The Hermit Poet

Merry Christmas! It’s white and cold and incredibly beautiful. I’ve been busy all day with church services, eating, entertaining my new nephew, and in general not being a poet or a student.

When it comes down to it, I don’t need much to be happy. While it was nice to be home and to have lots of gifts this year, what I enjoyed most was simply being here with family and seeing old friends. As I grow older, it’s really these relationships that matter most. I am very happy this year with the many new friends I’ve made through Kundiman and Idyllwild. I’m grateful for the doors that have opened. Grateful as well for projects that are nearing completion and others that are about to launch. Being busy, healthy, and at peace are great blessings in anyone’s life.

When I head back to Riverside, I’ll be more broke than I’ve been in years — but I’ll be happy. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing with my life. Writing and teaching, editing and researching, designing and building. This coming year promises to be a full one.

Wherever you are, may this year and next be full of peace and happiness — and may the right words find you at the right time.