The stockings are empty, hanging by a dying fire.

The wrappings removed, the joy felt, smiles abound.

Stomachs are full from a day of feasting on treats and food.

Now the quiet settles in and only the embers remain.

The warm glow of the celebration starts to fade.

A small chill settles in, blankets provide a little warmth,

As we slowly drift off to slumber, bidding farewell to our festive day.

One year ago, I started this site. I set out to put into words the thoughts raging in my head. I vented, I laughed, I created, and perhaps along the way, I entertained.

I shared poetry, something I enjoy writing even when it doesn’t make much sense. I dreamt up short stories, some based on real situations and others pure flights of fancy.

I have revealed glimpses into my heart, my mind, and my soul. But I hope I have only scratched the surface of my creativity.

Thank you to all my followers and readers. May the new year be kind to you and take you on many new adventures!

Unexpected gifts, far and few,

Arrive when we need them most.

They come in many forms,

Not always wrapped in ribbons and bows.

Sometimes it’s a kind deed from a stranger,

A smile aimed your way when you are down,

Other times it’s sweet words or a hug

From someone we hold dear.

Mine came in an emoticon, something so simple,

Which made me smile and restored hope.

Something I was running low on.

May you receive an unexpected gift

Which makes your day, restores you,

And just makes you feel all warm inside.

The gentle sounds of a piano plays in the distance. The sounds were barely audible from the lobby of the hotel. A tall tree, decorated in creamy white twinkling lights and large red poinsettias adorns the sitting area, surrounded by luxurious lounge chairs. Opposite the tree, a roaring fire casts a warm glow against the dark mahogany wood which lines the walls.

Sally sits in one of the chairs, her legs curled up under her. She faces the fire, while her hand caresses a cup of hot tea. She can see through a window the snow is picking up, ensuring snowy surroundings at least another day. No matter, she enjoys the peace and solitude the weather delays afford her.

The concierge works steadily behind the counter. A young couple, barely in their twenties bound up to the counter. “Do you have towels? We want to hit the hot tubs,” the man all of about twenty asks as the young woman beside him giggles.

Sally recognizes the look of innocence, of elated happiness, of complete adoration. She hopes the girl standing before her gets her happy ever after. Memories she thought she’d relegated to the furthest corners of her mind flow back for an instant. Sally shifts her gaze back to the fire, a short wave of sadness flows through her as a single tear falls into her cup. It doesn’t matter now, her mind refocuses. She puts the cup down and picks back up her computer from the table. Time to check on work.

Oh, the wonder of the internet and instant connectivity to anywhere. Even hundreds of miles away, work never stops. She was thankful for this welcomed distraction from her thoughts. The stats all look good. All robots are running, and no errors with any interfaces. Throughput for the past two days were steady, especially going into the holiday. If things held up, she could shift focus to planning for next year tomorrow.

Dan walked up and tapped Sally on her shoulder. She jumped. “Done with work? I’m starving.”

Sally looked up at Dan. He’s a good partner and companion. His crooked smile and exaggerated gestures signaled to her it was time to close up work. “Sure, let me log off.” Sally disconnected and closed her laptop, then slipped it into her bag. She slipped her stockinged feet back into her shoes and they made their way to the lodge’s restaurant for dinner.

Fuzzy socks on my feet and Lindor truffles just out of reach,

Curled up on the sofa with plaid jammies and a fluffy throw,

Sparkling lights on the tree sitting in the corner,

And all the lights out and an electric ‘fireplace’ making it cozy,

Along with a fan blowing on high, just to make it feel like winter.

Settling in for the evening, another Hallmark movie on play,

My guilty pleasure this time of year; they make me smile.

Here’s to finding what makes you calm and happy,

Even if it is only for a little while.