CELEBRATION

The celebrating in full swing and shows no sign of stopping. I love it!

As the pre-season preparations were in the works, I had the pleasure of spending some time in the company of good people and good beer. On one occasion I tried SAM ADAM's BLACK & B

REW COFFEE STOUT and their CHOCOLATE BOCK. Both very nice.

On another fine evening I tried MAGIC HAT's HOWL, a black lager. Very tasty. So much so I went and bought some to keep on hand at home.

For the kick-off, I hosted a Winter Solstice gathering and my friends made it fantastic and

beautiful in spite of the swampy condition of my yard. (Held the party in my detached garage with the wood-burning stove.) I want to think my chili helped make the event yummy, but there were sooo many goodies that made the evening especially delicious.

***Yes, that picture is upside down. I don't know why and have tried to fix it. I am not techy. I will ask for that skill next year for Yule. :-)***

Follow that with the jolly old fat man's big day: Christmas. My boys, my family, the food...it's impossible for Christmas day to be anything but awesome in every way.

Then, WICKED CIRCLE's official release day was yesterday. SQUEE!

Congrats to my pal LUCY SNYDER on the release of SWITCHBLADE GODDESS as well. :-D

I'm planning to spend New Year's Eve celebrating with the band, friends, and fellow musicians kind of having our own mix and match jam night. I can't wait. Then there's the Cleveland Pagan and Witches Ball January 7th. Oh, yeah, and my birthday.

Maybe I can rest up after that.

This time of year is always full of celebration, but this year has highlighted what the season means to me, Spending time with those you care for most. Even without our customary snowy blankets of white on the ground, I am grateful for this.

Joining friends for festive dinners out across the season has, so far, held some marvelous surprises. It's the unexpected kindnesses that have the most impact. When you don't see it coming, it's more memorable. I've been a blessed recipient and I hope I've managed to give back unexpectedly as well.

May all of you be the recipient of kindness and love this season--and may all those you give kindness and love to appreciate it as grandly--because that's what's really worth celebrating.