Even at Holidays A Shadow May Fall

Don't cry because it's over.

Smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss 

One of the hardest things, even when you think you've gotten pretty good at it is saying good-bye to someone. Worst yet, that you didn't get to say goodbye at all. I found out today, one of my favorite patients went to hospice over the weekend. I knew that a deep shadow of pain had fallen into her life, as I sat with her during some tearful episodes in the clinic in recent weeks. She had entered the hospital yet again last week....I expected her back. She had been asking for music, especially harp at the holidays from me....In fact I've been preparing to share some this week and next.So when I play, I will be sending my harp music out to her spirit and hope that despite the shadow that fell today, a ray of light will touch her wherever she may be.

Winter Harp, 'What Child is This?':

A Holiday Tea

The music of tea is the melody that soothes me.

Morgan Christiansen

Yesterday I spoke of hygge. One my favorite rituals in preparing to send out holiday cards is tea. I have vintage items I have gathered over the last few years. Tea pot, cup, tea towel and napkin. The choice of tea is dependent upon my taste, mood and what's in the pantry. I sip, reflect and let it all settle into my being.

Last year I discovered a recipe for a Holiday tea I will share here. I hope that any one reading finds their own rituals and hygge moments. Slow down, sip, enjoy and take a break from the busyness that the modern holiday has become.

Ingredients list for Holiday Tea

• 3 1/2 oz (100g) of black tea
• 1/2 orange
• 1/2 lemon
• 6 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla pod

Directions

1. Peel the superficial skin (without the white pith) of the orange and lemon with a vegetable peeler. Dry the zests in you preheated oven at 210°F for 30 minutes. Let cool, then cut into small pieces.
2. Meanwhile, chop cloves and cinnamon coarsely with a mortar and pestle
3. Split the vanilla pod lengthwise, then in 1 inch sections.
4. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into a confectionery bag for storage

Loreena McKennitt, 'Coventry Carol':

 

Venturing Into the Holidays

Winter reminds us that everyone and everything needs some quiet time.

Katrina Mayer

After several years of family changes/losses, health issues and life changes, I'm savoring a time of entering  into what the Danish call hygge. It's a time of candles, hot beverages and time with friends family as the days grow shorter and we search out sources of light. A cozy time.

This year's approaching season is especially poignant. I've lost my Dad, a friend and an artist I admired greatly, Tom Petty. His was the soundtrack of much of my youth to now. So I'm reflecting on what has been left in my life for better and worst. 

Now is the time to just be and appreciate all that is. And so it begins....

Tom Petty, 'Learning to Fly':