Traditions......
Merry Christmas Morning!
I have some single girl holiday traditions......wonder what some of yours are too?
I like to make the kitchen come to life so......
I baked some sugar cookies, dusted them with cocoa & white sugary powder...........sauteed some onion and celery and in another pan hot and mild sausage to mix up a small batch of cornbread stuffing. The house smells really good!
I've been listening to Christmas Music - have a real soft spot for Bing Crosby. He really knows how to barump a pum pum, funny crooner man that he is........I lit all the candles - turned out all the lights. It is foggy out..........a swirling mist..........yes you can say it's thick as pea soup and you would not be wrong.
Annie and Rio have been prowling all morning. They are great at running patrol around the interior parameters........they need badges, shiny stars maybe? They sense happiness......and some excitement.
I have goodies ready to go for later. Sara cautions me to take it easy - if I am not up to it to stay put...........Sam says Mom is gonna be with us, he's a funny drill sgt. ----know that when you play you pay, we all make sacrifices.
I frosted the cinnamon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.......mixed the mixed nuts......that sounds wrong, but it's true. I combined almonds, pistachios, pecans with cashews and brazil nuts in a bowl and then put them in small decorative containers with bright red lids. I wrote out a few Christmas cards for hand delivery.
The Italian Feast last night was good. When we left for home I went down the steps sideways.....Sam held my arm and Jeff stood in front acting as "spotter".........yeesh, I weebled and wobbled down and made it safely into the car. I think the East German Olympic Judge gave me a 9.8 for courage in the face of shaky balance crumbling body syndrome. I was so tired I felt sorta outta body punch drunk. An odd sensation. I drank glass after glass of water last night............Sjogren's leaves me so thirsty that I have to slow it down, so I won't drown.........it was so good......nothing like fresh cool water. The salad was my favorite thing at the meal. I was so sick earlier in the month and couldn't eat - fresh produce tastes incredible.
I have two little boxes of truffles to take today......milk chocolate & white chocolate......numminess!
I'm trying to find peace by not only accepting the way I am, but the way others are too. Acceptance is a goal.......sometimes a struggle, but I am learning. It also helps when I am gifted with a higher level of alertness......when I can talk and joke with others. That is a huge gift.............stupendous. I caught my kids exchanging and giving me happy looks several times.......cause I could do more than just sit and breathe for a change. It doesn't take much to lift the spirit and create a little joy. I have spent many special occasions alone and been isolated for long stretches these last three years. Sometimes alone for several months. It changes you, it can help you center, find perspective.......it can also chip away at important things like self-esteem, self-worth.
I continue to set goals.......I want to have three friends I can call to do things with on the rare occasion when I can. That's a pretty big goal, but there it is, I'm putting it out there. Aim high and see how it goes........I think I discount opportunities......I think it's not possible - embrace stuck thinking inside the box I'm so frequently in. I need to make friends where I regularly shop, where I live........invite people to come here to share a meal..........why is that so hard for me?????? It is......guess I'm reflecting.........nice to have time to reflect. Pretty soon I need to gingerly fight my way into clothes and do my hair but right now I can just sit and think quietly, it is lovely.
As glad as I am to have family to share time with I know what a rarity it is..........so often the holidays bring a lingering sadness.......a mix of expectations and wishes for the way I wish life could be. I want to be happy with life as is.......keep dreams alive and never give up. I spend so much time in a fog of pain or exhausted after unrefreshed sleep.......being awake is a novelty. I mean awake awake.......where I feel all five senses are engaged. Like Algernon I would like flowers in remembrance of the good days and in commemoration of the struggling times too.
Don't laugh but I'm actually going to put on some make-up today.......I'm going to have some color in my cheeks so nobody thinks I'm the ghost of Christmas past.........and I might even spring for some mascara...........bring out those baby blues. I will wear shoes to and from, but I'm taking skid proof comfy socks to wear while I'm there........I'm not totally crazy, still going to be as comfy as I can........I told Sam he might find me wearing pj's today and he said wellllllllllllllllll um well ummmmmmmmm. Feel sorry for my kids they still don't know if/when I'm kidding at times........I can still keep them guessing! Right now I'm thinking a holiday top and sweats.......I'm trying to resist being uber relaxed, but not trying all that hard! Comfort is worth a lot when fabric & every touch, every surface hurt.
