Happy Bappy Happy for everyone. What is Christmas. I’m no longer a Catholic. Never was a Jew. I practiced Kundalini Yoga once and tried to get the Kundalini to rise in my consciousness. Didn’t work. I don’t praise Allah but I have no qualms with him because he once cared for a cat. And any humans who care for cats are an ace in my book. The Prophet Muhammad’s cat’s name: Muezza.
My Egyptian Muslim neighbors brought me back a statue of Bastet. She is probably the best-known feline goddess from Egypt. Bastet was the revered Egyptian cat goddess with the head of a cat, and the body of a woman, who was known as a fearsome and almighty protector.
Interesting that Vance rails against cats and women. He, who changes his religion as often as he changes his underwear and his name.
Google AI dug up a trove of references. Here's one.
The Prophet Muhammad is known for his love of cats, and there are several stories about his relationship with them:
Muezza
One famous story tells of Muhammad cutting off the sleeve of his robe to avoid disturbing his cat, Muezza, while preparing for prayer. After returning, Muezza nuzzled against Muhammad's leg, and he brought her into his home. Muhammad taught his followers to treat animals with empathy, and made sure the cats around his mosque were fed and sheltered. However, many Muslims consider this story to be untrue because it is not mentioned in any hadith.
Cats are useful friends in any time and place that harbors rats and mice. I don't know about the Hijaz in Muhammad's time, but I sure wouldn't bet against the possibility that rats, mice, and other rodents were an issue. IIRC, the widespread killing of cats in Europe is considered a factor in the increase of rats that helped spread the bubonic plague (Black Death).
Merry Christmas Bill. I consider myself a recovering Catholic. Eight years of Catholic School in the early fifties. However, I do believe in God or a Higher Power. I still feel peace when I pray. However, I feel if you can follow the Ten Commandments, you’re doing ok. I’ll be praying and talking to myself frequently the next four years. I vote, but I live in a very red and deeply gerrymandered state.
I have two cats, both rescued, and two dogs in my life, also rescued. When I was younger, I rode horses. Never owned one, they are expensive, but did lease one for my daughter. Well I guess I don’t qualify as a “cat lady”, I’m married and have had two children. But I love my two cats and the four that have passed before them. I really miss having a dog. I would rescue one, but at 79 my health hasn’t been good lately. I thought about fostering, but my husband would need to be sedated if I brought home a dog☺️.
I understand allergies, but I can’t imagine not having my furry friends.
Im so blessed, off to see the grandchildren and family today. Wishing all on this site, a happy, whatever you celebrate.
Bill: I like your message, but perhaps it is time to find religion again - whether it is Catholism, Judiasm, or worshipping Muhammad's cat "Muezza." There is a spiritual side to humans that needs nurshment for all of us to be whole. Whether your soul receives nutrition from an unusal place it is still ok and you are still loved. Happy Holidays, Elizabeth www.democrazy2020.org
Not every spiritual person is religious, but in my experience some fine spiritual writers and speakers have religious affiliation and backgrounds.
Prophets often find fault with religious spokespeople. That fact doesn't invalidate religious practices, but as one well-known prophet reputedly said of religious regulations, the letter (of the Law) kills; the spirit (of the law) gives life. That antithesis doesn't mean that you can't do both lettter and spirit, but it can mean you shouldn't rest complacently on letter-perfection.
There is much to explore and learn from reaching back past the Abrahamic religious traditions to the the contemporary versions of pagan beliefs and practices of long-ago ancestors. Much of Christian practice is based on mythologies that reach back thousands of years, using the seasons and ways of nature to express respect for the natural world which is as full of wonder and mystery as anything with angels and miracles. The winter solstice demonstrates that darkness is followed by the return of the light, the seasons show us that from death comes rebirth and new life. In science we are discovering the interdependence of all living things in the interweaving of life and death and life again. We are not separate from nature. We need to respect and preserve life on this planet. We forget this to our own peril.
The Indigenous Religions are Shamanic Spiritual Systems... As some Cultures Developed, they became more Organized, and Hierarchical, as did their Religions... Originally, all Cultures were Shamanic...
The Indigenous Religions are also more Fluid, and Decentralized... Our 'Power' is generated from Within, and is a Gift from the Creator, which is Creation...
The Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Solstices are the most important Holidays... They are part of the Circle Of Life...
