Ripples v8.51: Ripples of DECEMBER!

Ripples v8.51: Ripples of DECEMBER!
12/18/06: a complimentary splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I don't know the key to success,
but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.
-Bill Cosby, submitted by Tina L., WI and Marsha C., Madison WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December;
a magical thing and sweet to remember.
"We are nearer to Spring than we were in September."
I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.
-source unknown. submitted by Linda V, Ames IA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

If you are having a completely happy, stress-free holiday so far, then disregard this week's "Ponder!"

Just in case it has been less than ideal, it is essential to recall an important truism regarding this time of year: holidays are often as challenging as they are enjoyable! Many of us are tempted to take the idealistic images represented throughout our culture and compare them to our holiday experience which may include a bit of aggravation, disappointment, and even sadness. RESIST!

Even a fantastic experience is bound to have a few drawbacks, so do yourself and your family/friends/co-workers a favor and manage your expectations. Enjoy any small pleasurable moments you can find: a smile from a stranger, a brisk walk on a cold evening, or if you really need a lift then maybe you could scroll through the Ripples archives and find a good quote to paste to your computer! And know that some blechy stuff will happen along the way!

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, remember that this week also includes winter solstice which the "darkest" day of the year in terms of the number of daylight minutes. This could add to your frustration, so remember also that very soon each day will have a bit more sunlight!

No "Ripples" next week, so hang in there and we will see you next year!

Peace,

Paul


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