Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.   It happens each year on the Monday that is closest to his birthday.   It is THE only federal holiday that is named for one person.  We used to have a holiday for George Washington on his birthday, and one for Abe Lincoln, but their days were combined and it turned into Presidents Day.  Note:  Presidents as a plural word. So, all American presidents are honored on that day.

But, today, it is still all about remembering one man, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

I was a kid back in the 60’s when MLK Jr. became the Civil Rights leader ofthat time.  I was living in a cocoon and I  never really understood back then what was happening around our country, and especially in the south.  In fact, at that time my family was living in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I remember hearing my parents talk about some race riots happening in one area in the Cleveland area, but I didn’t know why.  What were they upset about?  I grew up in white neighborhoods, and I went to white schools, and a white church.  It wasn’t until I went away to Lutheran Memorial Camp (a week long summer camp program) when I was about 10 years old that I interacted with people of other races. My cabin camp counselor was Rita, a black college student.  The fact that 52 years later I remember her name proves how unique she was in my young life.

But, even after that camp experience, I went back to my white world.  Eventually my family moved to a small rural town in Ohio when I was in eighth grade.  I don’t remember any blacks in the school there, but there were a few Hispanic students.

Off to college I finally went and I first started at a church college that was again mostly made up of whites.   When I transferred my junior year to Towson State I then started attending classes with students of other colors and nationalities.   It was a much more evenly mixed environment.   So, thinking back I was about 20 years old before living in a blended world.

I have to thank my parents for never making race an issue as I grew up.  I don’t remember EVER hearing them speak with racist words.  I didn’t hear them speak of fear, or differences.   My father was a pastor and I never heard him speak about any other person of any persuasion, color, background, sexuality in a negative way.

So, even though I had a ‘sheltered childhood’ I grew up knowing everyone was equal.  We were and are now all God’s children, made in HIS imagine.

I think about how different it could have been for me.  I had some aunts and uncles who spoke with racist language. I had cousins who grew up with it in their homes.    I think about how many children all over America  have heard nasty words, and have had family members who spit out prejudice in the home.

Generations and decades upon decades of it finally came to a head in the 1960’s.   The Civil Rights movement happened because GOOD people spoke up.  Good people could not ignore it anymore.  A leader emerged…

Martin Luther King Jr.

He spoke of change, of equality, and of peace. He inspired black and white.  He led marches and he gave speeches.   And, as we know, he was assassinated by a man who was unable to accept what Dr. King said.    Just imagine had that not happened and what more could have been.

But, today, MLK Jr.’s words still speak to us, and we still hope for a country where people are not judged by the color of their skin, but by their character.  Their heart.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day I hurt because I think we have gone backwards in recent years.   But, then I remember we had our first black president – and how historical that was!  I also know that with positive change and acceptance there are still those who push back and there are people scared about any change.  our current president ‘woke’ those people up, and he continues to use fear and superiority as a tool… for racism.

Dr. King showed us that we can not stay silent in these times.  We have to peacefully speak against hate.  We have to live our lives as an example of what Jesus taught… “love our neighbor” and “love each other as we want to be loved .”   Dr. King followed Jesus and used his words.  So, must we.

So, today is NOT just a holiday, just a day off of work.  It is a day to remind us of a call to action.  And, it is a day to honor the man who showed us how it can be done.

Today someone called me a “Trump hater” online and, yes, I was upset by it. Why?  I did not wake up one day and  decide to hate him.  In fact, I don’t like the word ‘hate’ used in describing what is going on these days.  If anything I feel sorry for the man, and I’m saddened by his ineptness.  I am embarrassed by him.  To be narrowed down and called a person who ‘hates’ our president is wrong.  And, I do NOT feel it’s right to fight anything this president wants to do because it’s him wanting it. I have been accused of that.

Because, you see, my FB friend, it’s the other way around.  I dislike what he has done from day one of his entering into politics.   Like what you ask??     Here is a list, and I know I am forgetting some of my reasons,

