I ran across an image of this painting last year. It moved me. So many astounding elements: The figure who appears to be crying. The lit Christmas tree. The graveyard in the moonlight. The moon and the plentiful stars, all of which give hope. I know for many this is a tough time of year. Please hang in there. If you can do anything to help someone else, please do – let’s be a world filled with kind humans.

The title of this painting is (aptly) Christmas Eve at the Grave. I’m sharing this with you a day early. This painting was done by a Swedish artist, Otto Hesselbom. His STORY isn’t an easy one, but he persevered. What an incredible painting. I know nothing about it, or where it’s now located, but the emotion in this painting is almost overwhelming. Many of you can relate, and many will one day. So for now, do what you can to help someone who’s going through a tough time.

Remembering those who have gone before me… 🙏 sending prayers/wishes/good vibes to their families and friends.

2024: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve – can you believe it? It seems as if summer has just ended. We’re expecting chilly temps (for here, nothing to compare to the rest of the country!) – we are stocked and ready… My husband popped over to Mount Pleasant Seafood for some shrimp, also splurged on a 1# package of Honey Baked Ham (did you know you can order it by the pound?) It’s just the two of us, so that’s more than plenty for several meals. I’m looking forward to making a cheese ball recipe for the new year that was a hit last year – will keep you posted, hehe. For now, I sit with my (broken) foot up. Thankful for a husband who is taking on the shopping, cooking and everything else – especially this time of year!

May the rest of your year be merry and bright… Happy Christmas Eve-Eve. 😉

IMAGE IS NOT FOR REPRODUCTION.

🙏 Until next time! The beginning of this post was originally published 12/23/2023 – sharing again because it’s special.