the best gifts

As another January begins, I'm left with some sweet memories and some of the bi-polar low of the season's end.  I do love the act of giving and Christmas is such a great time of year to acknowledge how grateful I am to the people in my life.  I really would rather give than receive - the whole process is just so much fun.  But I believe it's an art to do both well - give and receive.  And it's important for us to do both.  We learn about each other through these acts.  Reflecting upon the last week or two of tremendous generousity of friends, family and clients, I am touched by such graciousness and abundant hearts.  Aren't we blessed?

I think about the amazing gifts I was given... and my most favorite was a book that my mother (Loie) put together - a collection of my family photos over the past year.  It must contain 80 pictures.  Lucky for us, Loie has taken up photography as her retired hobby , although I think she is semi-pro by now.  She's the president of the regional photography club and she must have over $20,000 on photography equipment.  Above all she has a keen and intutive eye.  Her photos are stunning.  My children have become her muse, and we have so many wonderful memories captured on film.

Please be clear, I am not a scrapbooking woman.  It's just not my thing.  But I want as badly as the next Mom to have memories preserved and kept for my family and especially my children as they grow.  For someone to put that all together (painstakingly time-consuming) - and in such a beautiful way - well it's a beautiful thing.  A gift to remember a year in the life of my family and also an artistic tribute to my mom's time and talent.  Thanks Mom.  I love you so much.

My second favorite gift (given to the whole family) was a book called 'Sunshine on My Shoulders'.  Complete with a CD containing the John Denver song.  I'm not sure why, but when I opened it (it was from my most favorite cousin... Ninita) tears sprang to my eyes.  John Denver seeped into my consciousness after he died - sadly.  I love his music - it's simplicity and pure beauty.  Just recently, we all sat down and watched the PBS special on his life, so the girls know all about him.  The book is lovely in everyway and speaks to where I'm at right now in my life.  How did you know, Ninita?  As always, you just get it.  I'm so glad you're in my life...thank you.

Here's to more love, peace and light in 2009.