New Year's Small Stone

Many years ago my family "made up" or at least modified an old Christmas tradition.
The original Yule Log traditionally was put on the fire on Christmas Eve and allowed to burn for the next 12 days of Christmas.
Never able to have a log large enough or hard enough to burn a full night let alone 12 nights we would instead take the trunk of last year's Christmas tree, pass it around, and make good wishes for the New Year. We would then throw the log into the New Year's Day fire effectively saying goodbye to the previous year and sending our future hopes into the Heavens anticipating further blessings. I know, it sounds rather cornball.  My kids and my husband were always wonderful about it. Kieran would saw off the log and put it into deep storage each year.  Each family member placing one hand upon the log and closing their eyes in thoughtful contemplation.  Even my son-in-law would indulge me by making his wish.  Today, as I reflect on 2013 and the true circle of life that it held for us, I am thankful.  Feeling blessed.  Missing my father.  Falling madly in love with my new granddaughter.  Feeling emotionally charged and yet still very much at peace with my world.  It's going to be a great year.

  
Looking back
Looking forward
Dizzy with possibility
The fire dips to a flicker of flame
The addition of last year's yule log sparks new life
Hope