Winter2010

Annual Solstice Letter for December, 2010

<< 2011 | SolsticeLetters | 2009 >>

Dear Family and Friends:

This has been a wonderful year, on the whole, for me , and a good year for Peter. We have been well, for the most part, and mainly content with our lives. Some of our friends have become ill over this past year, though , with cancer.

One of these has been my former husband, John. I have discovered that it takes a small community of family and friends to help those who are afflicted with this disease, to overcome it. Each time I find a friend, or a family member of a friend being diagnosed with this disease, it reminds me, once again, to really value each moment I have spent with each of you, whether it is by phone, e-mail or in person. I have only the present moment with you, and cannot count on forever.

During this past year, I have performed with members of my Harmelodic Club, a friend from the Gloucester Music Teachers' Association and friends at home. All have been rewarding experiences. What I have learned from these events is not that we have performed 'perfectly', but that the act of sharing, concomitant with the emotions involved in that act, provide me with a joy I will never wish to replace.

During this past year, I have been a regular columnist for Women On Top Magazine (www.powersof2.ca/wotmag.htm), for women fifty and over. It is a very good online magazine, no matter what field you are in, or whether or not you are retired . I report on the non-visual and multi-media arts, both the local 'scene' and common issues in the arts, which affect those of us within the arts, as well as those who are engaged as afficionados of them.

I really enjoy writing. In fact, hardly a day passes without my writing something, composing something, singing or playing something. I literally cannot spend a day without creating or re-creating a piece of writing or a piece of music. Perhaps I am somewhat obsessive, but music and writing I consider my 'religion', and sharing them, my spirituality.

For those of us who attended St. Laurent High, and are still on this reunion list, it is important to know that a few of us have been discussing a reunion for 2011. Those of us who graduated in 1961 are looking forward to a 50th Anniversary Reunion. I believe the last one, in 2007, was a great success. We can incorporate many other years in this one. Every 5th year anniversary is a 'big one'. I would like to hear from many more of you who might be interested in having a reunion in Montreal this year.

Our Mischa has become a real pet. Now with the winter upon us, he spends most of his feline days sleeping either close to us in his bed by our laptop, or on our bed with either one of us, or both. He loves music, affection, his treats and people. We are forever thankful to Peter's cousin, Ruth, for giving him to us.

Now, on behalf of Peter and myself, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, a Great Winter Solstice and a wonderful New Year !

Love,
Diane

<< 2011 | SolsticeLetters | 2009 >>

Page last modified on December 17, 2019, at 03:52 AM