The holidays have a way of either bringing out the best or worst in people. This year, I am happy to report that the best was brought out of my people. For the last 5 days, I have had the most fun with my family. Literally the most fun, I have had with them in forever. There is something about being around folks who really know and accept you for who you are. My holidays have been filled with nothing but laughter. Hope the same goes for anyone who reads this.
If you have never been to New Orleans, then a daiquiri is a must. It is happiness in a cup. This was Cajun Eggnog with an extra shot of rum. It definitely made my holidays cheery. I do not drink the way I used to. I cannot. I'm sure it has to do with age. But, a daiquiri has never hurt me. So, I've had a few over the holidays. And, yes, my name is on my cup. No, I didn't write it though. There was a house full of people drinking so names on cups was a must.
We played a lot of Spades. It is a past-time that my family regularly partakes in. My cousin & I won. We were the "us" playing against her husband and my brother-in-law. We won one round, they won the next round. I love to play spades because I like to talk sh*t. I am very good at that lol. We are all very good at it. Great time was had by all. Another shot below of the on-going card game. This is the way I ended my Christmas night: playing cards with the people I love. The holidays are almost wrapped up. They have been more than I could have ever asked for. Sometimes life just gives you a moment when you least expect it. My Christmas memories have always been surrounded by my Grandmother's house. I haven't ever spent a Christmas any where else. I don't even know what that would feel like. Happy Holidays to everyone!!
*In the pic above, it's me in the grey jacket, my BIL in the white, my little brother in the red holding my niece and my cousin in the corner playing spades.*
**This is my 800th post. That is a huge deal for me. I am proud that I've stuck to it. Thank you guys for reading my blog.
Bah humbug indeed!! I am NOT in a Christmas mood. I have no holiday cheer at all. It is no where to be found inside of me. I can't shake the feeling. So, I've given up on it. The only thing I'm looking forward to is Christmas Day with my family. I'm hoping that being around them will re-energize me. I try my best to not let much get to me. There are sometimes that I fail. Like right now. I haven't been resting peacefully at all. I can't. My mind is in overdrive for hours at night. My head is heavy with a thousand and one thoughts and scenarios. None of them have been pretty. My heart is another story all together. I cannot even begin to attempt to put those thoughts into words. They wouldn't make any sense to any one but me. I feel helpless, on the verge of hopeless. Clearly a holiday spirit is not living within me right now. I have been over-analyzing, over-thinking every thing. The only reason I am still blogging right now is because of a promise I made to myself. I wanted to blog daily for a year. I am almost to my goal. I can't let anything stop me from getting to it. So, I will blog my way through my feelings. I will stick to my goal, by any means necessary. Here's hoping that your holidays are filled with more cheer than mine have been so far. Happy Holidays to you guys!
For this edition of my "Ladies Love Lyrics," I decided to go in another direction. I am NOT a big fan of holiday music. Mainly because the stores od on them starting right after Halloween. I do, however, have a few tunes that I will never get tired of. One will always remind me of being a teen and high school. At the time, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men could not have been hotter. Great singers who produced great music. "Let It Snow" is classic to me becuase it put a decidedly R&B twist on a holiday hit. The song takes its name from an old Bing Crosby hit. The lyrics are nothing like that song though. I just love it. My other pick is Donnie Hathaway's classic track "This Christmas." This song reminds me of my Dad and being a kid who loved Christmas. I lived for the tree and the lights and the music. So, sit, listen and enjoy the holiday spirit with me. Happy Holidays!!
"Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
It's just another Christmas holiday
Just me and you
The weather's stormy but we're okay
And there's nothing that I'd rather do
Than lay you down beside the fireplace
Nowhere to go
You run out of breath, I start to shake
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Come over here
Pretend like I'm the tree and you are the star
You're all the present that I'll ever need
Just wanna be everywhere that you are
Hear the carolers, the sleigh bells ring
Where's the mistletoe
We feel happiness the season brings
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow
But the fire's blazin'
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
And oh, you are my everything
Won't ya come? Won't ya come?
God must have sent you down from heaven"
"Hang all the mistletoe
I'm gonna get to know you better, this Christmas
And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together, this Christmas
Fireside is blazing bright
We're caroling through the night
And this Christmas will be
Very special Christmas for me
Presents and cards are here
My world is filled with cheer and you, this Christmas
And as I look around
Your eyes outshine the town they do this Christmas
Fireside is blazing bright
We're caroling through the night
And this Christmas will be
Very special Christmas for me, yeah..."
I have developed an affinity for anything Michael Kors. Like most women, I love fashion. I am an accessory queen. I love my watches and rings and bracelets. I only wear necklaces every now and then. I literally hoard handbags. I love them so much. Let's not even get started on me and my shoe obsession. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, " a woman can never have too many shoes." I am not into name brands that much. I just like quality, well made, aesthetically pleasing pieces/clothes. That is always my guideline when shopping. I like what catches and holds my eye. Michael Kors does this. I always notice his ads in the magazines. I am always drawn to his lines in the stores. That registers with me.
There is just something about his designs that I dig. I love the fabrics he chooses. The man is a fashion genius in my book. He can do know wrong. I've picked a few of my favorite must have pieces by Kors. They are pictured throughout. They are my favorite pieces. The Rose Gold watch is one thing that I must have. They would all make great birthday and/or Christmas gifts for a December baby like myself. *hint, hint* Feel free to buy these for me :) These are just a few things I like.
In terms of Christmas shopping, Cyber Monday is the antithesis of Black Friday. It's the easiest route for me. I don't like crowds of unruly, rowdy people. Shopping online is easier, quicker and basically drama free. The deals are just as great. Most sites offer free shipping which is also a plus. There are ready few stores who have actually started cyber week. A lot of it is gimmick to get consumers to spend money. I don't know exactly how much if any shopping I will be doing. But, I know people who live to Christmas shop. I used to be a part of that crowd. Not so much in the last few years. That hasn't stopped me from checking out the sales. Cyber Monday does have some great offers. I'm tempted. I may give in. What are your thoughts on Cyber Monday? Christmas shopping? Let's discuss it.
Christmas used to be my favorite holiday. The light, the decorations, the music, the vacation from school, the sometimes cold N.O. weather. There was no better holiday in my mind. I felt this way for a really long time. As a kid, it was all about the gifts. As an adult, it was about family & fun. And, maybe a little about the gifts still. Somewhere along the way, my feelings changed.
Since 2006, Christmas has been losing its sparkle to me. I know that's the year it felt different to me. I wasn't with most of my family & I didn't do much. It just wasn't a good year. Ever since that year, I've been less & less enthused with the holiday. Christmas just isn't the same for me anymore.
My only enjoyment during this time of year is because of my two nieces & four nephews. They are all under seven so the sparkle is still bright to them. I love that. They always make me smile. I look forward to their faces more than anything on Christmas. I know that its not about gifts and gadgets. Christmas is & always will be about family to me. That's what & who I chose to focus on.
