I picked up the mail today. Two presents arrived and a few Christmas cards. I was excited to get home and open them. On the short drive from the mail service to my house, thoughts of Christmas's past popped into my head. All the people, all the presents, all the wonderful little rituals we had developed over the years. Suddenly I realized I had never considered Christmas's with a dwindling supply of people, rituals, and gifts. The thought saddened me somewhat, however I knew I had a choice to make.
Today I began to create new rituals. After dropping groceries, etc. inside, out of the way, I placed the gifts and cards on the terrace table. It was sunny and warm, and gorgeous. Into the house one last time, opening the fridge door, I popped the cork of a bottle of champagne, poured myself a glass, and sauntered out into the sun. I knew I wanted to take my time. Dilly dally over the small details. Also knew I wanted this to be a special time. I set the intention. I would open the cards first. Every one had notes and letters inside. Some were hand made from artist friends. I savored each one, gave it due attention, and enjoyed the small, intricate details.
Next, I chose a long tube from a dear friend in Chicago. Much to my delight, huge sheets of paper emerged as I gave the roll a little tug. Beautiful paper, ... maps of France ... gorgeous designer flowers, a map of Canada, and two large sheets of Christmas paper. I ooooed and awwwed. You have no idea how I love paper - makes my heart go pitty-pat! A letter was rolled inside along with some Parker Pen writing paper - a Parker nib sailing smoothly across the page leaving behind the words "Parker - write your own story". I laughed. I shall covet that paper! Each piece of paper ran through my hands as I sipped champagne and sat in the sun, Habibi by my side.
Next, a box wrapped in brown paper. Familiar hand writing graced the front and I felt a little lump rise in my throat -- those good memories kind of lumps. As soon as I began opening the end I could see red and white poka dot paper. Be careful, Donna -- this is gorgeous -- we can re use this in our art. My muse was muttering in my ear. I slowed down until the red and white paper was off in one piece. Sipped more champagne, folded the paper neatly and stared at the handwriting, wanting somehow to hug it, in place of the person. Opening the box top I spied everything was RED (my favorite colour in the entire Universe) - red envelope, red tissue paper, red sparkly star twine. I was in heaven. I read the card with it's lovely heart felt note. Then to slowly open the first package. I giggled when I saw the beautiful little silver glittery birds in their nest of paper straw. Silver glitter with names around their necks - "Wish", "Hope" and "Dream". Ah, they are so gorgeous and will be perfect to hang in my window. Another package underneath revealed two round magnetized containers to help organize my studio. Love at first sight.
I glanced at my watch. Over an hour had passed. One hour of pure delight. Very different from my past - however part of who I am now. I sipped my champagne and smiled. I shared my champagne with Habibi - did I tell you he's a lush? He is! What I know for sure? I only have the moment. Enjoying it, in whatever way I have to invent, would seem to me to be the thing to do.
It's Solstice today. Here in Mexico, with Myan energy close, I celebrate the coming of the light. Candles lit - a quiet evening at home. I celebrate being here on this earth at this moment in time, when our planet earth is exactly in the middle of her own galaxy, the milky way, and the planets are aligned in a perfect cross. Just as the Myan's predicted. Awesome. Thanks for dropping by. I adore reading your comments.
"It may be when we no longer know what to do,
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go,
we have begun our real journey." (Wendell Berry)
Douglas Hostadt
