Merry Christmas!
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day you are guaranteed to find me on a trail hiking (if only for a few hours), reflecting on memories past. I haven’t always been like this, you see, but after years of following the traditions of others, it’s on my terms I’ve decided to create a few of my own.
As I sit here at 2 AM on Christmas Day in my cozy living room, drinking warm tea and listening to Christmas music, I continue my meditation, recalling holidays of yesteryear, spending Christmases in Tallahassee, Florida on Mallard Hill Farm with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and whom I called family. They truly are a remarkable bunch for many reasons: love of life, inspirational stories and constant laughter (always nonstop and all ready for more). There were fabulous parties, the best food ever (thank you, Mater), bonfires, lots of champagne and so much more. My cup runneth over. My memories are long, and to the Johnsons and Abbotts, know you have never left my heart, and you being a part of my life, if only for a brief period of time, have made it that much more special. To one endearing friend, Katie, I miss you most of all and love you dearly.
On Christmas Eve of 2002 I hosted a wedding at my home in Tuscany-Canterbury. It was a spectacular event, filled with great passion and intense love. It was remarkable, and I can still recall that night like it was yesterday. What added to the beauty of this occasion was Mother Nature’s gift of snow, which began early Christmas Eve and ended late Christmas Day. To Nupur and Guy, Happy Anniversary!
Recent holidays I’ve spent with the Norwoods. There is but one word to describe how I’ve felt during our time together and that is 'grace'. I felt such continuity and genuine happiness because it’s a true celebration of all things. Ross, I miss your prayer at dinner. BDL, I’m grateful for your gift of family. It’s been an inspiration.
This year will be quiet (my choice), spending time with various acquaintances and one friend that is closest to my heart for a multitude of reasons, and you know who you are.
My eve began perfectly, walking a local Baltimore trail in the evening. I attended late night mass at the Baltimore Basilica, realizing I was just where I was meant to be. I’m not religious, and even with the hundreds of people present, I found my own time to meditate in this iconic structure (a building that is known as the first Catholic cathedral in the U.S., making it the center of the Catholic church in the country for many years). It was healing to my soul, nurturing my spirit more than you or I could ever imagine. I’m glad I made this choice, creating one more memory to last me a lifetime.
What would life be like without memories? They are, without a doubt, important to our resolve. They keep us going another day, and shield us from gloomy gray skies. The period from November through January is chockfull of opportunities for creating precious, cognizant keepsakes in time with family and friends. Don’t allow them to slip away. These are sacred moments that must never be taken for granted. I hope, dear reader, you are thriving in this beautiful season of love. I pray you’re receiving it and always remembering to give it back, maybe even to a stranger who just needs a simple hug.
I have hosted and attended so many wonderful holiday gatherings that I feel guilty asking for more, but more I shall seek because I’m greedy, and I just can’t get enough of the season of love. Merry Christmas to all, and to one special person, a very Merry Christmas. Regardless of the challenges, you are missed and loved, and if I have proven anything, I’m not a fair weather friend. I will always be here, waiting.
Make today special. Love. Smile. Laugh. Just be happy! Have a joyful day, my beautiful friends. Cheers! – paerki
As I sit here at 2 AM on Christmas Day in my cozy living room, drinking warm tea and listening to Christmas music, I continue my meditation, recalling holidays of yesteryear, spending Christmases in Tallahassee, Florida on Mallard Hill Farm with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and whom I called family. They truly are a remarkable bunch for many reasons: love of life, inspirational stories and constant laughter (always nonstop and all ready for more). There were fabulous parties, the best food ever (thank you, Mater), bonfires, lots of champagne and so much more. My cup runneth over. My memories are long, and to the Johnsons and Abbotts, know you have never left my heart, and you being a part of my life, if only for a brief period of time, have made it that much more special. To one endearing friend, Katie, I miss you most of all and love you dearly.
On Christmas Eve of 2002 I hosted a wedding at my home in Tuscany-Canterbury. It was a spectacular event, filled with great passion and intense love. It was remarkable, and I can still recall that night like it was yesterday. What added to the beauty of this occasion was Mother Nature’s gift of snow, which began early Christmas Eve and ended late Christmas Day. To Nupur and Guy, Happy Anniversary!
Recent holidays I’ve spent with the Norwoods. There is but one word to describe how I’ve felt during our time together and that is 'grace'. I felt such continuity and genuine happiness because it’s a true celebration of all things. Ross, I miss your prayer at dinner. BDL, I’m grateful for your gift of family. It’s been an inspiration.
This year will be quiet (my choice), spending time with various acquaintances and one friend that is closest to my heart for a multitude of reasons, and you know who you are.
My eve began perfectly, walking a local Baltimore trail in the evening. I attended late night mass at the Baltimore Basilica, realizing I was just where I was meant to be. I’m not religious, and even with the hundreds of people present, I found my own time to meditate in this iconic structure (a building that is known as the first Catholic cathedral in the U.S., making it the center of the Catholic church in the country for many years). It was healing to my soul, nurturing my spirit more than you or I could ever imagine. I’m glad I made this choice, creating one more memory to last me a lifetime.
What would life be like without memories? They are, without a doubt, important to our resolve. They keep us going another day, and shield us from gloomy gray skies. The period from November through January is chockfull of opportunities for creating precious, cognizant keepsakes in time with family and friends. Don’t allow them to slip away. These are sacred moments that must never be taken for granted. I hope, dear reader, you are thriving in this beautiful season of love. I pray you’re receiving it and always remembering to give it back, maybe even to a stranger who just needs a simple hug.
I have hosted and attended so many wonderful holiday gatherings that I feel guilty asking for more, but more I shall seek because I’m greedy, and I just can’t get enough of the season of love. Merry Christmas to all, and to one special person, a very Merry Christmas. Regardless of the challenges, you are missed and loved, and if I have proven anything, I’m not a fair weather friend. I will always be here, waiting.
Make today special. Love. Smile. Laugh. Just be happy! Have a joyful day, my beautiful friends. Cheers! – paerki