My prayer is that the whole afternoon will not be focused on sports..........selfish? Maybe, I love holiday music, movies and time spent talking with others. I seem to be sort of a minority at these get togethers. My vote is small.........but I can always escape and hang out on the piano bench!
I'll be thinking of you...............sending up prayers for you to be content with this day exactly as it is.......if you are home, if you will be traveling, if you are feeling sad.........if you are a bit overwhelmed being amongst noise and people.........I pray that you can relax, do your best to arrest stress.........do little things that bring you a measure of comfort and joy.........by creating your own very special traditions.
God Bless You!
I have some single girl holiday traditions......wonder what some of yours are too?
I like to make the kitchen come to life so......
I baked some sugar cookies, dusted them with cocoa & white sugary powder...........sauteed some onion and celery and in another pan hot and mild sausage to mix up a small batch of cornbread stuffing. The house smells really good!
I've been listening to Christmas Music - have a real soft spot for Bing Crosby. He really knows how to barump a pum pum, funny crooner man that he is........I lit all the candles - turned out all the lights. It is foggy out..........a swirling mist..........yes you can say it's thick as pea soup and you would not be wrong.
Annie and Rio have been prowling all morning. They are great at running patrol around the interior parameters........they need badges, shiny stars maybe? They sense happiness......and some excitement.
I have goodies ready to go for later. Sara cautions me to take it easy - if I am not up to it to stay put...........Sam says Mom is gonna be with us, he's a funny drill sgt. ----know that when you play you pay, we all make sacrifices.
I frosted the cinnamon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.......mixed the mixed nuts......that sounds wrong, but it's true. I combined almonds, pistachios, pecans with cashews and brazil nuts in a bowl and then put them in small decorative containers with bright red lids. I wrote out a few Christmas cards for hand delivery.
The Italian Feast last night was good. When we left for home I went down the steps sideways.....Sam held my arm and Jeff stood in front acting as "spotter".........yeesh, I weebled and wobbled down and made it safely into the car. I think the East German Olympic Judge gave me a 9.8 for courage in the face of shaky balance crumbling body syndrome. I was so tired I felt sorta outta body punch drunk. An odd sensation. I drank glass after glass of water last night............Sjogren's leaves me so thirsty that I have to slow it down, so I won't drown.........it was so good......nothing like fresh cool water. The salad was my favorite thing at the meal. I was so sick earlier in the month and couldn't eat - fresh produce tastes incredible.
I have two little boxes of truffles to take today......milk chocolate & white chocolate......numminess!
I'm trying to find peace by not only accepting the way I am, but the way others are too. Acceptance is a goal.......sometimes a struggle, but I am learning. It also helps when I am gifted with a higher level of alertness......when I can talk and joke with others. That is a huge gift.............stupendous. I caught my kids exchanging and giving me happy looks several times.......cause I could do more than just sit and breathe for a change. It doesn't take much to lift the spirit and create a little joy. I have spent many special occasions alone and been isolated for long stretches these last three years. Sometimes alone for several months. It changes you, it can help you center, find perspective.......it can also chip away at important things like self-esteem, self-worth.
I continue to set goals.......I want to have three friends I can call to do things with on the rare occasion when I can. That's a pretty big goal, but there it is, I'm putting it out there. Aim high and see how it goes........I think I discount opportunities......I think it's not possible - embrace stuck thinking inside the box I'm so frequently in. I need to make friends where I regularly shop, where I live........invite people to come here to share a meal..........why is that so hard for me?????? It is......guess I'm reflecting.........nice to have time to reflect. Pretty soon I need to gingerly fight my way into clothes and do my hair but right now I can just sit and think quietly, it is lovely.
As glad as I am to have family to share time with I know what a rarity it is..........so often the holidays bring a lingering sadness.......a mix of expectations and wishes for the way I wish life could be. I want to be happy with life as is.......keep dreams alive and never give up. I spend so much time in a fog of pain or exhausted after unrefreshed sleep.......being awake is a novelty. I mean awake awake.......where I feel all five senses are engaged. Like Algernon I would like flowers in remembrance of the good days and in commemoration of the struggling times too.
