a glad new year... good angels guard thee...

balance

Washed with rain and rain

I am as a river

Swirling and turning

In place, this place

And let go

Existing

Spinning like a child

Achieving balance even as

I toss solid to the ground

Still giddy as angels

Circle in the sky above

And clouds can barely

Hide their smiles

quote: elisabeth kubler-ross

there is no need to go to india or anywhere else to find peace. you will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden, or even your bathtub.

carlo crivelli: saint stephen

...today is december 26th, saint stephen's day,

and the day of my family's namesake: santiestevan.

remember to honor thy father, thy mother,

and thy ancestors: they are why you are here.

peaceful christmas to all...

sixpence none the richer: silent night

j. lennon: happy christmas (war is over)

illuminated christmas house

merry smile...

christmas angel

celebrating Hanukkah, 18th century

...today is the first day of Hanukkah... Happy Hanukkah!

christmas prayer

various artists: do they know it's christmas

one of my favorite christmas songs...

...if you have food on the table...

...if you have a roof over your head...

...if you live without war and famine...

...then you are wealthy beyond measure...

...in a world where so many suffer...

...share your wealth with those less fortunate...

...remember the reason for the season...

...emphasize giving, not receiving...

...emphasize love over material goods...

...remember that compassion is the greatest gift of all...

...peace is possible, and begins with you and me...

christmas angel

artist unknown: croatian christmas

various artists: stand by me

various artists: in the bleak midwinter

angels in america

giving

my favorite season

It is fashionable to put down Christmas. "Commercial". "Materialistic". "Greed". "Waste".

But I respectfully disagree.

I believe that Christmas is what you make of it.

For me, it is the time of the year when I can say aloud and often my daily prayer: "peace on earth".  An entire holiday devoted to peace? I'm there.

It was the message of Peace that made Jesus' message so vital, so timeless.

And what can be more beautiful than giving gifts to the people you love? You don't have to buy it; you can make it, bake it, sing it, massage it, dance it, serve it... you get the idea.

Peace. Giving. Pretty lights. 

The cynics can frown and carry their negative energy around on their backs; meanwhile, I will dance my daily joy for love and peace and giving and singing.

Peace: it's not just for dreamers anymore.

r. van der weyden: the annunciation

jupiter, venus, & the crescent moon over los angeles

(photo by d. jurasevich, mt. wilson observatory)

a. h. thayer: angel