Dear Friends,
Greetings from Montana after a transformative three years.
My move started with a deluge of sadness, AND today I’m crying happy tears.
I used to believe there was no such thing as bad weather, only improper clothing.
And that I was too strong to fall victim to self-loathing.
My three more-mild-than-Colorado winters have proven both to be untrue.
As a silver lining, I’ve found the creative inspiration to send these holiday wishes to you.
May winter storms slow your travels, and your presents arrive three days late.
May you send your holiday cards to at least three people you don’t know and four men with whom you’ve only had one date.
May you accidentally wish your Jewish friends Merry Christmas, and may your greeting be met with nothing but forgiveness.
My coldest, darkest days have resulted in an epiphany: I create my best art from adversity. As I learned from the Bison in Montana, sometimes the fastest way to weather a storm is THROUGH.
I hope this story unlocks something in YOU.
Happy Holidays,
Elizabeth Kraus |
Hallo, liebe Elizabeth! We received your wonderful Christmas card (so very, very YOU!) which prompted me to get onto your website. I am so sorry to hear about the spine situation, and the other sadness you’ve undergone over the last several years. It appears, however, that you’ve not only managed to survive and get THROUGH it all, but also to have emerged stronger and more focused on what your life is all about. So amazing, but not surprising. I still think fondly of you every year when I suspend that darling little naked angel Christmas tree ornament on our tree. And I am so grateful that you and your Mom reached out after hearing about our Matt. I know he will be in contact with you, if he hasn’t already been. We both spoke fondly of you over the holidays. I wish you nothing but success and creative inspiration as you pursue your new direction in life. I am totally in your corner, Liebchen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Frau Miller
Frau Miller, this made me smile so brightly! Thank you! I think of you often, as you fostered my love of writing more than anyone in my life. Matt did reach out to send pictures of your darling grandchildren. Sending love to both of you.