QUIET REFLECTIONS

 

Life has a way of throwing curve balls when we least expect them. Just when I thought I had my life all figured out, it unraveled in a way I never saw coming. 

Six months ago, I had unexpected emergency surgery to remove an infectious abscess from the right frontal temporal lobe of my brain.

I am extremely grateful to say that the surgery and follow-up care was a brilliant success, and today I am nearly fully recovered. 

During my healing process, I worried that I would not get back to the person I was ‘before’, that I wouldn’t be me anymore, that this brain surgery ordeal would change me.

And, it has…but, not in the ways I expected.

Oh, I will always have the scar on my scalp, of course, (and a metal plate in my skull), but, it is mostly on the inside that I am different. 

Maybe I was never meant to go back to who I was before…maybe I was meant to ‘become’. Maybe going through this crisis was a way to break open my heart for something better and brighter? 

When you survive a traumatic health event, you become very humble. Something inside of you softens. You begin to notice the wonder and the magic all around you. You begin to value everyone and everything you have in your life. Zachary Douglas said, “the broken will always love harder than most-once you have been in the dark you learn to appreciate everything that shines.”

I have learned that life’s richness comes from embracing its glorious chaos, beautiful imperfections, and daily unexpected turns, finding meaning in all its messy parts.

I was slow to seize the ‘messiness’ of my brain surgery, but, eventually chose to believe that buried in the bedlam, there might be hidden gifts, waiting for me to receive them. Once I changed my perspective, and began asking myself, ‘what if this isn’t happening to me, but, for me?’, I started to see that the challenges I faced were actually stepping stones toward something greater. 

I was forced to release my need for certainty and control in life, and go with the flow, and by doing that, I was reminded that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. The uncertainty, the unexpected detours-they are all part of something more exceptional and extraordinary that is unfolding for me. And, if I am willing to create space for them, I trust that the Universe will lead me to where I am meant to be.

As I move into this new year, I am grateful for these lessons. They have brought me to a deeper awareness of patience and compassion for myself and for others, of the fragile and fleeting nature of time, the enduring value of presence. 

I step forward with intention, hoping to nurture what truly matters and to greet the unknown with a reverent curiosity, and steadfast courage. 

THE END OF A DECADE

December 2019

Dear Family and Friends,

As I get ready to step into this new year, fueled by the gratitude reminder of Thanksgiving, and full of anticipation for holiday festivities yet to come,  I am reflecting and readying for the renewal that comes not only with the ending of this year, but with the ending of this decade.

Time is a powerful thing.

I’ve always found value in marking the chapters within it, giving me something tangible to revisit when I am seeking to remember...the good stuff, and the not-so-good stuff.

Ten years ago, at this very time, our family was weeks away from losing my brother, James, to cancer; a few months later we celebrated Austin as he graduated from UW LaCrosse ( and we became official ‘empty nesters’); seven years ago in September, we rejoiced at Molly and Lukas’ big, beautiful wedding in Chicago; five years ago in August, we partied on a pontoon boat in the middle of Presque Isle Lake as Kristin and Michael said, ‘I do’; also five years ago in October, after a long illness, we lost my Step-Mother, Janet; four years ago in July, we welcomed Tasso Thomas Yant into the world and our lives were forever changed as Tom and I became grandparents for the first time; two years ago, we welcomed our second grandson, little Leo James Yant into our family; twenty months ago we cheered when sweet Tommy Boyd Gannon-2, our third grandson, joined the crew; a little over one year ago on Thanksgiving, we cried (tears of joy) when Britt and Chad told us they went to the Dane County Courthouse and secretly became Mr. and Mrs. Peak; and just a couple months ago, we mourned when Phoebe lost her lovely Mom so unexpectedly.

Looking back over the memories of this past decade, I could never have predicted all the blessings that have unfolded for me. And, looking ahead, I have no idea what the next ten years will bring. But, what I have learned is that my job is to just show up. Fully. Completely. With my whole heart.

I wish you all the very best in 2020 and beyond.
Love, Linda 

CELEBRATING WINTER SOLSTICE

Winter is a time of rest and renewal and inward focus.  This is the earth's fallow time, a mini-death when nothing is growing (at least outwardly).
It is a time to honor the complete cycle of nature.  And, coming as it does at the end of a calendar year and the beginning of another, it is a time to re-evaluate, to shed what no longer serves us, and to create intentions for what we want to manifest in the New Year.

