Out Like a Lamb, In Like a Lion? 2014-2015

Usually this adage is set aside for springtime. I just decided to use it now because at this point it looks like it could be a very, very long winter in the Midwest. I have my fingers and toes crossed that it will whiz by without too much of an issue, but I am a realistic and pessimistic person.  So far with all the illnesses and uproar the last few weeks  it looks like if you are a gambling person it could be a real crap shoot. One wonderful positive note was an addition of a first grandson and announcement of another grandson on the way in 2015.

For the last several months social media, news and just personal observations have been littered with anger, unrest, varied opinions, violence, etc. Don't think I haven't noticed or have my own opinions, I do. Yes, our society needs change but society is also going about it in a very destructive way that will only make matters worse.  How much worse does it have to get before it gets better? Only time will tell.

 I have personally experienced many "isms" in my lifetime.  Where I grew up it was very ethnically diverse but not without being called whitey, honky, cracker and the spanish slang "puto/puta". At the time my only thought was yes it bothered me but you took it on the chin so too speak and went on about your day and life.  One of the "consider the source" situations. Once I went into the working world at the time I figured name calling would be a thing of the past.  I figured "grownups" were much more adult and didn't treat issues the same. Sadly I was wrong. It then became more competitive and chauvinistic.

One of my first unfortunate experiences with  a co-worker I will probably never forget.  Each year at this time she would grab her calendar and pick all of the days off throughout the year that usually included Christmas and other holidays. One year it became a battle of wills between her and another co-worker on who would take off the two weeks of Christmas and New Years. It didn't really matter to me at the time because I was not married or didn't have children and they both did. The situation went on for several days and finally the one lady decided to basically give in to the seniority worker. Unfortunately, what the senior worker said I  wish I hadn't heard. Another co-worker asked her if she had finally decided what days she would get off. Her comment, "oh yes we were down to the wire but hey if "whitey" gives I take.

Societies peaks and valleys really haven't changed much over the years in that you have your tough times, tough nuts to crack, some nuts are not worth your time and effort, issues change for the good, some heartaches will pop up when you least expect and joy will come in little clouds when the rain or snow falls. Things will change if you want it to. Those who don't want some form of change will sadly be lonely beings.

Photo in Dana Point, CA Photo by Tony Tribolet

Growing up in California we were just a few miles away from beaches in any given direction. Although my visits when living their were few, I always knew it was their and a car ride away. The picture above was taken by a client  in California. Several years ago when I saw this picture he posted on Facebook I told David the next time he saw Tony to tell him how beautiful this picture was that he captured.  I was very touched when unexpectedly he sent me a copy. Today, it proudly hangs in our family room on ironically a west facing wall. Even though I am miles away I can look to the west and see the sunset on the beach. This is probably the only thing in life you can truly count on.

The sun will always rise in the east, and set in the west.  I hope the lion of winter will keep its roar quietly like a lamb for 2015 and think before it strikes.

The Party is Over

Wow my last post was in mid-November. Little did I realize that so much would be crammed into the month of December. I had my list out of what had to be done and pretty much right off the bat the list went by the way side. Early in December what I thought was a little scratchy throat turned into full blown bronchitis and the hack remnants still linger. I, like many winter season babies (of which both of my children were and now two of my grandchildren are) will be ever blessed with never knowing if you will make it through the winter without sickness lurking.

Down for almost two weeks with no desire to shop, decorate or deal with Christmas thank goodness this year we planned ahead in our business. Almost every year for as long as we have been in business this month almost always includes our beloved beastly truck getting sick and coughing into a repair shop. We vowed this year that with the arrival of our first grandson and third grandchild that David would take off from work the entire month of December. Something that was on the list that was fully accomplished.  He stepped in and decorated outside (yes Clark Griswold is alive in well in Sedville) and we pretty much had things up on schedule. A little ironic since we were not going to be home this year for Christmas due to the early delivery of said grandson (Greyson Matthew). He was to arrive on December 25th but due to obvious reasons expressed by my son and daughter-in-law of doctor being out of town then and prior complications from daughters' arrival it was best to plan ahead his delivery.

Papa and Greyson

Greenlee and Greyson

Hadleigh and Greenlee

Now that we have three grandchildren and one more due next year, I reflect back to my time growing up as an only child. My family nucleus was a total of five including my parents and grandparents. Each holiday no surprise guests, quiet, fun and without any drama. At that time I thought every family enjoyed the peace and tranquility. BOY WAS I WRONG!! For the past 30+ years each year has been a surprise, noisy, sometimes catastrophic, drama, suspense, sometimes reading like a soap opera. Truth yes, I would sometimes like to go have the quiet peaceful days. I don't always adapt to unexpected surprises well (unless they are special gifts that my husband showers on me each year for unknown reasons) its at that time I realize his appreciation on how hard it can be for me and his undying support during the difficult memories I go back too.  Our lives are filled with most things we rarely expect, those circle of life moments you have no control over. The older we get not always the easiest to except. Trying to find the little bit of joy the holidays are suppose to bring, sometimes are overshadowed by people and things no matter if its the holidays still create heartache.

I have vowed next year to start shopping earlier. Yes, even though he was home we seemed to procrastinate at things until the last minute which I rarely enjoy doing. My goal will be to have ideas, wrapping the whole nine-yards done in a reasonable time. Who am I kidding, it probably will never happen. Something always gets in the way and change is hard.

As the year draws to a close I look back, the gifts are unwrapped, the decorations are still up yes the party is over. But, really things have only just begun.

May 2015 be less drama filled,  good times abound. I will try my very best to make life a better party. Will you?