It's Christmas Night here. It's not a holiday I really celebrate, anymore. When I was married...when my children were young...when my parents were here...
things were celebrated differently back then.
Currently, a movie and Chinese food worked just fine for the two of us.
I've had these photos to share since September.
That was the month I was so sick and so I never got to them.
I thought about just letting them go, as they are really only important to me.
Do I need to post all of these personal stories?
I don't know.
But, I thought since I am now into the end of the year reflection, as I'm prone to do...
well, I thought they'd be a good representation of my feelings as I close out the year of 2013.
They are a good metaphor for letting go or for saying good-bye
or for life's losses...and gains.
They symbolize memories and gratitude and community and giving.
And they speak of stuff. Material possessions.
This childhood Thumbelina doll joined a few other favorite items
and journeyed off to a new home this year.
I loved her as only a young child can.
Now she has a new lifetime of adventures waiting for her in the arms
of a precious two year old.
I have spent a lot of time letting go of personal belongings this year.
Things that had no meaning to me, no ties to my heartstrings were sold or donated.
But the most special items were gifted to dear ones.
Thumbelina wears her jamies from the 1960's and the sweet scent of my cedar chest that she has resided in for years.
She climbed into a box with the beautiful white quilt I've shared with you all before, a couple of favorite books, another doll and
beloved corduroy overalls that my daughter once wore.
Sent with love to a sweet mama, whom I've known since she was 7 years old.
With a photo session, hugs and a kiss she was sent on her way.
I lost loved ones this year. A couple of favorite elders.
I celebrated them and honored them.
I miss them.
I bore witness to others' losses, which through my empathetic heart...
touched me deeply.
I embraced life, both the losses and the gains.
I welcomed new lives.
Rejoiced in them and look forward to more new arrivals!
And I worked to keep my focus in the here and now.
In the present.
Enjoying those I am with...when I am with them.
Celebrating them. Honoring them.
Embracing them.
This guy also moved out.
Piglet who joined me in approximately 1977 found a new home
with some other Disney buddies.
He also took his sweet cedar smell and journeyed on.
With a last hug and a pose for the camera,
Piglet will now reside where many more can appreciate him.
In the sense of material possessions,
it feels very good to have all of these items find new homes
where they can be loved, appreciated, shared and get a new lease on life.
At least that is the spirit in which they were given.
Now I look forward to a new year.
New plans.
New ideas.
New intentions.
In this last week of the year, I'll be taking time to reflect and cherish.
I'll be joining you all as we embrace just going into 2014.
~With Love, Nancy
Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2013