•  He started the whole false Obama birth scandal.  ALL FAKE.  It was mean-spirited, and a painful thing to do.   It went on for months.
• During campaigning he worked up crowds with obvious false hopes.  He belittled all kinds of people in those speeches.  He made fun of people on purpose.
• He used a slogan that rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning.  “Make America Great Again”…like it’s NOT still a wonderful place to be!?   This slogan was a slap in the face of all those who always work hard for our country, who love America. We live in a wonderful country.  Yes, It can always have improvements, but it is already great.
• He had absolutely NO history of government work.  He never held a political position.  He had past business dealings that were questionable.  Some failed.
• He never released his tax returns.   It should not have been a big thing to do, but he did not.   Why?   What has he been hiding?
• Then he started to tweet…   and tweet and tweet and tweet.   He used tweets to keep the belittling going.  He tweeted against the Justice dept., against the press, against Congressmen and women, against his own staff.
• He paid off women to stay quiet about his affairs with them.   Oh – he had affairs.
• He mishandled meetings with our NATO friends and Allies.  He appeared pompous among leaders of other countries.  (They laugh at him behind his back.). He not only puts America first, he doesn’t care about other countries.  I believe we need to work together with other countries to maintain peace, to share technology, education, medical advances, etc.
• He took and still takes credit for anything and everything.  It doesn’t matter what it is. It doesn’t matter that he may not have done it.   He is a clinical egomaniac.
• He took funding away from our country’s environmental needs. He denies that there is global warming.
• He hired an inept Secretary of Education.  I believe we need to strengthen all levels, places of education.   Teachers need to be uplifted.
• He has had a revolving door in the White House because nobody can continue to work with him.
• He lies…. and makes things up….  and changes his lies…   and then lies some more.
• Let me say, in general  I do not believe the Republican platform is the best way to run the country.  I believe in showing more compassion – for our citizens and for ALL human beings of the world.  Heart must come before money sometimes.   That means…  health care, food for the needy,  education for all.   I believe in making our country safer by disarming those who should not have weapons.  I believe Americans should welcome those looking for asylum and a better life. I believe in people helping people.
• He still holds campaign rallies!  Even as President – because he is pompous and needs to hear people cheer for him.  He takes time out of his presidential duties to fly off to West Virginia (he loves going there) to get an ego boast.
• He lied about Mexico building the wall.  Hello??   I never knew that would happen.  But it fed into the fearful.   His lies slip off his tongue so easily.  And now because of this lie, with his back against the wall (ha – not that walll!), Americans/govt employees are working without pay.  Essential good people who keep us safe, who handle our tax money…   all are not working now.   Contractors who rely on our government to keep their companies going are hurt.  It’s a trickle down effect that I feel he doesn’t understand.
• He attacks the free press and reporters who have integrity.  Hard working people doing their jobs.   He calls them names… he belittles them.  Then wonders why they don’t ‘like’ him more.

I believe a president should have intelligence, and should have tact, and a good understanding about how our government works. I think a president should show respect – to get respect.  I believe a president should try to bring Congress members together to compromise and actually pass bills. To enact new laws.   I believe a president should not have family members as paid high level officials.  I believe a president should be truthful.  He should listen to military generals and to specialists who know more than he does…    although he says he knows better than all of them.

I know – it seems outrageous doesn’t it??

I do not hate Trump because he is Donald Trump.  I really do not hate him.    But, I admit there is a lot that he does that scares me.   I also admit I feel that some people that continue to ‘follow’ him are purposely excusing much of his behavior  – and I wonder why.   Because I don’t get it.

 

 

 

 

I have been going to the CMA Festival in Nashville each June since 2011.  Once I experienced it that very first year I was hooked.  It is an amazing four day and night live music experience with multiple stages and all kinds of country music loving events happening in and around the lower broadway area.   It’s hard to explain the amount of options going on during the festival at any given time.  There are stages big and small outdoors, and there are the indoor honky tonk stages… and then there is the Expo Center filled with upclose meet & greet areas, and merchandise, and games to play.   There are private fan club parties during the fest too.

As the years have gone by, the experiences kind of blend together in my brain  – which artist did I see that year? Where?  How did it happen? What did we see?    My hubby suggested that I write down who I saw and the particulars of each year to help remember -cuz, the ole brain could use some help!    So, here it is.  Luckily, I have taken lots of pictures over the years so I have gone back through them to help put everything in the proper order.  I’m still missing some – I am still looking for 2014.  I may have to continue editing as I find more.   But, for now…    here goes!

2011 – My first year. I went with my hubby.  Everything was NEW for me and I walked around in awe from the moment I got there.  There was an amazing amount of talent wherever I went. We decided to go to the CMA Award Show in the Brookstone Arena which takes place the first night of the fest. It is nationally televised.  It was really fun to be there and to watch! I loved to see the off-air changes, and the performers interacting, etc.  We also went to the Saturday morning celebrity softball game for charity.

