The Joyfulness is Over

Another Christmas has come and gone. My tree with its pretty lights has been packed away for another year. The stores are putting up Valentine gifts next to the clearance racks of Christmas joy. The shopper’s faces, smiling with goodwill just moments ago, are beginning to droop into their usual grumpy demeanors. Basically, life is returning to normal.

I managed to get through the Christmas season without crying, so that’s a plus, but I seemed to notice more acutely the lies people tell themselves and others during this season of giving. There is a temporary mania that comes over our lives and it fades quickly, like a candle has been blow out. One minute there is the possibility of peace on earth, goodwill to man; and then…poof…it is gone.

I look forward to the New Year simply because it is another chance to find happiness. I have a loving husband, a roof over my head, plenty to eat, a car to drive, and a few dollars in my pocket. That is enough for me.

I wish you all health, happiness and love in the coming year.

"The Leader of the Band"

Singer and songwriter Dan Fogelberg, whose hits helped define the soft-rock era, died today at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

He wasn’t a terribly cool or exciting artist, but his songs spoke from the heart. The world could use a few more songwriters like him.

Longer by Dan Fogelberg


Longer than there’ve been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there’ve been stars up in the heavens
I’ve been in love with you.

Stronger than any mountain cathedral
Truer than any tree ever grew
Deeper than any forest primeval
I am in love with you.

I'll bring fires in the winters
You’ll send showers in the springs
Well fly through the falls and summers
With love on our wings.

Through the years as the fire starts to mellow
Burning lines in the book of our lives
Though the binding cracks and the pages start to yellow
I'll be in love with you.

Longer than there’ve been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there’ve been stars up in the heavens
I’ve been in love with you
I am in love with you...

Dear Children

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