Peace on earth, goodwill to all...one world, under the sun.

This really is a most extraordinary time of the year. Perhaps more than any other month or season, all around the world, humankind attaches a profound significance to these late December days. 

Searching with open hearts and minds, we discover that people of many faiths and traditions are reminded of spiritual connection, and our interconnectedness with one another, and with nature. There is a gentle understanding that the Earth should be seen as a shared "community", and that there must be a common quest for peace and understanding on our fragile, "island" home. The annual cycle of the sun also shares with us hope for the New Year. The Longest Night of the winter solstice is now past, and the sun has begun to slowly rise and return to its position high in the sky...and we are assured that there will be sufficient light to illuminate our path together. 

The warmest and most hopeful efforts find their birth in compassion, kindness, respect, courage, and the willingness to live love and to seek out the best for one another, everywhere. Caring for the most vulnerable will always be a measure of our humanity, and a reflection of our understanding of what truly matters in life. May all these things prevail in our lives in this New Year to come. And may one and all, diverse and different though we may be, come to understand and celebrate each another...in both trust and affection.

We truly are, one world, under the sun that shines above us and gives us life.

Joan and I warmly wish you peace, happiness, good health...and strength for the journey.

Happy Christmas, one and all.


Top: Joan, above Loch Brandy, Cairngorms National Park, Base Camp 2. 
Bottom: Our two "pals", lunch on the beach at Gabriola Island, Base Camp 1.