These are artists I saw perform the first CMA Festival I attended.  In no particular order…

Laura Lee Bundy, Ashton. Shepherd, Dirks Bentley, The Cleverlys, Lady Antabellum, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Jake Owen, Clay Walker, Reba, Andy Griggs, Carter’s Chord, Jane Dear, the Band Perry, the Eli Young Band, Darius Rucker, Tracey Lawrence, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins, Gary Alan, Craig Morgan, the Zac Brown Band, Randy. Travis, Alan Jackson, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Casey James, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Alabama, Corey Smith, Chuck Wicks, Hunter Hayes, Stealing Angels, Daily & Vincent, Chris Young, Danny Gokey, Robin Meade, Little Big Town, Clint Black, Josh Turner, Kip Moore, Scotty MccCreary, Big & Rich, Thompson Square.

 

2012 –  Again I went with my hubby.   I had signed up to hand out Josh Turner album promotion cards..  and I got a free t-shirt for it.  Ha   We left a day early (not my decision). While we were at the festival we hung out with the Lewandowski’s, friends from Sparta, NJ.    This time we also did some touring in Nashville and around the area.  We took a van trip to see where some of the artists lived out in Franklin County (our van broke down in front of Ronnie Dunn’s first Nashville home and we had to wait a while for another van), and we saw the Grand Ole Opry, the Gaylord Opry Hotel, the Ryman, and more.

Artists I saw perform:   Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood,  Glen Campbell, Miranda Lambert, the Pistol Annies, Kellie Pickler, Jason Aldean, Lady A, the Zac Brown. Band, Lauren Alaina, Brad Paisley,  Hank Williams Jr., Thomas Rhett, JoDee Messina,. Gloriana, Ronnie Milsap, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Corey Smith, Eden’s Edge, Julie Roberts, Kenny Rogers, Hunter Hayes, Love & Theft,  Rodney Akins, Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan,  the Band Perry, Blake Shelton, Carrie. Underwood.

 

2013 – I brought Lauren and Ryan.  We again went to the CMA Award Show. We stood on the floor for it – I learned that seats are worth paying for!  Lol   We three also went to the private Scotty McCreery fan club party.

Artists I saw:   Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch, Phil Vasser, Tracey Lawrence, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Rogers, Greg Bates, Hunter Hayes, Lady A, Little Big Town, Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton, Sunny Sweeney,  Rae Lynn, David Nail, Corey Smith, the Oak Ridge Boys, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flats, Jason Aldean (Lenny Kravitz –  he was boo’ed when he went on and on performing alone.  He’s NOT country!), Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Ricky Scaggs, A Thousand Horses, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Gary Alan, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, the Band Perry, Jake Owen, Carrie Underwood.

 

2014 –

2015 –   Lauren, Kristen, and Katie Schafer shared the experience with me this time. This was the year I won through the lottery (each year you can sign up for random drawings for ‘up close experiences” ) a Meet & Greet with Crystal Gayle.

Performers:  Eric Church, Darius Rucker,  Neal McCoy, Dustin Lynch, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Brett Eldridge, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Lady A, the Zac Brown Band, Randy Houser, Maddie & Tae, the Band Perry, Eric Pasley, kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line,  Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flats, Sam Hunt, Alan Jackson, with Urban, Sara Evans, Montgomery Gentry, Gary Alan, and many of the TV show “Nashville” cast performers.

 

2016 – with Lauren, Ryan, and Kristen.    We played “Blake Bingo” and we all won some Blake Shelton merchandise and music. It was a small group experience and a break indoors in AC on a very hot afternoon.

Artists who I saw perform:  Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldridge, Keith Urban,  Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Cam, Chris Young, Cassadie Pope, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, Eric Pasley, Hank Williams Jr., Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, the Brothers Osborne, Corey Smith, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreary, Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots, Steven Tyler (yes, THAT Steven Tyler! He put out a “country album”), Maren Morris, Charlie Daniels, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood,  Sam Hunt,  Eric Church,  Rascal Flats, Lady A, Justin Moore.

 

2017 – Kristen, Lauren, Jeffrey.  Lauren went with me to the Montgomery Gentry fan party and I am so glad we did!  It was lots of fun but it was just a few short months later that Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash.

Scotty McCreery,  Montgomery Gentry, Maren Morris, Chris Young,  Old Dominion,  Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, Michael Ray, Gretchen Wilson, William Michael Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Lee Greenwood, Rhonda Vincent, Phil Vasser,  Kenny Rogers, Brett Eldridge,  Garth Brooks, Cole Swindell, Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker,  Keith Urban, Brad Paisley,  Craig Campbell, Luke Combs, Josh Turner,  Rascal Flats, Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Trace Akins, Morgan Evans,  Little Big Town.

