Happy New Year's Eve!

Don't forget to go outside and see the blue moon - two full moons in December and the second, the "blue moon" is tonight, New Years Eve. In other parts of the world you can view a partial eclipse, too! Not in the Americas, though, but if anyone sees it please report! What a treat.

Neat

I have no words today.

Seize the Daylight

Happy Winter Solstice! Hooray for increasing daylight! I drove in this morning in the low light of 9am and admired the frosty trees and cool blue sky. I noticed the hilltops were brown, not white- must have been some wind up high. The snow is pretty but dry, doesn't agree with the builders of snowmen and snowforts or the cross country skiiers.

See that guy in the foreground of the amazing picture up top? That's my son, the older one. I love this picture, not only because he is in it, but because it's so beautiful.

This week

This week
I had no days off.
I have a raging headcold.
I have a tooth ache.
I was told by the dentist I clench my teeth to the extent that 4 molars are cracked. CRACKED.
I had the worst one capped and gained a dental bill I cannot afford.
It didn't help, my jaw still hurts like hell.
I was informed my place of employment is closing for a full week in January because my boss "needs a break". As I don't have paid holidays, that means two short weeks then a week of no work. Short notice and it really screws me financially. Have a nice break.
I am very short on sleep, I wake up because I wonder if I'm clenching my teeth, or because of my cold.
I am very short on time and I can't get away from work to shop for my family.
I am not ready for Christmas.
I found a lump. Yes, there. I can't tell anybody till I know more, but I had to say it to somebody.
So there we are. I am angry at my boss for her lack of consideration, living on coffee and ibuprofen, and fighting rising panic.

Tonight, I left work early and decorated my Mom's tree with my family. It was wonderful.

Wanted: sage advice

I'm looking at taking a class and need some suggestions.
The possible choices:
Yoga
Tai Chi
Pilates

The objectives:
Mental focus
Balance
Flexibility
Strengthen core muscles
Get me the hell out of the house

Any input?

Have a happy weekend :)

Whimsy

Scientists create the world's smallest 'snowman'

I see the moon and the moon sees me

I love moonlit nights, especially winter ones. Tonight's bright moon flooded my yard with it's cool, monochromatic illumination, the snow perpetuating the icy bath of light. Visibility is high, details of the house and yard clear, but my eyes are drawn to the vast moonlit sky to fix on the brilliant face that hangs there. I feel like I can breathe in this cold and beautiful light and fill my lungs with it.

Out of the night that covers me

I was reading about the upcoming movie, Invictus (directed by Clint Eastwood), and was reminded of the poem, which I love.

Invictus - William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as a pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.