Like Neo said in the 'Matrix'... The Hierarchical Religions are Systems-Of-Control... They are Hierarchical with a Supreme Leader at Top... ;-)
Yes, as the light begins to return, may this season bring warmth, joy, and renewal to all. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with love and hope!
Speaking of "giving so much of yourself", saw your interview / conversation with Tim. More please ... we need more of your informed and thoughtful voice out there.
Hanukah starts tonight. The Jewish festival of lights. I love that almost every culture has a story that creates an imperative to add light to the world during the darkest time of year. 🕎
I had hoped that the intersection of Hanukah and Christmas would create opportunities everywhere for celebrating and coming together. We surely could do with more of that. So I am adding my vision here, to make it so, if only in this thinking space.
FYI, every time i hit your “link” or try to cc it in order to enter the info in a “search”, your entire post disappears as if I were “collapsing” it. Fortunately, Tim Miller is an easy find.
The amount of interesting information available through these venues -podcasts/utube/Substacks -always brings me back to realization (myself included) how much we DON’T know and how many people who think they are qualified (or) ARE running the show. Thanks for the links -those that do. 🫶
Fodder for the comedians -be it that then ..certainly better than ‘the fodder’ in war.. isn’t it time we all just get along vs the endless killing anyone/everyone…them?
I propose that every person in Government or their Backers ought to take ALL of Heathers classes.😌
Oh yes, you stretch yourself so very far to give us hope. Thank you dearest Heather Cox Richardson and Merry Christmas and hopes we’ll actually make it through the New Year.
Given that this year, Christmas and Chanukah and Kwanzaa all come at the same time, with their various traditions and stories of light, it is up to us to keep those lights glowing beyond this holiday season.
The light from the Solstice Holidays started shining brightly for me tonight as I received a special gift from a latke loving friend. She was lamenting that she could not get to North Berkeley, CA tomorrow for Saul's Delicatessen "Hanukkah Block Party" which runs 10 am to 6:00 pm tomorrow outdoors.
My reply was that she "Better Call Saul" which she thought was too funny. Next thing I know, I received a major gift-credit for access to Saul's "Latke Tent". Saul has a tent full of Latkes!
I will be calling Saul. But, my year long gift was from the Professor and her Lobsterman & this very strong & vibrant Community. I think we may be close to 2 million lucky ones these Holidays.
Happy New Year Bryan! Too funny, and so fun! My son worked on the show, Better Call Saul, for the best, kindest director in the business, Vince Gilligan. May we feel that goodness every day this year.
Betsy, It is important also to remember that numerous societies have celebrations of light over darkness at this time. For example, in India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated. Diwali has evolved over centuries to represent the victory of light, knowledge, and hope over darkness and despair. Its widespread observance reflects India’s rich diversity, uniting people across regions and faiths in celebration. As a festival, it highlights themes of renewal, gratitude, and community bonding.
Wonderful holidays to you and yours.......I'm sure we all hope you'll allow yourself at least a little down time to recharge a bit then back into the fray, soon enough!
Peter, it’s thanks to Heather sharing your photos that I and my bestie, on a trek to Maine and back from our homes in Naples, Florida, came to meet you at the gallery and spend a happy afternoon in your company. “Thankful” has pride of place in my foyer. Hugs, Shielagh
God bless your fighting Christmas spirit I always loved the Dickens story "The Little Match Girl". It reminded me of my dear mother who grew up on the mean streets of Baltimore. She would walk around the neighborhood with her little brother and sisters hand in tow trying to peak in the windows of the marble steps to see the Christmas tree they didn't have. Your deligence in your writing reminds us that we must be strong and stay focused there are millions that are about to suffer in the US and are suffering now in Gaza and Ukraine. the US must still be that beacon of light. God bless you for your good work!
Let there be light. Thank you Heather, for keeping us together as a caring and informed community. Gratitude is the word of the day for all of us who want for nothing. The roof. The meal. The friends. The warmth.
Have a Merry whatever matters and a very Happier New Year.
There' are a lot of struggles that we have in common. I want to declare my gratitude for this wonderful community of like-minded spirits who prop each other up, thanks to Heather's platform. Wishing all of you the happiest holidays and may the New Year smile upon us....
