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...

THE SPARKLY SANTA HAT AND OTHER SPEWINGS FROM THE RANDOM THOUGHT GENERATOR

Every year, the desire to wear a Santa hat emerges before the Christmas decorations have been dug out of storage. (This includes the many years that "storage" referred to the garage or back of the hall closet, and not Public Storage!) For this reason, every year I end up buying a new Santa hat.

So this year I decided to make it a custom. Make it official, it looks like you are endorsing it. Suddenly, it doesn't look like procrastination or lack of organization. Call it a "tradition" and suddenly it looks like you meant to do it every year for the last five years!

My new Santa hat has sparkly red sequins and is sexy. I like it very much and it was only $3. See? My people really were Scottish! I can squeeze change from a penny!

On Friday I saw the SOUTH PARK Christmas special for the first time. I cannot believe that I was not stoned or tripping and I was watching talking poop! Holy sh--I mean, OMG! Anyhow, other than feeling slightly nauseous through many parts of it, I laughed my ass off! ("Oh-- this is why people have cable tv!") And I learned a very important lesson: Christmas is about commercialization! Forget all this spiritual, getting together crap! Buy some damn presents!!! And give them to someone!

Ever since I got tagged for that year in review, I have been looking at my shopping purchases. Surely I have purchased things that were not food or clothing that have brought me great joy?

So the other night I was at the drugstore to buy stuff like drano and toothpaste and hair colour (I worship at the altar of Our Lady of Loreal once a month-- she is a demanding but ultimately benevolent Goddess) and I bought this little bird ornament that has a touch sensor and a recording of the bird song.

Okay, so let's just be clear that as a HUGE Xena fan, I am aware that I am a giant geek and completely unacceptable among respectable society, but I LOVE THESE LITTLE ORNAMENTS!!! They are so cute and they make realistic bird songs! I wish I could find more of them!

Okay, nothing makes me happier than seeing a new bird species in my backyard! A day when I see a hummingbird is a great day! A day when I see a hawk is mystical!!!

Alot has been happening over the last few days. Things that I don't like, but also some things that let me know my Angels are watching over me. I am becoming such an expert miner of coal that Jean Richie should rise from the grave and write a song about me!

So often, when we don't have what we want, we think the answer lies in the object of our desire. And really, to have what we want we must learn to give effortlessly. All things are connected, and all things have their complement. To give effortlessly of whatever is asked of you to is to recieve the greatest gifts of all.

I always feel that as strong as magic at Christmas. The giving of things, and the love that we have for each other. The light. The newborn babe and the reborn sun.

The Solstice, and Christmas, and Channakuh, are all about light in the darkness.

"Darkness cannot exist with Light, but Light can exist in the Darkness!"

The Holiday Spirit hit me today, and I have begun hanging lights and wrapping presents! I have determined that this would be a beautiful Christmas, and so it is becoming!!!!

Some gifts may have to be given after the New Year, and oh no! Where is my Holiday poem? I may be a bit behind! Perhaps I shall have to extend the season to Epiphany, or January 6th!!! Don't we all do this these days? It's such a mad rush to get things done, especially when there are so many things to enjoy about the Season!

It is becoming the most beautiful Christmas ever! I feel great hope for everyone and that the war might end soon! And I am sending this feeling with Holiday Wishes to All!!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAVE A MERRY TOODLE!!!