Hogmanay... Fast Approaches!

Time here in Rockport has recently been sped up and defined by the cold, icy conditions of Nature its self. Much of our time and activity has out of absolute necessity been devoted to maintaining warmth... comfort and life necessities. While our situation could hardly ever have been construed as "life threatening," it most certainly has, at times been uncertain and outside of our control. This obviously has been at the very least disruptive to my own artistic schedule and to a very large degree my posting at this site. I currently find myself in the unusual situation where I find that I have two unpublished posts... "waiting in the wings." Which should I release? Should I release any... but rather hit the delete button... and head into the New Year with a nice clean sheet? Or... should I simply return to the painting-in-progress and do what I love most. Too many questions. Time for a decision!!

Here goes...

Hogmanay

Hogmanay... in my Family Scottish tradition represents the equivalent of New Year' Eve. In the Birrell tradition from which I come, we once celebrated the Eve by gathering as a family...playing and singing up until the hour... at which time the New Year was brought in together... glass in hand... singing "Auld Lang Syne." Though that occurred more than sixty years ago... and many of those attending have passed on... this ritual burns alive in my heart and memory as clearly to "Me" each and every New Year's Eve.

I don't however, leave it in the past to be lost. I choose to practise it ... in my own fashion slightly differently each New Year. Tonight... Deb and I will share the evening... for as long as we both can remain awake playing together... either Scrabble or Cribbage. We do that just before evening meal with a drink... most usually each and every day of the year. That is... "living" Hogmanay.

In the morning... I will arise early and head out to carry out the second leg of the Birrell Hogmanay tradition- "First Footing." A short description is that this activity involves being the very first person to pass through the threshold of a valuable family member, neighbour or friend... bearing a small, simple gift. It is believed that this action will bring health and good fortune to the recipient during the entire New Year. Whether that is exactly true matters little. It certainly will bring surprise... and immediate Joy to the householder at the very least - and that's the purpose that I always have in mind.

I will "first  foot" my Mom and Dad at their grave side "residence"... they deserve that honour ... always. I then have my house holder (in Rockport) already in mind... given that these folks made our dream to return to Rockport and my beloved St Lawrence River become reality. That gift has made our lives and our circle... full. We are ... greatly blessed!

We spent the day travelling to Aurora, Ontario... four hours one way to spend the day with my youngest lads and pals, Liam and Bryn. We were unfortunately unable... because of the treacherous weather conditions, to have our Christmas celebration this year in Rockport. However... Deb and I have spent so many wonderful hours and Christmases together that this "blip" has no effect or feeling of disappointment whatsoever for any one of us. It is the quality of time we spend together that is important over the years that truly matters... not the quantity.

We enjoyed a wonderfully sumptuous midday meal together...exchanged our presents.... laughed and hugged each other joyfully. We are so very proud of these two young men... each so unique... each with so much promise and goodness. To stand in their and listen... we feel the warmth of knowing and feeling... we are... a strong family! "We"... are deeply blessed!

My "Annual"  Xmas Card for Bryn the Chef... and Liam the Shutterbug and Computer Guy

"Mama Bear"  Deb unwrapping her tea heating outfit... Party time! Bryn on looking... proudly!

Liam and Dad... "Sharing" goat cheese entree at the ready! Yums!

Still Soul Mates... after all the years!

Three kids!... Love these guys! They are such decent human beings... beautiful minds and fine young men!

In closing this last minute change of post offering... I wish to thank each of you who have added so regularly and generously to my personal and painting lives through your visits and comments. I truly feel blessed to be a part of this blogging family of artists. I look forward to more back n' forth visits and sharings during 2014. I wish all of you... Happy Hogmanay... Happy New Year... and Good Painting!

Use each and every day that you can to celebrate your life- Paint! Paint! Paint!

I will end with a paraphrased quote from the iconic Scottish poet laureate, Robbie Burns, his Grace which I learned from my Grampa's lips and heart:

May the best you've ever seen

Be the worst you'll 'eer see,

May the mouse nay leave your girnal (cupboard, pantry)

With a tear drop in his 'ee. 

May your lum (chimney) keep briskly reekin' (have smoke in it... or you remain hale and hearty) 

Till your old enough to dee (die),

And can you aye be just as happy... 

As I wish you aye to be!

Rich blessings in 2014... to ALL!!!!

This was my Christmas card for this year. Here's ours ... to your house!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!... HAPPY HOGMANAY!...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!!