Life's joys,

Here we are at a free concert, enjoying the sunshine and the company of fellow citizens at a small town festival.  (These events occur all the time, you just have to find them, keep the date on the calendar, and manage to attend.)

We sat here and had lunch, fish and chips and slaw prepared by a local establishment, and could have remained here all afternoon, a good three hours of free entertainment, both on stage and off stage.

From the touristy crowd I learned about the latest fashions and hair do's.
From the advertisements, I learned about local businesses I didn't know about.
From the musicians, I learned how joyful it is to perform for a receptive audience of retirees, all looking for some free entertainment, all appreciative.

Mid-way through the concert, we got up and deposited appreciative contributions in the thank-you jar on stage.

My daughter and her husband are musicians, traveling to different venues and entertaining various audiences, just as these musicians are doing in this setting.  I know these folks do what they do for the joy and pleasure they derive from this activity. But, they do have to live and meet expenses, such as meals, gas, overnight stay.  Whatever they receive in these jars might be all they have to continue doing what they are doing.

So, enjoy the freebies wherever you go. But, don't forget to be generous to those folks who provide you joy and pleasure. Buy the CD  from these musicians, and be generous at the thank-you-jar.

Imagine if Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys were never appreciated, never encouraged to stay focused on their passion

We all need a bit of Christmas.

Every year, we spend too much, running on a threadmill with millions of others, buying and buying to feel something. to feel a bit of Christmas the way we experienced as children. What we want is that sense of magic that was the result of others' generosity and good will. And that can't be bad, can it?

In my community, the bell ringer for the local Salvation Army reported an unusual amount of donations. The local schools have collected more than ever, even though there are more children on free and reduced lunches.
Traditions that make goodwill and generosity come alive during these tough times must be maintained and encouraged. This is not the time to feel like Scrooges.

Only then, the joy of the season will warm us all over.