~ DECEMBER 26, 2009 ~

Whew.. we survived!

Jeepers is exhausted, doesn't he look it!!!

Ole St Nick is back at the North Pole.. he probably packed on more than a few pounds after his trip around the world and the tons of cookies and more than I can imagine the number of glasses of milk that he must have consumed in order to wash them all down... Church bells were ringing as millions rejoiced in the birth of the baby Jesus; children' eyes sparkled with glee as they found presents under the tree. Children of all ages I might add!

The day was filled with "hallmark moments", laughter, tears and reminiscence of days past, present with those near and those far way. Dinners were varied and most often plentiful; parades were found on T.V.'s around the world... Our troops waited hours to get their moments by satellite in order to hear those wonderful voices of loved ones back at home, while others stood at the ready... protecting and defending our freedoms of our great nation.

Today finds the stores preparing to open and 0500AM; folks are hitting the beds early last night; with grand plans of shopping this morning! Many are returning to work; hoping for an easy day today! Most are exhausted, all over the globe! Heading out early; some to return gifts that were too big, too small, just not right, or just not what they had hoped for! But most will go in search of the illusive sales; hoping to find the bargain of the day... The hustle and bustle will fill the roads and the stores; the madness will continue! 

There are 5 more days remaining in 2009... soon the focus will shift and we will all look to the New Year; some making plans for New Years Eve, while others plan to stay at home and make special plans to hope and watch the ball drop (if they can stay awake!).  Others will begin to think about those resolutions they will make for a new year...

In 1972 Harry S Truman died

In 1974 Jack Benny Died

n 1998 Iraq announced its intention to fire up the US and Britain war planes that patrolled the Northern and Southern "no-fly zones.

In 2004 measuring 9.0 magnitude earthquake created a tsunami that killed 230,000 people. The animals tried to warn people before the tsunami and did the Elders but many did not heed their warnings.

Today is the beginning of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring the Universal African heritage and culture. It is marked by lighting a "kinara" (candle holder) and is observed from 12/26 - 01/01.  Happy Kwanzaa!

Somehow the fox comes to me this morning so I shall give you a bit of information of the fox totem!  Probably the most prominent characteristic of the fox is its ability to become one with its environment. This is a great time of the year when we think of the holidays and after holiday shopping to think of fox spirit.

Its brown summer coat will render it almost invisible in the forest while its white wintry coat allows it to blend in quiet nicely with the snow. The fox is a very observant critter and an amazingly fast animal, always on the ready to take action at any time. Its power lies in its cleverness;for example when leading its enemies astray.

A powerful teacher of this totem is the reminder for us in its concern for its family. People who claim the power of the fox are usually quiet observers and are skilled at remaining unnoticed. This means that they blend into their environment; moving around unnoticed in any kind of company and society. They are masters of camouflage; but always at the ready to come forward when needed to protect the family or those they feel strong kinship with.
For the spirit of fox this morning I give thanks... and so it is good!
The fox teaches how to grasp concept of unity, family, purpose and mindfulness while learning to use this knowledge wisely on all levels.
 
2010 is upon us! Resolutions are tough ones, most begin with weight loss; exercise, and often unrealistic goals ... I think that people often will set themselves up by setting these bars too high for themselves, which will result in too unrealistic a goal, making sabotage and disappoint a bit too easy. When results are not seen in a hurry we often just give up or give in ~~~ and then depression or anger try to take over. I would suggest you start small and work tall with your goals for the new year... Do make choices that will lead to success and build on those successes one step at a time. Rejoice in the success! Celebrate you and your accomplishments one day at a time.
 
For today... celebrate that you survived the holidays...
 
And... should you be one of those brave souls that wander out to the malls, remember to use patience; kindness and humor! It will help you today in all ways!
 
Walk In Beauty
 
 
Dr Sherry E Showalter
 
author of Healing Heartaches Stories of Loss and Life
order your autographed copies at:
 
http://www.healingheartaches.com/
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/
 
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