Feliz Navidad!

This is my second Christmas below the tropic of Cancer. Both times I had a white Christmas but it was white sand rather than snow. The first was 16 years ago. Ayla was tucked warm and snug inside my belly, I was completely oblivious to her existence at the time. I celebrated the holidays with her biological father Tobias. I remember being home sick. This time around I did not miss home in the least.

Chris’ father died on Christmas Eve 4 years ago. Since then the holidays have been a struggle. The sadness mixes with Yule time stress and leaves little room for celebration and good cheer. This year I believe we broke the spell. It was an amazing Christmas. Here are a few of the highlights.

This year we awoke to find presents under the Christmas Piniata!
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“Rudolpo the Deer” as he was called in the Hotel Activity Program, was there with a lot of energy considering his late night.
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Yes you are seeing this correctly... that is Santa Clause parasailing in... I wonder if his sleigh was in for repairs?
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And when he arrived there were presents for all the kids... even the naughty ones!
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And no Christmas dinner is complete without entertainment... yes that is Elvis you see in the background, can you see the dreamy look in my eyes? He even came into the crowd and gave me a scarf... I quiver just thinking about it :oP

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It was a rather unorthodox Christmas and it was so perfect <3

This is just a smattering of the photos from our White Sand Christmas... If you want to see more pictures click here and it will take you to the 12 days 2 inspire facebook group, from there just click on "Photos".

"How do you move on after experiencing a loss in your life?"

Day 5 Gift of Presence- Under My Tree

You know something I really love about my children? How on Christmas they seem more interested in giving gifts than receiving them. They did scream out in delight when they got one of their collective gift, one I can’t tell you about because one member of our family, Mr. Michael Sheely, hasn’t seen it yet and I have been sworn to secrecy. For the most part though they are more interested in giving, watching other get pleasure from their careful selection or creation, than they are in receiving. Perhaps because they know giving in receiving. Such wise and wonderful little beings they are.

I received many gifts; feathers earrings from Lily, a pair of handmade leg-warmers from Rose, a journal and hair stick from Ayla, the perfect red coral earrings from Christopher, a book of love poetry from Michael and a felted wristband from Kelly, plus lots of other wondrous things from other people who love me, lots of personal little things, chosen just for me. I am so loved.

This year I have also given an amazing gift to myself. In a little over 3 months, I will have a year of my life documented. Do you know I almost never go back and read what I have written? As soon as I post an entry it drops out of my mind. Essentially in 3 months I will have an unopened, neatly wrapped gift of one whole years worth of entries, one entry for each and every day.

And what a year to have chosen! So much has happened in the last 3 years of my life. They say it takes 7 years to completely regenerate ones body. It has taken me a little over 3 years to regenerate, reconfigure, reconstitute, my soul. There were times I swore the growth was to fast, that it was pushing me over the edge, especially in the last 6 months. Emerging from my chrysalis, sticky winged, bones created for flight stretching out for the first time, this has been painful at times, moments of pain spread across a back drop of bliss. This journey of mine, this spiritual awakening, is documented and waiting for me when the time comes. When I am able and open to read it, my herstory is waiting for me. What a glorious gift of self awareness, what care I have given myself.

In my stocking I received a tiny bindi from Chrissy, it is in the shape of a butterfly. It was meant as a small decorative token, given to me by one of my Kings, in appreciation of me, to say “I see you, see what you are going through”. Thank you Chrissy, for seeing me, for supporting me. I will wear my butterfly bindi on New Years Eve while I am dancing with my other King, the other one who sees me, supports me and loves me. Thank you Baby.



Merry Christmas to all you who celebrate. Merry Merry day to those of you who don’t.

“Is there a gift you have received in your life that stands out?” is the question in 12 days journal # 257

Day 6 Gift of Presence- Sign of the Times

It is a sign of the times.... Everyone is on facebook these days.

Click this link to track Santa's progress this Christmas eve.

http://www.facebook.com/noradsanta

I have to go stuff stocking now...I both LOVE and struggle with Christmas; presents, fighting, good food, bad food, family...family...family. So much wonder, and so much grief all wrapped up with a red velvet bow. Right now though it is about stuffing stockings and waiting for the kids to wake up with wonder and excitement, THIS is the part I really love. In our house most of the stress ends on Christmas Eve...we made it!!

If you are celebrating Christmas may Santa arrive by sleigh, horse or scooter at your home. If not, may you have a wonderful quiet day filled with joy and ease. Lots of Love.



“What are your Winter Holiday memories from childhood?” is the question in 12 days journal #256

Latest Commitment! What do you want for Christmas?

It is that time of year where so many of us suffer from the angst of both loving and hating this festive season. Rampant consumerism is the thing that most people I know struggle with, though there are the others who don’t like the loss of what they consider to the “Reason for the Season”. I do have some gifts ready for wrapping, treasures for my family, and do admit I love this tradition. I can’t poo poo Christmas, there is too much happiness and joy that can be found so long as I don’t get wrapped up in cranky complaints. It is stressful though and many years I have found that while I was making many gifts, I was disappearing from my family at this time when family is the key to the delight of the season. So this is the gift I am giving for the next 12 days, myself.

I commit for the next 12 days to giving MYSELF to members of my family, both those who are officially sanctioned an those who have become family by way of being brothers and sisters who care for me and allow me to care for them. I plan to do this is a very specific way.

“The future is a mystery,
The past history,
Right now is a gift,
This is why it is called the present.
-Unknown“

I commit to spending time with loved ones and remaining present. I already have a date with my Lily Rain to do collaborative doodle, one of my all time favourite ways to spend time with beautiful people.