Let the magic find you.
I picked up that line from fellow slicer Fran Haley’s post this morning. I want to adopt it as my 2022 mantra.
Instead of piles of presents, our family took a trip to the mountains of North Carolina. We rented a home near Burnsville outside of Asheville. The house was just right with three floors, five bedrooms, and a fire pit. The only treacherous part was the drive up. As luck would have it, we arrived before dark to drive the mile long switchback trail up, up, and up. Thank heavens for confident sons-in-law drivers and 4-wheel drive. The trail became part of the adventure to the mountain house. We did make sure we were home each day before dark. And one morning the guys walked down with a wheelbarrow and patched some squishy places with branches and rocks.
Magic found us in the mountain house.
Three toddlers making fun.
Men making meals.
Scary barns.
Fields of cows.
Nightly fires
under a blanket of stars.
Magical Christmas!
Reflections on the Teche 
Beautiful memories! Thanks!
Some of my fondest memories are of trips like this when my mother was alive. She loved being Grandma to her grandkids and I fell in love with her as their Grandma.
What wonders you weave with that line, Margaret! I was thinking, as I wrote, that we are sometimes too consumed by chasing the magic instead of standing still and letting it find us (this is related to my ongoing one word, “awe.”). I can feel the magic in that mountain house, just waiting for you all to arrive…I imagine it tingling in the bracing mountain air, crackling in those fires, shining in the eyes of those toddlers…cousination! You’re a word wizard, my friend.
P.S. I’m especially delighted that this magic was found in NC ❤
I agree with Fran. I love your word choice as you decribe the magic. I ended your piece feeling so happy. I also like the 2 photos that bookend your piece. I can hear the fire crackle and the toddler laughs. Thanks for sharing and so glad you enjoyed winter magic with family!
Oh! I love the magic in this post – the way the trail, initially treacherous, becomes part of the adventure is lovely; so, too, are the pictures. And, as an adult whose parents chose years ago to forgo birthday and Christmas gifts in favour of an annual family gathering (now for 7 siblings, 6 partners & 6 grandchildren!), I can tell you that time spent together truly is the most magical gift of all.
What a charmed way to spend Christmas. It made me happy just to hear about it and see that loving photograph.
Margaret, I’m so happy for your family and you! Such a great idea. I felt the magic in every word and saw it in your photos. I adore the photo of the three toddlers and son-in-law (?) smiling and having fun together. Love your new word cousination. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, this is so delightful from start to finish. I’m enchanted by your lovely getaway and your rendering of it.
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Absolutely priceless photo! Makes this grandmother’s heart swell with recognition! Yes, this is magic magic magic. Your getaway sounds like the very best of holiday celebrations. Glad I peeked at your slice … although a few days late.