Finding Peace at Home for the Holidays

Hello and Happy Holidays!

I hope this post finds you doing and feeling well. I hope you have a happy heart and that you are able to take some time for self-care and connection with loved ones.

Today, I am feeling so very blessed. Over the past months, I have been learning to see with new eyes. I am especially grateful that even though “normal” ran off the rails, many have been so incredibly lucky to be healthy and resilient. We have the ability to strive to be our best selves in any circumstance or change of fortune.

We can count our many blessings, which are as plentiful as raindrops in a storm. Among the things for which I am most grateful: a husband who really gets going when the going gets tough; adult children who astonish and amaze with their productivity, organization, joy, loving hearts and ability to reach out to others; loving, brilliant grandchildren; a dearest friend; an enthusiastic and passionate sister; parents who are still vital in their 90’s; a beloved brother and in-laws, bright and shining nieces and nephews; wonderful, thoughtful, and action-oriented friends all around us. Access to clean water; a roof over our heads; windows with glass in them; heat and air conditioning; full cupboards, refrigerators and freezers; electricity; the stars above; more than one pair of shoes; a closet full of clothes; sight; the ability to hear, to speak, to feel; blood running through our veins; and a garden to tend. My list is truly endless.

I’m thinking of and hoping the best for all who are suffering with physical and/or mental health or economic wellbeing or who have lost loved ones as a result of Covid-19 or any other thing while the distance that saves us could also break us. I’m praying, thinking and changing my own behavior to work to make amends to those for whom a metaphorical damn broke, forcing deep and old and new unbearable wounds caused by prejudice, injustice, systemic racism, bigotry, and sexism to come flowing forth.

For the 2020 holiday season, I wish you health, peace and light. May we remember the ties that bind, and to choose kindness at every turn.

Love to you and yours, —Kari

One of my favorite things about this time of year is making the cottage as festive as possible. Each year, we choose a theme and add elements to compliment. This year it’s penguins. We’ve raised our consciousness about them—learning the different species (Did you watch Atypical on Netflix?) and about their climate change-related challenges. We love them now more than ever, and will be so excited in years to come to have penguin decor among our holiday assortment. Photos above feature the rooms of the cottage decked in holiday decor for 2020.