Family – Page 5 – Joni Beach

January 17, 2013

Winter’s Magic~Snow*

One thing that is still magical to me about winter is snow.*** I grew up in the South and rarely had the thrill of playing in the snow as a child. Whenever a few flakes did fall, it was considered an unusual and exciting event, which never lasted for more than a day or two at the most! We were very creative in making the most of even a dusting of the white, magical, icy cold powder–making snow cream, sledding down a hill in a cardboard box, collecting the snow from the whole yard for a small snowman, or seeing who could create the best snow angel. If a few flakes were sighted by the children while at school, no teacher was able to contain the shrieking and running to the windows to watch it in wonder and awe !

Today we are expecting snow here…I begin to feel the excitement of childhood with this first snow of winter. I now live in a place where snow regularly falls during the wintertime, so by spring I am usually tired of the extra bundling up and shoveling the driveway. But for today as the snow begins to fall, I will remember my childhood excitement as I work in the studio on a piece in my Winter series — adding threads to make this scene come alive…

even if just in my memories!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Snow day (speak2all.wordpress.com)
Snow, Snow, SNOW!!! (journeytoadream.wordpress.com)
The story of snow : the science of winter’s wonder / by Mark Cassino ; with Jon Nelson (alleganylibrarycollections.wordpress.com)

December 21, 2012December 21, 2012

Family Fridays~Finding Balance For the Holidays

As the holiday season has arrived, the schedule of parties, events, and celebrations are being finalized. It can be a challenge for individuals, and those of us with families, to achieve a balance.

We have to decide which activities give us a sense of enjoyment, peace, and happiness, and which demands and expectations only result in high stress and discouragement. Individuals and families can choose to follow past traditions to celebrate the joys of Christmas, or decide they need to create new ones!

Many grandparents and their adult children may face this challenge of finding a balance in expectations and plans for the holidays. Family situations are varied and change overtime. For example, some families live year-round together in the same town or general locale, while other families with grandchildren may live a long-distance away. I believe this article about family changes at About.com Grandparents discusses this topic well.

Christmas is a time of the year that most of us have many memories connected to our families and friends. Because of these memories, we may hold on to certain traditions and practices. But, as time goes by things change over our lifetimes…We can honor the good memories of the past by remembering and creating new joyful times for our present holidays.

Regardless of the schedule, may we all find a way to choose a balanced way to celebrate the holidays…and life…, which gives us a sense of renewal, peace, hope, and joy. Adding to our future…good memories of the past.

***Happy Holidays! *** 🙂