which one

 

window paintings

Paintings made of attic studio window in Waldoboro ME

 

Christmas letter 2025

 Below Christmas letter 2025

Christmas 2025 with Audrey

Time is moving faster and faster and my body moving slower. I used to walk around the block in half an hour, now the steps are slower with rests on the park benches. People pass me by. I can sit on the bench for half an hour but it feels like five minutes. And look, another year whizzed by.

I don't watch the news anymore. The news is not even news—it is drama, and how do you know the truth? Remember the newscasters Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, and Peter Jennings? Well, the world is definitely in chaos. Good things are happening that are not in the news. Great inventions are on the horizon. Big changes are coming.

Most of my life takes place here at Ya Po Ah, about 225 people on 18 floors, but I know probably 50 or 60 that I see more often. We live close together, studio apartments on the north side and one bedroom on the south side that faces the city. It is like a little village. I am so glad that I live here. This is a special place and it is the people that make it so. We look after one another, and as we age we need help. It is not easy to ask for help. I was brought up to be independent. Don't bother other people if you can do it yourself. Actually, people like helping. Yes, leaving an isolated home in Maine and moving to Eugene was the best thing for me.

Within walking distance of Ya Po Ah are two cultural centers. The Hult has a 2,500 seating capacity. The Eugene Symphony and ballet company perform, as well as events like the musical Hamilton. This holiday a group of residents from Ya Po Ah, including me, saw the Nutcracker. The atmosphere and performance were great. The Shedd also puts on musicals and concerts, and I usually get to one of those once a month. There is also a small theatre, and I get to see a play once a month. What is most disappointing is the art scene. Two art galleries, not very big spaces, that show professional artists' paintings.

My summer trips to Maine give me the opportunity to soak up art. I see my artist friends, go to galleries and museums, and paint endless subject matter outside on Back Cove. This is the place I love the most. What I love about New England is the architecture, the small villages along the coast, the granite shores, inlets, and islands. I love the four seasons but better where I live now—less cold, no snow, and I have the river to go to on hot days.

I love being with my sons and their families. My granddaughter Lucy lives in Eugene, and Doug and Christina, Lucy's mom, bought the house next to Lucy and Johnny's house. Doug is rebuilding this house. He worked on it all fall, took a break at Christmas, and went back to Maine. He is about to return soon to Eugene. The Patriots made a comeback this year and Doug and I watched the games at a local sports bar. I watched the Oregon Ducks football with Chris. Thanksgiving was in Ashland this year where Chris's wife Diane's daughter Courtney lives. Peter and Courtney have two sons, ten and twelve, both smart, remarkable children. I love going to Ashland for the holidays. Christmas was just Chris, Diane, and me. A tradition for us is watching the movie A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott.

I had a setback during the holidays. Thought it was the flu—couldn't breathe. Not the flu, fluid buildup in my body. Got it out and I am OK now. So SLOW DOWN, STAY AROUND.

Every year is a good year when one does one's best to appreciate life. How would we learn anything without challenges, like getting along with your fellow man or solving problems? I am always positive about the future. I see signs of goodness every day, little acts of caring. Just yesterday as I was walking up the driveway of Ya Po Ah, David, one of the maintenance workers, was walking toward me as I passed a man that didn't look right to me. David said he saw this person that looked like he was on drugs and did not belong on the property. I asked David if he was on his way home, and David said, "I wanted to make sure you were OK," and he turned and came in with me.

I have also been following the progress of the monks walking across the country for peace. They are gathering more and more people each day following them, moving in peace, united in mind and spirit.

My favorite children's book is The Wind in the Willows. A lot of the characters in children's stories were animals that were people, as were the animals in The Wind in the Willows. I have a little story, not from that book.

 

There was a cat that lived in the glen, and this cat was a Manx cat. He didn't understand why he didn't have a tail. He didn't have a long shadow where his tail should be. So the cat with no tail went into the deep woods to find answers. When he came to the old oak tree, there was an owl on a branch. "Why do you wander?" asked the Owl. "My shadow is too small and I feel less because of it," replied Cat With No Tail. "You must seek the Pool of Folly, and to see its truth you must gather three things," said the Owl. "You must gather a fragment of the Eternal Dreams, a thread of the Moon's Courage, and a feather of the Forgotten King."

