compulsive

*ticktickticktickticktick*

Still struggling with low oxygen. More meds today, yoga and a brisk walk with the dog. Should do the trick. Then I tape off clouds & horses.

Uploading images to Whole 9. Anyone else on the Whole 9 here?

*tocktocktocktocktocktocktock*

gifts

It's the night before Christmas and the gifts I've received this year have been many and came in the guise of angels masquerading in human form.

Our landlord, Dave, who didn't even check our credit and signed a lease with us.

Ashley, for being brave and knowing what it means to own a broken brain, helping us move and coming to play with me and my camera.

Clark, for helping us move and bringing the van. The grill made it to the new place in one piece because of you.

Aura & Tiffany, our real estate agents who never gave up fighting Countrywide so that the old house could get sold.

Mindy, for so many things I hardly know where to start. You shine, girl.

Robin and Vicky Jo, who between them have been the best of friends and supporters of my dreams. The Mouse swims because of you, and knows that magic is real.

For everyone who helped us when the Ant sprained her ankles. I can never thank you enough, but I will do everything in my power to pass it on, till the day I die.

Dave Mitchell, for being the Spirit of Christmas. The list is too long but proves how you are surely in disguise.

Heidi, the Mad Model, my Muse and my Queen. Forever and ever. Always. Till the stars burn out.

James, for being the voice of inspiration and encouragement when I flagged and knowing exactly what to say and when to say it.

Barrie, the Ant, the Incomparable Miss Barrie. For everything.

Matthew, my husband, for being the rock on which I have built my House.

And here, the last, but so not the least, my Mouse and my Bean, for showing me the Way. Till them, I did not know the true meaning of Love, or even of Christmas.

The list could go on a lot longer and in a lot more detail, but sitting here for a moment before I head back into the kitchen...well, just the ones that immediately jump out. 2009 wasn't all bad. It showed me in unequivocal ways how very loved my family and I are loved. And let us love back.

Now that is the spirit of Christmas, if ever there was.

Love and Light, my darlings. Merry, Merry Christmas!