“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” – St. Francis of Assisi
This post is dedicated to the bright lights of this delightful WordPress Community. Wishing you all happiness and joy in whatever you celebrate this time of year whether it be Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Years or simply the change of light that comes with the solstice.


Ten-year-old Miss O smiling after singing in a lovely Christmas concert. The Elves on the Shelf might be smiling but we don’t know because they landed in the bathroom. Mr. D installed a privacy screen so no one had to feel embarrassed.


Before I had kids, I used to do one of my favorite hikes every New Years Day. One of the best ways to celebrate a new year, in my opinion! This is the first year that I think my kids might be able to do it because it has a fair amount of elevation gain. To prepare, we worked out on my favorite Seattle stair climb – 13 flights, 290 steps for each full set! And let’s be clear – it’s me that needs the workout more than they do with their fresh, young legs!


Happy holidays from the grocery store soda display and the neighbor’s skeleton


I’m taking the next two weeks off so this is my last post for 2025. I may even take naps like Cooper during the break. I wish you all a fantastic holiday season and all the best in 2026!
Love these photos – so fun. All the best to you for the holiday season!
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Thank you, VJ! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and fantastic 2026!
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love the way you all live life to it its fullest and your children will pass this on to their loved ones one day I’m sure of it! tomorrow is the solstice, one of my very favorite holidays, our time for transformation from one season to the next, and I wish all of you the happiest christmas and all the holidays ,and a wonderful new year ahead! p.s. does Cooper wake up when santa sneaks in?
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I’m warmed by your lovely words, Beth! Thank you! I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten to know you in this lovely community of thinkers and writers. You bring so much humor, wisdom and service to this world and I’m honored to receive your light. I love the solstice too! Happy holidays and wishing you a fantastic 2026!
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❤
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Oh, yes, you captured this so well! I too love how Wynne and the kids live life to the fullest. This is a great example for all of us, not that this is their intention whilst doing it but it becomes that when it’s shared here.
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Love that quote from St. Francis. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family, Wynne. I look forward to more of your wisdom and light in 2026
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Ah, thank you, Michelle! I look forward to more of your wisdom and light in 2026! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
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Wishing you, Miss O and Mr D, and Mr Cooper a very Happy Christmas season. Look forward to your posts in the New Year. 🎁🎄❄️❤️
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Merry Christmas to you, Darlene! I hope you and your family have a fantastic holiday season and a wonderful 2026!
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Happiest of holidays to the family Wynne! Enjoy that hike. I have to laugh now when I realize that I now live at and hike at altitudes that I never imagined and couldn’t handle at all when I lived in WA 🙂 See you next year 🙂
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Isn’t that fun and funny? I love it, Deb! Happy holidays to you and your family! Wishing you a fantastic 2026!!
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What a lovely post Wynne. Yes, let there be light 👌 Wishing you, Miss O, Mr D, Cooper and Cat (sorry, forgotten name) a wonderful Christmas. Plus a relaxing snooze now and then as beautiful Cooper has it sussed I think 😀🧑🎄🤶🎄
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You are a marvel for remembering that we have a cat that we call Kitty (her name is Simone) so no need to remember that name!
I loved the word “sussed!” Thank you for your light – I’m grateful to know you! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2026!
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I’m cracking up about the privacy screen. Too funny. Enjoy your break. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to your crew!
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I’m glad you are laughing with me, Gwen! I hope you get your move done and get to relax (at least a little?) for Christmas! Wishing you all the best, my friend!
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Happy holidays, Wynne! I hope your enjoy every moment of it, and we’ll see you again in the new year! ❤️
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Thank you, Erin!! Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and so much goodness in 2026!!
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Thank you so much, Wynne! And the same to you and your family!
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Yes to light and love and health and family and the occasional nap. 😊 Happy holidays, Wynne! We’re all looking forward to what 2026 will bring.
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Light, love, health and family — you always know how to sum things up PERFECTLY, Melanie!! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2026!
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❤️❤️
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What beautiful photos of your children. And how considerate of your son to install a privacy screen! All the best to you and yours! Enjoy your time focused on family. I am considering doing the same because we’ll all be together under one roof.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! I love that you will all be together – how fun!! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2026!
