Jason and I had a great housewarming/holiday part this last weekend. Over 60 guests came to our home and definitely helped to "warm" it for the holidays.
At one point between replenishing the jalapeno wontons and opening another bottle of Chardonnay, I looked around our kitchen, into our living room and onto the front porch.
There were faculty and staff from my college. Several of our neighbors were mingling and visiting. We had friends from Santa Cruz, San Jose, Monterey, Carmel and even a friend travelling through from Arkansas.
What I loved about this tableau is that there were no issues of gay or straight, poor or rich, religious or not. All I could see were people that we cared about, that cared about us, and everyone was having a great time.
This helps take the sting out of this time of year for me. My immediate family has still cut off all communication. My extended family has worsened communication with me. Recently, my grandmother was thrown a big, surprise 90th birthday party. I wasn't invited for fear I would show up with my "friend." Some friends I invested a lot of time and sharing have cut me off as well.
However, when I looked around at the smiling faces in my home, I was reminded of how blessed my life really is and how I wish some of these family and friends could have witnessed the wonderful people which help color mine and Jason's daily lives.
Happy holidays to all!
