December 21, 2019
My dreams had disappeared. Stress created the perfect environment for their absence in my sleeping and waking hours.
To change my direction, I taped a piece of cardboard to my art table. Using Elmer’s glue, I wrote the word DREAM across its surface. I coated my hands with paint and placed them down: a signature to a new portal.
This was a good intention, as soon, I dreamt.
Looking through the French paned glass window, a wintery scene appeared. Glistening white snow graced evergreen branches. Soft, silvery blue light enveloped my view. I turned to a cherubim woman standing next to me. “Remember the Magic in Life,” she whispered.
My gaze returned to the vintage glass to witness the woods edge in full flower with dozens of butterflies on the wing. I remember feeling a sense of beauty filling me and awakened very peaceful and happy.
As a child, we celebrated the holidays singing, baking traditional cookies, decorating the tree and bringing in holly. We made candles and little gifts and built wintery dioramas.
My busy adult life was cutting these bits of childlike magic out.
Remember the Magic in Life. I remember. This is my mantra.
At this solstice time of year, when days are short and nightfall long, I become Kristi Kringle. In preparation for this I sculpt wee mushrooms and create art cards inspired by the beautiful nature that surrounds us. With each dot painted and brushstroke painted, I recite in my mind incantations of joy, peace and love.
With a pocketful of my wishes, I go about my day at work and in my community. Then ~ opportunities for magic present themselves.
Standing in the grocery check out, I sensed the elderly man behind me needed a bit o’ Kristi Kringle magic. I turned to him, and smiling, with elfin mushroom in hand, said, “I’d like to give you a little gift.” He reached his hand out and tears welled up in his eyes. “You don’t know how much this means to me. This is the first Christmas without my wife.”
I can tell you many true tales of smiles from simple acts of random kindness such as this.
This is my heartfelt ritual: to share joy, to create light, to express love.
I am Kristi Kringle this time of year. The other 11 months of the year, I am Kristio, with the same mantra: remember the magic in life.
You see me around Whidbey Island playing music, making and teaching art, volunteering my time for children in need. Through these actions I offer you what I feel blessed to have.
I hope this inspires you to dream, to play, to offer your gifts to others.
Bring in the evergreens and thank them. Light a candle. Dust off those cookies sheets. Brighten up your smile. Sing. Play music. Paint your hands and write ‘Dream’ in glue.
When you sparkle, you bring light to others.
I wish you and yours all the best at this magical time of year.
May the New Year bring good visions of peace and harmony with joy to all.
Kristi O’Donnell, musician, artist and horticulturist, moved to Whidbey Island after having that magical dream decades ago. You can find out more about her via her website: www.kristio.com
Kristi O’Donnell Creative Artist Kristio@whidbey.net
This article was written for Living Whidbey Island 12/21/19