MUNDANE MIRACLES

I wasn't sure if the hummingbirds were feeding at the feeder now that the tree has lost all of its flowers. (And leaves!) The other day I was outside raking, and I saw the female come to the tree. I was right under the feeder, and she flew away when she saw me. Then, yesterday morning early, I went outside to feed the birds (mostly sparrows, doves and a few finches) and I heard that distinct buzzing sound. She was feeding on the feeder! She is always a sure sign of joy and the presence of {Flying Sphaghetti Monster/Goddess/God/Universe/Higher Power of your choice} in my life.

I think I've been doing very well at not freaking out or getting overwhelmed. Both are my natural inclinations! (I don't have small children, though! That makes the stress of the season much easier, I believe!) I've managed to stay calm in all of the traffic, or the store not having what I need, or not having the money to buy all the gifts I would like to. I have been able to focus in on what is enjoyable and try to magnify that. I am trying to accept all of my limitations (money, time, energy, etc) and to be content and satisfied regardless.

I am a little tired of people telling me that there is "no point." I am going to get my tree tomorrow, and it doesn't seem pointless to me. My Christmas memories are of the tree being decorated on Christmas Eve, and staying up for Church, and then coming home very late and very sleepy, but not too sleepy for my mother or grandmother's cocoa with miniature marshmallows. We gave gifts on Christmas morning, but we kept Christmas until Epiphany.

To me, Christmas begins too early and leaves too abruptly nowadays. I feel it has lost it's Mystical magic in all of the rush.

I am behind in blogging and checking in on everyone's blogs! But tomorrow is another day! Tomorrow is up early for errands and then to Trader Joes and the supermarket for Christmas Day dinner supplies, and then home to clean, decorate the tree and wrap the few presents I was able to purchase. And get caught up on all the blogs and what everyone in my blogosphere has been doing!

I do love reading about everyone else's lives and interests! Those of you on my sidebar have really increased my appreciation of the beauty and diversity of people on the planet! Reading all these blogs makes me feel like the whole world is filled with awesome, creative, unique and talented people! YOU ALL ROCK!!!

Sometimes I feel as if I am constantly fighting off negative thoughts, expectations and feelings, but at other times, like today, I realise that there is always some sort of struggle, something we must overcome in ourselves, and that the trick is to just lean into it without getting frustrated. Because there will always be something to stress about! But there will always be something to rejoice about to! There will always be a sign, and there will always be beauty! There really are so many moments to enjoy in each day! And always some suprise, some mundane miracle! Like my hummingbird sighting!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, MERRY TOODLE!!!

PS-- yes, drinking...But not much, mostly just wooed by the Christmas lights and music...