I think I am going to write a little bit of this and a little bit of that today. Let’s see where my mind goes…
First, the past couple of nights I have had some vivid dreams. Two nights ago my dad was in my dream, which I think is the first time I have seen him this way since his passing in May. I should have written down the events of the dream right after I woke up to remember it better, but even now I know it had to do with religion and believing in God. It was about still having faith. And, yes, I know my faith, my belief, and trust, in God has not changed, but I also know I have been questioning a lot about organized religion lately. We live in a time of the rising of the national evangelicals and I have been thinking so much about how they are effecting our country, seeping into the politics (more like flowing) and even trying to take control over much of our civil life. When dad was alive he and I talked religion and politics a little bit over the years, but not as much as I would have liked. I knew where he stood mostly and I trust he is now experiencing the beauty and peace of heaven. But, maybe this dream was a way to reassure me. Maybe.
Then, last night I had a very different dream with different people. I remember being in a beach town environment. I feel like I was with my husband on a work trip that was there. He had to spend some of his time in meetings. We were in and out of a hotel, and at one point people were lining up along the streets, and I asked why? The answer: Donald Trump was coming. In a parade, or a caravan down the street. We did not stand around and wait and went on our way. At one point then I do remember saying “I guess we missed him. We must have been indoors.”
I’m not a big dream interpreter. But both of these dreams stuck with me after waking in the morning. They have to have some significance somehow. I am glad my dad was in my dream, but not Donald Trump. But, you know, I didn’t really have him in the dream. People were just waiting for him. I’m sure a lot can be made out of both of these dream experiences!
Speaking of Trump…. Just an hour ago Matt Gaetz withdrew from his plan to be the next US Attorney General. I don’t watch much news anymore for my sanity, but I saw the headline come across on my phone. I think I also heard a huge sigh of relief come across the country. Ha! I have to say I find it amusing that he resigned from Congress to become the Attorney General (and escape the allegations about to come out of his involvement in sex parties and having sex with a 17 year old girl), and now he is left unemployed. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!?!
As I said above, I have greatly reduced my viewing of news right now. I needed a break. I needed to lift myself up and not feel hurt all the time about the election results and what ‘may’ happen in the coming 4 years. I am not in a vacuum though and I do know about the cabinet position appointments, etc. At this point that is enough to see. It is depressing enough.
I have reached the time each year where I struggle a bit with depression. We just had the election. And now we are coming towards the holiday season(s) and I tend to get all hypocritical about them. My brain overthinks. I don’t like how Christmas decorations are up already. I want one holiday at a time. Thanksgiving isn’t even for another week and a half. SLOW DOWN EVERYBODY!!!! I feel like the magic of Christmas gets lost because we start everything so early. I know, bah humbug Marla. I feel this way every year. I get annoyed with the commercialism and the pressure for making everything right. By the time December 24th comes around then we think “oh right, it’s about Jesus too.” And a few days later everyone is taking down the lights and decorations because they put them up so darn early.
The first 2 weeks of December prove it also. My calendar for those two weeks is getting full already, filled with music and concerts I am involved with (flute & handbells), other concerts I’d like to attend, and with holiday lunches and dinners. The week right before Christmas? Nothing. It’s hurry, hurry, hurry…. Get it all done early!
Speaking of over-doing it? Anybody else tired of the hoopla leading up to the release of the movie “Wicked”?
Let me turn the page here, and turn into a place of thankfulness, not griping. Okay? Forgive me.
I am thankful that almost all of my holiday gift shopping is done online now. It’s so easy to order by computer, and have it delivered. I will try though and spend one day running to local shops and picking up a few last minute items later. I know they need my business. And yours.
Here’s something good to say: What about those Gamecocks?!?! The football season started with a few losses and I was prepared for ‘the usual,’ but the team has been looking good lately, winning, and having some exciting games to watch!! Yay!!
Question: Are you doing Christmas cards this year? I am thinking I will not. Although, I have a new granddaughter and I’d love to share my beautiful family, I might bypass the ‘snail mail’ greeting this year. Many see what I post on Facebook, and my Christmas list keeps shrinking every year. Maybe I will make a digital one to send via email this time.
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. Again, I prefer not to start it early because it sounds more magical in the Advent and Christmas seasons. What are your favorites? I have both ‘sacred’ music and fun Christmas carols on my song list. I also have favorite artists. Some are very old school. Timeless. Nobody sings Christmas music better than Johnny Mathis.
I look forward to the music in DECEMBER!!!
Happy November and Thanksgiving. Let’s give thanks before we move on. OK???
Marla’s Musings 