The burning of a special log in a fireplace for luck and fortune has been a holiday tradition long before the arrival of Christianity in Europe. As are most holiday traditions, the origins of the Yule log are believed to have stemmed from Germanic or Scandinavian paganism. On December 21st, I lit a Yule log and as I watched the fire burn, I made a list of 55 things for which I am grateful (and number 55 was not that I was grateful to be finished my gratitude list!)

Other progress that I have made on my list of 55 in 55:

In addition to donating a bag of dog food and a bag of cat food to the NE SPCA, I donated $250

I went for coffee and discovered a new coffee shop (in Melfort)

I gave away a book (it counts, it’s like donating, only more personal)

I meditated for 55 minutes

I tried two new wines (Solemnis, a primitivo that my daughter wanted to try and Bread & Butter pinot noir with turkey dinner)

I read and made some notes on the upcoming Wolf Moon (full moon in Cancer on January 6, 2023)

And I wrote a poem (after seeing my son)

To Joseph

It was him
but it wasn’t him.
It was he
but he couldn’t be
the Joseph of
my memory.

My son.
My boy.
My pride.
My joy.
Life has dealt you a hand
and now, you are a man,
with a need for space
and to find your place
in the family tree . . .
your destiny.

In your eyes,
I still see
that boy
who is a part of me.
Blood of my blood,
Bone of my bone,
like it or not,
you are not alone.

I love you son, Mom