Mid-November already, and every time I am out and about, décor for the end of year holidays abounds. It goes from Halloween straight to Christmas in the world of retail, whether we like it or not. Writing the Advent blog has become a nice antidote to the commercialism, and a helpful way to keep me grounded as the excitement and emotion of the holidays come more sharply into view.
I spent a weekend up north with my Mom in October, and while we were together, we checked the weather each morning. And not just our weather, we also checked the weather in: Bemidji, Minnesota; Columbia, Missouri; Keystone, Colorado and in Charleston, South Carolina. Do you also have multiple cities you check daily? If the answer is yes, I suspect you check because people you love are in some of these cities. Or, you check because these cities are special to you and a quick check of the weather connects you for a fleeting moment to that place and or those people. This small gesture, shared with Mom that weekend and often completed on my own at various times on a given day, brings me joy. And it’s a way to make me feel connected to my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and special places (NYC baby!).
This year’s theme is “small things.” In times of waiting, the way through it is often found by moving from small moment to small moment. And, when all is said and done, it’s often the very smallest things that bring us the greatest joy.
That said then -- the 2013 blog will include many small things -- poems, pictures, pins - and some of my favorite videos and articles that I have come across this year. I may even throw in a little bit of short story this year. As always, your contributions are welcome as the blog is a dynamic work. Though I have mapped out the entries, I am constantly editing and shifting as the season progresses.
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." (Carl Sagan)
Looking forward to the journey ahead!
-Amy
