Tuesday: Christmas roundup. Photos: Tranza Fashion Show

This has been the most magical holiday season ever, and I can tell that 2010 is going to be a tremendous year.

Living in Los Angeles and struggling with my finances, it's easy to watch people flock to the Grove to spend the sort of money I simply don't have and feel negatively. Jealousy & bitterness have spoiled my Christmases past, along with unrealistic expectations for myself & my family, and a self-indulgent loneliness. This negativity originates in a focus on the self, which can blind us to the positivity that surrounds us in abundance.

This year I focused on others and turned my lack of gift funds into an opportunity to help put positive energy into the world. I completed about twenty-four hours of volunteer work and those twenty-four hours made a lifetime of difference. The experience was joyful, gratifying, and transcendent.

But while in the service of others, it is important to recall yourself, and after all the work was done, I found myself lacking in my own personal fulfillment. As if to reward my deeds, karma sent a sign in my direction in the form of an invitation to an impromptu dinner at a friend's house across the street. There I was treated to warmth, delicious food, good company, and even a couple of handmade gifts!

Rubin made this for me! I can now ride with his energy protecting and assisting me!

Feeling the magic & the inspiration, I went home & gathered enough materials from just around my own apartment to create some gifts for my family to give along with handwritten letters regarding the volunteer work I did for them. I even managed to find wrappings for the gifts! In my mind I visualized my sisters and my brother and my parents opening their presents & smiling.

On Tuesday I was asked to photograph the Tranza Fashion Show to benefit Angels of Change. It was so much fun and I got some really good shots.





I couldn't resist jumping into the lights.


Do you see my hand screenprinted scarf? My friend made it for me!

I went to my parents' house for Christmas, and spent time with friends & family. Even my Dearest One came to visit. I was blessed with many amazing & wonderful gifts, including this little hedgehog!

My sister crocheted him for me! How impressive!

It was a truly lovely holiday.

I look forward to the new year and all the adventures (And misadventures) it is sure to bring!