Winter Solstice, also know as Midwinter or Yule, is an ancient pagan festival that marks the shortest period of daylight of the year, and the longest night; when the sun's daily maximum elevation in the sky is at it's lowest. Winter Solstice is celebrated on December 20th or 21st.

Winter Solstice festivities traditionally commenced the morning after the longest night, acknowledging the 'rebirth of the sun' (which was personified into 'Newborn Son' in Christian mythology), with much joy! From this day forward, the day's became longer.

Bonfire's were lit, homes were decorated with evergreen boughs, apples and oranges were studded with cloves, holly and ivy and mistletoe (regarded as the 'seed' of the Divine) were hung everywhere....all insuring that the Nature Spirits would come join the celebrations!   According to Celtic lore, a spring of holly was kept near the door all year long as an invitation for good fortune to visit the household.

The ceremonial Yule Log was considered the highlight of the Solstice festivities. In accordance with tradition, the log was harvested on the household's land, and once dragged into the house it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider, and set ablaze by a piece of last year's log.
The log would burn throughout the night, then smolder for 12 days.

The Deities of Yule: Sun Gods, the Mother Goddess, and the Triple Goddess.

I have just listed our Winter Solstice Triple Goddess Spirit Doll in our Etsy store.

SIXTY-FIVE AND VERY WISE

As this year comes to an end, and my sixty-fifth birthday beckons, (yikes!) I thought I might publish my personal list about what I have learned this year...or, more aptly, 'what I have learned in my sixty-five years on earth' (:

1. There is no such thing as too much fun.

2. Choose a partner who makes you laugh....and lets you cry.

3. There is nothing that a John Denver song can't fix.

4. When people act like they don't care about you, believe them.

5. Fall in love as often as you can. Fall in love with songs, fall in love with books, fall in love with places, fall in love with people. But, above all, fall in love with yourself.

6. Running away from your feelings is a race you will never win.

7. When a relationship is over, walk away. You will not gain anything from watering a dead flower.

8. Life is passing you by. Slow down. Smell the roses. Make the most of every moment.

9. Good people sometimes do bad things.

10. Bad people do good things.

11. You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.

12. Make mistakes; lots and lots of mistakes. Learn from every one.

13. Happiness is an inside job.

14. Grandchildren are life's greatest lesson/gift in loving unconditionally.

15. If you like that dress, wear it. Life is short.

16. When someone does something wrong, don't forget everything that they have done right.

17. Make peace with your past so it doesn't continually screw up your future.

18. Get rid of anything that isn't useful or bring you joy. Clutter weighs you down in so many ways.

19. Travel as often as you can. Visit places you have only dreamed of going.

20. Spend money on memories, not things.

21. Be kind to others.

22.  Be kind to yourself.

23. Life isn't fair. Right doesn't always win.

24. Never stop believing in miracles.

25. Sometimes it is important to just show up and be present.

26. Family first. Always and forever.

27. Don't act on impulse.

28. Act on impulse as often as you can! Life is short!

29. And, again, one more time, LIFE IS SHORT. So, don't take it too seriously. Live it with passion and whimsy. Live it succulently, wildly, richly. Live it so at the end of it you can say, "I wouldn't have changed a thing."

GANNON FAMILY BLESSINGS 2014

Recently I ran into a friend who was lamenting that she missed the old days when Christmas was celebrated simply with family, food, and a Christmas candle in the window. The current commercialism clutters her Christmas experience. I had to admit that I love the holiday glitz. I love the lights, the trees, the decorations, the cards, the parties….and even the presents. For me, the dazzling lights and decadent decorations create an atmosphere of something special to come. They form a backdrop for an experience of remembering—remembering our blessings, remembering that there is value in this crazy life as long as we cling to love, remembering that there is always hope no matter how bad things seem, remembering the little boy who was born in a stable so far from home—the same little boy who grew into a man who taught the world to welcome strangers, include the marginalized, liberate the oppressed, feed the hungry, comfort those who mourn.

