Category: Life Topics

Life on the fringe feel
along the edge, fall off the
top.   Sink into there.

I’ve been assigned the job of reading Letter’s to Santa and posting them to Facebook for my organization.  People enjoy reading the handwritten lists and the colorful pictures that accompany them.  There are a lot of claims of being good this year, and some honest confessions of trying to be nice to brothers and sisters.  “I try not to fight with my brother, but he can be a pain.”  “I am nice to my sister and try to help people.”  I especially enjoy the letters that start conversationally with Santa, “How are you and your elves…?”  “Did you have a good summer…?”  “How are your reindeer doing?”  These letters of childhood innocence and blind faith in the special fat man has renewed my holiday spirit, and confirmed my feelings that Christmas is for children.

I remember Christmas’ growing up, waking up at 3am and running down stairs to see what was under the tree.  My parent’s probably had only been in bed only a few hours.  We seldom got what was on our list when I think back, but there was always something we were happy about getting.  With six kids and a meager income, it’s amazing we had any gifts at all.  But, we believed with our whole heart that Santa
would come through and he always did.

Now, as I scan letters, I wonder how many of these kids will get what’s on their list.  Some lists are simple and sincere with only a few items.  Other letters have lists that go on for 5 pages.  Will they be rewarded by Santa for being good all year?  Have they been good ALL year?  One letter that got me giggling was the child who asked, “…Santa can you let me know if I’m on the naughty list….”  I guess he wanted a heads up on his chances of getting what he wanted for Christmas.  And why not get a little forewarning on what to expect?  I applaud this kid, he just wanted to know his chances of getting the loot
he wanted.

Sharing these letters with our readers is so special.  No names are mentioned, just the lists and the conversation they try to have with Santa.  More often than not, these adorable kids make sure to wish Santa a Merry Christmas.  They truly have a loving and giving heart in the spirit of Christmas.  Some even say, “…you can give me whatever you want…”  How sweet is that?  Will some be disappointed if everything on their list isn’t delivered?  Maybe some kids will  get everything on their list, but for those that don’t, it’ll be OK.   Santa will come through for them.

He always does.

The ice crashes into the glass, soon to be submerged with my thoughts.  Drown it all.  These are my happy hours.  Wet the slate clean. The doctor said he couldn’t drink.  Drink and you die, abstain…

Source: In Your Backyard

An hour or a two with friends,
Renew  your faith in love.
Look at their faces and see the
connection within.

Love can seem bogus until that smile,
the magnetic wrench that brings you in.
The basic innocent feeling of self-appreciation.
You are my friend, I love you.
Are you happy?  Be happy.

Laugh until your belly hurts.  Laugh.
Deep breath for the quiet feelings.
Quiet comes after the laughter.
Clink glasses and hug, laugh, hug.
Tight.

There’s a tree that claims your family with
branches intertwined and tangled.
Scream Uncle when your brothers
twist your arm.  Swear revenge.
I Swear.

Are you twisted or is your mind
imaging what it’s supposed to be like?
Kiss your Grandmother, and punch your
sister.  Call shotgun and just try to claim
the front seat.  Yeah.

Follow the branches to the tip.
Are you a bud or a knot?
The bud is so pretty but much too
fragile.  Be the knot , mangled and
imperfect, but strong.

Sweet dreams and bedtime stories,
just sometimes. Parents are exhausted.
Brush your teeth, wash behind your ears,
fight to claim your territory. Pray, and mean it.
Pray hard.

I came to get down
I came to get my groove on
I came to show you who I am
I came to get down.

I’m comin’, I’m coming down
Check Yourself before you wreck yourself.
You need to look at yourself, check yourself.
Don’t wreck yourself.

Living’ in the lap of luxury.
I got mad love to give,
I got mad love to give.
I took one look at you
and you are my destiny
Dedicate my life to you.

What’s the difference between me and you?
Life and luxury, livin’ lap of luxury,
all I need to get by.

You’re all I need.

So, here we are the day after Thanksgiving with a turkey hangover and a few extra pounds.  It seems like the holiday season is already moving forward with the force of a train roaring out of the station.  The traffic today on the way to the gym, which I haven’t visited in months, sent me looking for alternative routes, which got me thinking.  Is fighting for 50% off worth the stress and aggravation?

I could shop online in the comfort of my own home.  But, my question is bigger than that.  Do I really want to shop at all?   I want to celebrate Christmas on my own terms.  My grown children will receive a small token of cash and maybe a sweater.  I will get my parents something they don’t need, that will be tasteful and appreciated.  As I don’t have any young children, there is no more toy shopping in my life, or getting up at the crack of dawn on the 25th.  I have to truthfully say I do miss that a little.

I mailed my Christmas cards this morning and am feeling an inkling of holiday spirit.  I hope it grows over the next few weeks.  But, I know it won’t be long before I get sick of the commercials.  You know the ones, where the doting husband gives his wife a new car with a big bow on top, as she discovers it in the snow-covered driveway.  Who does that?   I’m optimistic that through cards, actions and well wishes I can give friends and family the best of myself, not only during the holidays, but all year long.  That’s the true spirit of life.

Make the lists you need to get through.  Shop if it pleases you.  Get on your happy train and ride it with zeal.  I just choose to take it slow, feel a smooth ride with solid tracks underneath.  I won’t let the commercialism get me down, they’re just annoying stops on the journey.

Pull into the station, dust yourself off and feel the excitement of your destination. You’ve made it here on your own terms.

Next stop –  New Year!

I am thankful for
a gentle touch and arms to
hold the soul I love.

I am thankful for
a day brand new day, and with it
start my life anew .

I am thankful for
things that are simple and kind,
a word or gesture.

I am thankful for
you.  Friend, I feel worthy in
your life – laughter rings.

There’s nothing you can’t do.
Count on one hand your failures.
Look at the face of progress, it
can be both black and white.
Don’t swallow the icy fate of
defeat.

Falling down can’t defeat you.
Seeds spend their life in dark
until the sun brings growth.
Put a bandaid on the stinging cut.
Watch the scab fade into a
different skin color.
A new beginning.

Gulp from the cup that holds
both your fears and gifts.
They are both means of survival.  Stay
sane you tell yourself.  Say I’m sorry
only to those who matter.
Don’t give away yourself, you are
a mystery and a force,
to be understood and loved.

Build this one life with a mix of strength
and the power of a beautiful dusk.
Do not weep for what you do not have.
Grab and hold tight what you can give
to yourself and others; especially others.
Wipe the crumbs from your lips, and
speak the truth to yourself.