Fast Times

We're closing in on the final stretch of Christmas here. Presents have been acquired and wrapped. Today we'll ship the final lot - and just to Front Range folks, so don't panic. The big party went swimmingly Saturday night.

Both kitties love to hang out under the Christmas tree. And maybe chew on the ribbons a little bit. They consider themselves a gift to us.

So, today is the last fast day before the major feast. When I posted about our weekly fasts back in October, in the comments conversation that followed, I promised to report back in another eight weeks. I'm a bit past that now, but it's been a busy blogging time.

I look forward to the fast days at this point. It sounds bizarre, most likely, but the break is such a welcome resetting of my system that I get excited for how good I'll feel. For example, the treat onslaught has started. Last Wednesday the first food package arrived. I've had peppermint brownies and homemade candies. I made sugar cookies.

(They turned out so pretty I have to immortalize them here.)


Saturday night I drank champagne and nibbled on all sorts of lovely things. David and I woke up early Sunday starving and went out to breakfast. Country ham with a biscuit and gravy was just the thing for my mild hangover. We ended up eating lunch out, too, since we were in town shopping. Margaritas, live music and prime rib sandwich made it very fun.

Now I know I'm entering the uber-party. We're meeting friends for drinks and dinner tomorrow night. Then pre-Christmas Eve dinner out at a lovely restaurant, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner and Boxing Day tea. It will all be wonderful and I intend to completely indulge. Then next Monday, we'll fast again. Cleanse our systems and return to baseline.

It's interesting to me how many religions and philosophies incorporate an element of fasting. And usually the fasting precedes the feast. For some it's a sacrifice in honor of ancestors who suffered. Sometimes it's meant to be a deliberate discomfort, to remind you to think about philosophical questions. It can also be a symbolic preparation for the feast. Part of what makes a feast such a joy is the contrast to starvation and suffering.

So I'm fasting today. I'll take some time to reflect on how full and rich my life is.

And the cookies will still be there tomorrow.