Happy Holidays!!!

This time of year is truly about tradition. Historical traditions of family gatherings and regular events.

For some, this is a difficult time of year. It can often bring up emotions that may be difficult to handle. For example, the loss of a loved one can conjure negative emotions. It is very important to provide structure and support to friends during this time.

This year marks my grandmother's passing five years ago. A woman of conviction, intelligence, and sheer brilliance, my grandmother (AKA Gaga) taught me how to catch mackerel. She liked to eat them, too. She would take Critty (my cousin Chris) and me to the docks in Friendship, Maine. (Back then, the waters weren't overfished and you could actually catch something). She would wait in her car or sit nearby in a chair and watch us fish.

As adults, Gaga saw us off when we fished for the day. And there she would be when we arrived back at the dock to see what we caught. The sheer excitement in her eyes was enough to feed my soul for a lifetime. The way she would smile at us and make us feel so good about catching fish (and other things, too)...she is sorely missed. I know that she is in my heart wherever I go and I see her in some of the things that I do - like gardening.

So if you have a family member who is grieving this holiday season or a friend who might need a little extra support, reach out...sometimes gifts of a non-material nature can be worth more than any other gift.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!