And Just Like That

The holiday season is officially (or unofficially, depending on who you ask) over. 

There were precious few viewings of holiday movies (no "Love, Actually" though I did try--once I couldn't, the thrill *such as it was* for most anything was squashed). 

There was a marked avoidance of all holiday specials and except for promos, no holiday music.  

There were no Christmas cookie baking as we are not big Christmas cookie bakers / eaters.  

For all that wasn't there was much talking, laughing, eating, and acknowledging how grateful we are to have our health and miles and miles of good cheer. 

  

  

 

Last Day of November

Autumn Sky 

 

Why have one snow figure when two will do?

I am sitting here, doing my Spanish lessons, listening with half an year to a special on the film, 

"Love Actually." to commemorate the film turning twenty years old (next year).  And just this moment realizing that while the file has been on my, "to watch" list for a few years I have not (yet) seen the film from beginning to end.  I have seen clips, of course, but not the film in its entirety.  

So, this year, again, the film is on my list to watch this holiday season.  

Note: I am not a huge "holiday film" fan.  

When the kids were young one of our traditions for Christmas eve was to queue up our favorite films (<i>it was usually their favorite films</i>) and snacks and treat ourselves to a movie marathon.  

Some of the films were holiday themed but mostly they were just films they liked (a lot).  

I know "Love Actually" is on a few "favorite (or best) holiday film" lists.  But, is it?  A holiday film? 

Perhaps this is the year I find out.  

This Is November

I know, already?  Yes, already.  

And speaking of ready, who is? For anything? Everything? 

The few retail outlets I've visited in recent days are nearly 100% outfitted for the December 

holidays (let's face it, mostly Christmas), the holiday movies have hit the airwaves and the 24-7 holiday music programming has begun.  

Ready or not, here it is.  

Of course, we may all to choose to embrace the joy at our own pace despite the peer pressure.  

I'm choosing a much slower place.  My daughter and I have spoken of and watched a dozen or so  DIY videos for simple <i>holiday</i> themed (simple) table-scapes but otherwise we are both focused on the  November holiday; she, menu planning and cooking and me, everything else.   

In the meantime I'm trying not to think about elections (runoffs and such. GA, really?) outcomes, majorities, red, blue, the time change and how much the pooch does not like walking in the dark.  

Psst..neither do I.  

My (hands-free) flashlight chose this time to stop working.  I'm shopping for a replacement. 

Ready or not, here we are.  

Welcome to November. 

 
 

January Twenty Twenty-two

 

And just like that it is the end of January, Twenty Twenty-two.   

My January consisted (in part) of leaving the tree up the entirety of the month; mostly due to not have a suitable storage tote in which to store the additional items purchased for the new tree.  This is the first tree since moving to this apartment February, 2019. And we hadn't had a tree at the old place since . . . 2014?

I think. 

Anyway, the tote has been purchased and the tree is coming down today.  

I came across an item in social media making a case for having a tree year 'round; decorating it for 

Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, the Fourth of July,  Halloween, Fall Harvest, 

Thanksgiving, and then, back to Christmas. 

In theory, it is an interesting idea.  I suppose there are some items that would work for multiple themes but I can't even begin to wrap my head around the storage challenges.  

THAT and there is a long time between the Fourth of July and Halloween equals a no for me. So, tree comes down, Christmas (and winter) decorations are going in the tote and down to the basement storage locker until December...something...2022.  

I hope you have had a peace filled, healthy, safe, and zen kind of January.  The last few days of my January are set to be filled with snow and below freezing temps.  

Pass the hot chocolate.  

Ta Ta for now.    

**artwork in response to art group prompt: "the months--January"  a friend offered some suggestions; A.A. Milne being one so, Kanga and little Roo.  The other, well, of course all the tossed trees during the first couple of weeks of January.  