Christmas is the road we follow back home every year. It is the place we stop to remember the good things when time circles around us….

Tom and I know we have many good things to be grateful for this Christmas.

Our children are all happy and healthy. Brittany began a new marketing job at Strand Engineering, and Chad continues to hone his creative skills at FastSigns. They are avid bikers and are enjoying exploring Wisconsin’s many trails.

Kristin and Michael had a year full of beginnings. Kristin took a new teaching job at Milton Middle School, and Michael as a manager at the new Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill.  This spring they moved  into a new home in Mc Farland, and, shortly after, got a puppy!  And, on an exquisite afternoon in August, in a magical little ceremony on Presque Isle Lake, they got married!

Molly and Lukas continue to work in advertising/marketing in downtown Chicago. They undertook quite an extensive kitchen/bathroom remodeling project this past year, and just a few days ago, announced that this coming year they will undertake another big project: they are pregnant! Baby Yant is due in July!

Austin is still working with Tom, focusing on real estate, but, also getting his feet wet in the construction business.  This summer Austin built his first Gannon home. (It’s beautiful). And, as Tom begins to close out his career, this fall he built his last Gannon home.

I am also happy to report that both my Mom and Dad, who are in their 80’s, are well and active. But, I am sad to say that after a long illness, my Step-Mom lost her battle.  She passed on in October.

This year brought Tom and I a bit more leisure time as we contemplate retirement…and with it more opportunities to travel . In February we took a break from winter in beautiful Naples, Florida. In October we traveled to sunny Tucson for our nephew Jamison’s wedding. We also celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary that weekend—what fun it was to celebrate with our large extended Gannon family. We plan to continue the celebration into the new year with a few more get-a-ways to warmer climes.

Good health, a home, family, meaningful work, finding joy in everyday life…these are the real gifts of Christmas, and I do agree with my girlfriend that they need no wrapping or ribbons.

So, dear family and friends, my Christmas wish for you is that your new year be filled with these simple blessings. And…maybe just a little glitter, too!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise".
-Horace

We are starting the new year with frigid cold temps, a foot of fresh snowfall, a fire in the hearth, books to read piled high, and so many dreams.  Looking at 2014 is like looking at the pristine field of snow outside my window...perfect and unblemished and filled with potential. Tomorrow I start across it.

I am always so full of excitement on January 1st. I never know what a new year will bring, what blessings, triumphs, or losses. But, I do know how very fortunate I am, and I know that each blessing or loss brings growth to my life.

Let the adventures begin!

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

December 25, 2013

‘Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but, the fire is so delightful,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”

It is a blustery cold day in Wisconsin, but I am cozy and warm tucked in next to a roaring fire, sipping spiced cider while the heady scents of balsam and the soothing sounds of ‘A Celtic Christmas’ fill the house. What’s not to like about winter?!

Life has given The Gannon Family many joyous moments this year, and I am grateful.  In early fall, both Brittany and Chad found new jobs in Madison. Chad is putting his artistic skills to use at Fast Signs, and Brittany took a Marketing job downtown. And, although they originally moved into their McFarland condo as a temporary situation, and often talk of moving to Madison, I will enjoy having them close as long as possible.

Kristin began her eleventh year of teaching Art this year when she returned to Beaver Dam Middle School. She truly ‘gets’ those 6th, 7^th, and 8^th graders (and I’ll bet the feeling is mutual!) Michael is the Bar Manager at one of our favorite restaurants, ‘1855’ in Cottage Grove. The real fireworks in Kristin and Michael’s year of course, happened over the July 4^th weekend. Romanced by beautiful Presque Isle Lake in northern Wisconsin, Michael proposed! They plan to have their wedding ceremony on the lake this coming summer.

Our Chi Town contingent also had a momentous year. In September Molly and Lukas bought their first home and moved from bustling downtown Chicago to the quiet suburbs of La Grange Park. Although it has been quite a change, they are already adapting to suburbia! Molly continues to work as an Account Manager at Plan B Advertising, and Lukas is a Program Manager at HIMSS.

Austin has had another lucrative year selling Real Estate for The Gannon Company. Multi-family housing continues to be popular here in McFarland, and condo/duplex construction, sales, and rentals have kept both Austin and Tom quite busy. Austin also bought some land and is looking forward to building his own home next spring.

