Hard Bonus: Incorporate your favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song lyric
Easy Bonus: Include 3 shades of red
Light Glow
The Spirit of Christmas missed me this year. Maybe a good thing, since I have other things I need to work on for myself, as well as the day-to-day things with my family.
This super cold weather around here is atrocious. Step out just to take the garbage to the bin, has people turning rosy while wind-whipped, bones feeling rusty, and your nose feeling like a frozen cherry… All I can say is: “Baby it’s cold outside.” – Frank Loesser
Subtopic 1:How have you changed since January of 2022?
Subtopic 2:What would you like to see different in 2023?
Happy life day to you!
I have many Wishes of a Christmas Past. Aside from the usual kid stuff, I’d always felt the holidays were a time to turn over a new leaf, to start over, fresh, into something new, better, happier, etc… until now. No, I’m not being a pessimist. It’s part of the reality of life’s happenings.
How have I changed since January 2022? I started off the year as a new hire after my paid internship as the office manager for a nonprofit. I’m ending the year, rather than to try to fight for another paid position, to advocate for the people who depend on that nonprofit after being laid off. People deserve better than this, including myself.
What would I like to see different in 2023? I’d like to have people who have the power actually listen to the people, rather than for selfish greed. Answer the questions, follow through, etc. I’m trying to do the same from example. Maybe even if it’s not much, the corruption will be removed, and I can at least rest better…
I’m worn out from everything, but, this fight for the people is also for my own job, and if I have to step up, I will, but, certain things have to happen first, and that’s the hard part because it’s part of the waiting game.
I think people use holidays to both Giving & Forgiving. It’s great when families & long time friends can make it work, but often, I see toxic relationships last another few years because people who have no intent on changing will play nice, and because we’re hard wired to want to be with family, we accept.
While yes, life is about people, especially the holidays, just remember, you’re the most important person in your life! Without you, other people don’t have you! It’s okay to walk away from toxic people, abusive relationships, etc. If there are reasons to break up with your spouse, or dump your friends, these same rules apply to your family. They don’t get to keep you to abuse, just because they’re your parent, sibling, cousin, etc.
I chose to walk away, basically letting go. People can move on without forgiving, and the decision is yours, whether you do or not. Just because you do, doesn’t mean you’re accepting them back into your life. I like Dr. Laura’s explanation of The Difference Between Forgiveness & Letting Go
Anyway, here is toasting you, a gift of life all on your own, and wishing you a nice holiday season full of safety. For people who feel like they don’t have anyone, just know that I am thinking about you. You’re welcome at MY table, anytime.
Hard Bonus: Incorporate a quote or line by author/ poet Jack Kerouac
Easy Bonus: Mention your favorite herb or spice
‘Sup?
Life’s moments, especially in childhood, has many A Cherished Memory. From my own childhood, it was after I’d read the book Heidi by Johanna Spyri in Japanese & English, then saw the animated movie (in Japanese) afterward. The next day I learned that all mountains are connected – even underneath the water, that these ridges are all connected together throughout the globe. So, at the ripe age of 6, I took my sister on her trike in the quest to find Heidi of the Alps.
As an adult, I have many of my son, who was always my little natural science guy. Maybe it’s a good thing that as a girl growing up, I wasn’t about the sugar, spice and everything nice, but more like red hot pepper flakes. We’d do a lot of nature hikes together.
If moderation is a fault, then indifference is a crime. Jack Kerouac
Still recovering from my nose surgery, and get the stuff out tomorrow. I hope everything goes well, and more energy next week.
Subtopic 1: How do you get yourself psyched for the holidays?
Subtopic 2: Tell me what your favorite Christmas song is, and tell me one you cannot stand.
Hydro Shift
As a person who technically practices Omnism, I usually call it Universalist, I tend to enjoy myself to Pump Up the Holidays. I incorporate a lot… Bean chili for St. Nick’s day. Latkes, stuffed cabbage, some sort of flat bread or tortilla for Hanukah, Puerto Rican turkey for Winter Solstice, Italian like lasagna or stuffed manicotti for Christmas, Japanese meal for New years like eggrolls or sukiyaki, and stick something like flautas or Indian tacos for another random holiday… Then invite other people over, to share our weird traditions this way, since we’re a house that takes strays.
I’m technically not Christian, but since we don’t get other music besides the regular stuff that plays, it’s always Christmas music… Music is always good, but I just don’t want Christmas music 24/7 and I don’t know why I find this one annoying, since it’s for a good cause, but I dislike Do They Know It’s Christmas by Band Aid and We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa. Did they even benefit anyone? And, if they were helping remote tribal areas, who cares if they don’t know if it’s Christmas time? FFS, just help people! The musical talent is okay, the message is good, but it seems as if people are trying too hard, though it’s good to have so many different genres of famous musicians came together on these. I guess me, personally, I’d rather be one of the instrumentalists in the background, where people might hear me but won’t know who I am because it’s strictly to support, not get credit for anything.