Christmas Just Ain't Christmas

 

This was going to be about Christmas. But now, Christmas 2021 is but a distant memory except to say I didn't have the kind of experience that many others seem to have had; mine was precisely as envisioned, as designed. The holiday had been scaled back a wee bit, year-by-year since my mother died in February of 2013. Well, truth be told, Christmas 2012 was pretty basic since my dad had died that previous September and by December, my mom was pretty sick with (what I didn't know then) was lung cancer.

The non-traveling, cocooning type of existence plays into my personality type. Granted, my daughter would rather have more people around but for me, for now, she and my son are plenty of company and plenty of energy.  

Which brings me to what brings me here today, on the second day of the new year; the year in review: 

I still have not cut my hair.  I still don't know what to do with it beyond washing, conditioning and braiding--but then, maybe that IS what is to be done with it.  

I'm still sketching. My daily practice has turned into a more every other or every few days practice; but I'm still creating and expanding skills.  

I do still have health and weight loss goals to achieve; these have been sort of rinse and repeat kind of endeavors but think I have settled on a different approach for the coming days, weeks, months, this year toward achieving different (more favorable) results. I shall keep you posted.  

My workplace is experiencing some transitions. I will continue to work remotely and I hope that the coming changes will ultimately equal success for myself as well as the company at large.  

My son, daughter, and I are still healthy; that is to say we have managed to avoid any positive Covid tests.  As they are out and about frequently (mostly for work) they test frequently.  All of us have had vaccines and boosters (mine is scheduled for next week). I've been hearing across with internet wires that folks believe that at some point, "we're all going to get it."  I hope that isn't the case. 

Two days in, I've managed to achieve each of my daily practices.  May this continue for the next . . .  three hundred and sixty-three.  Well, maybe the next five, at least.  

There is other news from this year; some even from last month but I'll save those stories for another time. Which is to say, I expect to come back here again and again and again. 

Dear Bloggers, please take gentle care.  Be safe, stay safe in as much as is possible to do so.  

Merry Christmas.  

Happy New Year. 

Cheers to 2022.  

One Year in Three Weeks

 My new favorite candy is Giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cups stuffed with pretzels.   I have only had one and given my new life goals, one is all I'll have for some time to come but I thought that you should know that I have a new favorite.  

However, I have not yet tasted the Mocha Chocolate KitKats.  On the face of it, that candy stands an excellent chance of becoming my favorite. But, again, given my new life goals I likely will not know for some time the potential of Mocha Chocolate KitKats moving into the favored role.  And again, I thought that you should know. 

Oh, by the way, new life goals are really old life goals that took a hiatus and are now back front and center.  You all probably know the drill, labs came back indicating yada x3, medical professionals advises certain actions and changes yada x3 and so the journey is re-booted and continues.  These last few weeks have been a trial to say the least.  The net results however, positive.  

Onward. Forward.  

I am sure you've notice I haven't spoken of THE events of the last few weeks / days.  Some made me extremely angry and anxious while others made me extremely happy and hopeful. 

H A P P Y NEW  Y E A R!!   HOPE FILLED NEW  D A Y!!!  

The Year That Is Finally Ending

 

We are a short (or long, depending on your point of view) twenty days from the end of the longest (yet shortest) year ever. I'm hearing every day, time and time again about how all days have looked the same, how tired we all are of the routines, the isolation, the masks, the frustration with folks not wearing masks, how these days have been the longest ever. 

For me, the next twenty days will look a lot like the previous 346 with some exceptions for possible wardrobe changes for possible worsening weather conditions. 

Just to catch you up and to clue you in: 

Both my son and daughter remain healthy. My son's industry is basically shut down but he has managed to stay afloat and look as though he may weather the storm. Casting calls have resumed, albeit guardedly.  My daughter is working in an Assisted Living facility as a culinary lead.  They are tested weekly and have on-site safety protocols in place to minimize exposure and spread.  

My employment as a revenue cycle specialist with the medical billing company remains active.  My being able to work from home (even before the pandemic) has been quite the saving grace.  Things with the company were a little  shaky for a time; there were lay-offs at the beginning. There have been a couple of new hires so, at least things are holding steady. 

