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The Gathering
A Celebration of Tao and Defiant Women Everywhere

January 2008

Dear Tao and defiant women,

I don’t know where you are right now but I’m sitting at my desk with my back to the

studio window.  Shame.  Not that I’m at my desk, but that I’ve chosen to stare at the clock on my wall rather than the window.  Had I swiveled my chair 180 degrees to the left (or 90 degrees to the right, depending on my dominant side du jour) I could be looking out at the snow.

It is gorgeous out there with the ground covered in several inches of the first major snow fall of the season.  And I’m in here at my desk.

There is something definitely wrong with this picture.

Last night my husband, Joe, and I eagerly turned on the Weather Channel to check out the impending storm.  Like two little kids we stared at the television screen to find out how much snow we were to receive today.  Then, because the Weather Channel told us we’d only get 5-8 inches of the white stuff, I ran to my computer to see if perhaps Yahoo Weather would send us more.  Bring it on.  The more snow the better. 

Now, this begs the question; why, if I am lusting after several feet of snow am I sitting at my desk and not even looking at it? 

The answer; because I don’t remember how to have fun in the snow.

Several weekends ago we had three of our grandchildren here while their parents took a well-deserved vacation. To our delight the heavens opened up on that Saturday morning and delivered a dusting of snow.  It wasn’t much and only covered the driveway of our house, disappearing into the grass as quickly as it fell.  Yet seven-year-old Alix knew exactly what to do.  She hurriedly donned her jacket, boots, hat and gloves, went out into the garage, grabbed the shovel and proceeded to scoop up the snow in the driveway.  And then she built a snowman; perhaps the tiniest snowman in the universe.  As I think about it, I realized I missed an opportunity to photograph it and submit this teensy weensy snowman to the Guinness Book of World Record folks. (However, the heat from the camera lens would have probably melted the poor little fellow, so it’s a good thing I didn’t try.) Alix definitely knew how to have fun in the snow.  If she was here with me now I bet my chair wouldn’t be facing away from the window.  Nor would I be in my studio. I strongly suspect that I’d be building a snowman with Alix.  Or sledding.  Or making snow angels.

Why is it that adults need children in our lives to play?   Do we need them for support or permission?  Would others look askance if we were to put on our winter gear and throw snowballs at the trees?  Well, I for one am not going to let this wonderful weather event pass me by.  It’s s’no fun sitting in here with my back to the window.

I’m going out right now to build the biggest snowman on the block.  Until the adult neighbors realize they can do the same.  And then the “biggest snowman on the block contest” will begin! 

I’m about to transform s’no fun to snow fun.  Come join me!

This piece first appeared in "Women Etcetera" http://womenetcetera.com/   Please check it out - it's a wonderful resource for all of us.

This month’s Gathering also features:

• The Wisdom of the month
• A listing of my January  travels – Please come say hello when I’m in your part of the country.
• A few final words

Spread the word – please remember to forward this issue of THE GATHERING to your friends!

JANUARY'S WISDOM OF THE MONTH

When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season,
I'll know I'm growing old. 

Lady Bird Johnson

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 JANUARY TRAVELS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2008  -  2:00  
 MILFORD, CT

Borders Books - signing and discussion
1201 Boston Post Road

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008  -  2:00  
 SIMSBURY, CT

Borders Books - signing and discussion
500 Bushy Hill Road

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008  -  7:00 PM
FAIRFIELD, CT
Borders Books - signing and discussion
1499 Boston Post Road

SATURDAY, JANUARY  26, 2008 -  2:00
KINGSTON

BORDERS - book signing and discussion
101 Independence Way

SUNDAY, JANUARY  27, 2008 -  3:00
BURLINGTON

BORDERS - book signing and discussion
Wayside Commons

Keep checking the Travels Around the Country page of this website for current updates.

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A FEW FINAL WORDS

As difficult as it is to believe - 2008 has arrived.  (How did 2007 fly by so quickly?)

I wish you, your family and friends much love and joy in this new year.

CJ

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