The Fire

I chose the fire photo for my title page on the blog because fire can seem ephemeral and yet one flame ignites the next and our lives continue with the warmth and light that has been passed down to us, the same warmth and light that I try to keep passing on. Each flame, each fire's dance, is different but the serenity of sitting by a fireplace and staring at the sparks is constant.

So too it is with music. I have played many different pieces on many different pianos...and I have played certain songs a billion times in different situations. (My favorites to play again and again are Schubert's Impromptu Op. 142 No 2, Beethoven's Rondo from the Pathetique, Chopin's Nocturne in E Flat Major and Grieg's Anitra's Dance.) The comfort or joy I find in the music is constant, even though my mood or the situation may vary.

Again, so to it is with life. The seasons come and go. I am sad at the loss's time has brought, and grateful for the gains I have encountered with growth and new friendships. This year, at the holiday celebrations, there were more babies... I missed my grandparents and my sister, and yet felt them very much with me, within me... I still revelled in my friendships and the needed rest time. I still curled up late in bed with a book. I'm still thrilled to have a few days of peace before the hubbub of my life continues! This is what December-time means to me...year after year. Variations on a Theme!