Absolutely beautiful. I was in a rush when I saw this and thought I'd give it a quick skim, but your words - and more importantly, their meaning, had the exact effect on me that the smell of snow had on you. They stopped me. And made me feel, and appreciate. And I can't thank you enough. Crying grown-woman tears over here. xx
Good morning Hal! I enjoyed reading your post just now. I was not focused on smells this morning but as I made an early morning trip to the grocery store as I was not prepared for holiday groceries for my parents' visit today from out of town, I was focused on noticing the people in the store. Folks seemed to be patient.. more patient than usual. An elderly man who parked next to me lifted one of my bags of groceries into my trunk as a kind gesture, a little surprised by how heavy they had been packed but really kind and Christmas-ie. The morning was like that. I am happy that you will get to be with more of your nuclear family and especially Hallie and her fiancee. The Christmas tree looks so welcoming and lovely. Big hug from us.
"My wish for you during this sacred season of dark and light is that you find a few moments of peace as you pause to breathe in the fresh scent of December". I wish you the same, Hal...x
I like the way the sunlight comes in sideways and golden this time of year, and I liked your photo of golden light on the wall behind your tree. I hope you have a merry Christmas Hal
I enjoyed hearing you read your words. I spent some time yesterday sitting in a chair near an open window smelling the rain. My kitty joined me and we watched a squirrel together. The experience lifted my spirits after learning of the death of another ME advocate/patient. Cherishing the small moments of joy helps me cope.
Thank you for sharing, Colleen. I was always in search of the big, amazing moments... this new appreciation of the small things is such a radical change. Peace to you. H
You continue to go deeper, Hal, and so beautifully. Dark times have also pressed me to seek light in the little things… and then to realize that those things really are the big things, like you said. Happy to hear about your Christmas tree and family visiting (including from the other side!). Sending Christmas love.
Thank you Kate. I heard about a book this week called "The Second Mountain." I haven't read it so I won't say more, but it occurs to me that I'm climbing the second mountain of life now... Maybe you're doing the same. I'm glad we're on the path together.
“Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”
Psalms 30:5 NKJV. Wonderful reflection Hal. On this side of eternity we only see from one perspective. Sometimes. It seems your pain also gives you glimpses of others pain and you reach them like no one else can do. Thank you for that. Maybe that’s the bittersweet part of it. I’m a northeast Ohio resident too. Be blessed and enjoy your family. Merry Christmas
Hal, I think this is one of the best articles you have done. There have been many so it may be the best ever. I know you are going through so much right now and maybe I should say evey day. You are an amazing person and I am privileged to get to know you a bit. We are so blessed by Gods love, esp this time of year I think. When we get some snow I will do exactly what you suggest and stick my head out the door. By the way, your house is awesome. Need more pictures.Merry Christmas to you and your family. Love you, Pat
Hello friend. Merry Christmas. I'm so glad that I met you, Pat. If I had the strength, I'd fly out to visit you and we could spend a few days hanging out. Stay in touch. ❤️
This is the first post I’ve read rather than listened. It seems appropriate, like it engaged my senses in a way that is different from listening, slower and my own in some way. The images you captured of light and shadow are beautiful. Wishing you a beautiful holiday with your family Hal. I’m going to go breath a few breaths of the cold crisp Colorado air before going to bed. Peace and love to you ❤️
I am envious, Hal...we have had only a dusting of snow so far, and it’s all gone now. We’re getting a brown Christmas (actually, more like a green one, since the grass is still green.) Minneapolis winters ain’t what they used to be.
Sending our love. Fritz and JoAnne
Thank you. Wishing you both a wonderful holiday.
Absolutely beautiful. I was in a rush when I saw this and thought I'd give it a quick skim, but your words - and more importantly, their meaning, had the exact effect on me that the smell of snow had on you. They stopped me. And made me feel, and appreciate. And I can't thank you enough. Crying grown-woman tears over here. xx
I'm so glad to read this. Thank you. H
Good morning Hal! I enjoyed reading your post just now. I was not focused on smells this morning but as I made an early morning trip to the grocery store as I was not prepared for holiday groceries for my parents' visit today from out of town, I was focused on noticing the people in the store. Folks seemed to be patient.. more patient than usual. An elderly man who parked next to me lifted one of my bags of groceries into my trunk as a kind gesture, a little surprised by how heavy they had been packed but really kind and Christmas-ie. The morning was like that. I am happy that you will get to be with more of your nuclear family and especially Hallie and her fiancee. The Christmas tree looks so welcoming and lovely. Big hug from us.
