The holiday season approaches.  First up, Thanksgiving is on the last Thursday of this month.  The day of feasting is about nothing less than what the day is called.  Thanksgiving is the holiday I appreciate the most.  I do not mind helping with the preparations in the kitchen, peeling potatoes is my area of expertise.  Following in December is Christmas, a holiday drowned by competing commercial interests.  Then there is New Years, a celebration of anticipated new beginning.  Who does not need a fresh start? 

For me the holiday season is an opportunity for a retrospective look at the journey that I have taken.  I also remember those who have kept me company along the way.  Last night I picked up a collection of aphorisms, bits of wisdom which were posted on the company bulletin board, over many years when I was working.  Retired, I continue to work, but the work is more directly that “of the heart,” such as reading and writing, or raking the leaves of Fall.  On balance I had a great experience working in an office with three individuals, who became friends, aside from our professional relationship. 

Here are several of the words-of-wisdom which served to anchor us in the years when our daily work was a core aspect of our lives.

BREATHE
PRAY
BE KIND
STOP
GRABBING

–anonymous

LIFE
CONSPIRES
TO BEAT
THE REBEL
OUT OF
YOU

–anonymous

Here is
a test to find
whether your mission
on earth
is finished:

If you are alive,
it isn’t.

–anonymous

STAY LOOSE
…..MAKE LITTLE SIGNS THAT SAY “YES.”

–anonymous

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These photos were captured yesterday, raking leaves as ice crystals gently fell..  The leaves are a miniature Japanese Maple.