Ah Magical Fireplace

I've known from the time I could walk that there was something magical about sitting near a fire and becoming immersed in the flickering light.  Time spent in front of a fire is a time of relaxation and a time for reflection.  Ok, so sometimes it is also where we find the makings for Smores.  That just shows the versatility of the magical fire.

I just lit the first fire of the season in our fireplace.  Past years would have shown the cats curled up on the floor in front it and frequently even the dog sharing the coveted spot with them.  We usually dim the lights and enjoy the warmth and the very special view of the burning, crackling logs in the fire.

It's cold outside and the weather certainly warrants having a warm cozy fire in the fireplace.            
This is also the time when many of the channels are showing Christmas movies around the clock. I also have a stack of CDs full of Christmas songs that we could listen to from now until after the New Year.

So I think the evening ahead is fairly well laid out.  A warm cozy fire, a holiday movie that inspires and rekindles our Christmas spirit and a little grog to help ease us into the mood.

Later, after everyone is asleep the fire will  start its gradual decline.  The shadows created by the fire will flicker on the walls.  This is when I will find the time to take advantage of it powers of reflection and examine life and all of it's complexities.  Life takes it's inevitable twists and turns and sometimes we are spot on in our dealings with them; other times not so much.  Pausing to look back on those moments helps to understand life just that little bit better and a fire is the perfect place for such contemplation.

Good night all and may you too find clarity, solace and wisdom in front of your very own fire!