Presenting the 2009 Solstice Crew

SHOW YOU: Meet the 2009 Solstice Crew!

I am moving back home this year, right smack dab in the middle of the winter holiday season, so I thought I'd get a jump on making some new additions to the Solstice Tree decorations.

Over the last couple of years, I have been making an effort to add some hand made decorations to the tree every year. And while posting this, I began to think of the very first Solstice Tree I ever put up in an apartment I lived in since being an adult living away from my mom... and remembered buying ornaments for a tree with my roommate, Jaime.















(Pic: Solstice Owl)

We were dirt poor, but both of us had a penchant for nostalgia and decided we'd find some ornaments and get a tree, that would dress up the basement apartment we lived in. We went to the dollar store and stocked up on Santa heads and glitter balls, etc. I still have the glitter balls and some of the Santa heads and they remind me of what it's like to be out on your own, trying to reconnect with those feelings of warmth, love and celebration that being with your family gives you, particularly during the holidays.

And what that then reminds me of is the kind of life I've led so far in my 33 years. During my childhood, we moved a lot because of my mom's job. I guess that sort of stuck when I struck out on my own, because I've lived in quite a few states and numerous apartments. And while the separation from those I love is really hard, particularly because they are now spread out across the country, I have come to realize that the greatest gift my mom has bestowed on me is the ability to find family wherever I am.










(Pic: Solstice Puss)

I have an expanded view of what it means to family. I don't think it really has much to do with biology, at its very core, although that's a very interesting part of what makes us related. But what I find more indicative of familial ties is the love that binds people together, no matter what race we are, what our backgrounds are, what our hobbies are - if we love each other that's enough to make us family. At least that's enough for me. (Pic: Solstice Birdie)

So this holiday season, while I am deeply saddened that I don't get to be around my biological family, I do get to be around other members of my family. I am going to sing the loudest, most heartfelt praises to the Goddess for blessing me with the most beautiful, amazing family one person could ever hope for. You know who you are! Blessed be! (Pic: Solstice Tortuga)












(Pic: Solstice Ristra)