We are one week into December already and these thoughts are rattling around in my brain…
Taylor Swift as “Person of the Year” for 2023 was a wonderful choice! She is so uplifting and we need that. Taylor is a poet, a musician, an amazing business woman, a role model to young women, someone who handles attention without being obnoxious, honest, liberal, and genuinely loves her fans. She is in a relationship with them. She knows how to be in touch, is kind, and giving, and during this era of ego driven politicians, and other crazes out there, she is a breath of fresh air. You know, I hope she and Travis work out. She deserves a solid relationship. They both come from close families, have big success in their fields, enjoy playfulness, and are at the age where they are looking for something solid. I wish them good luck.
This is the time of year where everyone seems to get sick. We have a change in weather with the seasons, and we are closed in more, and we are feeling the pre-Christmas stress which challenges are bodies. Both my daughters are feeling it (one just tested positive for the flu), and I have my fingers crossed that I get through the next few weeks without catching some bug. Last night I woke with a sinus headache and it was a reminder to me to drink more water! I never drink enough of it. I go from coffee to wine most days. A body needs lots of water to stay healthy.
Another reminder: Christmas is about the baby Jesus.
Also, December has lots of religious holidays for different faiths. Saying Happy Holidays is appropriate and it is not a ‘war on Christmas.”
What the heck is going on at our colleges and universities? Teens and young adults on campuses across the country are usually open-minded and educated enough to know better than to belittle others, and open enough to accept differences. I am appalled by the groups that engage in fear, and are taking sides on the Israel – Hamas – Gaza war. It’s complicated. It’s war, and too many innocent people are being killed, and it’s absolutely horrible. There is pain everywhere. I think the only thing we can speak out against is the ruthless actions, the murders, and the kidnappings by the terrorist group Hamas. Beyond that, support humanitarian efforts, and pray that it ends somehow. Citizens of Israel and Palestine are good people, not deserving of any of this.
Also on college campuses, another mass shooting – this time in Las Vegas (home of the huge mass shooting at the country music concert.) Another reminder: we can NEVER accept this. NEVER…. And especially when we Americans have an ability to enact laws, and change minds so that victims have rights, not just gun owners.
Did you watch the Republican debate last night? Me neither. But, I do wonder if Nikki Haley can keep going and in a few months go toe to toe with Trump. I’d like to see that. I;m not a Republican but she would certainly be a better choice as the Republican candidate for our next president. She respects democracy. She respects democratic elections. She has relationships with foreign countries from her time at the UN. There is a lot I do not agree with, but she will not be the narcissistic, desperate bully that Trump is.
Some US congressmen and women are stating they are not going to run for office again. Even the short-lived Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced he is leaving. (Bye, bye.). So, another reminder: VOTE!! We will have open seats, and new options. Pay attention because this coming year will be big when it comes to who we vote into office to represent us.
Favorite Christmas season music? I’m hearing a lot of it right now and I really appreciate the live performances and talented musicians. Last Saturday I heard a live performance of the “Messiah” – Then Sunday I participated in a special music morning at a local church. This evening I am playing with the flute choir for a special event at an old, historical home in my town. Each room is decorated by local designers. I love all the usual carols for sure, but I also love the various genres out there performing them – from classical, to country. Tonight is a Country music Christmas special on TV.
Speaking of Christmas events, another big one is movie watching! Right? We all have our favorite holiday movies that are ‘must see’ films right now. For me it is definitely “White Christmas” and “Christmas Vacation.” I also love “4 Christmases.” And the Peanuts Charlie Brown special is a must!! Reminder: take time to enjoy your favorites.
Have you finished decorating and buying gifts? I’m pretty much done with both. I do my best to leave those items off my ‘stress list’ for Christmas. I’m wrapping now. I’m waiting for my cards to arrive to address them. You doing Christmas cards this year? I debate it every year but still send some, although the number that go out in the mail has dropped somewhat. It’s a dying tradition.
Reminder: You can’t do everything.
Do you bake? That is one thing I have never done much of – really at any time. Ha! I used to make a family tradition: Milheim sugar cookies. Maybe I will make some. Closer to Christmas to share with neighbors.
As many of you know I have become a fan of certain podcasts. One I listen to each week is called “The Political Gabfest” from Slate.com. I enjoy the guests, and topics of politics, always on the show. Today there was an author, Tim Alberta, who wrote a book titled “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelism in an age of Extremism.” Tim grew up a preacher’s son in an Evangelical church and as an adult became a reporter and writer. The discussion about the book with the podcasters David Plotz, Emily Bazelon, and John Dickerson, was really interesting. Reminder: order the book!
Time to end this. It’s time to stop writing, and to ‘do’ some things today!
Reminder: Whatever gets done is enough.
Marla’s Musings 