Yep, we’re finally going to visit family and friends in Switzerland this spring. It will have been almost four years since the last time we were in Lugano.
We can hardly wait!
Guess where we’re going?!?
A very festive weekend
Today’s my sister’s birthday and tomorrow’s my birthday. Plus it’s one of those years when Father’s Day and my birthday coincide.
Then there’s the Solstice, and the fact that some dear friends are returning from a trip back East.
Perhaps best of all is that we can drive to Sacramento and celebrate with Dad and Cathy in person. Then we’ll stay at a beautiful B&B before picking Sundara and Nandadevi up from the airport on Sunday.
So, in honor of all this wonderfulness, I’m writing my blog now and — believe it or not! — leaving my computer home. No work for me this weekend!
Wisdom from the Grinch
I’ve been thinking some more about my “stink, stank, stunk” Christmas ornament and reflecting on just how pertinent the message of “The Grinch” feels this year.
The Grinch’s big “aha” moment came when he was confronted with the truth that removing all the packages, boxes, and bags from Whoville couldn’t stop Christmas from coming — “It came! Somehow or other, it came just the same!”
Christmas was way bigger and truer than he knew.
This year large numbers of us had to spend Christmas separated from family and loved ones, completely alone even. For some of us it might have felt like Christmas wasn’t coming. But just as the Grinch learned that Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas 2020 was teaching us that it doesn’t come from people, either.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that celebrating with family is one of the most precious aspects of the holiday. But the source of the joy isn’t external; it starts inside us — with the Christmas spirit itself — and then radiates out from us to others: close family and friends, neighbors, the larger community, and eventually — with commitment, with practice, and with our sincere loving intention — to the whole world.
Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to grasp.
Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.
The best birthday presents
The love of family and so very many dear friends.
Sharing my life with a husband who complements me in every way and loves me to distraction.
Living in a little slice of paradise on earth.
Music, music, music.
Seeing the vision for our music ministry expanding by leaps and bounds in amazing new directions.
I am soooooo blessed! 😊