It is interesting that it has almost been a month to the day that I have come to my " to do " list…now alot has happened in the last month including the death of a close friend, Syd and my week in BC.  I recognize that I have gone through some of the grieving process, which has included my own moodiness, and at times, lack of energy. One of the challenges has been that I expected to be here for Christmas, as to allow time to be with Syd and now he is gone. That is not the only thing, as also have been in some conflict as to what being in Edmonton at Christmas means for me, how to be realistic and not nostalgic about it…Dealing with the "what is", not with the "what I would like it to be" or some image that is imposed by self or others of what it “ should be.’’ So it is the realization that I can plan to  participate in Christmas and Advent celebrations and what is meaningful to me...... that may mean solitary time but also time shared and giving to others. I am working on the 24th and "on call" for the following two days.

So on the list today was preparing 2008 Christmas tree on front deck and needing to thaw and settle overnight..hopefully still standing in the morning!

There has been so much turmoil and hot heads in the the last week that maybe, just maybe, reason and some cooperation will pervail now that there is a breather for a month or so, and focus on some of the needed issues, such as the economic situation. Unfortunately one of the outcomes of all of this has been the re-opening of regional rivalries and disparities. Just hoped that all energy of the public outcry could have been duplicated in larger voter turn out in our last election....in all of this ran across the following column on Canadian and American politics. http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/12/03/f-rfa-macdonald.html Please my American readers recognize that this is spoof and dry humour.

Music and words © 2004 Rob Heath Music Inc./SOCAN

It's not because you're always at your best
As if the world wouldn't allow you any less
Baby it's not the perfect picture you try and paint
It's not the awards
It's not the applause
Sometimes it's the flaws

Though you sparkle when the spotlight's on
For me you shine the brightest when it's gone
Those private moments when you're hiding nothing
The struggles when you feel low
It's what i see when you don't know
I'm watching
(That's what makes me love you so)

It's how you're willing to go against the flow
And do the right thing when you're heart says so
It's in those moments you often forget yourself
To cry for someone else

To think that's weak would be so strong
That's just what makes you strong

That's the part that fills my heart with pride
Till I can feel it well up in my eyes

The above reminds me of two of the younger set, Amelia, my daughter who does many things including these extraordinary long races http://www.dreamingovertheocean.blogspot.com  and my nephew William who pursued some of his music dreams in forming a metal band in Missisuaga called Exile.http://cdbaby.com/cd/exile but has left the band now due to university.