…They say appearances can be deceptive. They say talking in clichés is part of the problem of a mass society. They say the more we speak in cliché the more superfluous we become as a mass society. They say we need to find a common ground where we can come together as ourselves, admit difference and accept difference.

Being busy these past few weeks, I really didn’t feel like the holiday spirit had waved its sparkled wand over me, but the other morning restored a small part of my faith in the human spirit, and that the cliché/folklore “appearance can be deceptive” (probably, in fact, part of the problem of modern society’s alienation) is more true than I thought. I was walking to work from the parking lot the other morning, not a far walk, very short indeed, and walking down Albert St. was a frightening looking fellow, rather tattered in clothing, rather transient by appearance; for a moment I held my purse a little tighter, myself a little tauter, but upon passing me, the man simply said: “Good morning, Merry Christmas” and continued to walk past.

Sometimes we need to be reminded.

Good morning, Merry Christmas, Happy holidays. Enjoy.

…so this isn’t a very good shot, but here’s this year’s model (the top of my window is probably close to 7 feet high):

…I’ll write. Something. I’ve been really focused on studying this week; I finished two finals, and already have one mark in. I have one final left to write on Tuesday; the philosophy class about Hannah Arendt. I have one paper to revise and hand in for my honours thesis. I have some last minute shopping to do. (I like to wait until the last minute because there’s some sort of thrill in rushing–perhaps the adrenalin rush is what I crave–the thrill of simply making snap decisions). I have to finish cleaning the house, as I got sidetracked by studying, and I must wander the halls of the liquor store in search of free gifts (attached to the bottles of booze–I’m such a sucker for the “free” gifts–they make great stocking stuffers!) I must take a picture of the tree, as it looks pretty good this year; the tree is almost 9 feet and has its own santa-belly.

I’ve been reading (on the sly of course, because I’m supposed to be studying) Aberrant Lounges by kimmy beach, a wonderful little book, and on stealing lips by Lars Palm–which I’ve only skimmed so far. I read another good Martian Press chapbook this summer: acts of barbarity and vandalism by Daniel Tysdal.

I’m looking forward to visits from people I haven’t seen in a long time. I’m looking forward to reading the stacks of books I’ve accumulated this fall. I’m looking forward to standing under the crisp curtain of snow as I walk to the whitened-edge of the park. I’m looking forward to way the snow holds itself to the bottom of the boot, flings itself into my hair, warms itself next to the skin of my chin, my cheek, and my nose. I’m looking forward to the shortest day of the year, in hopes that each one from there-on-in will broaden and widen with wonder, and maybe a little less wind (for some people).

…is as good as a rest they say. (I wrote a poem (shocking I know but I did, I did) the other day using “they say” as the focal(vocal)point and it turned out very interesting indeed). Now that I have the time to write, I’ll be really writing, but not blogging much. Which doesn’t mean much, except that I won’t be updating this blog, as I’ve moved shop to another blog; if you want to find me you can head over there.

…here’s something I was going to buy myself for Christmas (I’ll still probably try to find a wonderful old copy of it around somewhere), but I guess I don’t have to wait to read it.

…I’ve been a bit lazy with the blog. I’ve had the time to write, but haven’t. Not that I didn’t have anything to write about (that’s never stopped the drivel from dropping off the fingertips before), and not that I didn’t think about writing a post or two, but I think I prefer to say I was blog-blocked. Yeah, that’s the ticket: blog-blocked.

That’s all my news for now. Not much of an unblock.

…again.

Time to search for the biggest tree I can find.

Time to shop for presents.

(as Prufrock says: “There will be time…)

Time for a quiz .

Time to make your mark.

Time to visit the paradox of Christmas, where the best and the worst of people shines like tinsel on a tree (I’ve always hated tinsel).

Time to say: Nothing says Christmas like a caffinated clerk after the 5th complaint in a row.

Time for you: Nothing says Christmas like…(this is where its your time…insert your own line here and then in the comments).

…of classes today is solemnly being covered up, mounded into a huge hill of snow, and snow, and more snow. The sky is building a quinzee of the earth. I must run out and stake an opening, mark the spot where I’ll sit with a few other writers (at least those that know how to dig in and dig out) and talk about the whether of writing, the cold reality of it, all the while warming the core of our crusted conversations with the sound of it.

…is the good in a hangover? Yes, I understand the concept of payback, but in reality, I question why it needs to be so. I’m typing very quietly as I’ve a bit of a headache–although, I had one last night too, so it may not be as self-induced as I thought(or pathetically hope). The writing was on my arm this morning regardless–don’t ask.

I’m recovering from a night of frolicking after the Saskatchewan Book Awards Gala. I was pleased to see some of my favorite people win awards: Dan Tysdal, Michael Trussler, Gail Bowen (won reader’s choice), and Martine Noel-Maw. Congrats to all the winners. It was a great event, my sixth gala in a row. I’m getting to be a staple at the event.

…is the good in a hangover? Yes, I understand the concept of payback, but in reality, I question why it needs to be so. I’m typing very quietly as I’ve a bit of a headache–although, I had one last night too, so it may not be as self-induced as I thought(or pathetically hope). The writing was on my arm this morning regardless–don’t ask.

I’m recovering from a night of frolicking after the Saskatchewan Book Awards Gala. I was pleased to see some of my favorite people win awards: Dan Tysdal, Michael Trussler Gail Bowen (won reader’s choice), and Martine Noel-Maw. Congrats to all the winners. It was a great event, my sixth gala in a row. I’m getting to be a staple at the event.