reflections in nature / reflection of self

At times it can be enlightening and empowering to take just a few moments to reflect on ourselves

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted. I have missed you all - truly. I hope that every one had a most wonderful Thanksgiving.
As some of you know, I traveled to Maryland this Thanksgiving and visited my older brother and his family. The drive is a long one but it was a wonderful time. Frederick is a town with a lot of Civil War history and also home to many wonderful and unique specialty shops and art galleries. When I first planned this trip I thought that I would be there on their First Saturday Gallery Walk. On this day the galleries are open late and they serve up hot chocolate or mulled cider in many of the shops. But I was there for their famous Frosty Friday - a day when the shops are open late and there is a special arrival of Santa Claus at the local toy store. My niece and nephew (twins who turn 8 on Christmas Eve) look forward to this every year - they use this day to do their secret santa shopping and I got to be a part of it this year. It's so much fun to be with young children during the Christmas season - there is excitement and wonder in their eyes and voices. The Santa that arrived that night was of course not the real one, they knew that, but we saw the real one on Sunday night. I will have to tell you about it. I believe.
On Saturday I shopped by myself and walked around the park. It was such a beautiful and crisp day. I really have to say I enjoyed being along and taking my time - reflecting on what the weekend had meant to me - there had been a few ripples but overall everything went smoothly with a clear picture of love and gratitude / another self portrait. this one is for my drawing class and i'm pleased with it although i'm not sure this phone pic does it justice - i feel like i captured my eyes pretty well. do i look deep in thought?
i had such a great time at home last week being with family and friends but this week i will be very busy with finals and all - i'll do my best to help with the blog but forgive me if i miss a day.