I'm in Virginia tonight. I'm lounging back on a tiny couch in a lovely hotel. The kids have swam lap after lap in the pool. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. And the Georgetown Hoyas are on ESPN2 which is exciting because we don't always get to watch them play on the shore. Yes, I know, it's depressing.

We are meeting some family in the mountains tomorrow at a ski resort. I'm not sure I'll be back on here again for the remainder of the week unless something has to be said. I intend on spending the time writing and shopping. Vacation = shopping, n'est pas? I don't really ski downhills. I can run into trees just walking in the woods, thanks.

The kids keep coming in, wondering if I'm playing a game and snatching popcorn from the table in front of me. They are now 8 years old and such fun; they have the best personalities. Every place we go together is more like an adventure. My daughter reminds me she still hasn't been to Texas. I'm not exactly sure what that is all about or why she even mentions it but it is kind of funny. They have been in more states already than most people I know. They have no idea how good their life really is.

I will be back in the new year, re-charged and refocused on my goals. A few days of different scenery can work wonders. I hope to have some great pictures too.

Happy New Year!

You cannot give to people what they are incapable of receiving - Agatha Christie

It's Christmas Eve. No snow although I have watched with interest the news showing all the places in the country covered with it. I even muttered "Praise the Lord, I currently live on the shore!"

Well it's true. I am not a huge fan of blizzards, snow, blowing wind, or freezing rain. This body was made for the equator or as close to it as possible. While I love to witness the seasons, I could do without all the extremes. For my family and friends in the Midwest (and beyond), I hope your electric is restored, your fireplace is welcoming and there is cheer no matter where you go. I miss you all especially during the holiday season.

I have noticed this year that most people on the planet are not very nice. Have you come to this realization? While I am certain they are lovely humans to those they love, they go about their way in the world without a care of how they treat other people they don't 'really' know. Sometimes, I wonder if they ever consider they could be "entertaining angels unaware"? I know I have run into a few honest-to-goodness angels in my day to day activities. One minute they were there, encouraging me and flowing with love for all in their vicinity, and the next minute they were gone from sight. Do you believe in things like this? I am fond of telling my children, "just because you don't believe it, doesn't make it untrue". Are you a believer of angels? Have you ever encountered one in your daily round?

For today, I'm asking for peace. Peace in my mind, in my heart, on our planet. I hope this Christmas is overflowing with peace and love. I do understand how difficult it is to receive such a gift. You do have to be in a place to accept and receive peace and love. I hope you look toward the new year and seek peace for yourself, seek a safe place where you can learn to receive all good things to yourself. You are so deserving. God bless you on this Holy Night.

The more we allow ourselves to recognize the wisdom and truth in other spiritual paths, the closer to Wholeness we become. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Time flies when you're having fun! Look at the years that have gone by and I've changed, for the better in my opinion. I'm not where I need to be but thank God, I'm not where I used to be either. I'm sorry I've been away so long but the race isn't always to the swift and I've been on quite a journey.

It's currently Hanukkah and in a few days, it will be Christmas. Yes, I know I'm not Jewish and you're probably not either. But I am always a fan of Hanukkah purely because the faith of the Maccabees and their fight ensured that the Jewish faith would continue. Do you realize if they didn't rebel and win their freedoms, that there would have been no Jewish community for our Lord to be born into a century and a half later? I am grateful for their victory and for the restoration miracle, the abundance of oil that burned for 8 days in the temple.

I hope you are having a peaceful holiday season. My wishes for you are for you to enjoy the ones you love. Pray for those who challenge you. Live each moment of every day.
God bless you now and into the new year.