[ WELCOME ]
Dear Reader ,
Sharing my personal gifts to all celebrating Twelvetide 2022 . None come wrapped or tied in a big red bow . Mine are gifts of love . Afterall , love is the greatest gift of all , especially since the only gift that matters is sharing joy with the precious people in our lives .
Here we go .
On the first day of Christmas , my gift is hope for your good health . Without health , life is challenging .
Day Two … My gift is a wish for your serenity . May all the “ noise ” surrounding you be drowned out .
Bruce Cook Editor
Day Three … Life is empty without the companionship of a good friend .
Day Four … My gift is for you to take in the beauty of nature , the wonder of the world . Put your toes in winter sand . Breathe in the sea air . Feel the brisk , tingle of coastal wind on your blushing cheeks .
Day Five … I give you the capability to find sensitivity for the unpleasant aspects of our modern world . Choose kindness . Don ’ t turn away from the unhoused person on the corner stoplight . Look to the left and say , “ There but for the grace of God .”
Day Six … I give you the ability to find the courage to speak the truth . Little white lies are just as hurtful as big ones .
Day Seven … Learn to listen more , speak less . Speak when your thoughts are clear , and your words come without malice .
Day Eight … My gift is the motivation to strive to be smarter . Seek information , find facts , pursue education . Read books , study what moves you . This will change your life .
Day Nine … I give you the mindset to always embrace a sense of gratitude . No matter the circumstance , find the positive in the moment . It ’ s the glass half-full life .
Day Ten … I give you strength to fight off the “ little green monster .” Jealousy and bitterness have no place in a life of joy .
Day Eleven … Wealth comes in different forms . Money is not God . Time is sacred and precious . Money comes and goes . Accomplishments matter . Live your best life and your needs will be met , perhaps even exceeded beyond your wildest dreams .
On the 12th day … if you have embraced at least three of the previous eleven gifts , taking each message to heart , then the final gift is a tangible present to give to yourself . On the eve of the Twelvetide , charter a Duffy Boat for an afternoon bay cruise on a warm ( hopefully ) winter afternoon with the bright sun casting diamonds on the bay current around you . Take two ( not one ) bottles of Costco Champagne ($ 19.99 ). You know it is rumored to be from the fine French House of Perrier-Jouët . Really ? Why not ? Bring some caviar too . Out in the middle of Newport Harbor say a prayer ( out loud works ) and offer hope for so many not able to join your cruise .
Happy Hanukkah , Merry Christmas .
Peace on Earth , Goodwill to All
Sincerely , Bruce Cook Editor
8 BAY WINDOW