I have not cut my hair.  I am still sketching though not every day as before. But I feel good about what I produce and the communities I have discovered. I spent a good number of recent days creating and mailing greeting cards for the nearest and dearest of family and friends.  I expect to finalize the last batch before the weekend has expired.  

My annual medical visits, postponed from May because...well, you know, will take place over the next month or so. I have four appointments lined up and barring any hiccups in any of the labs or screenings I should be good to go for 2021. 

Twenty-twenty notwithstanding I'm feeling pretty good. Given the track record here over the last several months I probably won't be back here within the next twenty days so I shall wish you all 

Happy Happy Joy Joy  for whatever December holiday celebrations you observe.  May your next twenty days be more of the same or better or at least full of Peace Joy Love Health and Happiness 

Twenty Eighteen

Ho Ho Ho!!

Oh wait, that was last week.  This week is Auld Lang Syne time; a time to ask that haunting question about old acquaintances. Time to reflect on the previous three hundred and sixty-four days that covered twenty-eighteen.

For me, twenty-eighteen was mostly consumed with my daughter's accident in January and the physical and financial difficulties that followed for both of us. Our personal financial difficulties were exacerbated by the homeowner's association ineptitude and our building's perpetual state of disrepair.

There were times that I didn't think we'd make it here but with the help of generous friends, luck, and grit here we are, looking forward to twenty-nineteen, planning for a future for even beyond the next three-hundred and sixty-five. Well, cautiously. One. Day. At. A. Time.

All the troubles aside, there were good things about twenty-eighteen that are worth remembering.

Meeting two blog friends in real life and experiencing the city of my birth through their eyes was one such thing.

Another was my son being cast for an episode of a network TV show. And seeing him on screen. He's been acting professionally since his second year of college and while I've seen him on stage many times, and even on the small screen a few times, this time seemed somehow...extra. Maybe because this job made it necessary for him to join the screen actor's guild, which means he'll be compelled to go out for more screen work. Let's face it, screen work means not only visibility but also money. It IS a business. It is a profession.

All-in-all, I guess twenty-eighteen sums up as a break-even kind of year.

May your days be merry and bright and may all your christm...oh wait, that was last week...
Cheers and Happy New Year to all!

"we'll take a cup o'kindness yet, for days of auld lang syne"

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Unfrozen Drafts

Thanks to the high winds in recent days this jaunty fellow lost his topper. He has also in even more recent days, lost his footing due to even higher winds and quite possibly critters meandering about in the middle of the night. He now lies forlornly on a neighbor's lawn, unlit. Serving no visible purpose. Waiting to be relieved of duty until the next holiday season.

He's in good company. Many neighbors have yet to remove their holiday decorations. Maybe due to the kind of weather we've been having over the past couple of weeks. Maybe due to each of their personal preferences regarding such things. Maybe due to not having the time or energy. Maybe some combination of all those things.

Whatever the reason I am looking forward to the vestiges of the season to be gone.

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Got Ready

Judging by the display from my neighbors there is no shortage of holiday spirit roaming about.

The decorations are full of whimsy, brimming with joy. 

And while I love seeing them and the joy they evoke, 

I've had a difficult time summoning up my own spirit, my own joy. It isn't so much about being unhappy or feeling down. I don't quite know... muted, low, indistinct might be more apt descriptors. 

Maybe. 

Still, despite not having much 'air in my hair' I am pleased to have spent the day with my daughter (my son is house-sitting) with happy animals, food to eat, and heat protecting us from the brrr outside. 

Wishing everyone reading a happy last Monday of December! 

Peace and Joy

  

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In, Out, Up, Down, Done

The Fourth of July began on the First of July and has continued through now, the third. I suspect that the actual holiday will feel anti-climatic. 

Who am I kidding, it already does. 

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You've Got Mail

sprout pencils

Happy New Day!  Here we are smack dab in the middle of a new month, the first month of a brand new year and I am not feeling the newness; I am not feeling optimism usually associated with a new year (particularly when coupled with a new administration); I am not feeling UP. 

