Let There be Light!
Quote de jour
"The darkest hour is before the dawn."
There's nothing like being up to your elbows in cookie dough to reflect on the meaning of the holiday season. This year, the trifecta of holidays; Yule, Hanukkah and Christmas fall within the same week. What they share in comman is the celebration of light. Today is the Winter Solstice, the first first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. As I wait for another batch of cookies to turn golden, I thought about the proverb, "The darkest hour is before the dawn." It can mean that things get worse before they get better, like our economy, or something more immediate. Where I live, outside of New York City, the Solstice has already happened. The darkest hour has passed, the sun is gaining in strength, the days will be getting longer again and for that I'm grateful. Another storm system is pelting us in New York with sleet. There is nothing to do today but bake and sit by the fire.
It wasn't always that way. I used to paint one-of-a-kind greetings cards by the dozen, decorate my home to Martha Stewart standards, host an annual holiday season party for fifty (cooking and baking everything myself), track down and buy the perfect gift for everyone on a huge list. I gave shop 'til you drop' new meaning. Ditto for 'crazy busy'. Finally, exhaustion masquerading as wisdom saved my sanity. I found the best gift I could give myself. Balance. Doing less. The only family tradition I continue to do is baking cookies. Since today is the shortest day of the year, I better get back to the kitchen. 
May the turning of the Earth's wheel this Yule bring you peace, love and good fortune in the coming year!
Yeah, let there be light. I was up all night writing, of course, and sort of watching the night and the nearly non-existent dawn creep up. I was writing tomorrow and Tuesday's fiction story.
I used to do a lot more for Christmas than I do now, but even Ms. Stewart has had to go for simpler things now.
I would love a great gala, but would have to hire out! Ha.
We used to pay to go to a gala, in the 18th century style at the Gore Place, HERE in Waltham, not related to VP Gore, but perhaps a distant relation.
18th century caroling, foods, a very beautiful mansion, but even that became too pricey.
I love your photos, you are such a great photographer and a dedicated decorator.
Merry Merry!
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Hi and same to you!!!(happy yule!) i am a little but w/ the holidays all in a row this year there has been little time 4 the computer, i had some time today so i am catching up. your baked goods looks delish!! I love your photos and cat sat. i do not comment much but thought you might like to know you are appreciated! peace.
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