 

2018 –  Kristen and Jeffrey.  I attended the Brothers Osborne Fan party.   Kristen and I went to the Jon Pardi acoustic performance at the Lodge.   I also won two tickets to have a meet & greet with Thomas Rhett.

Chris Stapleton, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne,  Chip Estevan, Brett Young, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, old Dominion, Carrie Underwood, Lindsey Ell, Tyler Reeve, LeeAnn Womak, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini, Highway to Heaven, Scotty McCreary, Ricky Scaggs, Brett Eldridge, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line. Kane Brown,  Dan & Shay.

 

As I glance through the lists it is obvious that some of the performers come out and headline each and every year for the fans.  It is a “gift” to the fans.  None of the artists get paid to perform.  The event started out as “Fan Fair” many years ago. It just keeps growing and growing.  I don’t mind seeing some artists each year.   I never get tired of seeing most of them:  Keith, Dierks, Luke, and Blake.   Dustin, Jason too.  Some of the other artists that are on the lists above are also my favorites so I made sure that I got to the stage where they performed.  Like I said before, so much happens you have to pick and choose.

The lists do not include those who I saw at “meet and greets” booths in the Expo Center, and those who came out on to the stadium stage to  sing the National Anthem each night.   It does not include the various DJ’s and TV people that hosted and introduced acts.  Most were nationally known.  Some I remember:   Bobby Bones and his morning team, the Property Brothers, Kristin Chenowith, Cody Alan, the Robertson family (Duck Dynasty), Nashville (TV show) cast members.

Some of those listed above I have seen perform more than once during the four days.  In fact, last year I saw Jon Pardi three different times in four days – he opened the river stage (a kick-off event), we won tickets through the lottery to see him at The Lodge, and then he performed on the big stage at the stadium!

I also know I am forgetting some artists, and some experiences.  In fact, I know I saw Martina McBride.  Oh, also, one time we we’re standing at an intersection waiting to cross and the traffic was backed up.  The black vehicle with dark windows stopped in front of us – the passenger window went down and it was Cole Swindell. He asked us if we were having a fun time at the fest!    Perhaps it was in 2014, the year I still need to find the pictures from.

More to come!

I have my tickets for the 2019 CMA Festival in June.  So…    Nashville here I come again!

 

Good morning – and happy new year to you!  It’s 2019.  I hope you are waking up with a clear head, few aches and pains, and a positive outlook for the next 365 days.

It’s a good morning to think about what may come this year.   Here are a few of my hopes and thoughts.

Long ago I gave up making New Year’s resolutions because they seemed to be frivolous.  And, then disappointing when I slipped from them.  It’s always good to have goals though.  Mine are not specific, like losing ten pounds, or reading four books a month…    but they are more general:

Be content in each moment.

Think of the good in people and situations (even when it can be hard to f ind.)

Be an example.

Respect everyone.

Give God the glory.

Use my abilities to help others and to bring me happiness.

Roll with it…     whatever happens.

BUT – be an activist for what matters.

Live in moderation.

 

Of course I hope to have good health in the coming year. I hope to accept the aging process as it continues.

I hope to spend lots of time with my hubby, my daughters and SIL’s, and my grandsons.

I hope to go to music concerts and events.

I hope to enjoy where I live – the outdoor beauty here. The fresh air, the water, the flowers, and the fowl and animals.

 

Last night hubby and I talked about the coming year and the fact that it’s the first in awhile without a major event on the horizon.  Both daughters ar now married.   We don’t have a big project to do.  We are going in to this year without a deadline or a financial need.   I’m ready for a quiet year.

It may not stay that way.

But for now, on this first day of the new year, it feels good.

 

 

 

Tomorrow I have a birthday.   Another year of life will be finished, and a new one starting.   My age number will change.

I am turning 62.  I am not afraid to say it.   I have a small plaque in my bathroom that says “forget your age. Live your life.”  And, yes, I try to do that most days. I try to stay positive and I try to continue to do everything I enjoy.    I mean – 62 is not old.   Right?

When birthdays come around though it is a time to reflect a bit… to think about what happened during the past year and how I handled it.  It also is a good time to think about what I hope for the next 365 days to come.

Reflections:   I have been fortunate physically.  Besides a few back twinges,  I have not had serious pain or anything that has hindered or stopped me from doing what I want to do.  I was able to get out in the yard and in the sunshine to plant flowers, and to prune bushes.   I have been able to go to the CMA Festival and walk everywhere and go to all the concerts all day and night. I could dance and I DID dance!   I can get down on the floor this year and play with my grandsons. (And I can get back up!  Lol)  I can hold them and hug them.