As someone who has celebrated Solstice for many years I believe that it is the day that marks the slow turn toward longer days and greater light. I would add to your thoughtful words “"If this is a difficult time for you, may the holiday land gently." Credited to Connie Schultz
"A great and common tenderness"...we are capable of attention, that anyone who notices the world must want to save it." Thank You for this, J.L. You (and Rebecca Baggett and Neruda) just gave me my 2025 New Year's Theme: "A great and common tenderness."
I am not a "believer", but is not "A great and common tenderness." key to what Christmas and Christianity is fundamentally, scripturally, supposed to be about?
Beautiful to read over & over… becoming a peace-filled mantra
Or post solstice dance
We must invite the intelligence of musk to meet us and see our world… to engage in democratic conversation or argument.. to learn debate and its forms and reasoning. Such that he can be a
Builder not just a user of all the earth.. such that he can engage in equality w all other humans of all other walks, dreams, challenges and losses.
I believe all humans can thrive if/when their intellect becomes engaged with living, healing themselves and their offspring…
Expanding their physical world to enter their spiritual world… their deep connecting place … with their own words…
We are in inescapably in relationship with reality, including with others on our planet. We have never "conquered" nature, only learned to adapt to it, even with our more advanced technologies. Failure to care beyond one's own self is at best pathetic hubris, and acted on aggressively is the essence of evil.
Same to you Heather - and thank you for your daily posts. I am grateful for your shared knowledge at a time when I am in such despair (and I know I'm not alone). Still hopeful, thanks in part to you.
“When the light starts coming back” is our hope for the future of the country. Merry Christmas to all!
Happy Bappy Happy for everyone. What is Christmas. I’m no longer a Catholic. Never was a Jew. I practiced Kundalini Yoga once and tried to get the Kundalini to rise in my consciousness. Didn’t work. I don’t praise Allah but I have no qualms with him because he once cared for a cat. And any humans who care for cats are an ace in my book. The Prophet Muhammad’s cat’s name: Muezza.
As-salami alaykum, brothers and sisters.
Meow. I said “Meow!”
I never knew that the prophet of the muslims had a cat. Thanks for that bit of trivia :)
Which is why if you ask a Muslim if they like cats will most always say yes.
It now occurs to me, JDVance’s rant against cat ladies may have contained an anti Muslim as well as toxic patriarchal slur within it 🐈⬛ Grrr !
Wishing a safe, healthy and kindly New Year to All.
I think too complicated for the AH. But plausible right?
Even on XMAS you still have inject politics?
It makes you look small.
THis is why America is exhausted by woke leftism. Leftists can never take a day off from virtue signaling and talking down to Americans.
Turkey has cats everywhere. At the resorts they hang out in the eating areas and are spoiled rotten.
My Egyptian Muslim neighbors brought me back a statue of Bastet. She is probably the best-known feline goddess from Egypt. Bastet was the revered Egyptian cat goddess with the head of a cat, and the body of a woman, who was known as a fearsome and almighty protector.
Interesting that Vance rails against cats and women. He, who changes his religion as often as he changes his underwear and his name.
I am really surprised. I wouldn't have expected Muhammad to like cats. Thank you for letting us know, even down to the name of his own cat!
Google AI dug up a trove of references. Here's one.
The Prophet Muhammad is known for his love of cats, and there are several stories about his relationship with them:
Muezza
One famous story tells of Muhammad cutting off the sleeve of his robe to avoid disturbing his cat, Muezza, while preparing for prayer. After returning, Muezza nuzzled against Muhammad's leg, and he brought her into his home. Muhammad taught his followers to treat animals with empathy, and made sure the cats around his mosque were fed and sheltered. However, many Muslims consider this story to be untrue because it is not mentioned in any hadith.
Cats are useful friends in any time and place that harbors rats and mice. I don't know about the Hijaz in Muhammad's time, but I sure wouldn't bet against the possibility that rats, mice, and other rodents were an issue. IIRC, the widespread killing of cats in Europe is considered a factor in the increase of rats that helped spread the bubonic plague (Black Death).
Why do you say this? Curious.
