Magical Gifts

It's Christmas Day and I had a wonderful Christmas. I received many gifts. One of the strongest, one that made a great impact, was the gift of tears. It was almost dusk. I was leaving one great gathering where I had been very happy to be among friends and driving to another home of friends. As I drove through the heart of the city I looked over and saw a homeless man. We have learned to recognize them in Denver by dress, amount of activity and location. He was bundled up but not moving. He had a small shopping cart like you can buy for home use, behind him, full of belongings, as well as a backpack on his shoulders. He was standing absolutely still with his head down towards his chest. He was in a part of town where the homeless are fed for the holidays. He probably had to now decide where he would spend the night. He may have been younger than I am but he looked as old as the ages. And hopeless. I had to cry. I didn't know what else to do. But the experience strengthened my desire to encourage people to find the spark of magic inside themselves. To be able to reject the insults they have received from parents, friends, society in the 'name of helping them do better'. All lack of love and acceptance damages us. Then that radiates out and damages the community. Thus we end up not able to give acceptance to ourselves or others. We do this without even being conscious of our inability in this way. Acceptance is the greatest magic there is. I hope, but doubt, that this man was saying to himself "I am a wise magician. I am well bundled. I know where I can spend the night in comfort. Tomorrow I will find ways to improve my life." The result for me from this experience was to strengthen my plan of finding ways to help others find the magic inside themselves. This was the result for me from my 'gift of tears'. I hope this day had wonderful gifts for all of you and that you found ways to give unto others. May the spark be with you.

When The Spark Is Weak

Sometimes the spark of magic is our lives weakens. Sometimes a picture flashes into my mind that I am alone in space and barely managing to dodge the astroids. Because dark times come, the wise magician will store up good memories, and ways to get back to the magic. It is also helpful to know what brings on the dark times.
For me, one of the things that makes me falter is the troubles of others. I am more of an empath than is helpful to me. Of course that helps my writing. I find it very easy to feel for my characters. My writing is also one of the things that helps me get past the dark times. I'm working on a book now, one of the Thimblewyck sequels, in which having the security of a home is one of the concerns of the main character. At the same time, I have a friend who does not have the living arrangements I could wish for him. So today I am searching for the spark of strength in my friend, and ways to nurture that spark. He's probably much stronger than I know. When we talk I will share my caring for his situation and that might strengthen the spark for him. I can see the dawn starting. That strengthens magic for me. If my friend shows courage that will also strenghten my spark. Friends are miracles. Miracles are the magical surpises we receive. We must cherish all miracles.