And to all a good night

[altivo]

Christmas dinner successfully prepared, served, and eaten. Picnic basket of prepared food sent to Gary's sister-in-law and nephew, since their Christmas has been disrupted by the medical emergency.

Gary's brother has been taken off the various intervention equipment and is now on monitoring only. He seems to be doing well, though I guess they are still talking about bypass surgery.

After Gary and his mom returned from the hospital, we exchanged gifts. I got two particularly nice ones, a large book of Robert Vavra's horse photos, and a set of animal spirit cards that are supposed to tell you things about yourself. I haven't read the book yet, but the artwork on the cards is exquisite. Gary got some books and audio books that he wanted, and a new washable insulated jacket with hood that he can wear while doing outdoor chores. We deluged his mom with warm clothing, a new bathrobe, flannel pajamas with flamingos on them, slippers, sweaters. Oh, and our two dogs exchanged gifts, plastic chew toys, appreciated by both it seems.

Now they're both taking well-deserved naps since they'll be going back to church at 10:30 pm or so.

Oh, and I managed to finish the story I was working on for the TSA Christmas Story exchange. Phil Geusz and I drew each other's names. He requested a story in which he would be transformed into a rabbit. I asked for a story in which an equine is transformed into a predator. He did a superb job on my request, going off in a completely unexpected direction, but since he has decided to submit it for publication I'll not say anything more right now. It's a dark tragedy, really, and very thought provoking. My story for him works, and is sorta cute. I have no prospect for publication, so once it's aged for a couple of days and I go back over it, I'll be posting it for anyone who wants to read it.

Now I can get back to poor Argos, who needs to get through the climax of his story. Next chapter perhaps as soon as tomorrow, which I hope will be a much more relaxing day than the last week or so has been.

Finally, a Happy Midwinter holiday, Christmas, Yule, Solstice, or whatever you celebrate, to all of my friends who have helped keep 2007 from being a really bad year. And here's hopes for a better 2008 for all of us.

Love and hugs,
'Tivo

Comments

[corelog.livejournal.com]

Cool, say hi to Phil for me. :) He was at my table during the GoH dinner at RainFurrest.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I'll do that. I assume he would know you as Rex?

Merry Christmas, dear wuffy. *hugs*

[schnee.livejournal.com]

*the little white wolf gives you a big warm hug, tailwaving happily* Happy holidays to you, too! ^.^

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*hugs and rubs all down your back*

[schnee.livejournal.com]

MMMmm... *closes his eyes with a soft sigh and leans against you, relaxing, the little wolf holding on to you with both paws and smiling as you rub his soft white backfur*

A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

You mentioned something about you being connected with the church or something once- so, um... do you still go to church yourself? I'm curious to know your views on this, since this is (idealistically) a christian holiday.

Re: A question...

[heavens-steed.livejournal.com]

Pardon me for answering for Tivo, but as far as I know he does not attend church. Tivo was once involved in the church and went to seminary school but I think his sexuality and other unpopular views caused him to feel/be rejected by his Christian peers. Because of that intolerance he has become a bit bitter towards mainstream Christianity and the church in general, which is a little understandable, but that's my judgment. I can't speak for him really but this is based off of what he has told me and my own observations.

My guess is that Tivo will say that there is nothing wrong with Christmas but that being more inclusive and remembering other holidays in addition to Christmas is a good thing. Despite his contempt for conservative Christianity, I don't think Tivo falls into the anti-Christmas crowd.

Re: A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Um, thanks... that answered part of my question anyways. Altivo doesn't seem the type to be bitter, but I'll leave it up to him to answer my question about his views. This gives me the opportunity to ask you a question I didn't feel right asking on your page, HS: I don't go to church or believe in the Christian God, HS- where would you place me?

Re: A question...

[heavens-steed.livejournal.com]

Altivo doesn't seem the type to be bitter, but I'll leave it up to him to answer my question about his views.

Well, that's why I said I can't speak for him with any kind of authority. I was just giving you my own perspective and limited information. I'm sure he will be able to give you a more complete and accurate answer :)


HS: I don't go to church or believe in the Christian God, HS- where would you place me?

What do you mean by this? On what kind of scale or spectrum are we talking about? What context? I need more information before I can say anything definite. I suspect that maybe this has to do with salvation and heaven and hell?

Oh and you are perfectly free to ask me something like this on my own journal. In fact, I would think it would make more sense to do it there than in someone else's journal.

Re: A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Heh, I was hoping you'd give that answer. No, nothing to do with salvation, heaven or hell... but you answered my real question.. so thanks. Merry Christmas.

Re: A question...

[heavens-steed.livejournal.com]

Which was? O_o I don't know if you are being serious or sarcastic...

Re: A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Genial, but serious... don't get uncomfortable because you don't understand what I'm talking about... when I think it's worth relaying the details, I shall... I just wasn't in the mood to go into it, okay?

Re: A question...

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Finrod is mostly right, though you are also right that I wouldn't use the word "bitter" to describe my attitude. "Disillusioned" and "disinterested" come closer to the mark. It's true that I once considered myself to be a Christian, and that I even studied for the priesthood. It's also true that the issue of sexuality was the immediate trigger that removed me from that path. Things might have been different (though I'm not sure any better) today. Even as a Christian, I was never an adherent of the idea that there is only one truth. Rather, I would say as I do now that all ways of looking at the unknowable have an element of truth and an element of error in them.

I've studied religion extensively, not just Christian but many others. I have a degree in the subject, and have read sacred scriptures of several major religions, most of them at least in part in the original languages. Consequently I have rather strong views on the subject, but I don't usually say a lot about it. Christianity is fine, as far as it goes, but I don't believe it encompasses everything, nor do I agree with all of the commonly held ideas it preaches.

Re: A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

thanks, Alt... that answers my question very well. Yeah, I've studied various religions myself- Buddism, Scientology and lately the writings of Krishnamurti. That's all for now... Merry Xmas ;)

Re: A question...

[altivo.livejournal.com]

More about the history in a comment below, but no, I do not attend church, nor expect to do so again with any sincerity. I have been in the churches, most often as a musical performer, which is easy for me to do because I love music and know it well, but no, I do not "worship" anything.

Re: A question...

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

*nods* Gotcha.

[heavens-steed.livejournal.com]

Merry Christmas to you as well, dear Clydesdale. *hugs tightly*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* I really hope next year will be better for you.

[ducktapeddonkey.livejournal.com]

Hope you and yours are enjoying the day!

[altivo.livejournal.com]

We're intending to do our best. :)

[rrwolf.livejournal.com]

Merry Christmas

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Thank you. And to you too. I hope you have something nice planned for the day, even if it's just doing nothing for a change. I do not envy the hectic work life you've been living, not at all. ;D

[saythename.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good time had by all.

Prayers for Gary's bro.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

All things considered, not bad.

Wayne is still in ICU, but just on monitors. I guess they are saying his heart rate is too high considering that he's just lying on his back still. So they're talking about angioplasty or even bypass surgery.

[dlorn.livejournal.com]

May you find somewhere warm on this cold holiday :D

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and you too. *hugs* Actually, today was pretty mild down here. It's been above freezing all afternoon and now I'm noticing that the sun set later than it did yesterday. It was dark by this time (5:05 pm) on Monday, and we still have an orange horizon tonight.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

I like the idea of the picnic basket that's really sweet :)
It's good to hear that Gary's brother is doing well.
Your dog's got chew toys? Awwww

Is there anything left in that fridge for me? *looks hopeful*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Not from Christmas, no. That's so long ago you wouldn't want it anyway. ;p