Deafening silence filled the night as the fresh blanket of powdery snow covered the mountainside. I stood on the uneven planks of my small porch leaning against the knotted timber holding up its tin roof. The clouds, which had floated the large flakes of snow all day began to break apart and drift silently across the star, filled sky. Occasionally the brilliant moon peered from behind the clouds and cast eerie shadows of the barren trees out across the field in front of me. Hardly a sound could be heard. The low crackle of the blazing fire from the fireplace within or the dog rolling over on the bearskin rug were the only obstacles to pure silence. This was peace, natural and complete peace.
This was the only place and time that I had found any peace since my wife passed two years ago. I spent most of the year creating dreams and making miracles for visitors from all over the world. A hectic and fast paced life of juggling one massive event to another. A life my wife supported as long as she could, before my erratic schedule and breast cancer became too much for her. She spent the last months of her life in the care of her mom some 1200 miles from our home. I spent them travelling to Tokyo and Paris, to Hong Kong and Los Angeles mounting spectaculars and shows to the thrills of millions. A regret I will live with for the rest of my life. Now, in the close of each year, when others gather in warm homes full of friends and family, full of cheer and joy, I retreat to this little shack on the side of this little mountain to try and recapture the spirit of life and living that used to fill my being. A spirit that died with my wife.
This year was shaping out much like last year. The dog sleeping stretched out on my grandfather's bearskin in front of the fire, and me peering out at the lonely night cringing with the cold wind and hugging my solemn cup of coffee laced with Irish Crème. I heaved a sigh and turned to go back into the warmth of the small two-room cabin, when a strange sound captured my attention. I strained to look out against the moonlit night, across the field of unbroken snow into the trees where the shadows mixed into darkness. There it was again. I squinted my eyes into the night, were my ears deceiving me? Again a noise, not unlike muffled laughter followed my a hushed 'shhhhh.' Then as I scanned the forest's edge I noticed a small glimmer of light bouncing among the tree trunks. It was just there then disappeared. I stepped to the edge of the porch and to get a better angle into that part of the forest.
A quick yelp pierced the silent night and was quickly silenced, followed shortly by more of the muffled laughter and chorus of 'shhhh's. Then I could begin to hear the crunching of snow under footfalls of people moving through the trees. Just as I stood back to question my own senses a rather goofy man in a bright yellow parka darted into the field barking loudly and collapsing spreading his arms and legs into a snow angel. My mouth dropped open as a team of revelers followed. All were dressed in warm winter clothes and carried a variety of brightly colored packages, drinks and foods. Once the crowd had gathered around the spread-eagled barker, they turned to the cabin and began to scream (for it was much more akin to yelling than singing) a rousing chorus of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. In one group they moved toward me. Uncontrollably a smile drifted across my face as I began to recognize the faces of my friends.
Out in the field there came such a clatter, my dog arose from his slumber to see what was the matter. Away from the bearskin he sprang in a flash, by my side he stood looking at the group who were all trashed. When what to his wondering eyes should appear, but a barking man and several drunken carolers. The group 'sang' their way to the edge of my small porch and yelled: "Merry Christmas!"
One by one they mounted the slight steps to the porch and wishing me well they entered the cabin. Giving me a high five the man in yellow wished me well and ventured in to find the bar and refresh his emptied cup. A lovely lady drifted by placing a light kiss on my cheek and bending over to hug and dote on my dog before following into the cabin. Each of the group greeted me warmly and ventured into the small cabin filling it with their warmth and a joyous noise. I stood slightly stunned at the porch as each of my true friends moved by.
"Cheer-up! It's Christmas!" One perky partier greeted me with a big hug and rousing kiss, during which she reached around and grabbed my ass.
"Here's to you peace" Toasted a wonderful woman lifting her drink to me and hugging me. As she squeezed me tight she licked my faces and kissed my forehead. Being tall she is the only woman who can actually reach that high! Her dress was adorned with little bells that tinkled and jingled as she walked into the crowded cabin.
My friends had now invaded my solemn evening and turned my lonely cabin on the mountain into a roaring holiday party. I gave one last glance into the night and looked across the field lit by the emerging moon. My smile broadened and I whispered a thank you to the night and just as I turned to go inside a flash of light streaked across the sky in a myriad of colors. I felt a light hand on my waste.
"Wow." A small voice whispered close to my ear.
I looked to see the venerable Lt. La Fay standing beside me her beautiful face fixed on the night sky. My eyes drifted over her form. Her curves accentuated by the tight jeans and fitted white shirt covered only by the oversized leather jacket that had become her signature.
"Are you not cold?" I questioned as my arms slid around her shoulders and I pulled her tight in front of me.
She turned and looked up at me, her clear blue eyes piercing mine, "Not a chance now." A devilish smile crossed her face as she turned her gaze back to the sky.
"Holy Shit! Check this out!" A southern accented man stepped onto the porch and beckoned the rest of the party outside to see the scene.
Slowly everyone poured back out into the night, their eyes transfixed on the light show coursing across the sky. The sweet, the innocent, the not so innocent (not that I have any non-innocent friends) huddled together in front of my cabin. We marveled at the sky. The southerner leaned over and kissed the beautiful woman he was with, and that sparked a whole string of kisses and warm embraces that spread through the folks like wild fire. The barking man from before kissing and hugging as many of the women that would allow him!
"OK, it's cold, and I need a new drink" Pronounced one young man wearing a bright jester's hat as he broke from the group and headed back inside. Slowly the crowd dispersed and ventured back into the warmth. As people shuffled by I received more well wishes and hugs and kisses (which are always welcome) and I soon found myself standing alone on the porch again. Even the dog had gone back inside to be the center of much doting attention from several of the ladies, one whom seemed to tease my dog with her cat like movement.
