I haven’t managed to blog here since October. Usually when I fall behind in blogging or journaling, I still manage to “write” a draft in my head. In the past three months, not so much. School was really intense. Three classes—two of which were studio classes with work due every session—kicked my ass. But I came out on the other side, with flying colors and a forgiving family, ready to do it all over again.
During the past three months, I’ve struggled with a lot of bad habits—procrastination chief among them—and less than ideal behavior, such as complaining, crankiness, and general freaked-outtedness at being overwhelmed. John says it’s all part of my “process” and perhaps it is, but I’d like to think my behavior was justified by being pushed right to the brink. I’d also like to think that I won’t repeat this performance next semester, that I can conduct myself with all the dignity I’ve acquired in forty-some years. Ah, one can have goals.
The holidays were amazing. I don’t think Christmas has been this anticipated since I was eight or nine years old. And, we did the whole season without the grace notes of a Christmas tree or decorations or baking, which made me very sad and bitterly resentful of the time school was taking from my family. I had to promise the kids that we wouldn’t let holidays lapse again (you should see what I have planned for MLK Day ;-)).
Thankfully, my mother-in-law decked her halls in Princeton, NJ, as I knew she would. The Christmas tree grazed the 11-foot ceiling, not an inch left bare of ornaments. She had countless tins filled with the Shepard family staples—crescent cookies made with Georgia pecans, sand tarts adorned by pecans or candied cherry halves, crispy chocolate chip cookies, and more of those fat Georgia pecans toasted in butter and salted. We had amazing meals—Beef Wellington on Christmas Eve, a plump kosher turkey with southern sides on Christmas Day, a surprisingly good Cajun turkey on Boxing Day with David’s four children and their little families and in-laws (!!), and a smoked brisket and all the leftovers on the 27th with Mary K, a childhood friend and her little family.
We made a number of treks to Palmer Square, Princeton’s main retail area, across Nassau from campus. Christmas is a magical time to be in Princeton. Greenery and bows on lampposts lend a festive air, while townies stroll the streets, enjoying the quiet after students have left on break. This year was especially lovely because Princeton, a recipient of the East Coast’s big winter storm, had snow. For a few days, anyway.
The boys had great run-around time with their cousins. In fact, the boys still miss their cousins, which is so gratifying. And, the adults had a wonderful time hanging out. None of us had the energy to do much so no trips to NYC or Philly for “cul-cha” or jaunts to the movie theater. We were all about the lounging and listening to music and reading (Caroline regaling us with lines from When You Are Engulfed in Flames). It was perfect.
And now we are home. And, we are still snowed in. While we were gone, Snowmaggedon hit the Midwest. Fourteen inches of snow, followed by rain and another six or so inches of snow. A solid wall of icy snow blocks our front stairs, with more solidly packed stuff all the way to our front door. We may remain encased until spring.
I am excited about the prospects of a new year…and I have some goals. Of course I am resolved not to let this blog lapse. I hope to see you here again soon.
Happy New Year to you!
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