The holidays are here! They are a swirling mixture of activity, family, friends, and of course-emotion.  It is amazing to me that regardless of the religion, the holiday season seems to be a roller coaster of emotion for everyone involved, from one to ninety two.  This season, in addition to all of the magical broohaha, I have two writing projects going, which are a string of sanity in what could only be otherwise called a blizzard of activity.  In addition, I have family coming into town, which while I love them, always creates an additional level of chaos.

The thought of all this, initially sent me into a panic attack.  By this I mean a full blown, gasping for air, panic attack.  I have three kids who all have a plethora of activities, not to mention gifts, family activities, etc.  As I contemplated trying to organize all this, keep working on projects, and maintain my sanity, I immediately developed a blinding headache-the kind only helped by copious amounts of chocolate or alcohol, or ideally, both.  

I decided to do what I always do when I am about to be swallowed whole by  life, I took a hot bath with my favorite book, "The Great Gatsby" (I might have mentioned it, haha).  It was in the midst of the steaming water, with Gatsby staring forlornly at the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, that it occured to me that I may be able to use all of this tension, turmoil, joy, and whatever other emotions may swish across my life, in my work.  The tumultuousness of these emotions can contribute greatly to large, colorful swirls of creativity (for better or worse) and I for intend to captilize on every moment of it.

Now, instead of dreading this time and dragging my feet like a spoiled toddler (yes, I can be a bit cranky at times), I am embracing the entire spectrum of holiday emotions, no matter how high they run, because hopefully, they will make one heck of a story.