Annie is tired.
We’re tired, too. But happy. Happy-tired. I hope you are, as well. Back on Friday with a short story!
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Post-Christmas Edition
Merry Happy Everything!
I’ll be taking a break until Wednesday, December 28th so that I can spend time with family and eat lots of food and make good memories. So, in the meantime, whatever you may be celebrating this season, I hope it is joyous and full of love! I’ll see you next week with one more post for the year, and with December’s short story. 😊
Enough (A Poem, and a Moment)
I think I’ve cried every day since August.
I think I’ve cried more tears this year than in my entire life before it.
I think I’ve cried so many tears that the universe had to make extra to give me.
I think I’ve cried enough for more than just me and I love those women who couldn’t cry.
I think I’ve cried enough tears to fill a vast and endless and deep and wide ocean that only I can cross.
I think I’ve cried enough.
I think I’ve cried enough.
I think I’ve cried enough.
I can’t remember exactly who I was before August. But right now in this moment, after months and months, after recovering only to learn I hadn’t recovered, I think I’m ready to find her again. I know she’s waiting for me. We won’t be the same as we were. We’ll become someone new and strong and brave and happy together.
I can’t say why now is the time, when the time wasn’t before, in September, or in October, or in any of those liminal days in the autumn that I love so much.
And if you gave me a million chances to explain why I feel like I should share this with all of you, I don’t think I could tell you all the ways that knowing you’re out there reading and creating and making good things and putting them into the world has helped me heal, a little bit and a little bit, every day.
Nevertheless, here we are.
Here I am.
And I just wanted to tell you thank you and I love you for sticking with me and bringing me light, and also that I finally think I’ve cried enough.
Goodbye (A Poem) (That I’ve Needed to Write Since August)
At night
in the dark and quiet
I sometimes dream it
turned out differently,
ended happily,
that maybe somewhere
in some universe
you stayed
and we’re
together.
Dreams can be
funny
hopeful
painful
things,
can’t they?
But in that dreaming place,
at least,
I can kiss your face
and tell you,
“Good morning,
good night.
Goodbye.”
The Perfect Present (A Christmas Poem)
Every year,
the name of the game is:
“Find the perfect gift.”
You ask what I want,
and my answer is just:
“Don’t get me anything.”
And, despite what
the Christmas machine may say,
yes, I really mean it.
Your presence is
my perfect present,
dearest friend of mine,
and no amount of money
will replace your gift of time.
They say:
“Life is short,”
and I know it’s true,
so here’s what I want from you:
Just yourself.
Nothing else.
I love you, not stuff.
(Yes, I’m telling you the truth.)
(Sure, bring your dog.)
(Your kid, too.)
(Please just come hang out with me.)
(I promise it’s enough.)
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: The Last Ice Storm
Will history repeat itself?
A couple of years ago, around this time, we had a pretty bad ice storm. We were not prepared, because it was forecasted to just be a light wintry mix. I was really worried our birch tree would crack under the weight of all that frozen stuff, and super anxious that we might lose power.
It didn’t, and we didn’t, but yeah, I don’t like ice. Snow? Yes! Ice? Hard no.
At any rate, it’s looking like we might see some winter weather tomorrow, and what do you know – they’re predicting a wintry mix. So, we’ll see. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad!
A Christmas Wish (A Poem)
‘Tis the season
for light and dreams,
and holly
and jolly days,
parades and parties and presents,
and also
busy-ness.
So busy,
in fact,
that it’s hard to enjoy
the holly
and jolly
and cheer.
But we’re here!
One more year,
one more tree,
and so many reasons
to be merry.
We’re here,
and we’re happy,
and yes,
‘tis the season.
But man,
I’d love a nap.
Waiting for Snow
I know, I know. Not everyone loves winter and snow. But I do!
Alas, we haven’t had any yet, and it doesn’t look likely that we’ll get any soon. It’s early in the season, but you never know – sometimes we get a before-Christmas snow. So, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.
And this is a short post. I know that, too. I’m not sure if everyone else gets swamped around this time of year, but Graham and I have been super busy lately. We’ve got two parties to attend this evening alone. I’m grateful for it, and next week looks less chaotic. So, you know, stick with me. Good things to come, I promise!
Something Humans Do (A Poem)
We wait
for the
right
time
as if
time
cares
to be
right or wrong
Loudoun Local: I love a parade!
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a small-town parade that’s big on charm?!
One person I chatted with said, “This looks like something out of a Christmas movie!” And I agree. And so I wanted to share some of the joy – read, lots of pictures – with all of you.
We’ve lived in the area for many years now, and though I’ve seen Middleburg’s Christmas Parade before, Graham had never been. So on Saturday, we woke up early (my least favorite thing), made our way into town, and settled in to watch not one, but two parades.
Every year, the day starts with the Hunt Review.
Middleburg’s hunters and hounds trot down the main street, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen something like this anywhere else in the world.
There’s a break in between, so we walked around and just enjoyed what the town had put together.
It’s sort of fun being temporary tourists. But definitely different. Middleburg’s population sits at about 750, and on parade day, thousands of people come to visit. I don’t know how the town handles it, but they do. And I’m grateful for it. I know it must be hard, figuring out all those logistics.
The main parade starts at 2:00, and it was just so adorable.
I mean, really, come on – corgis on parade?
Lots of local businesses had floats, and they were all really fun.
The Grinch even came to visit.
And of course, there were marching bands.
And also lassos. And more horses.
And Santa, too. But Graham couldn’t get a good picture of him, unfortunately.
It’s a busy day, and we were all tired at the end. Including Miss Honey, who did not enjoy the loud noises.
But who really liked the cuddles.
I’m sure we’ll go back next year. It’s a wonderful event, and I’m thankful to live in a place with such a strong sense of community. I feel like that’s rare these days, and we’re so lucky. It truly feels like Christmas around here now, and I’m just loving it. 😊
A Virginia Writer's Diary 