Spring Unfiltered
I was planning on finding an image to include an inspirational quote or write a short poem on when I stumbled across this picture in my exploration of my photo library. No additional words necessary. Enjoy the full glory as is.
~Sam Go~
Our big holiday dilemma was whether or not we should have a Christmas Tree at home this year. As someone who absolutely loves Christmas festivities, I always feel a bit miffed when people ask me if I actually want to have a tree. Of course I want to have a tree - it’s tradition!
Just like me putting up all the lights on the tree before realizing that the end with the plug is at the top of the tree, not the bottom.
The trip up to the attic to retrieve the ornaments only to inevitably come running back down screaming due to the family of spiders that have made their home in the box of decorations.
The feeling of giddiness and exuberance when family starts arriving in town.
The warmth and coziness of a full house.
The delicious smell of Christmas dinner wafting from the stove and the ever-increasing clatter of family gathered around the fire in the living room.
The short interlude of silence as everyone takes their first bite of a delicious meal.
The intimate conversations held while staving off after-dinner food-induced comas.
The peacefulness of a house full of slumbering, contented guests.
The shrill awakening of the first to realize Santa has actually visited.
The rush to tear open presents.
The smell of morning coffee, ginger-bread men, and candy canes permeating your senses.
The unrestrained excitement and euphoria of someone receiving a coveted gift.
The smiles and chatter as food is packed away in take-home bags.
The slight ache in your chest as people start to say their goodbyes.
The wish for it all to rewind and happen again.
And the annual debate as to who takes the tree down three months after the holiday has already passed.
So this year, I went out to get the Christmas tree on my own. One lost ring, a shirt, tights, and shoes filled with pine needles, hands stained with dirt, and a few gained arm muscles later, and my dream Christmas is about to begin.
As I contemplate my answer to the inevitable Christmas tree question to come next year, I can smile with the knowledge that this cycle will repeat with the same effect even years later.
~Sithara Reddy~
Ripple Effect
Some of you may be wondering what the heck this picture has anything to do with “together”, and some of you may find the following connection in my head to be a stretch. But we’re going with this metaphor.
Being together with someone you can really connect with is like this ripple. When the stone and water meet, they make a splash that only lasts for a very limited time. Lots of things can happen in that time…storytelling, commiserating, advice giving…and then they part (or in this case the stone sinks to the bottom of the pond, but we’re not going to get technical about it).
But when they part, those shared but fleeting moments create memories and have ramifications that last throughout the day, week, or to the edges of time. It affects how you face the world, whether directly or indirectly.
The individuals we choose to keep in our lives have ripple effects on who we are as individuals ourselves.
~Sam Go~
Taking flight.
I was sitting and reading on the chaise lounge in my room when I noticed a few tiny shapes darting around the Albizia (tree) in our backyard. Looking closely, I realized it was a couple of humming birds feeding and playing with each other in the branches. Thankfully my camera was on-hand to capture them in action!
~Sithara Reddy~
Sunlight Streaming
The shade of a tree is so refreshing and calm, but the best part of it is being able to look out from under its protection, take a breath, and appreciate the beautiful, shining world around you.
You look up: the greens are fresher and the reds are richer. The sun is playing hide and seek with you between the leaves, making you smile and sigh in satisfaction.
Photo Credit: Roderick Go
Caption: Samantha Go