Cat wandered deeper into the forest. On the path was a Snail, and beside him was an open book. "What are you reading?" asked Cat. "Of stars. I dream of climbing the tallest tree and touching them, though I know I never will," said the Snail. The cat asked, "Then what is the point of dreaming of something impossible?" "The stars remind me that I am part of something vast. That is enough," replied the Snail. Then Snail tore a page from the book and said, "This is a fragment of the Eternal Dream."

Cat took the page and walked deeper into the woods. There he met the Moth. Her wings had once carried her into storms and bright moonbeams, and now they were tattered and torn. "Now I sew. My stitches carry the dreams I once followed. Because now, grounded as I am, I see the world in ways I never did," said the Moth. She took a silver strand of thread and gave it to Cat With No Tail. "It is the Thread of the Moon's Courage, for those who have fallen can still find their light," said Moth.

Cat took the thread and continued his journey, deeper into the forest. He next encountered Raven perched on a low branch. "Why are you here, Cat With No Tail?" asked Raven. "I am searching for a feather," replied Cat. "I will give you one of my feathers. It carries the weight of a story. I wanted to be strong and lead, but I failed because my heart was not wise enough," said Raven. "What did you do?" asked Cat. "I listened," said the Raven. "I heard the voices of roots and plants and voices I had ignored. I learned in other ways I could show the way. I could guide. Take this feather. It is the Feather of the Forgotten King."

Cat padded on, and then the Pool of Folly revealed itself. The surface was still, and the stars above trembled in its depths. Cat sat down with his treasures and waited. "What is your truth?" asked the Pool. "I don't know," replied the Cat. The image of Cat reflected in the water, short and steady, perfectly matched his form. "Your truth is that you are enough as you are," whispered the Pool. "But I am lonely," said the Cat. "Then reach out, seek and be sought," replied the Pool.

Cat With No Tail returned to the glen, and all the animals gathered around. Cat told his story. And for the first time, Cat loved the way it was—as he felt, just right.

 

This short version is a story for children of the hero's journey, and it has been repeated in many ways as we all travel our paths through life's adventures, learning through experience.

The Meaning of Three

Completeness and wholeness. Balance and unity. In many traditions, three represents the union of mind, body, and spirit or the connection between past, present, and future. I am not into numerology, but I do believe in the symbolism numbers represent. I love structure, and I use geometric shapes, mostly the triangle, in my sacred geometry paintings. We now go into a year one, 2026—new beginnings, change, something positive from the chaos. The earth and all living things move within cycles, some thousands of years long, cycles within cycles, rotating, spinning round and round but spiraling up, constant moving energy. Everything pulsates, everything breathes in and out, expanding and contracting. We are at a pivotal point of a breath, a second of a pause, and on the verge of a breath of expansion. The earth needs balance. We all want balance. For something to happen the pendulum must move, and it will with positive action. Humanity is waking up. We are moving into the Aquarian age. I believe in the goodness of mankind. The light is winning.

Christmas came and went. Even though I had some setbacks, I had my beautiful live tree, decorated with ornaments that carry memories. I had my fake candles that look real. I have the fireplace that Chris made for me, and I think of the real fire in the wood stove in Maine, when it is cold outside and cozy inside. I love all the traditions of Christmas: the lights, the magic, the music, the movies, the decorations in the shops and homes with strings of lights everywhere, sharing good food, and being with friends and family on Christmas Day.

I love all the seasons, but there is something special about winter—cold with the beauty of snow and having a warm place, a place to sit by a fire of crackling wood and watch flames and breathe the smell as the wood burns. Letting the heat sink into the body after coming in from the cold and relaxing into it. Yes, to being able to look up at the stars on a cold, clear night and experience the vastness of uncountable lights in a ribbon crossing the sky. Yes, YES to life and being physical.

Blessings, and remember, "You are enough as you are." The threads connect us all.

 

"Being a successful person is not necessarily defined by what you have achieved, but by what you have overcome." —Fannie Flagg

"You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot—it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive." —Maya Angelou

Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.

"The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to BE IT." —Amanda Gorman

halloween at Ya Po Ah

 

4 , 5inch panels together to make a rotating picture sacred geometry design

 

Christmas letter 2024

Christmas 2024

Another Christmas is here. Another year has raced by . Things blend together like a kaleidoscope of shapes changing into different events. I think ! ?  I lived another day but what did I do in those awake hours. I was busy doing nothing. My pace is slow, younger ones go by me quickly while I am aware of every step . Slow is good ., more time to appreciate every little action. Yes caution, pay attention and keep moving become daily thoughts, along with a little help from my friends. My mind thank goodness is still working . It does not age, I am just as inquisitive and creative as ever, and so it is! And so it goes! Yes a wonderful life continually evolving.

