handwritten on December 25, 2019
This was probably one of the most relaxing Christmas Days I have ever experienced. A peaceful slumber mixed with gift opening and Chinese potato pancakes, coffee and piano and viola duets, a Christmas run soaking in the sun of the day and then a gathering at our third family's house with good company and conversation.
I think the best way to put 2019 in perspective is this idea that everyday should contain the excitement of Christmas. That energy you feel on Christmas should be felt every day of the year. Those new ideas that burst through your soul on Christmas should reveal themselves, too. And- it's the one day where if you are feeling a little lost, it is the hope that you realize...
handwritten on December 24, 2019
I always imagine what the Eve of Christmas will look for my future children...And then when it is over, I always wish that every day was the eve of Christmas. There is just something highly special about anticipating such a special day, the magic to come, the time spent with family, the words spoken and unspoken. Though Christmas Eve looks differently now, it is still filled with the memories of reindeer dust and putting out cookies for santa, cozy pajamas, trees lit with the cheer of the days to come. And now with three different families comes three different magical eves all with different cultures and traditions. The Eve of every new day can be whatever you want it to be-and isn't that...
handwritten on December 23, 2019
We should do it more often-disconnecting to reconnect. Tonight we played a board game with the cousin clan and respective spouses and gosh was it fun. We had a little dixie cup full of eggnog and in the dim light of the kitchen we played a few rounds, enjoyed stories and quick wit and simple laughter. How rarely do we take a break from the internet and our computers and most importantly our work just to connect with another. Disconnect connect should take place at least once a month, and I think it can as long as we are present...
handwritten on December 22, 2019
You know...there aren't many people who can say this:
The same Christmas tradition of traveling a specific place has always been
The Christmas dinner is just how one remembers at age six
The games played are just like the ones played in the elementary years
Eggnog is always present within the fridge- it's also the only time I ever have eggnog
Music is always playing
Baby Jesus is generally rolled over until Christmas
The little magnetic ice skaters are left in the same place by Grandpa's chair
The snowman that flips up is still filled with Hershey Kisses (I still always steal a few)
Waffles are still made by Nicholas
Green bean casserole tastes as good as it always has
Aunt Linda's cookies...
handwritten on December 21, 2019
I was able to spend the main part of the evening with my husband's sister. And it made me a bit nostalgic to think that the last time I actually practiced or made music with someone else was probably many many years ago (dueting I mean.) We become so caught up and so busy with whatever we are doing that generally there is just no time for music making-unless of course you look at life as an extensive piece that is never quite finished. Duet playing was wonderful. Only focusing on the piano and nothing else was wonderful. Listening to mistakes was wonderful, exercising the part of the brain that lends itself to sight reading was wonderful. Laughing and continuing on with our imperfect piece...
