Twas the day before Christmas and Thev was manic

[thrihyrne]

Most of my posts these days are either apologies for *not* posting, or ones of gratitude, or to do with the fics I'm working on. This one will be no exception.

I don't want to share my to-do list for today, because writing it made me tired already. But suffice it to say that there's plenty to do. At least we have our power today (it was out for a while yesterday morning). So my apology part is: probably won't be posting much over the next two days (though probably many other people won't either), but I'm definitely thinking about you all.

Now for the grateful part, put behind a cut because I'm going to ramble on for a while:

I don't think I had publicly thanked licia_north for her package of goodies, so I'll share here how wonderful they were. She sent a gorgeous Russian Christmas card (both she and I have studied and forgotten much of the language) with a sentiment to it that made me feel both warm and incredibly appreciated. Then there were two pages of Gaelic for me to ponder and learn, including the pronunciation as part of her Oisin-teaching process. There was also a hand-calligraphied page with my name looking beautiful, a purple fairy pin, and a heart Christmas tree ornament. Inspiration hit with the ornament (a gorgeous maroon with gold swirls on it) and I found a metal stand that usually has a candle votive holder dangling from it. Now it has the heart, set to the left of the computer, so I have a visual of licia love every time I sit down to read/write LJ, or email, or work on stories.

As if that weren't enough (and between that and The Project from licia_north and llembas, I got another wave of Christmas early from twilights_abode! You gorgeous, thoughtful person! Not just home-baked cookies (which were scarfed up immediately), but also two bookmarks, one which was lovingly hand-made complete with a unique poem that made me all sniffly and will inspire me to get back into reading. And a beautiful journal- an incredibly timely gift as I can no longer seem to find purple legal paper, which is what I usually write on. There was what may be the most gorgeous, and textured Christmas card I've ever received, and then, the kicker- a George Harry Potter action figure!! :D :D :D Lauren, I can't thank you enough. I'm going to put George either by the computer or maybe put him next to my Gimli figure and they can keep each other company. I'm awash in the generosity of my friends here in the lovejournal.

We're not to New Year's yet, but in the spirit of giving, here are just a few things that I wish for you all:
~eldritchhobbit- a successful spring of teaching, that is also injury- and illness-free. Merlin knows that you've earned it! And a completed draft of your book, which I better be able to help edit.
~fungus_files- a continued successful time at your position in Melbourne, and a slash in airline fees between there and Brisbane. ;)
celandineb- a spring with academic success, much wonderful food, and ever more steamy Elf- and PotC-lovin!
~llembas- I know you had your time in Azkaban this year, but you also have your passport now, so for you, I wish for that long-awaited trip overseas.
~edrys- you've had some ups and downs as well, and for you I wish for a place of domestic happiness, and continued success in your writing and musical endeavors.
~twilights_abode- for you I wish for a second semester at college that includes academic triumphs, and an increased sense of believing in yourself and having friends you can trust and bolster you during the rough patches.
~febobe- above all else, for you I wish for financial security, and indications to a clear path in regards to your own work and writing life.
snottygrrl- a safe return to NZ, a job of the kind that you've been so diligently pursuing, much time to *breathe*, ever more H/D, and companionship of a thoughtful, beautiful man.
licia_north- Oisin. Oisin, Oisin, Oisin. And all of the other amazing creative enterprises you do: art, musical compilations, wire sculptures, perfecting the craft of letter-writing. I really hope to meet you this year.

And for everyone on my flist, and those who lurk and share similar interests, I wish you joy when you least expect it, a hug when you desperately need it, and of course, lots of redheads. :)