Peace, Hope, Love and Joy to All

Merry Christmas, reader. Joyeux noël! Dollycat aka Miss Marmalade awoke us at 7:30 am (she allowed us an extra hour of sleep since it's Christmas), the prezzies from those whom love us have been opened, and exclaimed upon. The first mandarin orange eaten! As we hot-tubbed, the blue jays, finches, chickadees and woodpeckers entertained us, bobbing amongst the leafless trees, chattering amongst themselves, and swooping down on our feeders for their christmas breakfast. The snow sparkles like crystal diamonds in the sun. Before we head off to spend the day with our family, I reflect on the spirit of this particular day, and the key messages of peace, hope, love and joy.

I am blessed to live in a peaceful place, amongst peaceful people even as our own and others are engaged in battle elsewhere. If only the world could be at peace. I will try to remember "peace" when I am faced with personal conflict.

I hope for us all, that we in Canada and elsewhere in the world, will find a way to live in harmony. I hope we can control ourselves to keep our world pristine and safe for those who follow in our footsteps. I hope for those who have no hope. I will continue to hope.

I love and am grateful for my country, my life, my family and friends. I love my surroundings, the bounty Nature daily bestows upon us all. I appreciate the small things in life: the pale pink bloom of an over-wintering geranium, the unveiling of the moon by wispy clouds, the susurring of the wind in the pines, the warmth of the fireplace. But most of all, I'm grateful for the love that comes my way, that I can pass on to others for it is limitless.

I try to find joy in every day, for mine is a joyful existence. Regaling you with my dog walking snippets and poems allows me to share with you the joy a dog epitomizes, the joy of friendship and caring, and the joy of writing which allows me to reflect on all that is wonderful around me. The utter joy of taking a breath of crisp winter air as snow creaks underfoot. May you too find joy in your life, your friends, your surroundings.