That’s it: Turning Pages, through comings of ages, lines in the sand, I turn them, I cross them, I’ll do it with hope, and hand in hand. I hack at the keyboard, ideas are forming, outside is snow, there’s wind and it’s storming. This here, dear friend, the last Grapevine before the end (of the year), a turkey, a toast, perhaps a beer, And a new one on January 15 will appear…

Weave Shed and market will sell things that are nice, made around here, at a very fair price. The cafés and the pubs, all thriving hubs, musical voices, entertainment choices. The theatre, the Whittle, right in the middle, hosting the classy, the flickering sassy. Gosh! ‘S gonna be nice, bits of wind, chestnuts on fire, egg nog and ice. Year will retire. It’s been a good one. Right to the wire. Family meals, sharing of food, jigs and reels. Needles of pine, nieces come over, candles shine, inlaws will visit, will dine, all together, with babies and wine.

Imagine the songs my friends will be singing: Bluesing, crooning, rocking and swinging. Imagine the lovers, bending their knee, asking for lifetimes of “will-you-be-with-me?”. Imagine the snow piles, the shovels, miles for the plows. Imagine the fog from the breath from the cows. Imagine the love of the living, the love of the planet and the love of giving. The spark in the eye! Imagine being so happy you cry. Imagine those, on who we drop bombs. Their sisters, their children, their fathers, their moms. Imagine a bit of peace in our mind, for those we would grind: the maligned. Imagine those confined to a cell, to the dark, to a hell. Imagine them: Getting peace as well, a tiny piece of ease for their plight, a quantum of light for their ongoing night.

photo: (c) Amanda Ferguson

Dare I share? Dare I care? Dare I send my stray thoughts of love to the ones below? The ones above? The ones we do or don’t know?

So I sit in my chair, in my robe, in my lair, typing away, addressing my share of words to you, dear reader, wherever you are. Likely not far. From the cookie jar. Thank you! You patiently read the grapevine.

We wish you the best, love in your nest, bliss and joy with your boy, and lots of spare time to play with a toy.

We want for you kisses from your missus, pecks on your neck, cakes from the pan with your clan. May you have hugs by the ton from your son, time to spend with a friend and share jokes with your folks. We hope you find buddies for studies, pals among the gals, smiles in your trials, and laughter thereafter.

May your boat stay afloat, may the wind blow the way you want it to blow, and may it refrain from getting under your coat. May the faces you dote on be safe and their places supplied with embraces. May the sole of your shoes tread a path filled with good news, filled with love of all hues. May cheer come in two’s and threes, and may luck be with you, with the birds and the bees.

(And please, if things turn out fine, remember it wished upon you by the Grapevine )