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It is better to give, than to receive.

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Just wish Santa, that you did not just give me a nascent cold, as well as a coffee mug.The flu just kinda sucks, and I wish there was a return policy for those unwanted gifts.

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Not all gifts need be of the material sort. This evening I had the opportunity to chat with a lady I had never had a chance to talk to before, besides of a passing greeting. The conversation was about how sad she felt since her mom passed away a year ago, about this time. She said, she could not help herself from crying, particularly at this time of year, she said this as her eyes turned red.

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I said in effect that this time of year is hard on a lot of people, especially those alone. Then I tried this on her. I told her that her mom was not gone, the body decays, yet the soul does not perish. We do our suffering here, on earth. She should focus on the good memories and talk to her mom, and wait for a sign that she is near. Her semblance brightened a fraction and she said "really!" As if holding to that concept made sense and eased the pain somewhat. I know just the perfect book for her on grieving, which I will take for her tomorrow.

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My intention was not to convert her to my way of thinking; I simply exposed my view and let it be evaluated and simmered by the parties involved. For instance, today. I invited all my siblings and extended family, some which did not talk to each other for a long time. I offered a fabulous meal, and I must say that everyone was polite to each other in neutral territory. What evolved from that, I do not know, as I had to leave in the afternoon for my night job.

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The ambiance I must say was positive and even loving as I kissed and hugged everyone goodbye and I gave each a gift bag. Even since earlier, I felt the vibe to be particularly positive. No one comes to my place, except occasionally the Jehovah Witnesses' who ring the bell early on any given Sunday morning. For effect, I usually emulate the tone of Linda Blair when she was possessed, to make it known, I am not opening the door, nor giving them the time of day..... (kidding........kind of).

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Today, this place was filled with children, laughter, and goodwill.

I had bamboo shades covering my living room window. These are perfect for a hermit's enclave. They made the room dark and shuttered from the outside. Today, I took those down, and instead put up cream tone satin drapes, and opened those. This made the living room cheery and bright, and displayed the gorgeous day, in its full glory.

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It was indeed a blessed and glorious day.