Need Instant Peace and Serenity? Press Play!

Do YOU need some instant peace and serenity?  Who doesn't?  I am happy to report that today was the first (and will be the only day) that I finally achieved what I have been waiting for all Christmas holiday - the day I got to stay in my pyjamas ALL day.  It is a fabulous thing.  Highly underrated.  If you can't do that, however, here is another very good way to achieve a state of zen.  Watch a stream flowing in a winter scene.  I took a video of a stream in 'my' forest, but, because I am not yet competent, I have not been able to upload it.  However, here is a public one for your viewing pleasure until I gain some semblance of competency.  (Don't wait up.)

Forest Run in Early Evening

When going for a run in the forest, you have to watch that you don't get caught in the darkness, especially in the winter when the light is so short-lived.  I was lucky to reach the end of the trail just as darkness descended.  The setting sun provided many great views.  The lights that came on in the trail parking lot made the ice glitter like silver.

 

Ice Storm in Hamilton, Ontario!

Amazing Christmas Train Exhibit at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton/Burlington Ontario

Wrapping with Simon and Garfunkel!

I have found out that wrapping presents is very relaxing when done to the music of Simon and Garfunkel.  Christmas music is fun, but most of it is a bit frenetic, kindof like all the lead-up to Christmas!  But wrapping to songs like the one above is very peaceful.  I think I'll make it an annual tradition.  Try it!

Your List is a Pale Shadow of my List!

My husband complained to me about his to-do list for Christmas.  I was very sympathetic.  "What?!" I retorted.  "Your list is a pale shadow of my list!  A cheap imitation!  A completely unreadable facsimilie.  It can't even call itself a list.  When it sees a real list, it hangs its head in shame!"  I think you see where I'm going with this...  However, I am aware that it is not very festive to argue over lists, and it doesn't help me move things off my list.  So off I go to shop, clutching my extensive, substantial, enormous list....wish me luck!

The Busy Mom's Ultimate Guide to Christmas

You can't do it all.  Don't try.