We went to see some reindeer this morning.  Real ones!

I’ve never seen a real reindeer before and it wasn’t long before I was as excited as Hudson.  It’s so easy to forget what it’s like to experience new things…simple things…beautiful things.  Even in the frigid cold {it was SO cold this morning!}…we were delirious with joy!  Since we were out and bundled up…we made an entire morning of it; took a wagon ride through a Christmas tree farm…had hot chocolate next to a camp fire…and played with the kids in a hay barn.  As we drove home, it started to snow, the wind picked up and I felt cold just looking at the trees blowing around.

When we arrived home, our toes were cold but our spirits were warm!  We snuggled in front of our fireplace before having lunch, and as I looked out the window at the blustery weather coming our way, Hudson curled up on my lap…I realized how happy I felt.  Happier than I have felt in a while.

As I write this, both kids are taking a much needed nap under layers of blankets…Steve is stretched out on the couch watching football…and my heart is over flowing with so much gratitude that I can barely handle it.  The Christmas tree lights are on…festive music is playing on my computer and the world just feels peaceful.  Calm.  Comfortable.

While I watch a candle flicker on the coffee table in front of me…I find myself wondering why today?  What it is about today that is different?  And truthfully, I think the answer is quiet.  We just decided to take the family…go where ever the winds led us…and didn’t concern ourselves with the news {which is so incredibly heartbreaking right now}…social media…or anything else that was expected of us.  And I realize that this is not something that I do very easily.  As a business owner, I don’t always like putting on the breaks because it’s mine.  My work…my livelihood…my creation.  But even creativity {or perhaps…especially creativity!} needs a little time off.  And as I discovered this morning, hitting the escape key for a bit feels amazing.  For my body and my soul.

So this afternoon, I am signing off for the holidays.  I am giving myself permission to experience some “creative quiet” for the next couple of weeks.  To tune out…to unplug…to recharge.

With that, I want to thank you all for such an amazing year.  For coming here to be a part of my life…my stories…my creation.  I have so much that I want to share with you in the new year.

Until then, may you all have the loveliest of holiday seasons.  Enjoy the beauty…enjoy the cookies {!!!}…enjoy the plethora of holiday movies.

But most importantly…enjoy each other!

xoxo