Post-Reinforcement Pause

It's Sunday afternoon and all is quiet at 105 Golden Eagle. The farmlands that surround us are covered with beautiful white snow, and there are kids sledding down the hill behind us, shouting and laughing with glee as they compete to see who can go the farthest. We have a fire glowing, and the cats are stretched out contentedly at the hearth. Our lives have been in such a whirlwind these past few weeks, we've declared today a day of true rest. No matter that there are still cards to write, gifts to buy and wrap and cookies to bake; today is a day to pause, reflect and replenish. Last night we went to a neighbor's Christmas party and ate and drank and laughed and talked with new friends and old. Last week we hosted an Open House of our own for about 75 friends and neighbors, complete with heavy hors d'ouevres and a pianist at our baby grand, while the kids made Christmas ornaments in the basement, watched Christmas movies and admired their own smiling faces on last year's Christmas cards that decorate the basement tree. And no party could be complete without a Steeler's game, with men gathered 'round the wide screen to jump and shout in those last few moments of yet another turn-around in Steeler City. The piano player didn't mind; he's a native of Pittsburgh, and wonders about the score while he plays sing-a-long carols.

I love this time of year. People smile and hug and strangers say nice things to one another. Houses are filled with wonderful smells and the streets are shiny with pretty lights. I remember a Christmas song my mom used to play on the piano, about how the things we do and say at Christmas are so special, and if we could only capture those feelings for the whole year through, what a wonderful world it would be. I'll have to find that music, and learn to play it myself.

Love,
Diana