Mentally:  I think my brain is still working well, although there might be a few family members and friends who differ with my opinion.  Ha ! I love to read and I  enjoyed many books this past year.  I recently bought a New York Times crossword puzzle book to help my brain.  I used to love doing crosswords every day but once we stopped getting newspapers delivered I also stopped getting the daily puzzle.   I tried the USA Today one online but discovered that it is not as enjoyable as holding the puzzle on paper and using a pen – yes, a pen!   Call me crazy!?!     I have gotten in to a bunch of music groups this past year and I know that reading and playing music is good for the brain.   It’s also good for the soul!

Spiritually:  I’m still on the journey.  This past year has been hit or miss I suppose.  I have missed too many Bible Study classes.  I have not done as much as I could have in ‘living my faith’ and that can be disappointing…. to me, and most likely God.   My personal connection with God is still VERY important to me.  I really wonder how people who don’t have a belief and have some blind faith make it through each year (each month, each day.)  I have found for me that my faith has given me joy, and has given me freedom, and has definitely helped me deal with tough times.   God puts miracles (God sightings) in front of us all ths time… when you live knowing that then you see them.  It’s God’s love.  Shown through others and through aha experiences.

I know who I am more now than at earlier ages. What a good feeling!   I have lived long enough now to take my experiences, my knowledge learned, my heart… and know what is right for Marla.  I rarely question what is right versus what is wrong.  I suppose I can be bullheaded at times but it is because I know what works for me.

I am a very fortunate person because I can look backwards and I have no regrets.  None.   I can’t think of one thing that I wish I could change from my past.  I don’t carry a burden.

So, tomorrow starts a new year.  What do I want?  I guess tomorrow is like my own personal New Year and a time for resolutions.   What do I hope for?  What do I want to do?

Well, when  you have your health you have the possibility of anything!  So, I want continued good health. It doesn’t come automatically anymore.   I know I need to take care of my body.  More walks.  More stretching.  Sensible exercise.   I need to keep  working on accepting the changes in my body, BUT I will continue to color my hair!

I will also continue reading and doing puzzles.  By the way, “Words with Friends” is also one of my favorite ways to work my brain.  So, many thanks to those who play  online with me.   Want to play?  Sure!  I’m for it!  Just start a game with me.    I worry about my brain sometimes….when words don’t come to me quickly.  I forget names.   I know how important it is to stay connected and to stay passionate about something… I feel that way about music, and I feel it about certain political issues:  gun control, women’s rights, etc.     So, I plan to “keep on keeping on” with things that are important to me.

Spiritually:  I thank God for another year starting for me, and I know with it comes responsibility.  So, this coming year I hope to be an example of God’s love and goodness.  I know I’m here as God’s hands.  I want to use my time in giving.

So, happy birthday to me!   Thank you to those in my life who make my years as they  go by so meaningful, and so fun!   Thank you to my family for my foundation.  To my hubby for unconditional love, to my daughters for giving this mom endless pride.   To my friends who accept me as I am.

Another day tomorrow… and the start of another year.    Here I go.

 

I wasn’t planning to watch the funeral for President H. W.  Bush today.  But I walked into my nail salon to get a mani-pedi at 11:00am and noticed there were no other customers in the place.  I said to Kathy, the owner (her American name),  and the other techs, that I  guessed everyone was at home watching the funeral.   They asked what funeral?  All the employees there are originally from Vietnam.    So, I told them and they turned the two TV’s on the walls to CNN, and we watched – while I got my nails done.  Just me and the nail salon staff.

It was quite an experience!  I was the only one speaking only English and often the nail techs said some things in Vietnamese that I obviously did not understand, but I would hear names:  Bush, Carter, Trump, Clinton, Obama.   I also noticed that during the times that there were some lighter moments and jokes during the service, the techs did not understand them.   They did not laugh along like I did.

But… and I swear this is the truth:   at one point, while we chatted as we watched, we all agreed that Trump being there was awkward.   They laughed at how the kind words said about the senior President Bush, about his honesty and his graciousness, about his lifetime friendships,  was so opposite to who Trump is now and how he leads this country.   We all chuckled about his uncomfortable position there in the front row, not being the one being honored and loved.

I got to thinking.  I wondered what will President Trump’s funeral be like when it will be his time.  Who would speak?  And what would/could be said?!?!      Sad to think… but I wondered how very different it will be.

