Temptations and Resolutions...

It's almost the new year, and I'm tempting fate with downtown parking at a new coffee shop. As I listen to the radio today, and see the news, I'd like to say this post is going to be all light and fluffy; I'd like to say I have grand plans for the moment the New Year is rung in; I'd like to say I have a magical kiss waiting for me when the clock strikes midnight, but reality is  sometimes the new year is a reflection of the past. It is the moments that break our hearts the most that teach us the life lessons we need for the coming year. This year has had many ups and I would say one hard down, but all in all 2014 brought many great insights to my life, and I want to remember them.

This New Year will be spent alone. I will count down the seconds to the new year and sip on a neat whiskey when the ball falls. It sounds depressing to some, but 2014 taught me it's time to focus on what I truly need in life. My needs are not extravagant. I do not need millions of dollars, I don't want a wardrobe of slim fitting clothes, I don't need to have a new gym membership or a new car; I don't want a fancy job title. All I need this year is to work on me; work on all the passions I have in my life; work on seeing more of the world and those who are in it.

And so, though I'm tempted to ask for a full time job; tempted to push my life in a new direction; tempted to pick up and move; tempted to take control, instead I will focus on what I already know. I will let my life take shape instead of attempting to mold it into perfection. This year, my resolution is to recognize that at times I may be tired, but I have so many passions and it is always time to be working on them. I will write, I will read, I will teach, I will bake, I will knit, I will be me--and enjoy every moment of it and be thankful for the friends and family I get to share it with.

To everyone....

Happy New Year!

Dear Santa...

You may be frantic right now, as it is your busiest day of the year. Hopefully, you're not where I was two days ago, having a mental break down in the grocery aisle when I realized I couldn't afford the good balsamic vinegar. (Why is it always grocery stores that make me panic?) Truthfully, my spirit for the holiday hasn't been what I hoped for this year.

But may I just tell you, no matter how the present Christmas feels--I will always believe in you!!!


I guess I just wanted to say thanks for the small (yet monumental) gifts you gave me this year:

When I was down and out, driving to work, you miraculously appeared next to my side on a bright yellow tricked-out scooter blaring the music "All I Want for Christmas is You," by Mariah Carey. That made me truly smile for the first time in months, and the ability to wave to you made me truly feel the spirit of the season, if only for a moment. And I guess all we can ask for is moments. Then, at my cookie party, you gave me my wish--I saw snow flurries cascading off the streetlamps surrounding my house at night. The street was quiet and echoed my glee as each flake tickled while melting off my nose. Finally, as I began writing this letter to you, I was able to wait for the best gift of all: My parents.

With the folks, the holiday is complete. This year, I may not have actual presents for them to unwrap, but I know our conversations around the many dinners, coffees, and couches will be the merriest of all.

Thanks Santa for showing me what this time of year is all about--the moments we get to spend together, and the ease which magic can come into your life if you let it. This Christmas, I wish you safe journeys; I wish you cleverness in your ability to sneak past traps children may have placed to catch a glimpse of you (be warned: talking robots with trip-wire string may be placed near fireplaces); I wish you all the joy and cookies you can partake in.

And may I say--I feel lucky in life that you have made your presence know to me not only in my youth, but my adulthood as well. I shall be listening for the bells of your sleigh always. The smile you bring me each and every year is the true gift.

Merry Christmas Santa!!!

D.dot