Happy Holidays from Cycle Forward
Happy Holidays from Cycle Forward
Wishing you warmth and contentment this winter
Happy holidays, friends! Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous holiday season and Winter Solstice tomorrow. My favorite thing to do on the solstice is making soup and sitting around a fire sipping on soup and wine (or whatever other drink sounds right that day). I’ll be visiting with family tomorrow. My brother and I are planning to bake peanut butter blossoms. I doubt that we’ll get outside for a fire but we’ll definitely have some soup going. How do you spend the solstice and the December holidays?
If you’re like me, you may be a little (or A LOT) stressed out right about now. My biggest wish for you right now is time for rest and relaxation, and maybe a bit of reflection as we move into the New Year. See below for a few VERY QUICK seasonally relevant tidbits. And, as always, thanks for connecting with me here and in real life.
Seasonal Blog Posts
This time of year isn’t easy for everyone. And, even in the best of times, we seem to be re-examining how we approach winter and and the New Year. Here are a few of my past posts in which I’ve reflected on these topics:
Wintering (about the book Wintering and “the power of rest and retreat in difficult times”)
From Family to Fledglings: Exploring why We Help (a follow up to the Wintering post)
Why We Don’t Have to be Good (an older post of mine about moving into the New Year with spirit of gentleness and celebration of “the old you”)
Books! The Perfect Winter Pastime
Reading and winter go together like chocolate and peanut butter (and maybe with peanut butter and chocolate). Books I’m reading now are Wind, Sand and Stars, The Mighty Fitz, and Braiding Sweetgrass. Next up are The Book of Negroes and Diary of a Young Naturalist. I was also reminded of Peter Block’s writing the other day. Do any of my placemaking friends recommend his book, Community: The Structure of Belonging? It’s been on my shelf for a few years and I’m wondering whether I should just get started already. If you’ve read or are intrigued by any of these books, let me know.
Gratitude Notes
I’m grateful to Kathi, for going on the most wonderful adventure with me this summer and taking the time to help me strengthen my business this fall. A lot of the new things: tabling supplies, the Trail Townz zine, my Linktree account (and more things I can’t think of right now) are thanks to you!
To Noi, I’m grateful for your friendship and the amazing shrimp sauce you took the time to make for us. The surprise of you making that was such a bright spot in my week! Anyone who’s reading along, you’ve got to try Thai Me Up in Pittsburgh’s South Side the next time you’re in town.
To Brenda, thanks so much for advocating on my behalf any chance you get. It means a lot to me! (This and also introducing me to butter tarts and informing me about the Canadian cold plate supper!)
To Spencer, I’m grateful to you for a lot of reasons, but it’s fun to share a connection with you that spans age and geography. I love that you follow along here and that we have some common interests. Enjoy skiing this winter!