Is there anything you can't live without? I'm a firm believer in the fact that we can live without almost anything. That being said, there is plenty I don't want to live without.

1. My family and friends
2. My kitties (and even Gizmo the pup).
3. Books and writing
4. Sleeping medication.
5. Quiet moments.
6. Exercise (don't love it, but boy, I need it every day).

     The past 4 years have been difficult in many ways. Covid being a real eye opener as to our own fragility. I keep losing people. I just found out an acquaintance passed away. I don't know any details yet, but he was young. He was also loved and greatly admired and appreciated. I want to live without losing anyone for a while. Feeling a small connection with a person, yet not having the opportunity to deepen that connection is what is causes me extra pain. Is it strange that the deep connections I’ve made with people make losing them easier on me? I miss them, however, through the deep bond I have with them, I feel as if they are always with me.

     Swami Sivananda said (paraphrasing here) that attachment is the root of all misery and pain. While this statement is true, I'm not evolved enough to love without attachment, yet. On my Instagram post a very wise soul said that grief was the price for loving someone. Possibly grief over not seeing or speaking a person, but I don’t know if the same could be said for loving them.
I think the price we pay for love is compromise. Compromise is a learning and growth experience and can be a painful one. Every compromise is done out of selfishness, need to accomplish a goal (even if it is peace), or sometimes love. When the compromises are done with love, I don’t feel the loss or regret. My mind grasps onto understanding and care that another person will be more satisfied with their choice or decision.

​     Have you had to live without anything? My mom died 4 years ago, and I miss her more than I thought possible. Funny thing though, as she was in the hospital room and we (my siblings and I) were about to have her machines disconnected, I felt connection more than loss. My family is odd and our sense of humor aligns in a strange way. That humor, my mom’s cackle and silliness is what I hold closely to me. Not without attachment, but with fondness that helps me process missing her.

      So, while I believe we can live without almost anything, I don't think I'm ready. Attachment provides a certain level of comfort. I embrace the comfort when it is available. I know, I know, not evolved. I'm working on it. Until then, to all those people and things I am attached to, I will work on loving and try not to hold on too hard. What do you want to hold on to in this life?

When do you decorate for Christmas?
I don't know about you, but I tend to envelop my home with Christmas baubles whenever I have the opportunity. Life is busy. So, whenever I can fit it in is the best time. 
 
The process of decorating for the holidays has historically been such an enjoyable time for me. I love stringing up the lights, or at least directing my husband to do it. I revel in placing each Christmas treasure out, knowing we only have weeks to enjoy them. 
 
The past few years my youngest has taken charge. In these pictures, my daughter was prepared to pull down the decorations and trim the tree. I worked at my computer for most of it. I know the activity seems like it should be a family one, it always has been in the past. However, I was around the same age as my daughter is now when I took over decorating from my mom. I relished watching her from the corner of my eye.
 
At the end of the day the tree was only partially adorned in our family fun ornaments. Many of the decorations and most of the lights await in the attic, ready to be dragged down. I think this week the entire family will help with the rest of the decorations. I’ve set a date with my girls. After school activities, we are all going to jump in and finish decking our halls, and other rooms too!
 
I can't wait to show you all the final results of the Christmas extravaganza.