Holiday Joy

Happy times to all of you; whatever our religious or cultural differences, certainly we can join in the celebration of Light right now. I'm using the word "light" in broad terms. The light of the sun which is certainly slanting away from our part of the world right now and also the light of creativity of sharing art, thoughts, caring and love.

I'm immersed in enjoying my children, both are home now. It's very nice for this empty nester to be "mom" again, at least temporarily. Our tree is up and lit (a father/daughter tradition in the Trout household) and the light is casting its twiggy shadows on the walls of a living room strewn with the Sunday paper, books, shoes, tea mugs, sewing and yarn projects. Lampshades are askew and stockings, waiting to be hung, are lying this-way-and-that. And so, I will tidy up soon, perhaps, but at the moment this is evidence of a full house.

I want to thank you all for reading my blog over the past year. Thank you for you funny, lovely, teasing comments. For your enthusiasm and creativity. I love writing this blog and would continue even if there were no one reading it. But to know that my words and pictures resonant with you makes it all so rewarding. You warm my heart. I feel a sense of community here and on the Flickr group and that's really been so cool.

There will be occasional posts over the next couple of weeks but mostly I will be spending time with my family and finishing up my last painting project for 2010.

I wish each one of you joy, because that is what I celebrate: joy and light, the warmth and love of my family and friends, and the creative force of human nature that manifests itself in our work on this planet.

Off to bed (or, perhaps, to tidy first).