I watched the whole funeral in the nail salon.   I was touched by much of it.  The family and friends who gave eulogies were well spoken and gave insight in to President Bush as the man,  and a wonderful one he was!  The music was amazing.  The sermon by his home church pastor was ‘spot on’ and I loved his delivery of stories, telling personal stories of Bush’s faith.   The service was religious. There were scripture readings.   The Apostles Creed was spoken by all, and the Lord’s Prayer was magnificently sung.

It was a couple of hours of displaying honor and love.  It was beautiful.

It was good for the citizens of  the USA to experience Today.    I really hope that young people were able to watch.   I also hope that immigrants were able to see and hear the good that can happen by those who serve.  I tried to explain the difference to the nail salon employees of then and now.

Today’s service made me think about how we all hope to live our lives so we have a beautiful funeral.  I have been to some, and today I watched one.    We all want to be remembered well, and to have our family and friends speak about our positive attributes.  We want to make a difference in our lives.  We want to use our days to help someone and hopefully many people.  And, we want to handle our death with dignity – with hope.  We want to be a smile on a face when our name is mentioned.

Today we experienced that.  It was a beautiful handling of a death.

 

 

 

 

We are all in need of more truth these days.  Right?   Doesn’t it seem that each year that goes by we have  blurred the line between what is the truth and what are lies?   We see it in politics ALL.THE.TIME.  In fact we like to call lies in softer terms like ‘untruths’ or little fibs now (or tweets!), like there is a difference.   And, some lies are said to be acceptable if it is for the greater good.  So, it is okay to lie.

I think that is why I have a hard time with this time of year when it rolls around on the calendar.

Hear me out.     These thoughts rattle around in my brain and it is why I struggle during the holiday season.  Each year.

What is the truth about Christmas?     What do we tell our children?

When did Christmas become something else than the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ?    Because it has changed – big time.  Just ask the generation before mine.   Has the truth of Christmas morphed into something totally different?

I remember as a kid in our home knowing and celebrating the truth of Christmas.   We put up a tree, because it was a symbol of life and the lights on it were bright like the star leading the wise men.  The tree topper was a big star or an angel.  We put candles in the windows to ‘light the way’ and to show we celebrated Christmas.

We had a nativity set on our table to remind us of the way Christmas started… in a small stable in Bethlehem.

We gave token gifts reminding us that we are loved.  We learned in Sunday School that the magi brought the baby Jesus gifts.

Now, yes, I know, I was born and raised in a Christian home.  My dad was a pastor so everything we did on Christmas Eve and Day centered around our church service times.   I went each year to a candlelight service…. and sang “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”  I sang in the junior choir.  I participated in a Christmas play at church.     Maybe I didn’t understand it all as a kid but I was given the foundation.  It became my definition of Christmas.

And, hold on – because yes, it’s true – my parents never emphasized Santa Claus.  And, believe it or not, I never felt like I missed out.  I was never told about a guy coming down the chimney and secretly leaving presents under the tree.   As I got older I never felt that I was fooled by it, and then told it was a fabrication (lie.)   I knew my parents gave us gifts because they loved us.  I even remember seeing bags ‘hidden’ high up in my parents’ closet – and I knew there were Christmas presents inside them.    I had hoped they had seen the toys I had circled in the Sears “Wish Book”.

Fast forward to today’s Christmas.     People are decorating before the Advent season has even started – which starts 4 Sundays before December 25th. As a kid we had an “Advent Calendar” and opened another little door on it each day as we counted down the days.   By the way, here’s a holiday truth: yes, there are 12 days of Christmas!   But, did you know that the first day starts on December 25th and ends on January 6th?    Most people today decorate so early that by December 26th they are ready to take down the tree.

Today’s Christmas is all about commercialism.   Stores decorating, with lots of glitz and over-the-top secular stuff.  Big Santas,  penguins,  snowflakes, and such.    It is a hectic time of year.  People get stressed (including me.)  Expectations are high.  And that means disappointments are close by.   Nothing is ‘peaceful.’   Quiet.

EVERYBODY celebrates Christmas now.   It doesn’t matter if you believe in Jesus Christ or not.   The holiday truth isn’t the priority anymore.

So, that is why I sometimes grumble at this time of year.  It is why I write this post.   I hurt inside knowing that people say they are celebrating Christmas but don’t even think about “Christ” in it.

I pledge to myself each holiday season to focus on the truth.  I tell myself to think about the real Christmas…   and I try to do the things leading up to it that helps bring me there.   Church and music activities.

Do you think I’m a fuddy duddy?     Do you think I’m just getting old and set in my ways?    Perhaps.