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I’m excited to be together, although we were twice this fall for the kids’ surgeries. This will be fun instead of recovering!
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Good luck with the naps and hike Wynne. I love the privacy screen! Happy Holidays and New Year! 🎄🎉
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Napping and hiking – two of my favorite things! Hope you have a great Christmas, Brad! Wishing you all the best in 2026!!
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Thank you Wynne. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Blessings. 🙏
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So many smiles in one post! Happy Holidays, Wynne, to you and the whole family! 😊💝😊
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Thank you, dear Vicki!! Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful family!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Xo!!! ❤️🎄❤️
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I am sure all your Christmas tree ornaments tell stories, but that top bell rings in the best feeling! Enjoy you time off from blogland and may your days be filled with cozy moments, endless laughter and the magic of creating beautiful things all year long! 🎄🌟🌟🌟🎄
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Mary, you are wonderful with your wishes of cozy moments, endless laughter and the magic of creating beautiful things all year long. Yes, that sounds perfect – and I’m wishing you the same warmth, good humor and beauty! Merry Christmas, my friend!
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💖💖💖
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Wynne, getting outside and exercising on New Year’s Day sounds like a wonderful way to “step” into any new year. All the best to you and yours this Holiday Season!
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Step into the new year — that’s good, Bruce!! Thanks for the smile – and wishing you all the best in 2026!!
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And best wishes to you and the klan, Wynne! I am happy to hear that you are taking time off. Rest up! The world would not be the same without you.
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Ah, thank you, Dr. Stein! I’m so grateful for your support and mentorship! Wishing you wonderful holidays and a 2026 filled with peace and justice!
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A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your 2 blessings Wynne.
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Thank you, Fred!! Merry Christmas to you and Ellen! Wishing you a wonderful 2026!! ❤
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Wonderful to have met you in this space! Thank you for inspiring and for all that you give the community. Merry Christmas! 🎁
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Thank you, Michele! I’m so grateful to have met you — and even been able to talk with you! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and all the best creativity and success in 2026!!
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Thanks so much, Wynne! 💖
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I love that “skellie people” repurpose them for the various holidays!
Enjoy your break and have the happiest of holidays!
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We love the skellie people too. It’s always so interesting to see what they are up to!!
Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful 2026, Dale!
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They are so creative!
Thank you, Wynne. Here’s hoping 2026 is fabulous! (Though I’ve no doubt you, like me, will search for ways to make it so .)
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I wish you plenty of beautiful things! I love the way you are planning to celebrate New Year!
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Thank you, Cristiana! So grateful for your friendship over these years! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic 2026!
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Those big smiles on Ms O and Mr D’s faces – and Cooper’s peaceful slumber – say it all. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas week ahead, Wynne! 🥰 Enjoy the school break, relaxation, as well as the chaos, of the holidays together!
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You said it perfectly, Ab! I’m grateful we are healthy and peaceful this holiday season — and it’s a little chaotic too!!
Hope you all have an incredible holiday season and a fantastic 2026!! So thankful for you and your friendship, Ab!!
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Beautiful photos, as always, Wynne. They’re endearing, and some bring a smile. By the way, I just posted my review of your book today. Wishing you and your beautiful family a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy 2026! ❤️🎄💫
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Wow, thank you, Lauren!! I’m so grateful for that lovely Christmas surprise!
Sending you and your wonderful family a beautiful Christmas and all the best health, happiness, and success in 2026!!
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You’re welcome, Wynne! I hope you’re happy with it! 🙂 And thanks for the wishes too! 🥰
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I love the privacy screen! Happy Holidays!
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Merry Christmas to you, the kids, and Cooper!
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How about those of us who celebrate Festivus? Don’t forget about the rest of us!
And may your holidays be merry, joyful, and bright, my friend.
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wonderful Wynne: have a good break; look forward to your return 🙂
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