Happy Holidays and why I sign my letters XOXOXOXOXOXO

Forgive the blurry pictures.  They were taken on the run

with my cell phone in poor light.  But this is me with 

Sofia Rukoiatkina at the Idea Arts and Crafts

fair at Super Wonder Gallery a week ago.  Since then 

things have been superbusy.  Sofia was an amazing help 

to me at the show, and a support for my course on Creativity 

at U. of T. in November.  Thank you Sofia.

At this time of year when we're getting together with
family and friends a part of me is thinking about
who I wish I could see, could toast with a glass of
champagne, or sit down and have a coffee and a
cookie with and share a joke, or happy anecdote.

To all my friends and family who cannot be in
Toronto this year for the holidays, please know
that I love you and you are in my heart.

I learned the strong power of love when I held
my mother's hand as she lay dying.  It was
not about regret, although of course I wish I
could have spent more time with her.  My sadness
was about knowing I couldn't see her, hug her
and speak with her again.

After she died I knew I had to live to the fullest,
not for her, but because she would want me to.
And I understood in the most intense way
possible that however many years I had left on
the planet, they would not be enough to give
out enough love to the people I care about,
and to the world.

I don't mean to overpower people with the
XOXOXOXOXO.  I just mean to say I know
without question that however many X's and
O's I can put at the end of a note they will never
convey how important the concept of being
loving and kind is to me.

One of the delightful surprises of the Idea Show

was the Healer Gaspar.  Until I spoke with him I

wondered what he was up to.  But he had a wonderful,

kind and loving way about him, and during the

show healed at least five people I knew of of

severe migraines and definitely helped people's moods!

He even let us take amusing pictures with the pryamid shape

on top of his booth. He was a super pleasure to meet.

All of Gaspar's efforts were directed at helping 

people be happier.  And he was very good at 

solving problems for the people he talked to.

Many friends at this time of year are sharing
ideas about beliefs and ceremonies they
enjoy.  But the common thread in everyone's
background is the importance of love and kindness.

Thank you for yours in 2015, and thank you
to all my friends and family for a magnificent
year.

Sofia, the skeptic tries out the triangle and maybe some

meditation.  She really enjoyed the weekend --

 so much fun.   

XOXOXOXOXO Sofia, and to all of my friends and family everywhere.  

Happy, Happy NewYear.