Blogophilia 27.16: The First Day

Marvin Martian says HAPPY NEW YEAR to all Blogophilians!! We are also starting off Season 3 of Year 16! Let’s kick off the New Year with good intentions and a clean slate on this “FIRST DAY”! Join us at Blogophilia!

Blogophilia group on Facebook & blog topic parameters & how it works on WordPress New bloggers are always welcome. You don’t need to be on Facebook, you’re welcome to post here on WordPress & link in the comments on the blog topic parameters blog.

Hard Bonus: Incorporate a quote from Star Wars

Easy Bonus: Include the phrase “slipping on ice”

Snow Sliders!

I find this interesting that The First Day is tied in with Star Wars, since that was the 1st movie I remember watching on the big screen, and it was the same year I came to Wisconsin. The following year was when I started to tag along with midterm elections with my aunt. Eventually, the quote in Rogue One by Jyn Orso, “Rebellions are built on hope” would be what summarizes grassroots efforts. Of course, there are often times when we are trying to make a better place yet we often feel like we’re slipping on ice to make it the end. The important part is that we made it, and then to get back up to keep moving on again.

Blogophilia 26.16: Vintage Holidays

Marvin Martian HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO BLOGOPHILIANS, ONE AND ALL!!! This is Week 26 in Year 16 of Blogophilia! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukkah this week!! It’s also the last week of Season 2 in Year 16 – we begin a new season next week! 🙂

Blogophilia group on Facebook and blog topic parameters & how it works here on WordPress

Hard Bonus: Incorporate a line from your favorite Christmas carol or holiday song

Easy Bonus: Include an elf

Town Square Skating Rink

When I think of Vintage Holidays, I remember my grandparents having everything from 4th of July in Eagle Lake to Memorial Day in the backyard, to other holidays inside their cozy home in the living room. There was always something magical, even if it wasn’t Christmas. Blogophilia often feels like a holiday that happens weekly. To all of you, “Holidays are joyful, there’s always something new. But ev’ryday’s a holiday, when I’m near to you.” – Merry Christmas, Darling May the Elf bring you smiles throughout the year, not just during Kwanzaa.

Blogophilia 25.16: When Hell Freezes Over

Marvin Martian‘s Blogophilia group on Facebook

Blog topic parameters & how it works HERE

Hard Bonus: Use the word “pierce”

Easy Bonus: Mention a place you would like to escape winter or cold weather

Ice cold & plastered

I’m a person who speaks my mind when I see fit. I won’t stop When Hell Freezes Over, either. The freezing cold may pierce us to the bone, and go thaw out in Puerto Rico.

Blogophilia 24.16: In Good Spirits

It’s that wonderful time of year
to spread good joy and cheer.

So let the good spirits flow,
as outside it begins to snow.

Make good memories to treasure,
full of laughter and pleasure.

May your heart be content and full
in this wonderful season of Yule!

A Ditty by Marvin Martian

Martien Ecrits blogophilia group on Facebook HERE

Blog topic parameters & how it works HERE

Hard Bonus: Incorporate a song title by The Pretenders

Easy Bonus: Include your favorite beverage

Snow Jumping!

While I hope everyone is In Good Spirits, this time of year can be difficult for those who don’t have anyone or are mourning a loss. It’s good to be kind, but sometimes our own nerves are shot… Don’t Get Me Wrong (Get Close album 1986), but yes, sometimes I’m the one who has an issue… It’s the reason why I don’t shop at usual retail stores unless I’m grocery shopping & will do locally owned ones 1st. Life is too crazy sometimes… I like the shorter lines at Mom & Pop stores, where I can get more personalized items and I’m not paying for a brand name, I’m investing in a product when I shop this way. Then, when I’m home, I like to relax & depending on if I want hot or cold, to chill with either a mocha or a cold Mexican coke in a glass bottle.

Coming up soon! I have to leave you off with these details:

Me, in front of the saxophone section, in front of the brass section

• Who: The Racine Concert Band
• What: Concert in conjunction with Washington Park High School
• Where: Park – 1901 12th Street
• When: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 7pm
• How: Just show up, get a program, it’s free!
• Why: Music tames the savage beast

my fellow clarinet players & the percussion section, taking a short break

Blogophilia 23.16: The Healing of Forgiveness

Marvin Martian says Welcome November! This is Week 23 in Year 16 of Blogophilia! WELCOME DECEMBER! The holiday season is officially in full swing! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration last week! Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanza are on the way…..

Blogophilia Facebook group Right Here

Blog topic parameters & how it works HERE

Hard Bonus: Showcase a difficult decision

Easy Bonus: Mention a country in the Southern Hemisphere

Angel On Earth

None of us are perfect, and we all need to sincerely apologize at some point… Other times, we are owed one, and during the holiday season, we might feel obligated to accept the apology for the family functions. Yet, I don’t think forgiving means you have to take the people back. The Healing of Forgiveness is different for a lot of us. It feels good to forgive people. But what do we do if their apology is insincere so they keep doing their misdeeds or kick it up a notch? We don’t owe people our forgiveness for continuing to deal with it. Sometimes, the hard thing to do is to decide to forgive yourself for putting up with it for so long. Yes, let’s normalize that.

So, what do we do about the other person/people? Let them go. Grieve the relationship(s) with those who are still living… Accepting the losses to move forward can be very liberating. It’s ok to act as if they’re in Angola, never to be heard from again…

Here is the hard part… as an advocate, I speak up for others. It’s not that I am angry with other people, but it’s not as easy as leaving it in the past, because people are in need now. Whether it’s a hospital visit, going to the capitol, or anything in between, there are those without a voice who need someone to speak up about whatever injustice might be happening without looking for vengeance. Often it’s because we’ve experienced that ourselves, and didn’t have a voice nor advocate, to be the voice and advocate we needed for those who need us now.

A good way to heal from this kind of stress is to have a good music session.

• Who: The UW-Parkside Wind Ensemble & Community Band
• What: A professional concert – get your tickets HERE
• Where: UW-Parkside Rita Tallent Concert Hall
• When: Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 7pm
• How: Tickets are also available at the door
• Why: It’s good for you & your mental health