I was able to attend a 2 hr Winter Solstice yoga workshop on Sunday.   Solstice is the deep quiet darkness that encourages one to go within and give thought to the things that may or may not have strengthened you through out this past year.  Whether it was blessings or hardships you came away stronger.   When I speak of darkness I am referring to nature and the natural balance of light and dark that occurs, not the darkness that sometimes overshadows and weakens us.   No matter how dark or bleak circumstances  may appear we always have our own inner light that guides each of us.  It is during the darkest times you must allow it to burn brightest and  have courage along with belief that you will soon be coming into a restorative and festive time.   Give thanks and say good bye to this year as you set intentions and prepare to greet the coming  new year.
With much gratitude I look forward.    
Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year to all of you!

My journey of a thousand miles??   I have taken the first step!

Life is now.   Be present in the moments right now.  Appreciate whatever it is that is occuring.  It is all your guaranteed.  

Some family members weren't able to go on the excursion for the christmas tree.  Are these tree farms getting pretty comercialized?  I think so.   Can not help but wonder what kind of adventure it would be to traipse out into the woods after a big snow looking for a tree.  Most likely alot more work but perhaps more fun?

Joy to our family, my  youngest son is home
He is returned safe from Iraq
I am quite happy and no one more relieved
that tragedy did not strike twice
in the land of war and siege
The family will gather at christmas
giving thanks that we all are well
We will remember the one we lost to war
with wistfulness and pride heartfelt

I am no poet, and this probably reads very awkward but this is where the prompt led me and I did the best I could.