in 2000) all the best for 2015.
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Awesome blog. Thank you for sharing Vera. I would love the sing the carols with you. Merry Xmas and have a blessed year ahead. Greetings from Jess. 🙂
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Since we can’t do it in reality, let’s sing in the spirit. Let’s prepare for this priceless Silent Night as we reflect on Who was born Away in a Manger over 2014 years ago. All the best to you in 2015 Jess!
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This is a lovely reflective post, Vera. You are lucky to have your parents, your sister, the homestead — so many wonderful things to be thankful for. A Miele, great choice! What a fine machine. I would love to hear all about it. I love mirrored closets, especially since you can really view an outfit in full length mirrors. Good to have a job! Old or new boss, a job is a treasure. I am curious to know where you came to Canada from. I have often wondered if I should move to Vancouver or Montreal. I think I would love them both, as I was enchanted while visiting each of them over the years. A wonderful blog Vera. I am so lucky you have taken the time to visit and comment on mine. I look forward to our friendship in 2015. Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Thank you and Amen to all that you say, Beth. I read in Charles Stanley’s December mag “With God, whatever we have – whether little or plenty – is always enough”. How profound, and true! The Miele is an investment I hope to enjoy for years to come. The mirror, yes, good to see oneself full length, also a little scary 🙂 I was born in a country that no longer exists (Yugoslavia – the triumph of one man’s vision over the reality of human dysfunction; Tito made it work and since his passing it has gone from bad to worse 😦 I have briefly been to both cities but if I had to choose one, it w/b Vancouver (milder weather, stunning views, great organic food!).
Now I’m off to pack for my Christmas Eve and Day family adventures. Wishing you and Geoff et al a truly lovely Christmas, and the richest of blessings in 2015.
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