Like all of you, my joy in the holiday season has been tempered by the profound sadness of last Friday's tragedy. My friend Maryam from the blog My Marrakesh posted the photo below on Facebook with the heartfelt observation that she has been finding comfort in random goodness.
Her photo inspired me to search the web for more acts of kindness.
(from the Mayor of Newark in the wake of Hurricane Sandy)
And of course this.
(Photographed by Jennifer Foster)
Someone just sent me this link too (click HERE). Twenty-six more moments that will restore your faith in humanity.
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Editor's Note:
I'm going off the grid until the new year. I'm going to work on my book, hug my family and possibly have an adventure or two. And then in 2013, join me back here and we'll do a whole lot of catching up.
Thank you all so much for another wonderful year at A Bloomsbury Life. Your wisdom, wit and endless curiosity have made this blog a place that I can't wait to get to in the morning. Your comments are always revelatory and your eagerness to be a part of the conversation humbles me. You are all SUCH an inspiration.
He didn't want a birthday party this year, that boy of mine.
"After all, I'm turning eleven, Mom," he said."What I'd like to do is go on a hike with you and dad. All the way to the top of that range we're always pointing at."
My husband and I exchanged glances.
Really? A hike?
Instead of a birthday party? Was he feverish?
Or is this how childhood ends, with a casual sentence on a morning like any other, with no advance notice, no bang and no whimper?
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So hike we did.
And glad we were.
Because every step...
(The Hollywood Hills, December 9th, 2012. All photos by LBG.)
...was an adventure...
...and every vista was indescribably beautiful.
(Looking west to Griffith Park Observatory.)
City life seemed very far away. Up here, there was no holiday madness. No 21st century buzz. Just stillness. And light. And air.
And gratitude.
(Mount Hollywood marker, 1519 feet elevation.)
On the way down, Luca forged his own trail.
He led us into a dense grove of cedar trees on the edge of a steep promontory. Locals call it "The Secret Garden of Griffith Park." It's the kind of place where even the sun needs a special invitation to enter.
And there, in a little clearing, we stumbled upon this.
Last week's post was for those of you who were motivated to do a little early holiday shopping.
This week's post is for those of you who are still languishing in a carbohydrate haze from Thanksgiving and haven't even begun to wrap your head around the fact that it's the first week of December.
Below, ten great reasons to procrastinate a little bit longer.
10. You haven't finished that T Magazine design article on Julia Muggenburg.
Sagittarius
Happy Birthday, adventurous Sag! You are always seeking excitement and new experiences. The most exciting days for you this month are December 11th to 13th, which is the new moon. Do something wild!
Capricorn
Mars is still in your sign and will join Pluto on November 27th, the day before the eclipse of the moon. Plan to meet with people in positions of power.
Aquarius
Aquarian power dates are December 15th to 17th, which are perfect days to get together with friends. You will feel unusually social.
Pisces
Pisces are naturally kind. Your days to give are November 21st and 22nd, which happens to be Thanksgiving. Perfect time to open your home and your heart.
Aries
Aries is the sign of the self and you have to focus on yourself — it’s your destiny. On December 7th and 8th, you will be rocked by someone else. Hold on for a wild ride.
Taurus
Taurus and Scorpio are the signs of money and November 27th will be a money day for you. Be bold, and you’ll get what you want.
Gemini
The full moon is in Gemini this month, but it’s not just an average ol’ full moon; it’s an eclipse of the moon on November 28th. Define what you want to change, and it will happen.
Cancer
Your sign loves to entertain family and friends. The perfect weekend for a holiday party is December 1st and 2nd. Make it wholesome and homey.
Leo
Your power date is December 3rd, which is a perfect time to treat yourself with something you’ve never done before. You will want to break through a barrier.
Virgo
Virgo craves efficiency and you have a couple of very operative days this month. Plan to reorganize your finances or speak to advisors on December 5th and 6th.
Libra
Libra is the sign of the diplomat or the negotiator. Your most persuasive day this month is December 8th. Whatever you want you will probably get on that day.
Scorpio
There is a big party of planets in your sign this month, which gives you even more power. And for extra Scorpio intensity, the moon joins them all from December 9th to 11th.
8. You're lost in that insanely fascinating article from Brainpickingson the daily routines of famous writers.
