The Gift of Giving

It feels good to give. 

I have been playing with the concept of a themed holiday party. Cliche yes, but with the children's book The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell as the centerpiece of the gathering. Casual warmth and cheer. I picture some hot beverages, candy canes and the smell of pine. Flannels and gloves paired with music and laughter. This time of year has been generous to me. My family brought everyone together during the holidays. Everyday of the month there were late nights, bright lights and togetherness. Now I want to experience a new kind of holiday but with some of that same old feeling.  

Being an Angeleno I support some groups that do good work and give all year 'round. Maybe this can reach more givers out there. 

Good Shepherd Shelter 

https://www.crowdrise.com/400kbychristmasday/fundraiser/thegoodshepherdshelter

Ronald McDonald House

‎rmhcsc.org/pasadena

School On Wheels

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/schoolonwheels

Be Brave Girl

I had a guest editor look at my postings. Being a close friend and family, I value his input. He chuckled at a few things but after reading he gave me the best advice. He said that this blog is my own and I can create it as I like. I have been guarded and afraid of disapproval longer than I would like to admit. The deep desire to be liked has overshadowed my inner confidence.

My inner critic can bounce, being fearless is more aligned with who I want to be.

My grandmother was my biggest inspiration in my life. Losing her this year tore me up inside. She was superwoman to me and many others. My favorite pastime with her was sitting on the patio swing listening to her recount the days of working in the factory during WWII. I loved the way she told the story of how she and my grandpa met. My heart aches for that feeling of closeness I shared with her. I'm lucky I have lots of pictures and video that I can look at and remember her today, but just being with her in that time was my greatest gift.

Grandma was definitely a fearless woman.

Needing Nada

What do we really need? In essence, food, water, shelter and LOVE.

Life has become complicated and confusing to what we need.

In this world, we need Internet, a car, money, appropriate clothes, adequate credit, insurance for everything, entertainment. It's exhausting trying to keep up at all.

The things we think we need have no value in the heartbeat of life. What pumps the blood are connections to real people and the connection to yourself. Everything else is fillers and filters. They fade with time and distract you from the substance life can offer.

Life is a gift, appreciate it. 

Don't pick it up, don't lay it down

There was a time in my life when I took everything personally. The slightest sarcasm would have me analyzing and criticizing myself for days. Now being older, a mother, and a slight bit wiser I live by the mantra "don't pick it up, don't lay it down"by the beautiful Maya Angelou. Her words enlightened me when I heard her explain this. If you believe the compliments and praises then you must believe the abuses and negative.

Like a tree with strong roots I will face warmth and coldness, but I will stand tall and still.