But, let me leave this challenge to you for this Christmas season:  make it more truthful.   Find a way to connect back with the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus Christ.   At least for part of it.   Stop by a live nativity.  Attend Advent services.  Read the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve.

Put Christ back in Christmas.   He is the truth.

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again.  The holiday season is starting.  Don’t the years go by too quickly?     We all know that we should not just stop to think about our blessings and to give thanks at this time of year, but it is on the calendar this week: Thanksgiving Day.

So here goes…

I am thankful for  (in no particular order)…

Firefighters.    Police.  All those who put themselves on the line at all hours of the day  to keep us safe.

Lowcountry living.   Short winters and long growing seasons.  Beautiful flora and amazing bird life here.

Of course my hubby who puts up with my independence and gives to me without question.   He supports me even when he doesn’t always agree with me.   He loves  parts of me that I know can be difficult to like at times.  He compliments me even when I can’t always accept it.

Music.   Listening to those with such amazing talent, being moved by what music creates within me, hearing emotions in it.

My daughters and their husbands.  Each has found their partner and I see love in their eyes, and am excited for what their lives together will bring.

So of course my two adorable, sweet, happy grandsons!!  Perfect in so many ways!  Born early but without issues and now growing and developing physically and individually.  Little personalities showing.   I’m so thrilled to be Mimi!   They will help getting old enjoyable.

Warmth.

Friends of all kinds!  My bestie – who just like my hubby loves me through thick and thin, and through many, many years – with endless memories together!     Church friends who share a common bond.  Neighbors who help each other out and enjoy living side by side.

The joy of giving.  I learned it long ago and it has helped me realize why I am here.

Chardonnay.

As I said this is not in any particular order (this should be number 1)  – knowing God.  Personally.   Being faithful and content with knowing I am here for Him.   Finding hope and peace.   But also feeling a need to serve through knowing God.

Unconditional love –   From God.     From my pets too.

Comfortable living.

Medical workers.  NICU unit nurses to surgeons to hospice care givers.

Teachers.  Devoted and loving, who do what they do for our children each day without proper compensation or accolades.

Very few health issues – especially for my age.

Books.

Being born into a family that gave me a safe, secure environment.  A family with morals and faith.   Given a fair shake from the beginning.   Never fearing life as a child.  Knowing I was loved.

Loaded nachos.

Summertime.

Freedom – to  live here and have individual beliefs.  Freedom to peacefully speak, to give opinions, and to pray in public.

What are you thankful for?   I’d love to hear your joys!   Positive living and thinking – and being grateful for it –  go together.

What will you be thankful for on Thanksgiving day??

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve got a cold.  It started yesterday with a sore throat.  It’s typical.   Today is the day of feeling really tired, lethargic, and plugged in my head.   It will run it’s course.  But, for today, I’m sitting on the couch. Taking medicine.  Having soup.  I’ve got my dogs keeping me company.

And I have my IPad on my lap.

It’s November.  Colds start to happen this time of year.   Even though I live in the rather warm lowcountry of South Carolina, there is something about this time of year that sets off the ‘winter mood.’    Here it comes!!

I saw a couple of posts on Facebook this morning about radio stations starting up with Christmas music.  Or, is it holiday music?    Your choice.    I have seen a few Christmas commercials on TV too.    Isn’t it too early??

Here comes the tug of war in my head about the secular hoopla leading up to December 25th and the religious meaning of Christmas.   Marla:  the two can both happen.  Accept it.    People who are not Christians can still have fun with the lights, the music, the parties, the gifts, etc.  Don’t judge.    Let it be.

Funny though that people who are not Jewish don’t decide to celebrate Hannakah – just for the fun of it.   They could get presents for many days in a row.   Blue lights are pretty.

Change of topic:

When do you feel it is the right time to trade in and get a new car?   Is there a certain mileage milestone, and when you reach it you believe the future repairs will get too expensive?  Is there one major replacement/repair that tells you it’s time to get a newer model?   I ask because hubby mentioned that I might want to consider getting a new vehicle soon – before I put too many miles on mine and it won’t be as valuable for trading in.   Opinions appreciated.

Speaking of cars, and driving….  Don’t you think the people who come to the United States as adults should be required to take driver’s ed?  Not to charge them money.  No.   But, sometimes I think that maybe they don’t know the road rules of America.  Like the one where you are to stay in the right lane except to pass.  And, you must use your blinker – all the time!   And, sadly because of recent news:  the rules involving school buses.   It’s been a long time since I have taken a written/computer driving test but I hear that it is more about how much/little alcohol can make you intoxicated, and the punishments for driving under the influence.   Rightly, that information is important!  But, so are other ones.   Did you know it is unlawful to drive too slow?   And if you are going slow you need to have the car flashers on.  I remember when highways had posted minimum speed limits below the maximum.  What happened to them?