Thank you Ann. I'm so glad for the renewed connection with you, Georg and Elanor this year. H
"My wish for you during this sacred season of dark and light is that you find a few moments of peace as you pause to breathe in the fresh scent of December". I wish you the same, Hal...x
This reminds me that all I really have is this moment. Peace to you. H
I like the way the sunlight comes in sideways and golden this time of year, and I liked your photo of golden light on the wall behind your tree. I hope you have a merry Christmas Hal
Yes! I love that sideways, golden light too. :) H
Thank you for the reminder to slow down and connect. May you have joy with your family and friends this fallow time.
Thank you, Jen. I've heard the tarnished brass is better than ever this year! I love knowing that Randy is on the tuba. :) H
It's our best year yet! Having an awesome tuba is really making it sing!
I enjoyed hearing you read your words. I spent some time yesterday sitting in a chair near an open window smelling the rain. My kitty joined me and we watched a squirrel together. The experience lifted my spirits after learning of the death of another ME advocate/patient. Cherishing the small moments of joy helps me cope.
Thank you for sharing, Colleen. I was always in search of the big, amazing moments... this new appreciation of the small things is such a radical change. Peace to you. H
You continue to go deeper, Hal, and so beautifully. Dark times have also pressed me to seek light in the little things… and then to realize that those things really are the big things, like you said. Happy to hear about your Christmas tree and family visiting (including from the other side!). Sending Christmas love.
Thank you Kate. I heard about a book this week called "The Second Mountain." I haven't read it so I won't say more, but it occurs to me that I'm climbing the second mountain of life now... Maybe you're doing the same. I'm glad we're on the path together.
“Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”
Psalms 30:5 NKJV. Wonderful reflection Hal. On this side of eternity we only see from one perspective. Sometimes. It seems your pain also gives you glimpses of others pain and you reach them like no one else can do. Thank you for that. Maybe that’s the bittersweet part of it. I’m a northeast Ohio resident too. Be blessed and enjoy your family. Merry Christmas
I found a bible in the attic this week. I'll go read Psalm 30:5. Thank you, Donald. Merry Christmas. H
I am finding the more simpler things in life are so much more important. Sending you love and light during this Christmas season ✨️
Thank you, Mary Anne. Yes.. I'm finding the same. H
Merry Christmas Hal! Breathe...one of my favorite sayings is, "Breathe, the universe is taking care of everything else." Peace...Salaam...Shalom.
I love that saying Randy! I think I'll borrow it as one of my favorites. Thank you, brother.
Hal, I think this is one of the best articles you have done. There have been many so it may be the best ever. I know you are going through so much right now and maybe I should say evey day. You are an amazing person and I am privileged to get to know you a bit. We are so blessed by Gods love, esp this time of year I think. When we get some snow I will do exactly what you suggest and stick my head out the door. By the way, your house is awesome. Need more pictures.Merry Christmas to you and your family. Love you, Pat
Hello friend. Merry Christmas. I'm so glad that I met you, Pat. If I had the strength, I'd fly out to visit you and we could spend a few days hanging out. Stay in touch. ❤️
I wish we could hang out. Flying is out for either of us at least right now. I would be happy even to pay Yahtzee again.
The immense beauty of winter light and the smell of the pine and snow!!
Indeed. It was 60 degrees out there today and smelled a bit like Spring... but hopefully more snow to smell ahead. H
I can feel what you wrote long after. How to appreciate living in the body. The gift of being present. Thank you, Hal.
Hi Margot. Merry Christmas, friend.
This is the first post I’ve read rather than listened. It seems appropriate, like it engaged my senses in a way that is different from listening, slower and my own in some way. The images you captured of light and shadow are beautiful. Wishing you a beautiful holiday with your family Hal. I’m going to go breath a few breaths of the cold crisp Colorado air before going to bed. Peace and love to you ❤️
That cold crisp Colorado air sounds wonderful. Enjoy Tricia. I'm going to call you soon. ❤️
I am envious, Hal...we have had only a dusting of snow so far, and it’s all gone now. We’re getting a brown Christmas (actually, more like a green one, since the grass is still green.) Minneapolis winters ain’t what they used to be.
60 degrees and sunny today Howard... thanks for being here. h