Saturday, December 26

Reflecting on Radiance

http://www.dottyhill.com/imagine-portfolio/

"Radiant" was my word for the year. So, how did I do? Funnily enough, after re-reading my initial post, I was inspired all over again! Too bad I didn't read it a few more times throughout the year, mind you. :)

While not entirely "alight with new confidence" nor was I terribly "dissuaded with disappointment" either. In fact, there were even hints of (dare I say?) vibrancy! One of those times as the proud father of the bride at my daughter's wedding ceremony this summer. Nailing the obligatory speech (imho) was particularly astonishing considering that I had never managed to actually write it out, let alone practice it all the way through (from breaking down and crying too much). Walking the stunning bride down the aisle and, later, thanking all the guests individually was just icing on the proverbial wedding cupcakes, as it were. :)

Another moment that comes to mind was just this last Sunday when Alex and I hosted our annual Christmas party. As a dear friend noted, apparently I was "beaming, so in [my] element" while welcoming our guests as the attentive host. I was "on" as she put it. Ha. Love that, and how true. I do feel alive when given the opportunity to be hospitable and show people they really matter. Perhaps, it's no wonder then that Betty often laughingly refers to me as her personal butler? (I think I missed my calling.) At my finest, it really is like a page out of the old, imaginative Mr. Toast and his Christmas Teas, except now of course, Alex is there making yummy offerings too (like her beautiful homemade yule log), complementing my own lemon shortbread and mulled wine.

Was 2015 a year of being personally radiant? Hmm... well, certainly there were moments of radiance. That in itself is something to celebrate! I'll take it as I reflect on what is possibly the greatest narrative of all, the Christmas Story. How radiant indeed.

Happy Boxing Day.

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14 comments

  1. I love your 'radiance' shining over the town painting! Happy Boxing Day Michael, you sound like a fabulous host!

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  2. love your energy in this pout. Happy Christmas.

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  3. Wow Michael, with Alex's splendid version of a Yule log, who would even miss the mince pies!!!!

    With your enthusiasm for picking oneself up, dusting oneself off - especially showing here in such a lovely illustration and exuberant post (remember how I told you long ago that you are an excellent man of words), I want to be made your unofficial Grandma. I bet you'd even come and bake mince pies in my kitchen then - with Alex's permission of course!!!

    You are lovely people - my wishes for you both this coming new year are for good health, much happiness, creative moments by the dozens, lots of paper money and golden coins, and a wonderful life together.

    Happy New Year dears - hugs, Mary

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    1. thank you so much, Mary, and YES! If only I could have relative stateside with your culinary English finesse...mind you, we are trying! :) thank you for always being an encouragement whenever you do happen to pop by. I'm determined to write a bit more this next year. We shall see.

      BTw, you'd have to be considerably older to be a grandma I think but I do so love the idea.

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  4. What a radiant year indeed. It was a pleasure reading all your stories and events. I finished my stained glass window...so now I can take a break and be ready for the new deadline. Love and Hugs.

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  5. OOh,well, well done You are on holiday another week then! :) thank you. Sorry to delay it Wanda. Just think we will get more peeps that way.

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  6. Thanks for visit and comments Michael. Yes a lovely part of the world North Norfolk. Radiance sounded like a good word for the year.

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  7. I know it hasn't always been easy but I am SO proud of you, all you've overcome and where you are today. To me...you are more than radiant, inside and out. :)

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  8. Such a lovely post, Michael. Thank you for sharing your Christmas. I won't be posting on the 30th, no time, but I'll be back to comment. Will we be doing the next CT two weeks after the 30th of December? Thanks. :-)

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    1. Tracy, please re-read the post and title. I have postponed the Stained Glass theme to Jan 5th as also some others are likely not able to do it earlier. You have time now! :)

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    2. That is, re-read the Cretive Tuesday post. thanks.

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  9. Michael,
    You radiate through these words. I can feel your passion for your wife, for food, for people and for Jesus. Continue to radiate through 2016. Enjoy this group so much.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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    1. thank you for your kind words here, Janis. HNY!!

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