Maybe because the cold hasn't fully left my body. My right eye is phlegmy and sensitive. However, it is responding positively to treatment. For that, I am grateful. 

Still, it is a new year, a new administration, a new drive to speak up, stand up, be present, and a re-commitment to that which brings me joy and hopefully comfort to others; writing letters.   A colleague of my son's was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I shared the Girls Love Mail program with him as a way to support others as well as his colleague. 

Happy New Day! for I am taking on this year, one day at a time; treating, acting, addressing, art-ing, writing, sharing, caring . . as the day presents, unfolds. 

Happy Birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May his wisdom, words, and strength embolden us all to live out loud. 

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Second Monday in March

A co-worker asked what I was doing for St. Patrick's Day. I replied, it is Thursday. I'll be doing what I do most every Thursday. No big whoop. I just hope the weather stays more like spring rather than deciding to deliver a winter blast.

Bigger than St. Patrick's Day (in my opinion) for the up-coming week, is our state's primary.  Election day is Tuesday and if last Friday is any indication, it shall be a bumpy ride. The weather may keep most folks off the street. Hopefully, most folks voted early.

The best aspect of this week (and the advent of Daylight Saving Time) is that Spring is officially around the corner; sunshine, blue skies, fields of blooms. May the Sun shine warm upon all our faces.

#MicroBlogMonday
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Eight Hundred and Fifty

posting the pic to get a post up 

for, too many days have gone 

without one. 

the next shall follow 

soon(er) 

rather 

than

too much later. 

Happy September!! 

From, Me

image courtesy of The Bluestocking Review

                                                             

                                                       LOVE & PEACE

To, You.

Pass the Rum Gravy, Cabbage, and Rolls

Truth be told, I haven't had rum in several years. In fact, the last taste of rum was gifted to me by a very dear friend. I don't there will be any rolls either. It has just occurred to me that I forgot to buy them and unless there is something vital that seems to have been forgotten as well, dinner will go on without them.

No biggie.



Yes, there will be a dinner. Poultry, dressing (not stuffing in my corner of the universe) macaroni and cheese, cabbage (two ways--with meat and without) and . . . I know I'm forgetting something, can't put my finger on it...oh well, point is, food.

And drink. And . . well, and . . . just . .

Truth be told I'm not feeling particularly festive. I'm trying for daughter's sake but my heart really isn't in it. But, there will be food and if the cabbage (both ways) and the macaroni and cheese are any indication it will be good. Maybe not great, maybe not amazing, but good. Okay, very good.

Damn, the gooey, cheesy . . good. Must stop tasting.

Truth be told, while not feeling particularly festive I do recognize there is much for which thanks should be given. And so I do give thanks for my decent health, the good health of the actor and his sister, the comfort of loving pets, shelter, food (damn, the gooey, cheesy . .) drink, other family, friends particularly those who have experienced a recent turn of (woot woot) events allowing for a sense of safety, security, inching toward home,  warming me all over.

Yes, there will be a dinner, the menu changed (slightly) to minimize the onslaught of memories.And while not feeling particularly festive, I am thankful to be here to be able to share a meal with my son and my daughter and to have connections with people who bring me great comfort and joy.

Peace to you.

Holly Jolly

The song begins, "have a holly, jolly Christmas; it's the best time of the year" and for weeks now it's been looping in and around my head, double dog daring me to just DO IT! > BE IT!

Jolly. or in everyday vernacular: happy.

It has been an uphill climb, but on this day above all others I am reminded that despite the not so grand in my life and the world at large, there is still very much that is good and cause for happiness. There is shelter, food, love of family and friends, Buttah, Pete, and puppy dawg Cinnamon.

A good friend is spending Christmas day in the hospital recovering from knee replacement surgery. Not the happiest of places to be on this (or any other) day, but the key word:
recovering. I got word earlier today that physical therapy is going well.

Jolly, or in everyday vernacular: happy.