My world revolves around Ya Po Ah. I take part in most of the events. The people here are amazing. They make this place the best place to live. The other attribute is it’s location, a butte and river on the north side and city on front side. I get to cool off on hot days in the river. I use my trike to get around, errands, like  groceries, post office, farmers market etc. Fifth Street Market is a beautiful mall with a court yard in the middle and elegant shops and restaurants. I take all the Ya Po Ah trips to the coast and various places of interest. One of the outings was a climb up Spencers Butte, here in Eugene, 750 feet to top on a fairly steep slope. I took my time and rested many times but I made it. I am proud of  that accomplishment being 88 years  old.

I had my six weeks in Maine, August and part of September. I did everything I love to do, painted, swam in the cove, went to galleries and museums and gallery openings. I painted with friends in beautiful places. I went to potlucks also in beautiful places. 

Several times I went to the Farnsworth to see the Wyeth’s exhibits. There was a first time show of Andy’s abstracts He had never show these paintings. He was a realistic  painter at the hight of abstraction..when realism was out of stile.I consider him one of America’s best artists. There was a show of Jamie’s strange paintings. He looks physically  like his grandfather N C Wyeth, the illustrator and Jamie’s painting definitely tell a story, I would say dynamic. There was a premier showing in Rockland of a full length documentary movie about Jamie. Called “Jamie Wyeth and the Unflinching Eye “ I missed it there in Rockland but I did get to see the movie in Boothbay. It was very well done. 

I did sell a few of my paintings in a friends gallery in Friendship. Waldoboro sponsored a gallery studio tour. Twelve artists had signed up .My friend who was on the list said I could use her outdoor tent.  She  is a great artist herself, promotes artists, and works hard to keep the gallery in the public’s eye.   

I hate to leave Maine It is so beautiful there, little towns with beautiful architecture. Not much changes in Maine. All the factories and industries are gone. Young people leave because there are fewer jobs. People with money own the coast and retired people make up a good portion of the population. There is a huge influx of tourist in the summer and they bring in the money.. Maine is ranked ninth in least population, plenty of space. Maine’s largest city is Portland,  69 ,000.

While I was in Maine my friend Prem, across the hall from me, sent a text that all residents living In Ya Po Ah had  to take down all decorations and paintings from the hall walls by October first, with no explanation.  I have over 100 paintings hanging on those walls. Well this decree was a shock . Luckily there are a few feisty people that rebelled. Petitions were gathered and a committee started writing letters. When I got back I wrote a letter To Ya Po Ah that I would not take my paintings down until we were given an explanation. There is a  lawyer and writers and creative people living here. Dennis on my floor is good at communications. He wrote a letter that did not blame or criticize and had suggestions for solutions. We still didn’t know what cased the problem.  Many did take there things off the walls and some left them up. On October first we had notices on our doors that everything on wall could remain until further notice. We haven’t heard a word  about it since then.

This building has Hud housing, apartments for low income people. It has a staff for maintaining the building and running the office, Minimum. Other retirement buildings may hire people to do planed activities and other things. Here it is the residents that volunteer. This brings people together, form friendships and work and help each other. You get to know some amazing people that you appreciate and enrich your own life. I am grateful and blessed to live here. It is a special place.

It was still warm here in Eugene in September. I took more dips in the river. On October 12th Prem, who has a car, took us to Mount Pisgah where there is a swim hole on the river. The water is also a little warmer there. It was a beautiful day. That was the last swim of the season.

My two sons and families are fine. Chris and Diane still have the cannabis farm. Doug has been working on this dad’s music and is posting it on you tube. He has upgraded the Bechler web site. Go to Charlie Bechler and friends and the web site www.bechler-arts.com .  Christina works on a farm in Damariscotta. Most of my time with Chris is at his farm in the summer.He takes me to his house for dinners and this fall we watched together the Oregon Ducks collage football games. The Ducks won every game this year.

Some of Diane’s family gathered  at Seaside Oregon for Thanksgiving. Dian’s daughter and husband own a house there. There were 15 people for the feast. The weather was perfect, three days of sun and no wind. A small Aquariam was near by, off of the boardwalk that  goes the length of the beach. All kinds of displays of marine life but the best part was watching the seals. They have a pool up front where  you could feed them. Seals are very acrobatic and have tricks to get your attention to throw the food toward them. The house where we had Thanksgiving only has a couple of bedrooms so most of the family members had to stay at hotels. I stayed at a hotel, right on the beach. There was a jacuzzi in my room with a window that faced the beach. The first time I used it I watched the sun go down over the ocean. It was very luxurious.

