First of all, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Blessed Yule, etc... Safe journey if you're traveling and best wishes if you're staying put.

I probably won't be doing any posting of new material or journals until after the 28th of December.

and I will be headed up to Wisconsin to visit my family over the holidays; which, I'm really looking forward to. I find myself to be a very family orientated person and it has been quite awhile since I've seen my family and old friends. My mom is very excited to have all her kids in one place again if just for a little while.

Her and I were talking on the phone the other day about what to do for Christmas presents. Every year she asks me what I want for Christmas. I don't know about any of you, but usually when someone asks me what I want for Christmas, I blank. This year was definitely different.

All I want for Christmas is a new job. These were the actual words my mom said she wanted for Christmas last year and believe or not, her wish was granted. Following in her footsteps, I'll send an SOS to the universe in hopes that my wish will be granted as well. More material possessions just means more stuff I have to move later.

For those wondering, my job now does pay the bills, but it's not creative work and it's not studio work either. In fact, it pretty much drains the creative energy out of me. I work with several others here on who would agree with me. Still, I don't consider my situation to be unique or more deserving than any other person in the same position. So I just keep on doing the only thing one can do. Press on, stay positive, and keep on practicing. To those of you out there in a similar situation, I hope it works out for you as well.

To end on a happier note, the first couple of days spent in Wisconsin will be in the northern woods at my grandfather's cabin.

Imagine a large 2 story house nestled a few miles back in the woods. The trees are everywhere no more then 10 to 15 feet apart from each other. There's white snow everywhere and a small lake about 30 to 50 yards from the house. No sounds of cars or planes. There's only the laughing and singing of various family members and the occasional sighting of deer. In the afternoon, after thoroughly getting a nice warm buzz from a small amount of alcohol everyone will end the night to stories, caroling, and marshmallow roasting.

It's pretty picturesque and perhaps I should take some pictures while I'm up there and post em up when I get back.

I can't wait.