HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Anyone remember that movie from a while back? "Home for the Holidays"? All about the fun of going home to feuding and fussin' relatives. Too true sometimes. I was on a listserve once where we had a 'feast of the imagination' and every teller added their particular favorites... I am fond of a pecan, cranberry, apple, and link sausage dressing......drool......I think I like the variety and the diversity of that dish. I don't get it often. Sometimes money has been scarce. Sometimes death has come to call over the holiday robbing me of appitite. Sometmes life as a jest selected the holiday as one to bring misfortune, depression, and pain. I remember the dressing though. Every bite a delight and an adventure. Every bite a shield against life by providing a memory of something sweet and good. Looking around this home of the mind, I see the fire crackling, children are playing, and some are setting up extra chairs while the others put finishing touches on this dish or that. Aromas fill the air and outside all is gold and crisp. All are together in peace and harmony allowing the soul a chance to settle. Over in the corner the little ones are gathered around on the floor as a storyteller gets comfortable.... "Once, a long time ago there was this big family in a little, tiny house. In this house they had a can of peas, a bag of beans, and one single loaf of bread. It would be all they had to eat for many days to come. Outside arose a noise and all rushed to the window. A wagon filled with travelers had broken down on the road. Soon they were pounding on the doors. "Can you feed us?" "We are so hungry...?" How do you think the story goes? What dish are you bringing? Remember the good times, forget the bad, enjoy your family and friends and live richly, passionately, and divinely in each and every moment.