My 11 year old daughter has a giant collection of gingerbread men themed toys, cooking tools, decorations and such. Family and friends caught on after it became known that she loved the little treats, not only for their taste and wonderful smell but because they were a symbol of her passion, holidays. Christmas is by far her favorite holiday but any occasion is an excuse to get her little heart going. It is catching too. She keeps us all celebrating thoughout the year from St. Patricks day to Halloween.

What do people buy you that reflect your passion? Do you have or passion? Maybe you lost it long ago. I lost my passion for rocks long ago. My grandad and I used to be big rockhounds. I lost it when he died. I was 11. The things that drew me to rocks are all still there, mystery, beauty, treasure. I was traveling in Mexico recently when I happened upon a rock vendor. The town I was visiting was filled with gold and silver mines dating back to Spanish colonial times. All the rocks and crystals were incredible finds that miners had brought up from hidden caverns deep under the city. As I looked over his cache my heart ached for that old passion.

I hope my daughter’s delight in gingerbread men never is lost. May yours be as strong. And if you lost it I hope it is somehow rekindled.