A Bittersweet Christmas (but mostly sweet)

Today was a bittersweet Christmas...2013 saw our family go through my wife's breast cancer ordeal, our son thrive at a new school, and the loss of a great friend after 16+ years (our beloved cat, Dillinger - Dec. 21st).  All of this made for a day of serious reflection, emotions, and feelings of gratitude.  And quite honestly I believe that's the way Christmas should be!  A reflection of what we've accomplished, how we've acted and what we can take away from the past year as we head into the new one.  I, for one, am more dedicated than ever to being true to my roots, my current family members, my friends, and most importantly to myself and my God!  With that mindset and a desire to do that which I am truly passionate about I believe that Christmas is a wonderful benchmark to re-dedicate myself to all I hold dear and to maintain that focus as I head into 2014.  

So, I thank God for the lessons and blessings of 2013 and ask that I continually be reminded of them so that I may be a better person to those around me and may walk in a more upright fashion in His eyes.

With that said I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2014!

-TNCG-

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Ah, the Christmas season...yes, I said "Christmas," and not "holiday."  Why?  Because I believe what I believe...period.  I am not ashamed of being a Christian any more than someone of the Islamic, Jewish, or Hindu faith is ashamed of his or her belief.  If my wishing you a Merry Christmas bothers you, then please understand this...I am not trying to offend you!  Take it in the spirit of my wishing you peace, good-will and happiness - because, isn't that really what Christmas is all about?  God so loving the world that he sent His only Son to save it...

So, if I, or any other person of the Christian faith wishes you an errant "Merry Christmas," just calm down and understand that we're wishing you all the things you also hold dear to your heart...we're just doing it in our own way...

Merry Christmas!

Springtime in the South

Oh how I love Springtime in the south!  Being a native southerner it's a special time of anticipation!  Just a month or so away we'll be hitting up Farmer's markets,  taking trips to the beach,  ejoying evenings where the kids run around catching lightning bugs, and soaking in lots of good quality time with the family and friends!

One of the other things I really love about the spring is the opportunity to get out with good people at the sporting clay's range.  Yesterday was just such a day.  We started in an early fog as we drove south on US 1 to Deep River Sporting Clays, but as we approached the third station of the course the sun broke through and all the beauty of Spring surrounded us as we continued throughout the course.  Of course, never mind that we were all using REALLY NICE Thomas Ferney & Co. shotguns.  Our outing was a hastily-planned video shoot for their spring/fall 2013 lineup of shotguns.  All 4 models were represented and it was a fantastic time!

Next time, however, I need to be behind a gun and not the camera!