Friday, December 4, 2009

Making progress


We picked out our tree today so that is making progress towards getting into the mood for Christmas. In fact, both of us felt rather merry about the whole tree experience.

We have faithfully gone to a tree farm for years to cut down our Christmas tree. But last year we decided to buy a tree that came from NC and was shipped down just after Thanksgiving. For some reason, the idea of sawing and cutting down a living tree just didn't appeal to me anymore. I know that sounds a bit silly in view of the fact that the tree we bought has already been cut down--by someone else. But even trees have souls to me.

Today also feels more like Christmas because it is seasonally cold. There is no snow such as the blogger friends in Houston and Denver have, but it is gray, overcast with scudding clouds. And I am loving the weather. It just makes it feel more like Christmas.

In fact, we are planning to go on an art walk downtown tonight, unless it really starts to rain. The art shops are open until 9 PM, with snacks and such. It's a chance to walk through the galleries that are generally closed at 6. And it's a chance to see the down town decorations with the trees lit on the square.

This will be a boating weekend of another ilk. I'll write about that tomorrow. But suffice to say that it will require a bit of energy and stamina. I need to build up a bit since today I'm a bit tired after a WTF party last night. For all you dirty minds out there, the WTF stands for Water The Future. It was a nice affair, but we both stayed up way past our usual bedtime.

I had a sponsee meeting at noon with a fellow who always makes me think. In fact, he thinks so deeply about things that he gets lost in the process. I am glad that I can listen and share my experience, strength, and hope but at the same time, know that he has to find his way in his time. He knows that the tools of recovery are there but likes to choose which ones he wants to use when he wants to use them.

Hope that your Friday is going well and filled with good stuff.

17 comments:

  1. thanks for the post.
    Yes, I get sad after christmas when I see all those trees that were not bought. I know they will come to good use but it still makes me a little sad.
    My sponsee is making great progress in his recovery. He is seeing and learning about using his words with care.

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  2. Hi Syd,

    Yes, indeed, it is a 'Christmasy' day in the south today, for sure! I went to a lot that carried already cut trees myself yesterday, and found a perfectly beautiful fir that is onl 2' tall! I cried all the way home with it, feeling very motherly to this little tree that no one else seemed to want.

    As the mother of 5, I have always obtained (and my hubby would cut) a local tree - as did you - which was at least 8' tall. So, the tiny tree is quite symbolic of my down-sizing my capabilities and needs, as all my children now have begun their own traditions, of which I am proud!

    I just could not resist jumping into your blog area and sharing all this.

    Happy tree-trimming!
    Love and hugs,
    Anonymous #1

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  3. Your sponsee sounds eerily like me. My sponsor points out my ability to think myself into a tizzy :-D and BTW..i want to have a WTF party that has nothing to do with the water or future..hehe

    Namaste and put up pics of the tree!

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  4. Sounds like a good day to me, Syd.

    Trees have souls? I'll have to think about that one.

    Love, SB.

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  5. I cannot have a real tree,the needle cause monterous reaction.Se we have a great artificial tree.unfortunaly I have not put it up for some years now.it is too much for us to do so.

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  6. I nearly fell out of my comforable chair (laughing) when I saw the WTF party! LOL

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  7. I'm a bit envious that you live somewhere so diverse with nature AND culture.

    Get some rest. I'm looking forward to hearing about your boat weekend.

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  8. I have cycled between live trees and fake trees all my life. We were in a live tree cycle up till last year when I decided it was time to go back to fake.

    No tree has been put yet in this household, but I feel sure we'll get it up within the week.

    Looking forward to knowing what boating experience of another ilk you're involved with this weekend.

    PG

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  9. We have an artwalk here too. It's called First Thursdays...well cause it is. The Laguna Beach evening once a month is flowin with vino, probably why I haven't been in awhile. Have fun decorating!

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  10. I enjoy your posts so mch Syd, you relax me lol

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  11. As far as tools go, I've always felt better if I owned whole sets of screwdrivers, wrenches, drill bits, etc, etc., rather that one favorite size of each

    Syd you write so well.

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  12. I love the smell of real pine tree just as much as anyone else, in the woods that is. I've had my tree for 17 years since my daughter was 4. Unfortunately they don't make them like that anymore. I just think it's such a waste to cut down those gorgeous trees. Friends of mine buy trees still growing in the pot so they can be planted outside after the holidays or when it gets warmer. (Hugs)Indigo

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  13. The tree in the pic is gorgeous, love all the lights :) Good to read the Christmas spirit is within your home and hearts. I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with peace and joyful blessings!

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  14. Tizzy that's about right. My sponsor called me a whirling dirvish... like I'm trying to get spiritual by spinning the words as fast as I can around my head...

    the brainstorm and the grouch are not for me :) that's a good meditation today.

    Like anon, my tree is only a couple of feet tall, there's love in the process and stories in the decorations. :)

    Christmas trees are a good tradition for me too!

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  15. i put up our one string of lights over the pocket doors, and that's it. then as cards come in the mail i put those all over the place as "decorations".

    i can't imagine the mayhem that would ensue if we had a tree. three cats and a dog, and a tree? AAAIIEEE!

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  16. HI Syd, I always like your beautiful blog and your thoughtful comments on life. Thanks for it.

    You've inspired me to start a blog of my own. I am using my blog to reflect on 'practicing these principles in all my affairs', including my job as a doctor.

    Hope you visit some time:
    www.wisdomdifference.blogspot.com

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.