Rose Hill Cemetery [15 again]

Visited the cemetery again today, a cold and dreary day. Left two little gifts graveside, chocolate candies again. That's one of the things that remind me of her. Christmas has always been a difficult season for me, even as a small child. This year was no different and probably will always be a difficult time. Spent Christmas Eve until Christmas morning [10pm to 6am] volunteering in my weekly job at Middlesex Hospital in the Hospice unit. Someone passed away on Christmas morning in the same room that Jean did; that brought back too many memories. December 19th she went to the Emergency Room and came home then went back on the 20th and was admitted. Never came home again, died on February 10 and buried on St Valentine's Day.

Christmas is a time of giving but it has become a time of receiving too often. We try to give what we think the recipient wants. What we give has become a mirror of our love but too often a showpiece for others to see. I fall into this trap very easily also. But as I stood at the gravesite today I realized that a greater gift would be one that all would benefit from. That which is really needed is a world of peace [and light and understanding]. So in addition to my two little gifts of chocolate I prayed. I prayed not for anyone's soul but for world peace, something from which we could all benefit.

CVOC Lobby [61]

I have been remiss in praying in places relevant to this blog. Praying for Peace has been my latest route in FaceBook but now I am returning to my original purpose. This picture was taken in the lobby of the Covenant Village of Cromwell where I live. I ran up to get my mail, saw this nativity scene, slowed down and said a prayer. Too much rushing around this season accomplishing near to nothing in the realm of prayer. I hope to carry on more diligently during the coming year.

as the world mourns...

Pray for Peace!

Pray for the children of Newtown and pray for the children of the world.

Home [60]

What better place to pray for peace than in the solitude of your own home. A very good friend sent me a beautiful Christmas card that inspired me to make a little shrine to peace and burn incense there. The card was accompanied by a book on meditation by davidji. I had never heard of him but after skimming through the book last night, it looks very intriguing and very helpful. I hope to start meditating again.

Diemente: The Way to Peace [59]

Went to a great birthday party tonight; Edward Diemente, composer, celebrated his 90th birthday in a Foot in the Door [FITD] concert at The Hartt School. The concert featured three of his pieces: 'Diary - Part II for 2 Alto Saxophones', 'More Words' and 'The Way to Peace'.

The 'Way to Peace' was narrated by Edward Cumming and words were taken from 'Peace is Every Step' by Thich Nhat Hanh. The narrative spoke of the need for peace within oneself, the nation and the universe. It was especially moving and the presence of the composer made it all the more 'au courant'.

First Advent Candle [58]

This morning at Central Baptist Church the first Advent candle was lit. This is, of course, the beginning of the holiday season. As I was able to be the reader for the Call to Worship, Advent Antiphon #126 - “The Peaceful Realm" with the choir singing the refrain, the service was especially meaning to me.

Candlelight Concert [57]

Attended the annual Candlelight Concert at Wesleyan University's Memorial Chapel. This year's production was Handel's 'Israel in Egypt'. The chapel was aglow with the light of real candles. Ronald Ebrecht was the Music Director of the Wesleyan Singers. The young voices gave a beautiful start to the holiday season.