Don't laugh but I'm actually going to put on some make-up today.......I'm going to have some color in my cheeks so nobody thinks I'm the ghost of Christmas past.........and I might even spring for some mascara...........bring out those baby blues. I will wear shoes to and from, but I'm taking skid proof comfy socks to wear while I'm there........I'm not totally crazy, still going to be as comfy as I can........I told Sam he might find me wearing pj's today and he said wellllllllllllllllll um well ummmmmmmmm. Feel sorry for my kids they still don't know if/when I'm kidding at times........I can still keep them guessing! Right now I'm thinking a holiday top and sweats.......I'm trying to resist being uber relaxed, but not trying all that hard! Comfort is worth a lot when fabric & every touch, every surface hurt.
My prayer is that the whole afternoon will not be focused on sports..........selfish? Maybe, I love holiday music, movies and time spent talking with others. I seem to be sort of a minority at these get togethers. My vote is small.........but I can always escape and hang out on the piano bench!
I'll be thinking of you...............sending up prayers for you to be content with this day exactly as it is.......if you are home, if you will be traveling, if you are feeling sad.........if you are a bit overwhelmed being amongst noise and people.........I pray that you can relax, do your best to arrest stress.........do little things that bring you a measure of comfort and joy.........by creating your own very special traditions.
God Bless You!
Replies
Serce, I can smell the cookies and cupcakes in your home. See the candles , see those wonderful kitties of yours and of course hear Bing. I feel uplifted. I am really moved by this post. Yes, acceptance of self and others is a good goal. You never give up. It is so evident from your posts. Isn\'t that what life is about, to renew ourselves daily, each day is the beginning of our lives. Illness can\'t take that belief away.
Make up and hair, goals for three new friends,wonderful. May all your wishes and more come true
And I think those kitties deserve the patrol badges.
Merry Merry Christmas!
Sounds like you found your second wind - hope it will stay with you for a while. All of your baking sounds so good.
I managed to make it back to mom\'s for a couple of hours today. She & a sister were there (sister\'s hubby is a firefighter & was at work). She brought Chicken Tortilla Soup & was it good. For dessert - Key Lime Pie. Also came away from there with a gift bag of pecans & a Chicken Pan Pie. Now I can feast for a few more days. Also got the rest of the Key Lime Pie. Good thing I have salad & vegetables here at home.
Understand what you had to say about what you prefer to wear these days. I\'m in that same mode - as loose & comfortable & as little as possible.
Only problem - it rained here about all day yesterday - not good for me. Now it looks like the eastern half of the country is in line for something - rain, snow, tornados, etc. Sure hope it is not too bad for any of us.
Your home must have smelled wonderful!. Traditions, hmmmm, everchanging I guess but two years running-listening to Christmas music and the Yule log fire on TV. Kinda cool. It is still raining here, but that is perfect for this evening. I love ya kiddo, Giant hugs, Connie
I\'m glad you had a good time at the Italian festival and some numminess!!n
What a good goal to have three friends as \"be there for me\" peoples! I have two of just those people! I like the idea of having someone over to visit me. I don\'t know exactly why you\'re sca!red, cept that you\'re not used to doing it. The longer we wait, the harder it gets. I think I started last year with the company thingy! Twas when the pastor and Deacons were coming here to bring me communion! OH NO! I had to have the house clean! THAT was the mistake I have learned, that holds us back. Other peoples perceptions, the way they judge us...it matters very much to us, because our world is so small. We surely don\'t want pe thople to think that it\'s also messy! It\'s about dignity and pride. WHELP! With these illnesses, there is not room for dignity and NO DUSTBALLS in the house kind of thinking. I truely think that\'s what scares us, what others will think. Not a sin, by any means...to want to present a clean home, but surely not a reason to isolate and be lonely. Nuff said. Still learing the lesson myself. Fact is, people don\'t really give a hoot! They come to see you, yap, and go away. Grab a hug on the way out, and you\'ve done a bang up job!!
I hope your afternoone was good. I know you\'re always thinking of and caring about your friends here...likewise, madaam!
I\'m trying to find peace by not only accepting the way I am, but the way others are too....love this and your goal for 3 friends...all totally attainable!
Your traditions are beautiful and lovely and comfy and YOURS!!! Makes happy? All good!
Your time with family and friends and feasts and baking is all wonderful to read and cherish. I think you know about isolation and when you need it or not but that\'s your choice!!!
Watch those crazy cats running around your burning candles, okay? I put mine up high on the mantel where they can\'t go.....
Love and hugs!!!!!!
I sure enjoyed reading your journal today, Serce! I feel like I am right there with you with your great descriptions of your life and baking, and other stuff. It\'s nice getting to know you. Have a joyous happy wonderful New Year!
Plump