Christmas Greetings

Christmas greetings friends!

As we wend our way through Christmas 2007, this year, we find the meaning of Christmas in the image of "birthing." Christmas, for us, represents birth! It reminds us that, for good or for ill, everyone gives birth; birth to ideas, relationships, feelings, and actions.

Christmas provokes! She demands the birth of all things good! When tempted to succumb to life's challenges, Christmas rattles our bones! We give thanks for her insistent return and call. She animates. She tells us again and again of individual and collective possibility.

This year, Christmas wraps herself in beauty and sadness, hope and anxiety. Amidst her entourage of caring ones, both family and friends, she brings the wonder (!) of "awe" and the wonder (?) of "how" we will wend our way. In all things, Christmas brings assurance. We welcome her and give thanks for her presence in our lives and world.

Wishing each of you a provocative Christmas; one that issues forth in a multitude of wonderful births!

With love, Diane and Shelley

F.Y.I.

Here are more of your movie suggestions - with thanks!

Bringing Down the House; Spellbound; Word Play; Driving Lessons (U.K.); A Mighty Wind; For Your Consideration; Turtle Diary; Truly, Madly, Deeply; Fly Away Home; Mona Lisa Smile; Casablanca; Pursuit of Happiness; Avenue Montaigne; Dresser; 84 Charing Cross Road; Sarah, Plain and Tall; Millions; Waiting for Gruffman; Dear Frankie; Second Hand Lion; Milagro Beanfield War; A Prairie Companion - Meryl and Lily; Greenfingers; Keeping up with the Steins; Homecoming; Legally Blonde; Miss Potter; Kinky Boots; Company of Strangers; Chocolat.

Christmas Ambience at the TinFins!

We've just returned from a two day retreat at White Point Lodge. As always, it was enjoyable to be away, but it is was also nice to return home.

The days following chemo this week were a little kinder. The extra anti-nausea I.V drugs seemed to have made a difference. I still deal with the occasional nausea, have times when I lose my supper, and have an ongoing struggle with lack of appetite. Hopefully, these things will lessen over the next three weeks.

Enroute home, we stalked up in preparation for an impending snow storm - lots of chips/treats and five of your recommended movies! Looking forward to being cozy and warm and entertained!

Movie Recommendations

Thank you for your responses! Just in case you have your own video nights, here are your suggestions:

The Holiday; Fifty First Dates; Amazing Mrs. Pritchard; Enchanted; Ratatoui; Polar Express; Waking Ned Divine; Modern Times; The Gold Rush; The Grand Seduction; The Producers (Mostrel); Nine to Five; To Be or Not to Be (Jack Benny Version); Monsoon Wedding; The Russians are Coming; The Full Monty; The Man in the White Suit; Big Night; Keeping Mum; Saving Grace; Central Station; Everything is Illuminated; Enchanted April; Big Night; Brothers and Sisters; Company of Strangers; Best in Show; Calendar Girls.

We are looking forward to checking some of them out!

This day hasn't been one of the top 10 which is somewhat disappointing as Fridays are usually better.

A bright spot in the day, however, was a visit from long-time friend from NFLD, Carolyn Emerson.

Any Recommendations?

In the days following chemo, we often rent movies. We are always on the look-out for recommendations for light, uplifting, or comedy movies and we just got the brainwave to ask for your suggestions. If you have any, we would love to hear from you at Shelley's email address: sfinson@eastlink.ca .

Improvement

It's mid week and I'm beginning to feel much better. During the latter half of the week, I now venture out to do the odd errand with Diane, look forward to those occasions when I have lunch or tea out with friends or they come here for lunch or tea with us. Being able to maintain connection and community in this way is a real joy for me.

Stormy Weather All Around

Shelley had two dates yesterday; in the morning she met with GB; in the evening and through the night she met with the toilet. We are always grateful when Tuesday arrives in hopes that her dates will include dry toast, weak tea, maybe some broth and a soft boiled egg. The weather in Halifax provided suitable accompaniment for her dates - snow, rain, thunderstorm in the early morning hours, and sufficient gale force winds to blow curb side garbage bags across the crescent and down one bird-feeder. However, after a long night, the white blanket that now covers this part of creation with its stunning beauty does lighten our spirits.