Where does the time go?

Egad! How is it December 17 already?! It just seems like it was September not that long ago.

Went and checked out Zoolights at the zoo last night. So much more fun when it's not -40C like it usually is when I go. A chai nog in hand, it was the perfect night to go for a walk and look at the pretty lights and ice carvings. Most of the animals were hiding though.

I've been rocking the weightloss thing recently. Funny, when you actually follow a program (WeightWatchers Points Plus), it works. Huh. Who knew?

For dinner last night (and tonight), I made a yummy veg and fish soup. It was quick and easy. I added carrots and celery and threw in a bay leaf, too.

Tomorrow, it's Thai Chicken Thighs with black beans and sweet potatoes. I'm throwing it in the crock-pot tonight so it'll be ready in the morning. YUM!

The Christmas Carol Project

On Saturday night, I attended an AMAZING concert: The Christmas Carol Project.

I'm not one for traditional Christmas carols. Not at all. Those radio stations that play Christmas music 24/7 starting in November? I can't stand them! Thank goodness I don't work in the mall, or I'd be loonier than I am already!

But get a group of incredibly talented musicians together, add a classic tale of Christmas and the end result is magical.

This is my favourite song:

God Bless Us Everyone (Tiny Tim’s Song)

When the world is feeling cold and the sky more grey than blue

And the snow it seems to fall heavy heartedly on you

Time to count your blessings though seemingly but few

Time to take a look at what’s within and without you

For health is more than walking

And wealth much more than gold

But kindness overwhelming as a gentle hand to hold

So “God Bless Us, Everyone!” with the riches of the soul

And may hopelessness ne’er be the demon darkening our door

When the world is feeling cold and the sky more grey than blue

And the snow it seems to fall heavy heartedly on you

Remember when you see us: the hungry, lame, the meek

Who would feed us, heal us, keep us is the same one that you seek

For joy is more than dancing

Good cheer much more than wine

But love is all enfolding as beholding hearts entwined

So “God Bless Us, Everyone!” with the riches of the soul

And may hopelessness ne’er be the demon darkening our door

When the world is feeling cold and the sky more grey than blue

And the snow it seems to fall heavy heartedly on you

To the counting house of blessings may we often chance to stray

And in company together spend many’s the night and day

And  “God Bless Us, Everyone!” with the riches of the soul

And may hopelessness ne’er be the demon darkening our door

©1996 Maria Dunn

It's like Folk Fest at Christmas. Really, life doesn't get any better than this!

*Gasp!*

My favourite noodle house is closed until January 2! Whatever will I do?!

Sad Weekend

For a couple of reasons:
- I found out this morning that my dearest friend lost her dad. And not even a year since her mom died. It's been my own worst nightmare since I lost my dad: becoming an orphan. My heart hurts for her and her family. I wish I could give her a great big hug and tell her it'll be OK. But I can't. And that makes my heart hurt even more. So if you could send out an extra prayer tonight, I know somebody who could use it.

- It's the final weekend of my Anusara Immersion series. Our beautiful group of goddesses are gathered for one last weekend and as much fun as it was rockin' out to Micheal Franti before we tackled our practice leading up to Padmasana (Lotus pose), it was bittersweet, too. I guess what I've learned most today is that we always carry a little piece of everyone we meet and interact with, with us. And that's not a bad thing at all.

But a great big piece of good news happened today, too! My friend, C got a clear bill of health. No sign of the lymphoma that was there this time last year. So even while my heart hurts for M & her family & my own little kula, it bursts with happiness.

Bitter and sweet.

Forgetting and remembering.

Steadiness and surrender.

Contrary compliments.

This entire existence is a spanda, a pulsation, and all we can do is take it all in: the good, the bad, the easy and the difficult. And know that we are never, never alone, even when it feels like we are.

I honour the place in you where the entire Universe resides.
I honour the place in you of light, of love, of truth and of peace.
I honour the place in you, where if you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me,
There is only One of Us.
Namaste.
_/|\_