Happy holidays

October 27, near Caledon, Ontario.

A detail from another photo that didn't originally make it into my journal. The full image lies behind the cut.

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This is where I leave off for a few days. It will be strange: since September 15, I have only missed free writing in this space four days. I have come to derive a sense of satisfaction and confidence from this exercise, and from the feedback. To go a few days without will feel like skipping breakfast. I'm like the workaholic who doesn't know when to take a holiday.

But at a time of new beginnings, it's good to step back from things, get some perspective. Maybe I'll come back with fresh motivation and insight into the inner and outer worlds, which fuels my writing.

I'm taking my notebook and pen. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with my morning pages at least, though family times tend to distract me even from that.

I still have a little packing to do. But most of the work is done. Last night I made the maple pecan cheesecake for Christmas dinner, with Marian and Brenna standing by raptly, like vultures ready to swoop. By then end of the evening, Marian had cream cheese on her spikes. Part of the reason I chose this dessert was I knew she had discovered a passion for cheesecake this year. Brenna has never tried it; she said the thought of cheese and strawberries together turned her off. But she likes cream cheese. And she certainly enjoyed licking one of the beaters last night. By Saturday night she will be ready for a new adventure in dessert delight.

Now it's just a matter of getting everything together and loading the Sunfire. The sky looks foreboding. Hopefully snow, or whatever the heavens have planned, will hold off until we reach Poplar Bluff. The stretch of highway between London and Windsor, besides being incredibly boring, can be nastier than anything when snowstorms fly off Lake Huron.

So I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you to those who have sent cards. I haven't been able to do the same this year, partly because I can't afford the postage and partly because it's an activity I relish little, but I appreciate the thoughts from everyone.

It has been a little over 20 months since I joined LiveJournal, but I'm amazed at how much the community has come to mean to me. For all your friendship, encouragement and support in 2004 I am very thankful. I will miss you, but I'm looking forward to the next few days, and hope you are, too. If I have a chance I'll post by phone, and will be back in touch the usual way on Sunday or Monday. Hugs to all.

( full photo )