My poor doggie got a spider bite.  A bad one. The vet thinks it might have been a bite from a brown recluse.  Miss Honeybee got this huge swollen, hardened area on her back hip where the skin under her hair got infected – and just sort of died.  I took her to the vet a week and a half ago and he was able to grab and pull off a big hunk of her hair because underneath it there was just lots of gunk.  Enflamed.  He called it ‘gnarly.’   Thankfully a steroid shot & and shot of antibiotics – and a good shaving – has fixed her up.  She is happy.  Not in pain.  And, not aware that she has this big ole spot on her backside.

Random question:   Why do women have 3/4 length sleeves on tops and blouses, and men don’t?   If it’s warm out women have a choice of sleeveless or short sleeved.   If it’s cold out we wear long sleeves.   What is with 3/4 length?    For early fall only??    I have a few tops that are 3/4 length.  I have long arms so sometimes they are easier to wear than long sleeves that pull or are just too short.   But, try to put a jacket on over.   Try to grab the sleeves and hold them in place!   It’s awkward!!

It makes me think of the trend of the cut out shoulders.  Does that make any sense at all??    I think not!    Lol

Fashion is not about practicality!

I’lll end this now and read.  I’m reading “The Gift of Rain” by Tan Twan Eng.  It was suggested by one of the sales clerks at our local bookstore.  So far, 93 pages in, I’m not sure if I like it.  I’m having trouble keeping the characters straight… and I can’t figure where the story is going.     Do you have a good book suggestion for my next read?     Again, suggestions appreciated!

Have a nice day.   Enjoy that extra hour of sleep tomorrow night!

 

 

 

Hi y’all.   I’m counting down to Election Day.   It’s almost here.

I have to say I’m nervous about it.    Why?

•  Regardless of the state and national outcomes Tuesday night I worry that people who are disappointed will lash out.   It’s the way things are now.   Emotions are high and as we have recently seen, there is a small element that get out of hand.  So, I am a bit nervous that there might be violence.
• I think the voting numbers will be up and that is good.  There has been a lot of talk about voting this time.   So, I hope people actually take the time to go out and vote on Tuesday.  Wait in line if you must.
• I am sure of who I plan to vote for in this election.   I will vote for candidates who put people before money.  I  will vote for candidates that want to make stronger, better gun ownership laws to keep us safe.  Those who are not afraid to go against the NRA.   I will vote for those who realize how important protecting our environment is.  Around here that includes our ocean and beaches. No oil drilling off our shores.   I will vote for those who feel there is a better way to welcome those seeking asylum in the United States.   We need leaders with compassion and ones that will work to get them the proper paperwork done swiftly.    I will vote for women, and for men who realize women are equal but also know that work is still needed to attain equal status in the workplace and in our government.     I will vote for minorities.   They need better representation. I will vote for those who have not given up on finding a medical care system for all.  I will vote for better education for our children.     I will vote for those who speak kindly.  I will vote for the ones that I hope will put people before politics.
• My list above requires money.   Doesn’t everything?  I will NOT vote for those who talk only about lowering taxes.  I know better.   Less money equals less help for the needy.
• Yesterday I took the time to watch both CNN and FOX.   Yes, I put on Hannity.   I wanted to see and hear for myself what is being said to those who favor one network over the other.  All I can say is WOW!  Forceful talk, and such meanness.  I was amazed how Hannity spent the 20 minutes that I watched to call out CNN. He put down other reporters and called them all liars.  He made the reporters the news.   I quickly saw how those who only watch that guy and that network would give a person a false reality.   It scared me.
• Tuesday night I may be pretty disappointed.  I’m already trying to face the realization.  After the last presidential election my faith in people took a big hit.   I went into a depression.   It might just happen again.

So, I’m counting down and hoping for a safe, fair Election Day.  I’m praying that voting machines work properly, and that our free system works the way it was set up to be.  I pray that people stay calm.   Winners don’t gloat and losers don’t lie.

And, yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be changes.  Changes in voters minds… changes in how we speak about each other…   changes in how we perceive each other.

As I finish up this post I think to myself I might be aiming pretty high – and might be pretty disappointed.   So, just in case, the day after please give me some space.  I think I might need it.     In fact, give me a week.