One of my favorite times of year - second only to spring - is the month of January. After arduously putting away Christmas, I am left with a clean slate. Generally there are no meetings, no appointments, no "nothing that has to be done" , just time and more time. This January has been assisted with a lot of the white stuff that made it easier to just say "I think I will stay in today and do nothing". I do actually recognize that I am obsessive-compulsive on projects, organizing, etc. (that is my normal) so when I say "nothing" I mean only the important stuff like cleaning out closets, organizing the ninth annual MAC-MAR Invitational (late March), planning my Mom's 90th birthday celebration (January 30th) as well as a spring trip to New York, a visit from Leslie (she arrives January 21) and on and on and on...... Specific thoughts.......
*In 2005 we downsized for what we thought would be the final time. The new challenge for downtown condo living is to downsize even more. The hardest part is the "favorite stuff" that includes my collection of Santas, nutcrackers, perfume bottles, etc. etc. "Easing" into this phenomenon has been helped with the realtor commenting that although lovely, could I please declutter? One person's clutter is my treasure-staging a home is different than living in it as I keep reminding myself.
*The early 70's was the first time I had ever heard of Bette Midler; my hairdresser would rave on and on about her so out of curiosity I bought albums and then CD's. Besides a wonderful songstress, she is a great entertainer-truly the "Divine Ms. M". In 1978 when far from home (Texas) and learning to mother (Leslie as a baby) I would often sit in a rocking chair near the TV while feeding her in the wee hours of the morning. Midler had a revue that was often shown on TV and I would be thrilled to find it during these early morning hours. "Beaches" is one of my favorite movies and her music always makes me smile. Get the picture? In 1999 Duncan surprised me with front row seats to her performance in Washington, DC- just fabulous. To make a long story even longer, HBO is currently showing her Las Vegas revue "The Showgirl Must Go On"-in total delight I watched last evening and have saved to play again-the wonders of a DVR. Such a small thing but so delightful. It makes me smile just to think about it taking me back all the way to 1978.
*My Saturday was a day with no plan so I headed out and just popped in any store that looked interesting. As efficient a tool as Google is there is something about actually touching and feeling an object-much like reading a book or newspaper and being able to turn pages-that gives me great pleasure. It is surprising that with no list you can still find stuff you really "need"...I spent several minutes reviewing a selection of spoon rests before selecting the perfect one-maybe I should start a collection?-oh yeah I am downsizing ! Hard to believe I have actually been able to live without one for all of these "almost" 62 years. Who knew? Picked up a little thing here and a bigger thing there and when I finally arrived at Home Goods which always has something "I can't live without" I walked out and left the lavender sachets on the shelf-what was I thinking? Maybe next time.....
*Dessert is the most important food group. I would rather go without meals and save the calories for "sweets". I acknowledge this craving and often can plan a whole day around what, when and where I can enjoy the sugar rush. TODAY HAD ICE CREAM FOR MY FIRST MEAL-DELIGHTFUL !
*The Miss America Pageant celebrated 90 years last evening by crowning one of the youngest (17) winners ever-I grew up watching every year in hopes that I would be crowned-actually only in my dreams. Is is too late for Mrs. Senior America?
*The Miss America Pageant celebrated 90 years last evening by crowning one of the youngest (17) winners ever-I grew up watching every year in hopes that I would be crowned-actually only in my dreams. Is is too late for Mrs. Senior America?
If you are still with me after these ramblings, just wanted to chat before February-MY BIRTHDAY MONTH. The next post will be jammed with lots and lots of pictures from my Mom's birthday to Leslie's visit to other stuff I am sure. As for now is JUST WORDS...."WITH HARMONY" ! Enjoy January-it can really be a great start to a great year-make it so ! Eat dessert FIRST !
