Let us embrace 2011 together!

At times I wander in the gale that is life; snow whirls and those around me continue living as if there were no questions to be asked.

There is always the option of bracing myself against the strongest winds or taking cover in a nearby forest of the mind... or I can stand, unabashed, in the violent onslaught and feel the great winds invigorate, empowering me.



I choose life.

With its questions, its doubts, it temptations and longings... I choose a passionate life.



Do you?

Sledding on Uncle Willy's mountain!

Evi: "Give me your sled so you can take your pictures and we can keep up with the group!"

Strong man helps tiny girl.

The great uncle Michel descends into a cloud of freezing ice smoke only to...

come up smiling!

Christmas tea to warm hands before the long (and deadly, in my opinion) drive down.

My favorite part... following eachother home.

Come and sit with me.

Nowadays, winter cookies are made as you plug your ears with holiday tunes and skype a friend on your laptop!



I fight the urge to bemoan technology until she looks up at me and laughs ... "my friend says to tell you hello, mom!"



Who can argue with these masterpieces?

A very Merry Christmas to all!

You have brightened my year with your thoughtful, sometimes funny, often heart-warming, and endearing comments. I've grown rather attached to you all, to tell you the truth.

Much love and peace on this day wherever you are and whatever you may be doing. Hugs all around!

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.



Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.



What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

-- Christina Rossetti