I wanted to update the Advent art map from a few years ago, but I didn't find time for that. I didn't have energy to paint the 12 Days of Christmas.
But I feel good about the personal challenge of illustrating the day in January. I've let myself off the artist hook: "you have to do something special." I've decided to be happy with whatever happens. Yes, a quick sketch is fine. I tell myself, "It doesn't have to be "good" or artsy - it just has to describe the day, beyond words." I hope you enjoy it with me.
First thing on my to-do list is taking down all Christmas decorations. I waited an extra day (NY Eve with the neighbors) and then was too tired yesterday. So today's the day.
Off come the wreaths, the furniture is cleared and dusted. W blows the tree free of dust with a shop-vac nozzle and packs that away, too. Ibu Sumi carries two big boxes to storage upstairs.
By the morning meeting at 9:30, it's all gone. Hurrah. Even the nook feels peaceful--I break off a green stem from a flowerpot on the porch and pop it in a vase. (Well, maybe the cushions on the wood bench are a bit wild but they are black and white.)
Thursday
We take the dogs along on the walk to W's regular study group at Ethnic - good food, pretty courtyard. I talk to the owner while W finds a spot to park the dogs. She chooses a table near the fountain. Thanks, ibu! Our friends arrive soon after, but the dogs bark on and on - at dogs passing by, motorcycles parking a few cars away, and people walking along.
It's no longer the dog-friendly parking spot we had before the restaurant redid their gate. Now there's nowhere to hook up the leash. We loop it around a tree, but the dogs will have to stay home next time.
Our friends gifted us with a trip to the hot springs above the city (close to the volcano) - so we enjoy it. The driver has malaria so I send him home. He insists he can drive us up and be back in plenty of time for a nap. I make a quick sketch upside down since that's the way the book is open. It looks ... well. It tells the story and it's done.No judgment pls. Celebrate the wins, R. Pat pat (on the back).
One of the joys of non-profit work is paperwork. Or maybe not. W and I are tied up most of the morning, just catching up.
New year, sunshine, and there's green beauty outside the window. I have no complaints. A friend sends good advice (the proverbs below). Thanks, Tillie.
And Happy New Year to you all. Let's let go of the past and move with joy and hope into 2019.
Read more:
*Joseph said to his brothers, “Do not quarrel along the way.” Genesis 45:24
*David prayed, “And now, O Lord God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised.” 2 Samuel 7:25
*The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:10-12 NIV
*Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other. Colossians 3:13
*In Jesus Christ every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20
*Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Moravian Prayer: Holy Savior, it is difficult at times to forgive each other. Please be with us during these times to spread your grace and understanding to each other.
Great Amen, again and again you affirm everything good; lead us to say, “Yes,” to life, “Yes,” to love, “Yes,” to wonder, “Yes,” to redemption, “Yes,” to healing and, “Yes,” to community. Lead us to your “Yes” every day. Amen and Amen and Amen.
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