For the first time in our innkeeping lives we did not send a Holiday card featuring art by Alex and Kate when young children. Over the past few years we went through saved drawings, finally reissuing a card from a past year. This year, we waited for our grandkids to create an image and on Thanksgiving our granddaughter, Eleanor, made a Holiday Angel!
Thinking about this time of year, we remembered our own growing excitement about Santa’s gifts. We remembered letters to Santa. What would we ask for today? What do we want, what is ultimately important to us – Jeff now nearing his 9th decade and Joan not far behind? We don’t remember the toys and gifts we received but we remembered the time with our parents, family members, and friends. We remembered also the challenges that have arisen in our lives and marked these years and how we handled and resolved them, growing through them. We realize that these have been important, even if painful.
Through the darker times, we found the light that led us through. And now, as we celebrate the return of light-both physical and spiritual, we wish for kindness, for listening with open hearts, and for compassion.
Life is full. We are grateful to be living here, working with great people, creating a special retreat on very special land for you to enjoy,
May the promise of light in darkness help us to be light for one another.
May we create peace and goodwill each day.
May we all experience the joy of giving.
Wishing you and yours the best for the New Year.
Joan and Jeff