Christmasing

It was a whirlwind 2-day trip home, but I feel very lucky to have spent Christmas in New Hampshire with my family. It was one of the best Christmases ever!

1. Erin’s got punch

2. Meg, Erin & I had fun teasing my parents about the crazy assortment of ornaments they have held on to throughout the years. Old chipped cat ornament? “I love this one, my favorite!”

3. One of my favorite traditions? Meg’s “Oh Holy Night” at the Candlelight Service. We almost skipped it this year (I’m so glad we didn’t!)

4. Christmas Cameron, rock star style

5. Festive veggies

6. My yankee swap winnings losings. Seriously, I ended up with the worst gift.

7. Salty & sweet

8. I did not ask for any gifts this year and had zero expectations… I was just happy for the days off! I was thoroughly surprised with some thoughtful presents, including this white bike (from my parents) that I am absolutely in love with.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! xoxo

Christmas Is Coming

… and so is a bloomin’ amaryllis!

This morning I caught the 8am flight from Newark to Boston and was at my parent’s house in New Hampshire by 10. I’m really looking forward to spending the next two days relaxing, eating, laughing and spending time with my family, who I don’t get to see nearly enough.

These photos were taken yesterday as I wrapped presents and packed. It is sort of sad that I have to be back to work Wednesday morning, but if I am lucky, I will have a bloomin’ friend to greet me upon my return 🙂

Merry everything!

First Annual Holiday Party

Last night was my company’s first annual holiday party. First annual, well, because 12 months ago, we didn’t exist! D (and his childhood friend Randy, fresh off the plane from Colorado) drove down from the city to join me and I felt honored to be accompanied by two handsome dates. We sipped pomegranate and prosecco and everything was festive and cozy, as freezing rain drizzled down the windows outside.

Entertainment was provided by the charming and talented Malcolm Gets, who serenaded us with holiday tunes and a twist on the Billy Joel classic: “In a New York Hope State of Mind…” He finished up his set with a sing-a-long and we all got teary as we sang “I’m dreaming of a white christmas, just like the ones I used to know…“

I swayed in the semi circle that had formed around the piano and scanned the bright faces of my colleagues and friends — people who, just a year ago, were strangers to me; in a place that, just a year ago, I had never heard of. This year has been exhausting, and a challenge at times, but along the way I had the opportunity to create art where there was no art, with some of the kindest, most passionate people I have ever met. I feel very lucky to have been given this special gift.

Ironically enough, my fortune this evening:

Love when that happens.

And… I do!