I could name hundreds, perhaps thousands, of things that can be counted on to cause unbridled happiness and joy to wash over me like warm showers, but I won't. I'll just state for the record that I know, I remember, and I am grateful for those things and those people.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas and may those feelings spread over many days, weeks, months beyond.

"Christmas isn't a season, it's a feeling."  Edna Ferber  

No scrambling, No trampling

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my aversion to shopping of any kind with the rare exception of hardware stores and garden centers I avoid s-t-o-r-e-s unless absolutely necessary.

So, the idea of ME going out anywhere near any kind of "special deal" "door-buster sale" "hot, hot pricing" is as ludicrous as finding me on a tropical beach basking in the mid-day sun, wearing a string bikini.

Ludicrous.

Several years ago my employer added the day after Thanksgiving as a paid holiday for regular, full-time employees (such as myself.) And even before then I was fortunate to take a vacation day on that day. Historically the day has been filled with outings with the kids, catch-up chores around the homestead, gorging on left-overs. . . in other words, just chilling.

To paraphrase Taylor Swift, never (ever)< did it include getting trampled by or being the one trampling on bargain hunters burning off the turkey with all the trimmings scrambling through the malls of hard knocks.

This Friday will be no exception. Tomorrow we will visit and eat and drink and some of us will repeat the eating and the drinking. And repeat once again. But then it will be Friday and beyond spending a few hours winterizing my mother's apartment, I haven't yet mapped the day. But, I can guarantee . . .

there will be no< shopping.

And speaking of ludicrous, opening stores earlier and earlier on Friday---so early, many are opening later in the evening on . . . Thursday!

Ludicrous.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Peace ♥


   

Wonder Woman Dog

 My daughter wouldn't be my daughter if she didn't dress the dog(s) cats and any other animals (breathing or filled with fluff) in the outfit of the day. On this day (yesterday) Cinnamon appears as the canine equivalent of Wonder Woman®  I wasn't home during the Trick-or-Treat hours but I understand she was the talk of the block. She favored the witches, ghosts, goblins, and more with aerials, flips, and just plain old rambunctious puppy play.

We are learning more and more about her every day. 

For instance, she is not wild about baths. 

Nor about getting her facial hair clipped. 

She does love being outdoors, though not in the rain. I'm anxious to see how she does with snow. And  while there is still some work to do, she's a fun (and loud) puppy dog, who by the way doesn't like getting her facial hair cut. Her face is a little uneven. She is just fine with that.  She is Wonder Dog.  

Making Room

Some years ago I had the bright idea to stage the Christmas tree in the dining room. Prior to that ephipany the Christmas tree held court front and center in the living room. Lights ablaze, blinds cranked open, a dazzling array for the world to see.

Well, at least the part of the world who happened down our street and then happened to look up a bit.

The first year The Middle Girl's Family Christmas Tree and related holiday regalia called the dining room home there was no nearly five foot tall cat condo, pet crate, yard sale dishes (for when daughter moves out) bookcase, desk, or other overflow from the living room (where returning son has most of his belongings).

The living (or front) room seemed the logical location in the very beginning of our residence in this small condo because it was the most comfortable room at the time and was (or seemed) the easier to de-clutter adjust furnishings and the like to make room for the tree and related holiday regalia. 

Plus there was the showing the tree (and lights) to the world (that fraction who happened down our street . . . ) and I always enjoyed seeing the lights from the street when I came home from work in the evenings (I knew to look up.)

The bright idea from some years ago seems positively brillant today. Despite the groaning at the seams fullness of the dining room space, the tree must go there, cannot go anywhere else. No other room is suitable, no other space even remotely ready for its presence.

Moreover, I discovered that I like having dinner by the twinkling lights along with a couple of bottles glasses of wine, mom, son, daughter, and a condo full of fur babies (though the cats must be housed in my bedroom).

Sometime over the next 3, 4, or . .  today the tree and related holiday regalia will be installed, lights ablaze, a dazzling array for all of us to see and enjoy.