With the help of a small pre-lit tree, borrowed from a generous friend, and a Christmas music channel on Pandora, I am beginning to feel like it might be Christmas. Which is helpful, since today is Christmas Eve.
I moved in early December and I am still getting things into place. Last night, I finally got my home theater components hooked up and in the entertainment armoire (which took a lot of reaching, bending, flexing and patience). I’m still missing the speaker wire for the sub-woofer, no boom-boom sounds for now. My printer is still offline since it was not installed to communicate with the AT&T wireless modem that AT&T insisted I buy to use instead of my perfectly good Netgear model. (Yes, I’m complaining. AT&T has always brought out the best in me – challenging me to find my most patient and compassionate self.)
I think I have bought two gifts. Thank goodness our family event is not until the New Year, almost.
I have had the magic of snow, the frustration of things gone missing, the unnerving of trees swaying wildly with the wind and rain and power outages that, in this neck of the woods means I can’t pump water either. It also means I wear long-underwear and polar fleece jackets indoors. I have had ice that dares me to go anywhere in a car and forces me to walk with tiny baby steps across my deck to the garage and laundry. I know, it’s all sissy stuff compared to what most people live with.
Today, though, the sun is shining and I am absolutely in love with my new home. Trees make for wonderful companions. The other day, I saw two jack rabbits that came right up to my deck and peered at me through the window. Today, I saw the coyote who is their likely enemy, chasing after something down the hill in the direction from which I’d seen the rabbits come the other day. Though my first view of the coyote was right out my kitchen window, by the time I got my camera, it was weaving in and out of the trees. Coyote was so intent on the hunt, it did not even notice me as I stepped into the yard for another peek. They are fluffier and healthier looking up here than the ones I’ve seen up in the Marin Watershed.
Here are some photos of the coyote in the morning woodland fog. I did not touch them up. I like them looking as mysterious as it felt.
Animal sightings are pure magic for me. My delight rises from my wild nature through my heart and out my mouth as a simple gasp and single word of surprise “coyote!”
Coyote is the trickster; reminds us of how we lie to ourselves in a way that makes rational sense. My lie was that I did not need to decorate for Christmas. It’s Christmas Eve already and I am having holiday meals at other people’s homes. Why would I go to all the trouble to get ornaments out of boxes and deck my house and then have to go to all the trouble to put it all away in a few days? Why?
Coyote reminded me of magic. There is a magic I want to feel around the holiday and there is a child in me who insists on decorating the tree. So, I listened to her. We put on the music, we chose just-right ornaments that speak to me now – most of them woodland creatures. Enchantment rose in me and illuminated my new home.
Later today, I will go for a hike with my friend who is now my neighbor. We might even go snow-shoeing which would be a new activity for me, one I look forward to experiencing.
I said I moved here because I wanted adventure. I have not been disappointed yet. It’s just the sometimes it is hard to remember that adventure is not always comfortable. There is no predicting the Mystery and yet, there is no need to wait for enchantment.
We are all magicians traveling this Full Moon Path.
What illuminates your path?
How is the Mystery speaking to you today to get you to follow it into the woods of timelessness and create a little magic of your own?
Sending you all love and enchantment!
copyright (c) Dec 2012, Kathy J Loh, All Rights Reserved
Merry Christmas Eve to you, Kathy.
I absolutely love reading your blog and I am surprised to find so many similarities with you; your love for magic, nature, enchantment and adventure!
Annabel
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Thank you Annabel! It’s always delightful to run into kindred spirits. Thanks for introducing yourself.
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Loving the mystery and adventure of your new world. Thank you for sharing it for those who long for it but must wait for right timing. So grateful for your gift of communing with the animal spirits and the window that you open to them.
Happy Xmas and newest of eras in your new home.
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Thanks Maryann! Animals delight and charm me. I feel so fortunate to live on this beautiful and diverse planet.
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Happiest of Holidays, dear friend!
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And to you Catrina. Always love seeing you here ( and there) 🙂
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Kathy, your new home sounds so exciting. I too love the magic of sighting a wild animal. I have many deer in my back yard and sometimes when I come downstairs and pull my curtains open wide, there’s a huge buck staring in at me. Reminds me of the movie about Queen Elizabeth when she encountered the buck. Thank you for your beautiful writing and sharing, and Happy New Year.
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Hi Pauline! How wonderful, a buck, beckoning you to follow it into the woods for adventure. On Christmas night, I took a peek out the dining room window at my friend’s house to see of it was still snowing and there stood a doe in the snow staring at me. I must have surprised her as much as she surprised me. Thanks for reading the post. Happy New Year!
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I think by definition adventure isn’t comfortable!
Love your coyote sighting!
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Than you my friend. Yes, and comfort is overrated I am finding out!
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Lovely. At Christmas I often get stuck between thoughts about not wanting to decorate because it’s inconvenient but needing, as you say, to feel some magic and enjoy the season like a child. Thank you for sharing!
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Hi Kathryn! Thanks for your comment. Hope you gave in to the desire for Magic at Christmas and always…
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On this 7th day of Christmas I want to reflect on Wednesday’s finds and magic. Today I am preparing for a fun day w/Diana and My Mom, we will be making Christmas Papier Puppens, baking cookies and enjoying holiday conversation! Happy Friday Everyone!Magic and Joy,Lisa!
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thanks for stopping by Lisa! JOY!
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