The Quiet Season

I, like most of you, love the calmness of the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, and this year I've appreciated it even more.  I spent most of the 26th in bed, just catching up on my rest, even though I didn't feel stressed about Christmas.  I think it was a residual tiredness from being sick, but whatever the reason, I gave in to it and rested.  I spent some time this week catching up with friends, but still had a lot of quiet time at home.  I started taking down the Christmas decorations but haven't quite finished because I'm still enjoying the smell of my tree and the twinkling of the lights, even after taking all the ornaments off.  I'd like to get it all taken care of before I return to work, but if I don't, I'll be okay with it. Another benefit of living alone.

 

I've done some knitting, but mostly I've been on a reading binge.  I'm on the 8th book in the Louise Penny series and I am smitten with her writing.  It's a mystery series but it's so much more than that.  I think I read one review that said it's more literature than mystery and I agree, in the sense that it makes me think about the big ideas of kindness, and love, and integrity.  Give her a go if you're looking for a good read. 

 

Speaking of love and kindness, I've been reaching out to strangers as I've gone about my errands.  I've always been comfortable with talking to people I don't know, but I've been doing it even more lately.  Probably looking for human contact since I spend more time alone, but also as a way to foster kindness and connectedness in this scary new world we're entering.  Anyway, it's been good.

 

 

 

 

My daughter, Melissa, did a watercolor of Gracie for me for Christmas and I love it.  I'm going to frame it and hang it in my yarn room.

 

 

 

 

I took this photo of my parents with their favorite child, Bailey; I think they both look amazing.  Mom will be 77 next month and Dad will be 80 in May, and they are both still very active, which keeps them young.  My mom is a dynamo, with more energy than I have most days.

 

Another photo of the precious one.  I gave them a set of photo coasters of Bailey, that I bought from Snapfish, and they absolutely loved it.  

 

This is Gracie's new favorite morning spot.  I took this photo yesterday,

 

 and this one this morning!  Almost identical.

 I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful picture of her in front of the tree. 

 

And I used the Best Nine app, but couldn't get the photo without the text for some reason.  I was surprised there were only three photos of Gracie, but not surprised by all the knitting.

 

 

 

And finally, the picture of myself I like so well.  This is the one I took on Christmas Day, and I like it so much because it shows me how truly content I am.  I am in a very different place than I was last year at this time, but it is okay.  In fact, it's better than okay, it's good.  I know that whatever 2017 has in store for me, I'm pretty sure I will be okay.  Best wishes to all.