It's called a conversation Bill. I enjoyed the back and forth of the topic and learned something.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Believe he was the one who cut off his sleeve rather than disturb a sleeping cat.🐈 ❤️
Merry Christmas Bill. I consider myself a recovering Catholic. Eight years of Catholic School in the early fifties. However, I do believe in God or a Higher Power. I still feel peace when I pray. However, I feel if you can follow the Ten Commandments, you’re doing ok. I’ll be praying and talking to myself frequently the next four years. I vote, but I live in a very red and deeply gerrymandered state.
I have two cats, both rescued, and two dogs in my life, also rescued. When I was younger, I rode horses. Never owned one, they are expensive, but did lease one for my daughter. Well I guess I don’t qualify as a “cat lady”, I’m married and have had two children. But I love my two cats and the four that have passed before them. I really miss having a dog. I would rescue one, but at 79 my health hasn’t been good lately. I thought about fostering, but my husband would need to be sedated if I brought home a dog☺️.
I understand allergies, but I can’t imagine not having my furry friends.
Im so blessed, off to see the grandchildren and family today. Wishing all on this site, a happy, whatever you celebrate.
Very nice. Thank you!
Cats are good! Meaw back from two here, happy just to have their food bowls topped up for Christmas morning.
"Dance like a butterfly sting like a bee."
Meow, you say? Is that because you are a Katz?
Cats rule!
I ♥️ cats!
Bill: I like your message, but perhaps it is time to find religion again - whether it is Catholism, Judiasm, or worshipping Muhammad's cat "Muezza." There is a spiritual side to humans that needs nurshment for all of us to be whole. Whether your soul receives nutrition from an unusal place it is still ok and you are still loved. Happy Holidays, Elizabeth www.democrazy2020.org
However, the connection between religion and spirituality is often tenuous at best. Religion *can* be helpful in fostering community, however.
Not every spiritual person is religious, but in my experience some fine spiritual writers and speakers have religious affiliation and backgrounds.
Prophets often find fault with religious spokespeople. That fact doesn't invalidate religious practices, but as one well-known prophet reputedly said of religious regulations, the letter (of the Law) kills; the spirit (of the law) gives life. That antithesis doesn't mean that you can't do both lettter and spirit, but it can mean you shouldn't rest complacently on letter-perfection.
There is much to explore and learn from reaching back past the Abrahamic religious traditions to the the contemporary versions of pagan beliefs and practices of long-ago ancestors. Much of Christian practice is based on mythologies that reach back thousands of years, using the seasons and ways of nature to express respect for the natural world which is as full of wonder and mystery as anything with angels and miracles. The winter solstice demonstrates that darkness is followed by the return of the light, the seasons show us that from death comes rebirth and new life. In science we are discovering the interdependence of all living things in the interweaving of life and death and life again. We are not separate from nature. We need to respect and preserve life on this planet. We forget this to our own peril.
The Indigenous Religions are Shamanic Spiritual Systems... As some Cultures Developed, they became more Organized, and Hierarchical, as did their Religions... Originally, all Cultures were Shamanic...
The Indigenous Religions are also more Fluid, and Decentralized... Our 'Power' is generated from Within, and is a Gift from the Creator, which is Creation...
The Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Solstices are the most important Holidays... They are part of the Circle Of Life...
Like Neo said in the 'Matrix'... The Hierarchical Religions are Systems-Of-Control... They are Hierarchical with a Supreme Leader at Top... ;-)
You pagans are such pagans.
You're totally missing my point, and in an all-too-familiar way. It is possible to be spiritual without being religious. Is that clearer?
That’s very funny. Thanks 🙏
Logical and no doubt a bit of self preservation too ("any humans who"...) considering a Katz are YOU!
Yes, as the light begins to return, may this season bring warmth, joy, and renewal to all. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with love and hope!
Thank You. And a Happy New Year, however we can make it so.
The same back to you!
Yes..and our World...xx
Thank you for giving so much of yourself to us! Have a wonderful break!
Such a heartfelt comment ❤️
Speaking of "giving so much of yourself", saw your interview / conversation with Tim. More please ... we need more of your informed and thoughtful voice out there.
❤️
Tim who? Where can i find it?
Hanukah starts tonight. The Jewish festival of lights. I love that almost every culture has a story that creates an imperative to add light to the world during the darkest time of year. 🕎
I had hoped that the intersection of Hanukah and Christmas would create opportunities everywhere for celebrating and coming together. We surely could do with more of that. So I am adding my vision here, to make it so, if only in this thinking space.
