December 2024
The Awe and Wonderment of the Season
Listen to the audio version by Dorothy
Welcome to December's Innisfree Moment, which draws on the Awe and Wonderment of the Season, and takes us on a mystical memory trip back in time.
A few days ago a special friend of many years asked how I came up with new thoughts for each newsletter. I quipped back with: "desperation and eavesdropping". However, the seed having been planted I gave some thought to the question, to answer my own curiosity. While my reply of desperation and eavesdropping still applied, truth to tell, occasionally I have looked back at archived newsletters from the past 15 years for ideas to start me off. Plus, ever curious and still a bit of a dreamer, some ideas come out of left field, such as the sign on a passing bus that became the title of September's newsletter, Be the Light.
How would you reply if asked a similar question? Would it be ideas from books, movies, your own survival story, when you extended kindness to another - especially when pushing through your comfort zone, or a chance remark that triggered a memory?
Memory triggers can be gems, and here is how two of them contributed to December's final offering for 2024: First, from my friend's question referenced above, followed by a chance remark from Larry Moss, that he had never forgotten the story about the duck that came to visit. Larry transfers my scripts and illustrations to your inbox - this month magically configuring the two related ones. From Innisfree's consecutive newsletters of June and September 2019, I share abridged versions of their messages of hope and encouragement:
June 2019: Weeks after the death of my younger sister, I visited the near-by park where we often walked, seeing ahead of me on the path two mature geese separated by a blur in the middle. Getting closer, the blur became days-old tiny goslings, protected on either side by their parents (illustrated). I took this as confirmation of the continuation of the cycle of life; the protective older geese reminded me that I was divinely supported, especially during the most challenging of times, and just as the young goslings would grow and become stronger, so too would I.
September 2019: After my walk on a return visit to the park and noting my favourite bench ahead was occupied, I sat down at the adjacent one. Moments later I saw a duck (illustrated) walking across the grass towards me from the direction of my preferred bench. It stopped at my feet, plopped down and stayed. Soon after, hearing a loud 'slapping' sound behind me on the path, turned to see a Canada Goose with a lame left foot. (My left foot is compromised due to early polio). Also saw that the lame goose was followed by others near-by on the path ... perhaps watching out for it?
About half-an-hour later, as the sun had moved to the bench ahead, I thanked the duck for its company, saying I was going to move ... sheepishly ensuring no passersby overheard me talking to a duck! Re-seated and looking back, I saw 'my' duck walking towards me, again stopping at my feet. After about half-an-hour, now getting cooler, as if by one mind we decided it was time to part; I stood to return home with a lighter mind and it flew off to join its companions that he heard calling.
Were these incidences symbols of reassurance, hope and encouragement from my sister? I believe so. I also believe that we too have a personal part to play, that of being open to receive such messages. I should add that I had subsequently talked to the local Wild Life Support Centre and had returned to the park a number of times so as to advise them of its location, but never saw my goose again.
I hope my personal stories warmed your heart, and brought to mind ones of your own. Do take time to dream awhile and capture experiences that made you stronger. English poet Cecil Day-Lewis believed that we do not write in order to be understood, but to understand. Writing can alleviate sadness, as does sharing with a trusted confidant, turn on light bulbs of hope, and ignite beautiful memories. As with many of you I have lost special ones, but the losses have left treasured memories, and these will never leave.
Especially at this seasonal time, please treat yourself with compassion and care, in whatever way works best for you. Watching re-runs of classic movies with their 'feel good' messages can lift spirits. Remember George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, where he is rescued by his guardian angel Clarence, shown the rich meaning of his life and reminded of the positive difference he made by helping others. Or, Miracle on 34th Street with Maureen O'Hara's famous line: Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.
As we return to the light later this month, initially seconds by seconds, my wish for you and yours is that the quiet beauty of this special Season brings you deep joy and warm memories to cherish throughout the coming year.
Until we meet again at the gateway of 2025, thank you for joining me. From my heart to yours, a hundred thousand blessings to you.
Namasté!
Dorothy B.
An Innisfree Moment 2026 | 2019-2025 Archive | Newsletter Sign-Up
Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
Apt. 202 - 1655 Martin Drive
Surrey, BC, V4A 6E1, Canada
604-535-9016
info@innisfreespirit.com