21 Dec Love At Christmas Time
Ah! a blessing beyond all fate
My sole mate ’tis my soul mate.
~Pixie Foudre
If you’re anything like me, you have bags upon (recyclable–of course) bags piled up in the confines of some closet, so full of stocking stuffers, you scarcely recall what you’ve bought. How many times must I venture into that craziness, pen and pad in hand, listing what I have for my son, how much for my daughter, and how to make it all come out even. But of course, the true meaning of Christmas cannot be found in what’s in the bulging bags but rather in the giving itself. We delight in gifts because we enjoy pleasing those we love. And isn’t that what Christmas signifies–love–so pure, so divine, so miraculous–it changed the world.
Today we’re talking LOVE and I’ll tell you why. It’s December 21st and 20 years ago, on a day much like this– sunny, crisp, scant snow scattered round–my husband, Paul, presented me with a ring and the rest is still history in the making.
I will confess right here, I have XM radio in my car. I know, it’s definitely an indulgence, but one of my favorite channels to tune to is Oprah. Some of you may exit my blog right now, some may say you love her too. She inspires both emotions, often passionately, in most people. But I’m not going to debate the love/hate of Oprah here. Through XM, I have come to really appreciate her sweet sidekick, Gail King. Now I’ll admit, when I first heard the “Gail King Show” I thought, “Oh, sure. Just because she’s Oprah’s BFF she gets a Big Free Fabulous.” But you know what? I really like her! I find her to be very warm, witty, well-informed, interesting, an excellent interviewer, and genuinely engaging. And she love, love, loves LOVE. If you’ve never listened to her show, that’s what she says: “I love, love, love, LOVE,” meaning, despite the fact she’s divorced and single and still searching for her soul mate, she believes. She honors, celebrates, and searches for those who live their lives guided by love and she loves to talk about all things love. And I kind of like that.
So I’m pulling a Gail King here and saying, “Thank you for proposing, Paul, and here’s to the rest of our lives, lived in love…”
And what does all this have to do with the novel, Annabel? Well, actually, like all good books, Annabel is about love. True, it’s about the the slow, sad decline of a relationship, once built on mutual respect and a quiet, appreciate understanding (between Jacinta and Treadway), but it also celebrates the power of love. The deep, unshakeable love of a mother for her child, a friend for her BF, and ultimately a person for him/herself.
So here’s to love, in all its glorious forms. Check out this great holiday compilation: May love be your guide today and everyday.
Cheers!
www.funnyordie.com/videos/0f3114e58e/a-tribute-to-christmas-christmas-of-love