Anyway, what’s up with the fire hydrant? Did Santa have a blow out? Or did he leave a gift by sanitizing the water & forgot to put his hat back on without putting the thing back together? At least it’s not flooding anything at the moment… I get psyched for the holidays by planning gatherings of who will come, what to make, etc… but this year I might have to go easy. I have 2 surgeries going on my nose on Tuesday, 12/13/22 – for 3 whole days, I’m literally not supposed to do anything. I can eat, sleep, crap, sit at my computer, have my coffee, shower, and that’s about it. No bending, reaching overhead, etc… *sigh* I guess it can take up to a month to fully recover, but I hope sooner. I’ll keep you posted.
My favorite one is Christmas Eve in Sarajevo by TSO – I do enjoy their rocking classical style. Wizards in Winter is also really cool, too, and to slow it down, Christmas Canon, where they do a multigenerational gig, featuring young people singing along with the rocking behind them.. So, I guess I’ll just have to play my own dream concert at home, and maybe for NYE, I’ll be able to do an international fair… Until next time!
It’s December in the northern hemisphere, and living in the middle zone, Brrrr, It’s Cold Out There!! Even with the furnace on, there’s still a chill in the air inside. Maybe someone should bake…
Life can be insane… I used wonder what it would be like to have the bond most people have with their families, but coming into social media in 2007, I realized I’m not the only one who created one’s own family by walking away from abusive/toxic people to be around people who actually care. Family is who loves you, not who is biologically related. Money cannot buy safety, comfort & peace of mind.
When I was stuck, with little money to my name, nowhere to go, no one to turn to (mostly because the situation was next to impossible for people to wrap their heads around), my life situation resembled the song from Soundgarden from the Down On the Upside Album (1996):
Nothing seems to kill me No matter how hard I try Nothing is closing my eyes Nothing can beat me down for your pain or delight No
Nothing seems to break me No matter how far I fall Nothing can break me at all Not one for giving up though not invincible I know
I’ve given everything I need I’d give you everything I own I’d give in if it could at least be ours alone I’ve given everything I could To blow it to hell and gone Burrow down and then Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside world
Someone tried to tell me something “Don’t let the world bring you down.” But nothing can do me in before I do myself So save it for your own and the ones you can help No
I’ve given everything I need I’d give you everything I own I’d give in if it could at least be ours alone I’ve given everything I could To blow it to hell and gone Burrow down and then Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside world
Want to make it understood Wanting though I never would Trying though I know it’s wrong Blowing it to hell and gone Wishing though I never could Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside world
Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside Blow up the outside world
Strange, I was never really into Soundgarden, their songs were a bit dark – maybe related too closely to my life situation for comfort… The tempo & overall sound can be a bit depressing as well. Or maybe I wasn’t ready for it yet? So, I’d get out of the house with people who were nice & fun, but liked to pull pranks… It was my way of coping, yet being the nice person I was, got the title of Miss Demeanor.
Anyway… I got out, my son is my life & heart, found a mate who is good for me, and make it work with the people who sit at my table to eat. Holidays are quieter, without the expectations that I’ll be making ALL of the holiday pies, a side, attitudes about whether I gave my own card vs. one from my house to theirs, etc. Pettiness moved out.
Apply now to be ArtRoot’s next Writer in Residence! The deadline for applications is Thursday, December 15, 2022. (For January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 Residency)
The Writer-in-Residence program awards writers who live in Racine or Kenosha County a $1,500 stipend and six-month residency that can take place at a location of the recipient’s choice. Selected writers contribute a weekly post to the Writer-in-Residence blog and complete a community-based collaboration or project during their residency.
As a musician, It’s a Good Life, always, when I get to play, especially at a performance. Sharing music of various sorts is helping to heal souls, 1 person at a time, starting with my own. And we can pass it on. I remember being a student at Franksville School (back then, K was at Hoods Creek – closed, 1st & 2nd at Trautwein – mini strip mall of sorts, 3rd & 4th at Bartlet – village building, 5th & 6th at Franksville – office building, now a preschool/daycare, and Gifford was the Jr. High. Now Gifford is an elementary school), the students had the opportunity to put on the Oliver Twist musical. The few of us who weren’t going to be ON the stage had to pick one of the very few activities to do while most of the rest practiced their parts. I didn’t want to be on the stage to act or sing. I wanted to be in the pit with the musicians, and I think they had a high school band come in for that, so I didn’t get to be in it. Oh well. But I always like when we combine the arts even if it’s a mini community just briefly.
