Hi Folks -
I couldn't find a Season's Greetings thead, so I'm starting one - right here, right now. I tend to think of this as solstice, but others call it Christmas, Hannuka, Kwanzaa, and lots of other things. Specifics aside, all repeat the message of renewal, of the return of sunlight, of life, and of hope.
Here is the greeting which we sent out with our cards, and to you also, Dimensions friends. (Note: Irv Williams is a local sax player who graced our party with his presence and his music.)
Ho Ho Tai, Mrs Ho Ho
*
Friends,
This is the season of renewed life, of light, of hope. Throughout history, humankind has recognized the seasons, the ebb and flow of life, the waning and waxing of the light of the sun, upon which all earthly life depends. Nearly all religions have a celebration at this time of year. Specifics aside, all repeat the message of renewal, of the return of sunlight, of life, and of hope.
I (Ho Ho Tai) celebrated my 75th birthday in October. I framed the event as a celebration, not of me, nor my age, but a celebration of life itself. At my age, all experiences - joy and pain alike - are part of this wonderful thing called 'life'. I'm so happy to have had the chance to participate in it. I don't know what happens next but in a sense, who cares? Is there a reward in eternity? How could it be better than what I've had, and have (chief among those gifts is the fabulous Mrs Ho Ho).
A number of you were there to help us celebrate, and I am very grateful for that. I wish that the rest of you could have been there also. You would have enjoyed it and everyone present would have enjoyed you too. My birthday gift to myself was to summon the attention of all present and read to them the little note, below.
I believe that the same message is appropriate when wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, and a wonderful year to follow. Of all the gifts you give and receive this Christmas, the most memorable will be the love and friendship you share with us, and with each other.
Ho Ho Tai & Mrs Ho Ho
Friends and family,
Thank you for coming to our celebration. But a celebration of what? I don't think of it as a celebration of my birthday, or even of my life. My life and birthday are unique to me, but what we all have in common is life itself.
It's been said that life doesn't come with an instruction manual, but it does come with instructors and mentors. If you are lucky, it comes with friends and family. Sometimes, it's even lucky to have a few enemies. All of these people keep you on track, insist that you learn, develop your talents, your beliefs, your very soul.
I have had many mentors but few are still around to guide me in this late period of life. I am lucky to have a few, such as Irv Williams, represented by this music. Years ago, Irv cut a CD with the title "That's All?" and he thought he meant it. Now, at age 93, he has cut two more and who knows what else is in his plans? But what Irv and others tell me is that there is never a good time to quit. Nature will take care of that for you!
So, what is this life business anyway? Work, play, striving, failing, succeeding, learning. Right turns, wrong turns and reboots. Connections, helpers, lovers and friends. Your kids, my kids, everybody's kids, grand kids, and all. Boots and bikes and trails. Jokes, laughter, music ...and tears. Add it all together, stir, and you have life.
Tevya, that agile old Fiddler on the Roof, said it best:
"Here's to our prosperity. Our good health and happiness. And most important,
To Life, to Life, L'Chaim L'Chaim, L'Chaim, To Life . . .
*
*
I couldn't find a Season's Greetings thead, so I'm starting one - right here, right now. I tend to think of this as solstice, but others call it Christmas, Hannuka, Kwanzaa, and lots of other things. Specifics aside, all repeat the message of renewal, of the return of sunlight, of life, and of hope.
Here is the greeting which we sent out with our cards, and to you also, Dimensions friends. (Note: Irv Williams is a local sax player who graced our party with his presence and his music.)
Ho Ho Tai, Mrs Ho Ho
*
Friends,
This is the season of renewed life, of light, of hope. Throughout history, humankind has recognized the seasons, the ebb and flow of life, the waning and waxing of the light of the sun, upon which all earthly life depends. Nearly all religions have a celebration at this time of year. Specifics aside, all repeat the message of renewal, of the return of sunlight, of life, and of hope.
I (Ho Ho Tai) celebrated my 75th birthday in October. I framed the event as a celebration, not of me, nor my age, but a celebration of life itself. At my age, all experiences - joy and pain alike - are part of this wonderful thing called 'life'. I'm so happy to have had the chance to participate in it. I don't know what happens next but in a sense, who cares? Is there a reward in eternity? How could it be better than what I've had, and have (chief among those gifts is the fabulous Mrs Ho Ho).
A number of you were there to help us celebrate, and I am very grateful for that. I wish that the rest of you could have been there also. You would have enjoyed it and everyone present would have enjoyed you too. My birthday gift to myself was to summon the attention of all present and read to them the little note, below.
I believe that the same message is appropriate when wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, and a wonderful year to follow. Of all the gifts you give and receive this Christmas, the most memorable will be the love and friendship you share with us, and with each other.
Ho Ho Tai & Mrs Ho Ho
Friends and family,
Thank you for coming to our celebration. But a celebration of what? I don't think of it as a celebration of my birthday, or even of my life. My life and birthday are unique to me, but what we all have in common is life itself.
It's been said that life doesn't come with an instruction manual, but it does come with instructors and mentors. If you are lucky, it comes with friends and family. Sometimes, it's even lucky to have a few enemies. All of these people keep you on track, insist that you learn, develop your talents, your beliefs, your very soul.
I have had many mentors but few are still around to guide me in this late period of life. I am lucky to have a few, such as Irv Williams, represented by this music. Years ago, Irv cut a CD with the title "That's All?" and he thought he meant it. Now, at age 93, he has cut two more and who knows what else is in his plans? But what Irv and others tell me is that there is never a good time to quit. Nature will take care of that for you!
So, what is this life business anyway? Work, play, striving, failing, succeeding, learning. Right turns, wrong turns and reboots. Connections, helpers, lovers and friends. Your kids, my kids, everybody's kids, grand kids, and all. Boots and bikes and trails. Jokes, laughter, music ...and tears. Add it all together, stir, and you have life.
Tevya, that agile old Fiddler on the Roof, said it best:
"Here's to our prosperity. Our good health and happiness. And most important,
To Life, to Life, L'Chaim L'Chaim, L'Chaim, To Life . . .
*
*
