And here we are, at that moment where anticipation meets reality and the world sparkles a little brighter. It's been raining ice here in Maine for two days and we can't leave our houses. Those of us who procrastinate, say, verses our cousins who have the stockings already stuffed, are a little panicky. But! All is right with the world, peace and love are present and I am filled with gratitude. I celebrated the birthday of my great-grandmother yesterday, the 22nd - she would have been 107. She was a very loving woman who was always good to me - and my young mother. Every year at this time we would gather extended family - all of us so close it's admirable - and have a Christmas and birthday party centered on Nana.

At a writer's conference in Salem, MA a while ago, she came through to me during a psychic-medium reading. I was blown away. She said her name, she said some particular things about my Nana - such as that she had a "lead foot" (we jokingly called Nana "Lead Foot Charlotte" after she hit the garage door one day). It was wonderful, because she said "She is pushing you hard; she says you can do whatever you want to do." At times when I am frazzled, feeling the weight of obligations and "real life", I must remember to stay on the journey... to keep my hand on the rail. Writing sets me free, gives me peace, and makes me grateful. Happy Birthday to Nana and Merry, Merry Christmas to you!