I would really like to be more relaxed and enjoy this holiday season in a new way. Lately I’ve been thinking about looking at life with a “twinkle in my eye”….taking every opportunity to smile (at both myself and my quirky family!)
Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops. Cary Grant
Mary Muncil ♡ Spiritual Counseling 
So much is about attitude…I like this idea Mary!!!
Hope you all have a wonderful day and a twinkle in your eye…Marian
Good Morning Mary,
As always, I love the kitty picture!
And your post provides a great starting point for adjusting my attitude about the upcoming holidays.
Everyone else seems so happy, cheerful and dare I say it twinkly??, while I just want to run away to a very deserted island for the duration.
Love from Fran
Mary, what I like most is that radiator beside your new/old velvet chair. Where have those houses gone…all forced air heating now, blowing dust and mold about…And quirky families…well, of course we never think or ourselves as quirky. We see it in everyone else (grin!). Why am I smiling…
SandyP in Canada, where it is softly raining…again.
Mary, I love it!! It seems I started my life with a very large family, but after my Mom’s death 28 years ago, it began to fade. She was the spirit, the spark in our quirky family! I love your post this morning; I am determined that instead of feeling dread for the holidays this year, I will try for a twinkle!! Thank you; you always seem to know what to say!! I’m off to vote this morning with my sweet friend and this afternoon will be spent working on a new bed to plant rosemary and play time with my dogs in the fall air! Hope yours is a good one!
Ahhhhh…turning up the twinkle! We have always described you and Jack as both having ‘twinkle’ in your eyes! It seems to come naturally to you two! And holiday twinkle and holiday sparkle just take it to the next warm and wonderous level! And speaking of twinkle…I was at the supermarket in Rutland yesterday. We rarely see homeless people here…in fact I can’t remember the last time. At an intersection in the large parking lot, stood an older homeless man, a few packed scruffy duffel bags, and a cardboard sign that said “Please help, I’m stranded. Anything – food, money, job, room (but the room was crossed out). God Bless you”…as I sat in the line of cars reading his sign I looked up and our eyes met..there was a twinkle in those eyes…not a bright one, but a glimmer of a twinkle, perhaps it was a glimmer of hope…and in that instant the light changed and off I went. I drove toward home for a few miles but could not get that man out of my mind. And then I felt a presence in my car that to me was my late father-in-law…and it hit me that those were ‘his’ eyes that I had seen. He passed 13 years ago and he always had a twinkle in his eyes! So I turned around and went back to the parking lot and he was still there. I rolled down the window and held out some money…when our eyes met for the second time I felt such a warm feeling. God Bless you he said. And God Bless you I replied…one can’t forget a twinkle.
This is such an inspiring story Kathye! Thank you
Beautiful story, Kathye! You’re an inspiration to us all.
What a lovely story. Thanks for brightening my day with it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this story, Kathye. It’s beautiful.
Kathye, what an incredible moment of connection you had with the homeless gentleman. Thank you for sharing that moment with us. It is magical when a past presence returns to our energy field and shares a moment of recognition with us and then to share that moment with the other man..that one moment of connection that we make with other human beings, it’s remarkable isn’t it.
SandyP in Canada
Here’s to twinkle! I’ll take two and pass it on!
Mary. I love this post! Thanks for the positive reminder and the hilarious quote…….iInsanity by way of a twinkle in the eye is always a good thing!
The holidays are difficult for many of us, I think. I always wanted the Waltons and, believe me, it never was nor will be the Waltons. 🙂 Actually, I someitmes wonder if the Waltons really had the Waltons.
I am in a 12 step program and many of us draw closer together during the holidays. Sometimes, you just need a little help from your friends. So glad I found your blog though Jon Katz blog. Thank you.
Galloping insanity runs in my family too….and sometimes I am leading the pack! Last year I broke down the family entertaining into bite sized affairs and really enjoyed it. I have one pre holiday sit down with my daughters and a couple of nieces so that they can all get caught up and then I had another dinner with two of my brothers/sisters-in-law and my mother. That was pretty sweet , too. I want it to be fun again, too. So, I’m doing what I can to make myself happy!
The eyes have it, that’s for sure! Yesterday I had to go for my annual ‘gyne’ appointment, never on anyone’s top ten list of fun things to do. My regular doctor was out of town and I was offered the chance to reschedule or meet her new partner. Am I ever glad I made the decision to meet the new lady – she actually spent half an hour with me, unheard of in this day and age, as she listened to me me about some things that are going in in my personal life which seemed to have reflected in my elevated blood pressure. (and I’ve never had elevated BP) – But the connection with her, the way she looked right into my eyes with her own, so bright and sparkly and caring! That she really took the time to say to me, yes, what goes on in your life definitely can affect your physical body. She was more than a doctor to me yesterday. She was a kind and caring and compassionate woman that assured me to go easier on myself and accept what I can do for another and what I cannot. What a difference when someone really takes the time to look right into your eyes. Sending love to everyone this morning. Time to ground myself and whip out the ol’ yoga mat, – “Om” . . . .
You met your “Angel for the day” yesterday, Susan. Nice share!
Sending you a big hug and a few deep, peaceful breaths, Susan A! xoxo
Thanks Suzanne and Kelly – hugs back to you too!
Susan, as others have said, it’s that one moment of connection with other people that does something wonderful to our souls. To feel that someone understands us and is caring towards us is a good feeling. Psychologically, that doctor did more for you than any pill would ever do. You were heard and you were warmly supported. She’ll do well in her future practice; caring for people is more than just using medical knowledge.
SandyP
Mary, when I see little snipets of your home I am surprised. I remember your folks home being pretty modern for the time. Your home appears to be so inviting and warm, reminds me of my grandmother’s home which I loved.
Thank you Tricia! I have always loved old things (my grandmother did too)…i think it skippped a generation!
Mary – I think we all need more twinkle in our lives. “Relaxed” and “holiday season” – I’ve been thinking about how I could better combine them this year. A wonderful goal to work on!
Mary, I’d have to say insanity has cantered through my family throughout the years. A little smoother and slower but always there!
I know I am posting last here, but I wanted to add my two cents. I love this post, Mary. Thank you for helping me remember to pause, smile and enjoy my quirky family members vs judging them. You are a dear.
Thank you Susan!