I am grateful today for having a family that can celebrate the traditions together. Gone are Bettie and Ralph, Justine and Hubert, Bessie and George and so many giants of my childhood but here today is the new crop; Nathan and Shellie and Rich and Stephanie and Susie; my heart's delights. 
Stephanie was our hostess this year; we had 12 shining faces around the table. Our merry band is aging though, we range in age now from the 20's to the 80's. Unless you count the dogs which we certainly do. Then we have a 3 year old and a 4 year old. That would make 14 around the table. 
How did I get this old? Surely I am the fresh faced one in the middle. But no, I am the matriarch now and the glue that holds the family together. It is a role I love playing. 
Wishing you smooth sailing through the holidays.
Love the ornament and I know what you mean about "thinking" you are the fresh-faced one in the middle. No, we are the one with "experiences" and I too love being the glue. - Jeanne
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I love this! I know what you mean about thinking you are the fresh-faced one in the middle...I often think that way, too. But being the older one, the wiser one, the one who is the glue that holds the family together is a very good job, too. ;)
ReplyDeletePeace & Love,
~Barb~
What a lovely glow of adoration fills that home. Beautiful!! And if I were a little girl, I'd crawl up in those laps - the sage and the youthfull crone, and beg for stories from when you were little. I'd hold a bean seed clutched in one paw and know for sure that this was actually Jack (the magic beanstalk grower) and not John....and that his wife, the dreamweaver, would do a dance over the soil making all magic things flourish in colors that didn't exist before.....
ReplyDeleteoxoxox
all families need glue... without it, they fall apart... it is so true that as years pass, our layers change... some from the top are lost to us, and ones are added at the bottom... generations are so fascinating as the dynamics change while one grows from child, to parent, to grandparent, to great grand parent... but you can also hold multiple roles... life is complex and rich... so glad you had a wonderful holiday...
ReplyDeleteSo strange to be the matriarch now isn't it. Me too. This holiday was wonderful but all those that are gone
ReplyDeletejoined us at the table too.
Glad you mojo is back!
xo
Corrine
Thanks for dropping by. So good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so warm and inviting and all of you so happy. You are definitely "fresh"!! We had a wonderful time as well. All children and friends accounted for. Loved it.
I had a bit of a computer crash and my email addresses were dropped. Can you please email me you address....yet again.
You look damn good in that duct tape btw. I wouldn't dare.
Smooth sailing to you too Judy!!!!
lovely family shots, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi..l just wanted to say..l heard you on a blog cast the other week and really enjoyed it..felt l hate met a soul sister. Anyway, love your work and a Happy New Year. lynda
ReplyDeleteTo be the glue...how lucky.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteAs I walk around shops with my daughters I am aware that I am the "elder" now, too - how strange! But you are ever youthful and vibrant, Judy - a joy to all who have met you. I'm glad you had such a lovely Christmas, and much happiness in the new year to you!
ReplyDeletexoxo lulu
Fascinating, the ever-changing topography of family, the various layers that make up our tribes... How wonderful to be the "glue"! (The "glue" looks great, even wrapped in duct tape!)
ReplyDelete