The Halliday season begins the day after Thanksgiving,  lights, decorations and Christmas trees.  Many events are scheduled in December here in Ya Po Ah, birthday party, with a mens coral group singing Christmas music, Christmas dinner and Christmas party. Ya Po Ah bus took us  on  a trip to see the light displays  in two areas in town. We saw the musical Oliver at the shed and their Christmas concert. Lastly we went to a play at the Oregon Contemporary Theater

The traditions of the Christmas season are a combination of many celebrations of rituals and customs from people around the would. The winter solstice. is an important time of year The time from moving out of darkness into the light. It was not just Jesus born December 25 but many gods had the same birthday, Hermes, Buddha, Krishna, Horus, Heracles, Adonis, Dionysus,  Zarathustra, Mitra, and Tammuz.

Here are some of things that changed and influenced current Halliday traditions

I grew up in a time when almost every Christmas had snow. Snow became a popular  theme of Christmas after Charles Dickens, wrote A Christmas Carol. Back in his day it snowed in England as it was the end of the little ice age. A Christmas Carol did much to promote a renewed enthusiasm for the joys of Christmas in Britain and America. The book was published on December 19 1843 and 6,000 sold out by Christmas Eve.

The greatest message in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol was the inequalities of the times. Scrooge was shone the reality of how people lived and survived..Scrooge  learned that his accumulation of money did not bring joy or happiness  and very important, it is possible for a despicable person to change  and become a caring and loved person.

 Here is one quote , Marley, Scrooge’s business partner says   "Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my  business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy,  forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my  trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my  business!"

Saint Nicklas was the original person who loved children and gave gifts. In 1931.Coca‑Cola commissioned Michigan-born illustrator Haddon Sundblom, to develop advertising images using Santa Claus. — Sunbeam got his inspiration from Clement Clark Moore's 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (commonly called "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"). Moore's description of St. Nick led to an image of a warm, friendly, pleasantly plump and human Santa. 

Christmas, the time I love best . As the earth rotates around  the sun it moves through the seasons. In New England, the four seasons ,- Spring, - new growth, -Summer,- hot , green, full,  Fall, -harvest ,brilliant color, Winter, -cold, dark, renewal. All life starts in darkness, all seeds germinate in darkness, all animals come from a womb. Dark and light ,the two sides of a coin, the yin and yang. It is the Christmas Hollidays coming on the darkest days , yes I love it.

It is the contrasts of winter I love. In side my home in Maine, warm and secure I watched the storms and accumulation of snow as it drifted into magical shapes. Coming into the house out of the cold is the wonderful feeling of warmth and the smell of the wood burning in the stove.

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Christmas for me wouldn’t be Christmas with out the Christmas tree. I always have a live tall tree, and I decorate my whole living space with fir branches. I have candles, and lights , and all my bears and decorations collected through the years. Christmas Day was is the time our families got together.  Christmas is a time for friend to celebrate. Every year I had a pot luck Christmas party. We feasted, and told stores, had interesting conversations and exchanged a small gift from Santa’s big basket . As I grow older the memories accumulate .

A friend sent me a letter that was to be read after her friends death. Summarized it said  

Don’t let fear fuel your choices. Don’t worry about what people think about you. Be true to yourself. Be intentional about cultivating friendships that lift you up.

LOVE YOURSELF no matter how weird and silly it might feel. Say to yourself, out loud, “I trust you.” What I know, deep in my bones, is that learning to love myself has led me to be able to say this: I’m so proud of how I lived.

May you, dear reader, feel the same when you head out on your soul journey, too. Until then, enjoy the ride.

Another wrote  

Be soft soft soft ... When you think there is "NO TIME!" take time ... There is time ... This is the only time ~ I want to live in a world where hearts come first, and I have to start with ask for help ~ connection is the thing we will remember in the end .

Quotes

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” — Tom Baker

“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." — Agnes M. Pharo

You don’t have to do anything to contribute to a world for peace . Just be!! just be the loving person you are and your light will radiate out to the world and beyond.

I Love life and am grateful for all experiences on this beautiful planet especially those of friendships that have helped me along my path. HAPPY NEW YEAR