After many years of creating and selling my artwork, I decided I needed a change and closed my little business, Rhinestone Gypsy. I am not sure what I will do next, but I know it will include fun and whimsy!

Tom and I took a short trip to Charleston, South Carolina in February. We loved the quaint cobblestone streets, the gorgeous old architecture, the many art galleries and museums, and of course, the decadent culinary delights of the south!

In September we enjoyed a little getaway to sunny San Diego for our niece, Kendall’s wedding. She and Chris were married in a charming outdoor setting nestled in the mountains of lovely Rancho Santa Fe. Tom’s seven sisters and spouses were all able to make the trip to California as well, so besides wedding fun; we enjoyed a special Gannon Sibling Reunion.

In early October Tom went on a ten-day moose/bear hunt in the rugged, remote backwoods of British Columbia. He didn’t bring any moose or bear home, but he did bring back some breathtaking photos! What a gorgeous area of the country.

And so, as the year circles around again and we approach this season of giving, my heartfelt wish for you is, as always, for a new year abundant with rich and rare moments spent with those you love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CLOSING THE BOOK ON 2012

                                                                                                       
As I reflect on this past year, I realize I have much to be grateful for…this Christmas was the first in 5 years that all four of my children and my Mom were able to be here with us. As the kids pair up and alternate family holidays, and Mom returns south again next year; I know these times are special and rare.

In January of this past year, Britt and her boyfriend, Chad, moved back to Wisconsin after living in Denver, Colorado the past six years. Both Britt and Chad were fortunate to find new jobs fairly quickly; Britt is the Marketing Manager for a large printing company in Sun Prairie, and Chad is doing Graphic Design work for Air Graphics in Fitchburg.

Britt was the last of the girls to migrate back to the Midwest.  All three of them have lived far away (Colorado and California) for a good part of the past 10 years. Britt, Kristin, and Austin all now live within 15 minutes of our house, and Molly and Lukas are only a couple hours away in Chicago.  It has been so much fun for Tom and I to have the kids so close. We didn’t realize how much we missed them.

Kristin returned for her second year of teaching Middle School Art in Beaver Dam. This marks her tenth year of teaching!  Kristin is also my creative partner in our Fiber Art Gypsy Doll venture. It has been wonderful having her so near for our collaborations.

Molly has had a momentous year!  Over Labor Day weekend she and Lukas got married in a beautiful outdoor wedding in Chicago. So many of our dear friends and  family were there to help us celebrate. It was a magical weekend we will not soon forget.

We feel blessed to welcome Lukas into our family.

Molly and Lukas both happily continue to work in the Marketing/Advertising field in downtown Chicago. Molly is an Account Executive at Plan B Advertising and Lukas is the Marketing Manager at HIMSS, a Non-Profit Organization.

Austin joined Tom in business this year, officially becoming the fourth generation Gannon to join in the Real Estate end of The Gannon Company. (Keep him in mind if you have any Real Estate needs. He is always willing to help you buy or sell (:  

Austin also took some Construction Administration classes at MATC this summer, and studied for, and received his Real Estate Brokers License .

2012 brought a promise of things to come for the Construction part of the business…and Tom and Austin built a gorgeous custom home for the first time in a few years! They also built several condos, duplexes., and four units. They have also started dabbling in rental properties.

After many years of  intense art fair gigs and pedaling my wares to galleries, I have cut back this year to mostly selling my (our) Gypsy Dolls in my (our) online Etsy store.  For right now, that seems to be enough while I contemplate what my next project/direction will be.

Tom and I took only one longer vacation this year-Florida in February-we loved eclectic Key West! Of course, there were also my wedding related trips to Chicago and many weekend  jaunts to our little cabin on Presque Isle Lake.  It was great having the kids join us in the north woods for many of those weekends.

    

It was, all in all, an eventful, lovely year.

I hope that you and your family have had a year full of good changes and grand adventures just as I have. I hope that you have made some truly magical memories.

And, I hope that the New Year brings you

More time with those you love,

Perfect health,

Abundant joy, peace and contentment.

Happy 2013!