Winter WonderlandIt is Christmas morn before the house awakens, time for me to muse. It has been an incredibly busy month and so hectic that little notice was taken of the winter soltice, the shortest day of the year has come and gone. I have always felt that the placement of Christmas in the calendar year is perfect. Before we know it the days are getting longer.
Preparing for Christmas has been consuming, as often the best gift to give is a portrait. Garlough Photo has been busy and as of Christmas Eve, all of my deadlines have been met. Once again, I take great pleasure in being a part of many family’s Christmas’. It truly is wonderful to share in their celebrations through my portrayal of the people they love. I thank my clients for allowing me to step into their lives and honoring their families with a timeless portrait.
Another project that I recently completed took my full focus for two intense weeks. I had the opportunity to create, present and film a presentation for viewing by a professional speaker head hunter (of sorts). Yikes! There is nothing like flying by the seat of your pants and the learning curve for the production was steep. However, the deed is done, the pressure is off, the universe only knows how it was received and I am yet again thinking What Was I Thinking? Why do I put myself in these positions? Am I a glutton for punishment? Am I nuts? This stretching and growing can be painful. I now know what 'growing pains' are all about.
Keeping in mind, nothing ventured, nothing gained I plunged into this project and laid myself vulnerable to rejection. Why would I think that I might have a chance of speaking on a cruise ship, a goal that I had set for myself two years ago? On the other hand, regardless if this leads anywhere or not, I have learned an enormous amount and actually enjoyed putting the production together. It is said that nothing is ever lost and the exercise only added to me. I also saw the colors of a remarkable woman, Dawn Brown. Through her encouragement, direction and support I jumped into this. On this Christmas night, I recognize the Christ spirit of Dawn and am grateful for new friendships.
My sweetie’s and my Christmas hasn’t yet begun. Hence I am blogging on Christmas night. Tomorrow, however, the tides change. Family is coming and my eldest son, will land in for a week. My intention is to wind down, reconnect, and just be with my kid. I also will take advantage of having a high tech professional (I can’t believe I birthed a high techy) to tweak my computer.
As Christamas Day 2009 winds down and my eyes grow heavy, I stop to reflect on the spirit of Christmas. Is Peace On Earth attainable? Is goodwill towards man achievable? Are we making the world a better place by offering our talants, time, energy and/or money to worthy causes? Is there a light in this world?
I believe the Christ spirit offers such a guiding light. May we seek it.
Until then.