Neal just left for work. The three dogs are all sleeping, and I'm sipping coffee and enjoying the lights reflecting from our silver tinsel tree. I've been feeling panicked the last few days, uncertain of how I was going to manage to "get it all done" by Thursday. I woke up early, Coco barking in her crate, scared of the big cone head (Maddie) that hovered near the bed. I helped Maddie up, shushed Coco, and as I felt Maddie relax against me, my head in her cone with her so she could kiss me, our bodies pressed close, the Christmas spirit came to me. The panic has changed to acceptance.
Cal noted in comments that it was a miracle that Maddie wasn't hurt worse. This Christmas, if I don't have a perfectly set table, if some gifts don't make it to their recipients until after the holiday, if there is no spun sugar decorating dessert, well, so it goes. I've got a dog who didn't hurt any organs. My parents and three of their five children will be together. Time for me to let go of high expectations for myself and just enjoy what I'm able to do.
Today that means welcoming one of my dearest friends and her sons as they visit from New York for our annual cookie-baking extravaganza. It will mean a frenzy of flour, sugar, butter, and more than anything, joy at a rare day together.
I hope you have an equally happy day.
omein!
I’m glad Maddie is okay!!!
can’t wait to see you in a few weeks!
xoxo
Have a great day! :o)
I’m just catching up on blog reading… so so sad to hear about her accident, but so glad to hear that Maddie is OK! You really can’t ask for a better Christmas present than good (or improved) health. Hope the rest of your week is merry, bright, and full of only the best excitement…
I am so glad that you are feeling better and getting into a mindset that will let you enjoy the holiday.
Norman Rockwell has a lot to answer for because he is the one who gave us the image of a “perfect” day and people have been building on it and makes us feel guilty ever since.
The holidays we remember most of the ones were something didn’t go as planned. People never remember the years everything was perfect. (If there is ever such a year.)
xo
Ooh, Bev, I’m so sorry to hear about Maddie’s boo boo, and glad to hear she is on the mend. It is things like this that help remind us what is truly important, don’t you think?
xoxo 🙂