Painting

I promised myself
that I would paint
during the holiday
break and I haven't
yet so I think I may
try and do that
tonight.

The Rim of Autumn

Here's something Kevin sent recently from the luscious land of prose.

"There are those days which seem a taking in of breath which, held, suspends the whole earth in its waiting. Some summers refuse to end.

So along the road those flowers spread that, when touched, give down a shower of autumn rust. By every path it looks as if a ruined circus had passed and loosed a trail of ancient iron at every turning of a wheel. The rust was laid out everywhere, strewn under trees and by riverbanks and near the tracks themselves where once a locomotive had gone but went no more. So flowered flakes and railroad track together turned to moulderings upon the rim of autumn."

Ray Bradbury Farewell Summer

An Unexpected Gift

We spent the holidays
in Florida with family.
Such a great visit. We
did so much that I am
still processing it all.
Did we do that ? When did
we do that ? How was that
even possible ? Thank You,
Mom and Patty and Jackie
and Alan and Stan for making
our visit such a memorable one.
The arrival of an email on
Christmas Eve from someone
who knew mom from the nursing
home where she visited dad
each day stands out as a special
moment.


Dear Patty,

I hope this finds the McNally family in good health and
realizing the joy of this season. As you know, I met your
Mom Gert, at Heartland, while visiting with my Mom,
Muriel. Over the months, we had frequent visits, and as
I got to know Gert, my respect and admiration for her
quickly grew.

I learned so much by her example about what real love is,
how infinite patience can be, the strength of true commitment
and how to deal with loss. This quiet, gentle lady showed the
courage of a warrior and the heart of a saint. She always found
the beauty and joy around her and remained open to the
enjoyment of life, even on more difficult days. All of this
under one of life's most difficult of circumstances.

Gert has my ultimate respect and affection and will always
remain one of the few great teachers in my life. She will
always hold a place in my heart.I didn't see an e-mail
contact for her, so please pass this along to her.

She and Richard have established a beautiful legacy in the
wonderful family they created, each accomplished and unique,
all sharing a strong family bond. I'd be remiss if I didn't
tell you how often Gert mentioned your creativity and the
many meaningful projects to which you directed your
formidable energy. It was clear that she was not only proud
of you, but truly in awe.

I wish you much success in life and especially for "The
Unforgettable Fund". Please give my regards to Gert, and a
Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years to all of you.

------ End of Forwarded Message

Other Reading

We also bought TIME Magazine and
Patty and I had different reactions
to"YOU" being named person of the year.
I am all for it. I totally agree that
the advances in web publishing, blogging,
music, online communities and videos have
placed very powerful creative tools in the
hands of everyone. Great masses of unpaid
content providers. Very liberating to say
the least. I have expressed my ideas
crudely in this post but I just want to
remember the idea.

Cover Story

We left town last week
and bought the
latest issue of
"W" Magazine in
the airport.
Congratulations
Whitney on your
Sienna Miller
cover story.
We were all
very impressed.
You are such a
good writer.

Sparks

I Know I Know...

Way too much hockey...
but it all becomes a blur
if I don't capture some
of the details. This is
from the DB Prep game.
2 goals and 2 assists
for player 22.

Christmas Trip

Tomorrow night we
fly down to West
Palm Beach. I am
looking forward to
the sunshine and
smiling faces and
breaking with some
of the Northern
Christmas rituals.

Cloudy

This kind of gray
day today. The
weather is not
Christmasy at
all.

Third Period

Wrist shot goal against CBA on Saturday.

Yesterday's Game

3 assists. Yippy.

Happy Birthday Mom and Chris

What can I say ? Two of my favorite people born on the same day. So very different and yet so alike (: thanks to both of you for being such a constant source of inspiration . Mom, I'm glad you liked the tree, hope it's twinkling tonight in good company.

Christmas Party

Great party
at Alice and Cary's
last night. So
great to see old
friends and fun
to drink a french
martini while
wearing my
brand new
black beaded
serious party
slippers. I am
considering giving
the slippers their
own post.

Lights on the Green

The town green is decorated for the holiday season and it's the only time of year that I don't mind if there's lots of traffic creeping slowly around the green because it's so fun to look at the lights. Yes, I am very easily amused.

Great Shot

Ryan's goal.

Thanks for a Perfect Birthday