It’s not just the smell of hot coffee in the morning, it’s the promise. And I use a very large cup so that this experience lasts an extraordinarily long time. In my writing chair, as even the bird (Mambo) is still asleep, I look to the events that are already planned for the day. There is much to do. But since it’s quiet and no harm to be done, I can close my eyes and be in Florida with mom, sitting in the lanai, sipping hot coffee, watching the little lizards climb the walls of the bird house. I loved those mornings. The smell of the pool water, so familiar and enticing, making it hard to wait till sunrise to jump on in. Her Florida house was always so beautifully decorated at Christmas time. Even in Fla, she’d baked the world famous Monschein Christmas cookies. It’s just not Christmas without those.

We all went to the beach that Christmas Eve and had cocktails for our Birthday. Since mom and I share that birthdate, it was so wonderful to be together to celebrate the passing of another year. That Christmas, in Florida, was a bit strange for me. Oh it was warm and lovely, for sure. I’d take warm over cold every time. Joe had long passed by then and there was always a big quiet void of a   space    there, especially when someone would quote him or when something was just too funny to hold it together.   He was such a part of that place that it seemed like he’d been there the whole time, and we just missed him. I kept watching for him to turn the corner and come into the room, laughing and whistling Jingle Bells. I’ve really never gotten used to festivity without him and mom missed him with every beat of her heart. She felt lost there and way too lonely.  We were all so happy when she decided to sell that place and come back home to Elkhart.    She would never again be alone or lonely on Christmas day or any other day, for that matter. One things for sure, home is where she is. And so is Christmas.

As is usually the case, my coffee that was so yummy and hot has turned tepid, at best, and it brings me back to the right here of it all.  I’ll dress in cozy warmth and make the walk across the deck, through the yard and into my very own Stained Glass studio.  It’s below freezing this morning. I’ll hear the crack of the grass with each step, like breaking glass.  Its sound, like a shot on the snare, in rapid beats, until I enter the warm room that is my sanctuary.  

First, the smell of lavender and old glass,  then switch life to ON, hearing the sound of speakers coming to life I know that Carrie Newcomer will be singing my favorite songs and making sense of it all….and I’m home.  I have much to do today.  I need to get going on the many projects that I have on my table. Christmas is fast approaching and I don’t plan to disappoint anyone by not completing their commission pieces.

Today I feel that everything is possible and I’ll do my part to prove it that it is true. So much promise in my every morning. I’m so thankful for my good health, the strength of my own two hands and the wanting and willingness of my heart to keep my world, my family and my friends close…maybe not logistically, but in the ways that truly count…keeping you close enough to touch, in ways that surpass the findings of our senses. I’m sending love and light to every one of you. I’m sending you the peace that comes from knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of you and loving you and wishing for you all of the things that bring you joy. 

Last night, high in the sky, people near and far saw what they’re calling the Bethlehem star. It was so beautifully visible …in some places. We had clouds here so there were no visible stars. But I saw the pictures, shared by some who saw it. What an amazing gift and just in time for Christmas. And now, right now, the sun is painting the sky to give light to begin my day. That’s my cue. It’s game ON!!! Have a great day. It’s the only December 22, 2020 you’ll ever have. Let’s make it epic!