Tim Miller. Here’s a link-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bulwark-podcast/id1447684472?i=1000681017303
Thanks!
Thankyou!
FYI, every time i hit your “link” or try to cc it in order to enter the info in a “search”, your entire post disappears as if I were “collapsing” it. Fortunately, Tim Miller is an easy find.
It’s The Bulwark podcast if link isn’t responding. Easy to find on your podcast app.
Try holding your finger down longer on what you want to copy, then highlight it and select copy
Just press on the link hard and pull back no orther writing
The amount of interesting information available through these venues -podcasts/utube/Substacks -always brings me back to realization (myself included) how much we DON’T know and how many people who think they are qualified (or) ARE running the show. Thanks for the links -those that do. 🫶
Fodder for the comedians -be it that then ..certainly better than ‘the fodder’ in war.. isn’t it time we all just get along vs the endless killing anyone/everyone…them?
I propose that every person in Government or their Backers ought to take ALL of Heathers classes.😌
🤶Merry Christmas
Oh yes, you stretch yourself so very far to give us hope. Thank you dearest Heather Cox Richardson and Merry Christmas and hopes we’ll actually make it through the New Year.
Given that this year, Christmas and Chanukah and Kwanzaa all come at the same time, with their various traditions and stories of light, it is up to us to keep those lights glowing beyond this holiday season.
The light from the Solstice Holidays started shining brightly for me tonight as I received a special gift from a latke loving friend. She was lamenting that she could not get to North Berkeley, CA tomorrow for Saul's Delicatessen "Hanukkah Block Party" which runs 10 am to 6:00 pm tomorrow outdoors.
My reply was that she "Better Call Saul" which she thought was too funny. Next thing I know, I received a major gift-credit for access to Saul's "Latke Tent". Saul has a tent full of Latkes!
I will be calling Saul. But, my year long gift was from the Professor and her Lobsterman & this very strong & vibrant Community. I think we may be close to 2 million lucky ones these Holidays.
That's something to Celebrate.
🔴🟣🔵
I’m not supposed to eat potatoes but hell, put a latke in front of me and I’ll eat it and the one next to it.
Happy New Year Bryan! Too funny, and so fun! My son worked on the show, Better Call Saul, for the best, kindest director in the business, Vince Gilligan. May we feel that goodness every day this year.
Can't think of a BCS quote that works on Christmas morning. Maybe a lawyer joke as I was licensed:
"Slipping Jimmy with a law degree is like a chimp with a machine gun".
Be Safe All.
"S'all good, man." He said it in the worst of times and the best of times.
Cheers to the Professor and her Lobsta man, she has kept me sane this year…oh and to Latkes…Mazel tov
Cheer & Cheers to LFAA.
So agreed.
And this means even more to me as I remember my beloved great-aunt Iris, who lived on the corner across from the North Berkeley BART Station.
Betsy, It is important also to remember that numerous societies have celebrations of light over darkness at this time. For example, in India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated. Diwali has evolved over centuries to represent the victory of light, knowledge, and hope over darkness and despair. Its widespread observance reflects India’s rich diversity, uniting people across regions and faiths in celebration. As a festival, it highlights themes of renewal, gratitude, and community bonding.
Keep the lights shining
Thanks, Beverly, for all you do for women's reproductive rights. To a happier New Year.
All the best to you, also, MaryPat.
Freedom means making your own decisions about your body.
Care. No matter what.
Heather, you ARE Light for so many of us.
Wonderful holidays to you and yours.......I'm sure we all hope you'll allow yourself at least a little down time to recharge a bit then back into the fray, soon enough!
Your "visuals" bring us joy as well, Peter. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Hear, hear!
Peter, it’s thanks to Heather sharing your photos that I and my bestie, on a trek to Maine and back from our homes in Naples, Florida, came to meet you at the gallery and spend a happy afternoon in your company. “Thankful” has pride of place in my foyer. Hugs, Shielagh
God bless your fighting Christmas spirit I always loved the Dickens story "The Little Match Girl". It reminded me of my dear mother who grew up on the mean streets of Baltimore. She would walk around the neighborhood with her little brother and sisters hand in tow trying to peak in the windows of the marble steps to see the Christmas tree they didn't have. Your deligence in your writing reminds us that we must be strong and stay focused there are millions that are about to suffer in the US and are suffering now in Gaza and Ukraine. the US must still be that beacon of light. God bless you for your good work!
