Hope Doesn't Quit

This picture is from when I was at Princeton Public Library for Diana Weymar's signing of her new book about craftivists. It yells to me what I already know. But, some days I just sink into the "what ifs". It is a pattern for my whole life. But, I have to say after all these years I do always have hope. Approaching Thanksgiving I am meditating to Deepak and Oprahs 21 day meditation of gratitude. And, I think I am most thankful for my spirit of hope. It gets me through long days by myself. My challenge is no tv or music from 10am - 6pm each day. It is great for concentration and focus. Each week I start a bunch of little art projects, try to get more organized, and do laundry etc. And, then the end of the week I try to finish all of what I have started. But, it doesn't seem I am accomplishing anything. Listing on Ebay has really become a struggle. But, last night I listed three items. I took pictures of ten. But, I woke up to two orders. And, this ignited some motivation to get the rest listed and put away. My favorite days are the ones I go to work. And, I have something happening each week for the holidays to look forward to. I am looking forward to 2025. I have this book to write. I plan on closing my Ebay shop in March. The most challenging is I am still in the thinking stages of cancelling my cable TV. They raised the cost from $175 to $225. I could save a LOT of $$$$ by doing this. Except I am afraid it will interupt my good sleep patterns I finally have developed. But, I have books on hand I want to read. And, I think if I did read, it might even end up better for me. This is now December 2nd and in starting Advent I have two websites I am following. One with daily creative prompts and the other is daily reflections, blessings and prayers. But, this post, what I want to focus on is Hope and Love. How do we muster up hope and love this season. They are both the best feelings, but some how some way fear still seems to seep into the big picture. So, today I tried to remember what it was the angel came down to say the night that Jesus was born. And, the angel said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." And, these words will be my guiding light for the Advent season. All things will be done through hope and love. I also read this great little poem from Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper this week. It said: How did the rose Ever open its heart And give to this world All its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light Against its being, Otherwise, We all remain Too frightened by Hafez Advent is the perfect season to put love over fear......light over darkness. For thousands of years all of the world takes this season to work through hopelessness. I am looking forward to diving into each day of Advent and holding tight to hope and taking joy. My hope for you is the same.