A clean slate – that’s what a new year is to me. A nice fresh start – an opportunity to challenge myself then revel in my stunning accomplishments. Or not. It all depends on what I have resolved to do and how I plan to go about it. I tend to make a resolution as I’m in the act of breaking it, then resolve to never break it again just as soon as I’m done with this one last infraction. You know, like I resolve to give up sugar for the year but not until all the sugar in the house is used up. I can’t just waste it and let it get old. You know how fast sugar gets old. So by the time the sugar is all used up, three or four months have gone by and it’s too late to activate that particular resolution. Or, I resolve to work our vigorously four days a week but not until the first of next month. I have a thing about starting a fresh New Year resolution at the beginning of a fresh new month. If I fail to start January 1st, then it’s too late on the 2nd. I’ve…
Month: December 2013
Merry Christmas!
Last evening was dark early and freezing cold; just as it should be in Seattle this time of year. Yet, we bundled for the elements and soaked up the infectious excitement of a toddler off to see Christmas light for the very first time. It was pure magic; the kind that warms you from heart to head to toe. Nothing like seeing the scene above through the eyes of a little one. This Christmas Season, I’m going to try looking at the world like it’s all new to me; as if I’ve never seen the beauty of the lights, tasted the freshness of a candy cane, or put eggnog in my coffee. I’m going to be in awe at Christmas Eve service and sing carols like I did growing up – loud and off key. And I think I’ll take walks at night with my husband and our dogs and love the sky no matter what’s coming down – rain, snow, moon light, star light – whatever’s going on, it doesn’t matter. It’s all good and I am lucky to be here, alive and well, with people I love who love me too. Have a very Merry Christmas! God…
A little space…
One would have to be living under a rock to avoid the assault of the holiday frenzy. And what a frenzy it is! Merchants advertise repetitively, drilling their “must have” merchandise into our subconscious. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggnog hold hostage our sense of smell, all that glitters is gold, at least for now anyway, and don’t stupidly fall behind today’s cutting edge technology. You dinosaurs must keep up! “Wake up people!” the economy screams. “It’s time to spend some money and do it with a smile on your face! Quit being so selfish. Your retirement can wait!” I can’t even watch television anymore. It’s so sad. Does he really have to go to Jared’s for me to be happy? Am I going to be snubbed if I’m the only woman without an open heart from Kay Jewelers? And seriously, how do they get that big red ribbon around that nice little Lexus parked in the driveway where snowflakes glisten and children listen, and the mom of the house, looking far too young, bounds out the custom front door of her million dollar home wearing mere cashmere while jangling the keys and blinding us with her white as snow teeth? It’s…
Just Thinking…
I hope everyone had a “making-good-memories” kind of Thanksgiving. After all, that’s pretty much what we’re doing as we stuff the turkey and bake those pies; making memories for ourselves and those we care about and hoping it will be so wonderful we’ll cheerfully look forward to next year. Although ours was the smallest gathering ever, we had a memorable time. Even though it was cold, the day was sunny and perfectly still. We built a roaring bonfire on the beach and delighted in our baby grandsons fascination. It was toasty warm and we played around our beach fire for hours. At dinner, we ate way too much and complained about our aching stomachs. I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit guilty, wondering about those out in the cold or those with stomachs aching from hunger. I bought a couple of those pre-packed holiday dinners in a brown bag the grocery stores put together and sell for the food banks. That way, shoppers don’t even have to think about what to donate. Just buy the ten dollar bag, leave it with the cashier, and you’re done. At least I did that much, I told myself. It was better than…