As most of you know, we headed north of the border in early December to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. The first leg of our journey began in Phoenix, where we had stored our vehicle and personal belongings. When we opened our storage unit and began to pare it down even further, we were struck by what minimalists we have become, which made me reflect on what is important to us and what we all (if we are honest with ourselves) at times lose sight of, with the hectic event that has become our daily lives.
We spent the first two days in Phoenix with our good friends Carl and Marcia, whose kindness and generosity of spirit are so uplifting and my hope is that each of you have someone in your life who gives so freely of themselves as they do.
From Phoenix we headed to Sedona for several days, to spend time with our friends Rosie and Jim, as well as Barb and Pete.
Rosie and Jim, as always, were generous with their time and opened their home to us. Jim went out of his way to keep us fed, cooking for us and others daily. Thank goodness we hiked most days to counterbalance the additional calories we consumed. I don’t know what made my stomach hurt more; too much of Jim’s good cooking or his wacky sense of humor, which kept us laughing.
Last, but certainly not least, are Barb and Pete, two special friends that we always look forward to spending time with in Sedona. Most of you have already heard me speak of Barb. Barb is my anam cara, my soul friend, who has been ill for many years. She and her husband Pete have such courage and strength in the face of adversity. I pray that I could conduct myself with the same grace that they do everyday if I were faced with the same challenges.
We are fortunate to have friends spread across the country, as well as friendships developed in Mexico. Kevin and Erin are two we met in Mexico, friends and mentors, who so generously give of their time and their knowledge and made our transition to Lakeside so easy, and we feel blessed to have them in our lives.
It would be lovely to spend the holidays with all our friends but obviously, this is unrealistic, so here is to all our friends fondly remembered at this time. May we all step away from the stress of the commercialism of the holiday season and take a few moments to practice loving kindness for family (those close to us and those estranged), friends, and all those known to us and unknown who are suffering at this time.
This year we are fortunate to be spending the holidays with family, unlike years of the past. May this season find you embracing family and friends and may 2011 bless each of us with a sense of peace as we navigate through the waters of our lives.
Happy Holidays!
Paint Your Landscape 
Oh what a treat. First Lu to see you and Terry. Next the wonderful photos of the beautiful flowers and places you have visited. What a colorful world we live in and what an Artist is our God. Thank you so much for sharing–for those of us who don’t make it to those places its appreciated. You have wonderful friends and you are blessed. Well, I don’t have anything pretty to send you, but we do wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Love, bev and ruben
Bev and Ruben,
Just hearing from the two of you is gift alone! We pray that you both have a blessed Christmas and that good health is one of the gifts you are given in 2011. Happy Holidays!
Love,
Lu and Terry
It’s been way too long since I caught up with your site–what a treat! A glass of wine, a knocker of nog, and pages of lovely commentary and beautiful photos! It all makes me appreciate my time south of the border and yearn for more. Love the costumery, colors and smiling children (and isn’t it funny how many street parades and festival days they have? That’s the way to go!) Also, the murals, depicting life and its triumphs and struggles, street art, wild growing things everywhere, brightly colored doors (one of my favorite things to photograph, too!) and the ornate basilicas and iglesias…and generally such a friendly, safe place. It’s nice to read about your experiences and purge some of the nastiness about all the drug wars and horrible tragedy. More important to remember all the beautiful people living their lives as best they can, despite not having tons of resources. A good reminder of how we are so blessed in this country. Most importantly, it all makes me grateful to know you both and happy to know oyu’re having such a fun time. Hopefully we’ll catch up one of these days soon–and you can keep your apologies about gloating in the warm weather–it’s negative-something outside and snowing and I am so happy about it!! 🙂 Much love!
Ashea,
It is so good to hear from you! We have been watching the weather reports from YNP and saw what was happening during the week of Thanksgiving. We are getting our own taste of a white Christmas in the midwest but there is nothing like winter in Yellowstone! Happy Holidays!
Love,
Lu and Terry
P.S. We have a second bedroom so come visit sometime!
It’s on my list!! Thanks!!!
Lu, you and Terry look wonderful. I think Mexico is agreeing with you. I’m in TN for the holidays but will return in a couple more days to FL. Enjoy your time with family and friends in the states. Miss you!
Nancy,
Thanks! We are enjoying our time in Mexico. Many blessings for 2011. Come visit us sometime!
Lu