I’m finally starting to see a flicker of brightness after a trying Christmas break that included a trip to the ER for Theo, a excruciatingly painful upper back strain for me, and the death of my Auntie Julyan, a bright spark, who claimed her part of the universe on December 30th.
Auntie Julyan, full of joy, with her young family in the 1970s.
Amid that physical and psychic discomfort, I can only be thankful that we have such a responsive children’s hospital; that my brother-in-law, the uber chiro was able to work out some of my back issues, and that my aunt died peacefully in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her husband and children.
I also have to give a huge shoutout to SNOW on the north shore mountains and a short spurt of glorious sunshine. It took a while for us to get our health in order but we made it up to Cypress Mountain for a spectacular day of snow-laden branches and trails, forts and hot chili at the rustic Hollyburn Lodge.
Ridiculous view from Cypress.
Snowville.
Finally, a little nod to tech magic that allowed us to have an hour-long Skype with Theo’s birthmom and nana who might be the only people as captivated as we are by Theo’s lengthy monologues that roam wildly from monsters to fighting to “Elf” and punctuated by short readings from The Gruffalo.
And then a monster…
Are you feeling thankful or optimistic for anything heading into the New Year?
What a wonderful photo, Harriet. She looked like a lot of fun. My condolences for your loss. In terms of gratitude, not a day goes by that I don’t thank, out loud, my parents for their hard work. If not for them, and their saving ability and the fact that they were so much older than me, I would not have had the financial resources to attend The Writer’s Studio last year or to be looking forward to the adventure in S.E. Asia that I’m about to embark on. I’m very lucky in that regard and I am fully aware of that fact and very grateful to them for that.
I’m sorry for your loss. Auntie Julyan does look joyful.
I do love that we’re getting to the monologue stage now. So entertaining!
I’m totally looking forward to our foster/adopt classes beginning the end of this month!
Oh great news. Good luck!
Harriet Fancott harriet@karmavore.com
we’re still in the monologue stage . . .
i followed your christmas on social media and sent supportive thoughts your way.
we too recuperated on Cypress, enjoying the crazy inversion views and getting stronger. viva snow!
as for optimism – well, i’m headed back to university for six long full-time weeks so i have everything crossed that my childcare plans don’t unravel.
I’m so late on this – just playing catch-up right now. At the moment I’m grateful for sunshine and e-books. Profound? Not so much, but they make me smile.