I got to thinking about someone from my somewhat distant past.  Yes, I’m at an age where I actually have a distant past.  I knew Sister Mary when my children were young.  I attended a class of hers on Wednesday mornings.  Inevitably, I forgot something: a pencil, my notebook, the book we were studying, my assignment, my gloves. Something.  Sister Mary, smiled at my cotton-headed muggleness.

“I’m just so glad you are here.  With so many things in your life, I’m happy you take the time to be here.”

She also admonished us that we cannot say something is important to us, and fail to our time there. For example, she explained, if you say you love to read, and haven’t read a book in years, than how much do you really love reading? Thank you Sister Mary.  I don’t even remember your real name, but I do remember you.  Wherever you are, your words are living on in me.

[tweetthis]Where we spend our time is where we spend our love.[/tweetthis]

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Thank you readers.  In large and small ways you fill me up. Your kind words and affirmative comments are sweet encouragement.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Christmas programs: So far, I’ve attended programs for Miss K, Mrs R & R, Mr. L, Miss G, only missing Miss S and Mr. D while I went for an owl-walk with Mr. B. And I was IN one program, a flute trio with my friends Heidi and Kris. One more to go!

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  The Drop-In.  My 18 year-old niece found herself in a crazy predicament this weekend.  She took Amtrak into the City to visit a friend attending college there.  As soon as she got there, her friend got whisked to a hospital in an ambulance, Niece inside.  Imagine being in a hospital, not knowing how you got there, where you are, or what to do next.  Call Mom of course.  Texting is a wonderful thing.  Niece made it to me.  Friend got released.  Long story short, an adventure to tell for time to come.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Christmas outing with all but one grandchild. Yes, 13 grandchildren all in the same place with G-Mom and G-Dad. Dinner, desert and “Elf, the Musical.” I smiled so much, my jaws hurt.  I’m smiling again, just remembering it.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Instant hot cocoa in exotic flavors like salted caramel and raspberry.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Warm weather and rain.  Hey, it’s December and I’m outside with just a sweater on.  That rain could be snow.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Book Club dinner and giveaway.  Each year we give books to people in need. This year we’re partnering with the Diaper Bank, who will make sure the books get to someone who loves to read, or loves to be read to.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Senior Day at the fabric store.  Yes! I have all the pajamas cut out and ready to sew for the New Year’s celebration.

[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Small surprises: Love-One replaced all the regular mugs and cups with the Christmas mugs.  What I nice surprise when I opened the cupboard door.

To paraphrase Sister Mary: surely, where we live our love, really is where we spend our time.

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They are sure to fill you with good cheer.