Beginning To Look A Lot Like - The Wilma Theatre, Missoula, Montana

"In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' "

~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"

Light A Candle, Missoula, Montana

This hasn't been my lot for a while, but today I wanted to avoid the world and stay hidden and cozy in my dim, downy nest. But, thanks to a healthy sense of obligation to outside commitments, I swung my legs out into the morning darkness and proceeded to my morning ritual of coffee, oatmeal (dosed with chia seeds, thanks to a sharing brother), and a poetry devotional (courtesy of a caring sister!). Ritual is scoffed at by some as a crutch, but embraced by others as life-support. This morning's reading of P. Hately Waddell's Scottish translation of the 23rd Psalm reminded me how words have power to bring life and that light always shines on in the darkness. And so, my whole day was different.