My Dear Friends,
Last weekend we got our first snow of the season in the Berkshires. I was not happy. I did not want the first, second or any snow of the season. I was having a family party. Relatives were coming from near and mostly far to attend.
As the snow blew in, I did what I am accustomed to doing… I tried to control the storm. I held my hands up to the sky and tried to force Mother Nature to take her bounty back. She had the last laugh as she dumped five more inches on the town.
Karen and Bill, who had arrived before the storm began, and my friend Cindy watched as I tried to control the uncontrollable. Waving my hands and I shouted to the wind, “BAH! HUMBUG!” (which is also the name of an exterminating service on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills)
When my tirade had no effect, I took a pause and looked around me.
Here I was in a winter wonderland – the yard was decorated – a Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (his red nose winking and blinking, her direct from the beauty salon with curly shining hair ); Poinsettias, holly, a boxwood tree, greens, winterberry sprouting from places throughout the yard and on the porch. When the snow hit the lights, they sparkled like diamonds.
Suddenly I realized how blessed I am. The real joy was being with dear friends who also
happen to be relatives. Like the air going out of a balloon my ego settled. Yet again, it was not going to be “my will be done”. I’m telling you guys it was only when I let go that I was able to see the real beauty and feel the gratitude. All of us booted, gloved, donned hats and ran out to play in the falling snow.
I was an octogenarian kid. If you don’t believe me, watch this…
I was wondering… if I can “let go” of what I can’t control, like the storm, like what children or grandchildren or friends or relatives wear or don’t wear and what utensils they use while eating (hopefully they will use something) and what color hair and body piercings and political or nonpolitical affiliations… I am not saying I can… but IF I can… I think I might have a Happier New Year.
Wanna try??????
Love ~ Sally Jane
Sally-Jane's Blah, Blah, Blog 