Thank You, Jeanette, for this memory. Makes me want to be stronger for democracy.
H C Andersen, I think.
Let there be light. Thank you Heather, for keeping us together as a caring and informed community. Gratitude is the word of the day for all of us who want for nothing. The roof. The meal. The friends. The warmth.
Have a Merry whatever matters and a very Happier New Year.
Gratitude is the word of the day, gratitude for what we have, prayer and faith that we can find a peaceful and caring and united way forward.
Astonishing landscape....
There' are a lot of struggles that we have in common. I want to declare my gratitude for this wonderful community of like-minded spirits who prop each other up, thanks to Heather's platform. Wishing all of you the happiest holidays and may the New Year smile upon us....
As someone who has celebrated Solstice for many years I believe that it is the day that marks the slow turn toward longer days and greater light. I would add to your thoughtful words “"If this is a difficult time for you, may the holiday land gently." Credited to Connie Schultz
Thank you Heather 🌤️
We indeed are the lucky ones - and should strive to do more for those who aren’t.
Thank you, Heather, and happy holidays to you. A much needed break and restoration before we deal with next year.
You, Heather, are one of the few lights I can see … stuck here in Texas.
🫠
🙂
Merry and Happy and Healthy holidays… get some extra sleep.. we’ve got work to do in the New Year. 🚂💨💕
Rebecca Baggett: "Testimony"
for my daughters
I want to tell you
that the world is still beautiful.
I tell you that despite
children raped on city streets,
shot down in school rooms,
despite the slow poisons seeping
from old and hidden sins
into our air, soil, water,
despite the thinning film
that encloses our aching world.
Despite my own terror and despair.
I want you to look again and again,
to recognize the tender grasses,
curled like a baby's fine hairs
around your fingers, as a recurring
miracle, to see that the river rocks
shine like God, that the crisp
voices of the orange and gold
October leaves are laughing at death.
I want you to look beneath
the grass, to note
the fragile hieroglyphs
of ant, snail, beetle. I want
you to understand that you are
no more and no less necessary
than the brown recluse, the ruby-
throated hummingbird, the humpback
whale, the profligate mimosa.
I want to say, like Neruda,
that I am waiting for
"a great and common tenderness,"
that I still believe
we are capable of attention,
that anyone who notices the world
must want to save it.
https://www.ayearofbeinghere.com/2014/03/rebecca-baggett-testimony.html
"A great and common tenderness"...we are capable of attention, that anyone who notices the world must want to save it." Thank You for this, J.L. You (and Rebecca Baggett and Neruda) just gave me my 2025 New Year's Theme: "A great and common tenderness."
I am not a "believer", but is not "A great and common tenderness." key to what Christmas and Christianity is fundamentally, scripturally, supposed to be about?
Beautiful to read over & over… becoming a peace-filled mantra
Or post solstice dance
We must invite the intelligence of musk to meet us and see our world… to engage in democratic conversation or argument.. to learn debate and its forms and reasoning. Such that he can be a
Builder not just a user of all the earth.. such that he can engage in equality w all other humans of all other walks, dreams, challenges and losses.
I believe all humans can thrive if/when their intellect becomes engaged with living, healing themselves and their offspring…
Expanding their physical world to enter their spiritual world… their deep connecting place … with their own words…
We are in inescapably in relationship with reality, including with others on our planet. We have never "conquered" nature, only learned to adapt to it, even with our more advanced technologies. Failure to care beyond one's own self is at best pathetic hubris, and acted on aggressively is the essence of evil.
"I want you to look beneath the grass, to note the fragile hieroglyphs of ant, snail, beetle."
What a beautiful message JLG, thank you for passing it on to us.
Lovely. Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤️
💙🕊🌞
It’s almost tomorrow. Hope you’re all asleep. Santa Claus is being flown around the whole Earth delivering Hope, Forgiveness, Human kindness.
My Christmas gift to myself (and Heather). I just upgraded to paid. :)
Join and welcome to the family of commenters.
Same to you Heather - and thank you for your daily posts. I am grateful for your shared knowledge at a time when I am in such despair (and I know I'm not alone). Still hopeful, thanks in part to you.
Lovely photo. Thank you, and have a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.