Merry Christmas

It was a true winter wonderland this morning. Every tree wore a garland of fresh snow. It was not too cold and there was no wind. It is like the world sighed and is waiting….

Today, many around the world, myself included, pause to celebrate Christmas. We gather with the ones we love and share our abundance in whatever form it may take. We are more aware of those less fortunate and of how we behave toward others in general. The spirit of the season is not one thing or another, it is all of these things; the good will, the giving, the compassion, the sharing and the celebration of one of the biggest Christian milestones – the birth of Christ.

I received some wonderful gifts this year. On reflection, I am grateful for so much. For all my struggles, there is so much to be thankful for. It has been a year of difficult self-discovery and disappointments, learning, of overcoming obstacles and coming to terms with things that I once held in esteem and feel the need to leave behind. In it all, I had plenty of the necessities, the health of my family and one of the best men ever called ‘husband’ stand by my side. And the promise of a new beginning…

I want to share a gift of art that I received today – a painting by Travis Shilling – Blue & Brown Clouds. The painting is dark in tone, but that makes the small bits of light so dramatic and moving – I am truly at a loss for words – so here is a photograph of it. I just love it!

Travis paints with his brother, Bewabon (I have one of his too!) and Michael Scott. They are from the Rama area, near Orillia, and paint all over the region. I found Bewabon and Michael painting at the end of Lorne Street in Gravenhurst in November and the glimpse of Michael’s painting made me wish I could have possessed it as well. These young men are so incredibly talented. Another of their friends is an artist I met while doing stained glass – Joshua Leigh. Josh joined me and five other artists in the ‘Language of Light’ at the Chapel Gallery in 2004. He is just beginning to draw and paint as well, and I am certain he will be another talent to reckon with when he starts to exhibit these new works. These young men are ones to watch. Mark my words!

Soon we will be back to our everyday lives and the new year will turn. I think there is much promise in 2008 and I hope that we can keep some of the cheer of the last few weeks within us. The days get longer now and the sigh of the season will pass into renewed activity. That, too, is a gift.

I hope your day has been a good one and that the candle of your hopes and dreams shines brightly for 2008.