Ringing In
I’m a bit off my game—ordinarily, New Year’s Day posts gallop out of my fingertips even before I’ve cleared the New Year’s Eve sleep out of my eyes. This year, my head’s in seventeen places at once. A family member is ill, a friend’s baby is in the hospital, some other things are afoot. But our Christmas, here at home, was lovely: mellow, merry, and messy—which is possibly the most succinct description of our family dynamic I’ve ever managed.
A highlight of the week (for Beanie, Jane, and me) was singing in a choir at the Sea World Christmas show on Sunday night. A friend of ours is the choir director at a parish in downtown San Diego, and his group was invited to perform in Shamu’s Christmas. He extended the invitation to our homeschooling circle, and thus it was that my girls and I found ourselves decked in blue robes, singing Silent Night and Joy to the World while orcas fountained out of the water behind us. And then in front of us. None of my pictures (from the rehearsal, sans orcas) came out, but it would take a magical photographer to capture the wonder of the moment. An unforgettable experience.
Last night was paninis, gingerbread men, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail: a perfect celebration.
Today is pub day for Inch and Roly and the Very Small Hiding Place, which feels like an auspicious start to the year.
Happy New Year, my friends. I hope your holidays were filled with magic.
sarah says:
Happy new year and congratulations on your book birthday! I hope so much your family member returns quickly to good health and that your friend’s baby will be alright – and your friend has strength and comfort at such a scary time.
On January 1, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Penny says:
Echoing Sarah in her hopes (well said Sarah!) – and always, always, wishing you the best in 2013.
On January 2, 2013 at 5:33 am
Ellie says:
It is ever such a mix, no? regardless of what the calendar says: life is always a give and take …. The music sounds wonderful, the health concerns not so much … Sending prayers and love {{hugs}} and will light a candle for you all at the Monastery (am off shortly).
On January 2, 2013 at 6:18 am
Sarah Tomp says:
Wishing you all the best for 2013 – as well as healing thoughts for loved ones…
Also, enthusiastic congratulations on your new Inch and Roly adventure.
On January 2, 2013 at 8:18 am
felicity says:
We just received Inch and Roly and my newly 5yo daughter cracked up reading it to me. She wanted me to tell you that she liked “when they were squished and when they were safe.”
All the best in the new year and I hope all is or will be well.
On January 2, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Melissa Wiley says:
Oh, Felicity, that is the very best kind of review. Thanks so much for sharing it with me! I’m thrilled she enjoyed it. 🙂
On January 2, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Rebecca says:
Happy new year to all of you! And congratulations on the newest book! Your life sounds beautifully full and overflowing!
On January 3, 2013 at 9:26 am