Image: Pixabay
Today I’m recommending my friend Laurel’s blog for your Advent reading.
When her two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder could no longer tolerate the upheaval of Christmas, she knew she would have to find a different way than with decorations, visiting, lavish gifts and meals to celebrate. She tells her story on this video.
This new reality turned her toward the quiet, 25-day-long celebration of Advent, which she chronicles each year on a blog. For the past few years she has asked fellow-travellers to join her. (I’m honored to be one of them this year).
You can follow our Advent journey on her blog Four Parts Hope. (This year we’re doing cinquain, tanka, haiku, psalms, found poems, and Laurel’s main writings will be haibun.)
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This post is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted today by Bridget the wise one at wee words for wee ones.
Violet Nesdoly / poems 
mstinbc
December 2, 2016 at 8:16 am
Violet, I am bawling like a baby… I checked out the blog – missing today specifically, but clicked on December 1st… What a moving piece of writing by your friend.
As I enter the Christmas season I am feeling motivated to be quietly reflective on the blessings in my life and may now decorate the balcony that I was going to leave dark because of all the mental upheaval going on inside my mind. Thank you for sharing such a lovely post. Terry
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Violet Nesdoly
December 2, 2016 at 8:59 am
Thanks, Terry! I know… Laurel is a great communicator and inspires all of us to count our blessings! (So happy about the great house news. Happy, happy!!)
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Maureen Sudlow
December 2, 2016 at 10:51 am
Love this – would like to follow but can’t find the ‘follow’ button…
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Bridget Magee
December 2, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Wow, Violet, just wow. Thank you for sharing Laurel’s words, “Live Christmas well.” It is what we should all strive to do. Looking forward to reading your poetry on this journey.
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Tabatha
December 3, 2016 at 2:37 am
Laurel’s perspective is one I hadn’t encountered before. It’s important to hear. Thanks for making me aware of her journey.
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Brenda Davis Harsham
December 3, 2016 at 6:12 pm
So important to remember what really matters. Very moving.
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Linda Mitchell
December 5, 2016 at 12:03 am
Turn toward the quiet….what a lesson for us all. Thank you.
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Myra GB
December 8, 2016 at 11:40 pm
Very heartwarming.
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