I’m Turning Relatives Into Trees for Christmas — Want to Join Me?

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! Words can’t begin to express how much I appreciate all of my readers and this blogging community. Since the holidays are such a busy time, I’m going to reblog some of my old posts. I’m anticipating some joy and a little stress as we’re heading to Atlanta to gather with family. So many people; so many viewpoints and strong personalities. I needed this reminder today and thought you might, too. Stay safe and well!

Grief Happens

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I consider myself a people person.

I like people.

They spark my curiosity, and I want to know their stories.

What made them think a certain way about something?

Who were their parents?

What have they seen?

What joys have they known? What pains?

Sometimes this is easier with strangers than with those we love — at least this is the case for me.

I’ve been accused of being too accepting. People tell me I attract “oddballs.” I suppose I find unconventional souls a bit more intriguing. Bland is harder to stomach, yet there’s curiosity there as well.

The holidays are upon us. I’m thinking about family members — fundamentalists, Trump supporters, drunks, gun lovers. We’ll be dining together. I’ll be gnawing my tongue and balancing when to speak up and when to take more of a passive, compassionate approach.

I’m going to start collecting mantras now:

Peace begins with…

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