In this life, Liberty can come in many forms. It’s not just rights that your country can give you, it’s also about your everyday life. As a college student and young adult, I utilized this statement: Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.Thomas Jefferson It was my basis of being an activist, grass roots organizer, etc. to petition my elected officials on all levels. I feel like I’m too old to keep that up, but… right now I’m utilizing those skills to help a small group of people with their issues. I’m hoping something will bust loose one of these days, the waiting game isn’t something I have much patience for at this age. But… whatcha gonna do? I’ll keep everyone posted when I can.
Subtopic 2:Are you an early shopper, or a procrastinator?
Something to go right, not just the mundane…
Dear Santa,
What I would like most for this Christmas is:
Never in a million years, would I have imagined
Always being the person to advocate
Upping my step, game, whatever
Going where I’m needed, not necessarily for me
Hopping to it, speaking out, studying, organizing
The doors slam, windows close, climb, dig, search
Yearning to just do me, but what if this IS me?
Oracles have spoken loud & clear
Resonating in my soul, let the music continue
Never give up, resting to make a wishlist
It’s not a contest, it’s about purpose
Count me in or out, I’m here for the course
Eagerly waiting for my ship to dock or sail
Holiday shopping is always a combination of early & last minute, because of all that has to happen – I’m not as efficient as I used to be due to limited energy. 12/4 is Good Neighborliness Day in Turkmenistan.
Hard Bonus: Include a lyric from Panic! at the Disco
Easy Bonus: Use the term “ad hoc”
PacMan Live!
This new music these days from groups I’ve never heard of… I was and sometimes I am Bewildered!
Tonight we are victorious, Champagne pouring over us, All my friends were glorious, Tonight we are victorious! Panic! At the Disco – Death of a Bachelor album 2016 “Victorious”
As an advocate working on organizing an ad hoc grassroots group, I’m hoping that the meek can offer a sense of power in numbers, no matter how small we are. With the work I’ve been doing from home, I feel like I’m Packman Live, with what I’m doing. It’s a mixed blessing… I have the time while at home, yet I have distractions too. This is who I am, which is why I’m nominating myself as the Patron Saint of Miss Demeanor.
*sigh* I’m still feeling melancholy & discombobulated. I’m keeping busy with chasing papers, organizing, reorganizing, trying to get my bearings straight…
At the job I had for a little over a year, I’d Light A Candle, usually a scented one at my station. Not only did it give off a nice aroma. I rarely had anything that would be complicated, since I prefer the single scents like sandalwood, coconut, etc. because the blended ones are too complicated for my nose. It reminds me of when my husband would come with breakfast or when my maintenance guy would sit with me at lunch, and we’d have a candlelit meal together… I guess I’ll have to figure out a way to move on, and keep doing me as best I can.
For everyone reading, just know that I see your glow, whether it’s a candlelight or a bon fire or anything in between, and I appreciate all of you! How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was good. I used to like to gather around everyone to have bigger events, but, these days, I prefer the cozier gatherings. Holiday shopping stresses me out, so maybe I’ll get my shopping done for Cyber Monday.
Maybe for the upcoming holidays, I’ll reinstate my annual “Untraditional Traditions Potluck”. Everyone has a unique tradition, it seems, whether it’s a long standing one that ran throughout your family lines, or you started your own, and I’d host a dinner party where people brought their thing. It was fun. For now, stay warm, be safe, and I bid you happiness.
Subtopic 1:Mention ham or turkey Subtopic 2:Mention something you’re grateful for Bonus Subtopic 3:Mention Black Friday
Holiday Feast Time!
Thanksgiving seems to be the official holiday to kick offA Time of Giving. Especially in the northern hemisphere when things get really cold over the winter, the greatest needs are rising at this point. I hope it continues throughout the year, though, even if we’re trying to make the holidays count, which is also necessary, we have a lot of needs that need to be met by the people.
It seems as if the main celebrations that happen from Thanksgiving kicking off winter holidays to Easter ending them, that in the USA, turkey or ham are the staples of the main entrees. Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham or turkey, Easter ham… In Japan, people pre-order KFC 5-6 months in advance… Nuts, I tell you! Yet it seems as if in Italian households, it’s normal to do lasagna or stuffed shells, Mexican households might do tamales or something? I’ve done Puerto Rican, Italian, and even Japanese food… This year, my son is making empanadas.
I’m kind of hard on my husband & son, but I am really grateful for them. I really am. It’s getting difficult to know what to give them as gifts for the holidays, especially since I boycott Black Friday – those crowds really get to me. So, it makes me also grateful for summer sun & coffee to sit back & enjoy!
Here is toasting fellow bloggers who inspire me to write weekly, and to the organizers who make this able to happen tirelessly, even when there’s so much going on! I appreciate you all.
