Here we are in the midst of the holiday season. Rick and I have put up a cheerful strings of lights in the yoga studio, our holiday lights are up on the condo balcony, and I am busy as ever, wrapping up the year.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I went to the East Coast to visit family and friends.  Had a wonderful time all around. It was also my birthday, so, when I arrived in Salisbury, Maryland, my sister Zina treated me to a Yoga Nidra class with Monica. It was wonderfully relaxing. Monica read the following poem by Albert Camus. I hope you will like this as much as I do:

In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.

In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.

In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.

I realized, through it all, that…

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

And that makes me happy.

For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me,

within me, there’s something stronger-

something better, pushing right back.

-Albert Camus  (French-Algerian philosopher, author, journalist)

I am adding to the above poem, some photos from my time on the East Coast. Enjoy the photos.

Central Park

Here I am, sitting on Hans Christian Anderson’s lap and reading “The Ugly Duckling” in Central Park! (Photo by Marilyn)

New York Botanical Garden, in the Bronx

Fabulous Walking Tour of Harlem with our guide, Neil Shoemaker, of Harlem Tours

Almost-Birthday Twins  Zina and I have almost the same birthday. Hers is on November 22 and mine is on November 25. Often one of our birthdays falls on Thanksgiving. Here is Zina on her brand new yellow beach bike, a birthday gift from her son Adam, his wife Aista, and their kids, Thomas and Amelia. (Photo by Jim)

Making Pumpkin Pies for Thanksgiving (photo by Zina)

And why not a picture of me when I was a kid?

Zina’s kitty, Bella

Taking a walk with my brother-in-law, Jim, and dog Bailey. (photo by Zina)

Long Shadows of Late November, Maryland

Sunset Dancer Pose on the Verrazano Bridge (photo by Zina)