There is something about seeing the trees sway on a grey morning in winter (even without snow) that makes home seem very appealing. That’s this morning right here.
I took a breather from work to see the last gym and swim class for Saskia (with my mama!), enjoy the solstice celebration at the middle boys’ school, be with family and have about 20 to brunch on Christmas Day. Hoopla, it was—sweet and abundant and warm. You can’t ask for better, really.
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Then, last night, we heard—via Facebook and phone call and some email exchanges—that a woman was reported on our street or the next one over with a gun. We had a teenager friend over and were awaiting another and locked doors and generally were giddy in the WTF way as we watched the police cars roll by and roll by again. Even as it was happening, the kids understood we were, actually, safe. In this era of over-hype, I was impressed with them. I was exceedingly appreciative of friends for reaching out from near and far to alert us, to worry alongside us. I am most glad no one got hurt.
That’s so small and the world is so very humungous and if you have a few minutes, I wholeheartedly suggest seeing the Year in Pictures on the New York Times’ site. Perspective is invaluable.
Closer to home again, the feel-good story from my past year was working on assuring 120 acres of farmland remains farmland in perpetuity. The Trust for Public Land featured our Grow Food Northampton story in its national magazine. The feel-good story of 2012 is bound to be watching Alex Morse bring hope to Holyoke just down the road from my little town. I can’t wait to cheer.
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Although it’s tempting to want to get lots of “stuff” done this week, my fondest wish is that my elder teen rests and recharges. I’m trying hard to imagine this is the best strategy for a truly positive beginning to 2012. That, and I got him new batteries for Clocky. Watchers of our teen drama, updates are sure to come. Stay tuned.
