December 11, 2010 Holiday update

Had a wonderful coffee break with a young friend today. She came with CDs of my grandchildren singing in their recital, as she was their singing teacher. They have both left her now, but both gained a great deal of self esteem and knowledge from her while in her charge. She is a remarkable young woman who was caregiver for her mother and grandmother, so we spoke of our experiences. We also discussed creative outlets, singing, music, writing. Talked about favorite relatives, had some laughs. A much-needed outing, very much enjoyed.

I still need to wrap some gifts for the mail this week, write a letter to my Mom this evening and put it in the post tomorrow with another get well card -- she's going to be in rehab for that broken hip a long time. sigh.

The car has to go into the shop tomorrow. So no Holiday Shopping for me for at least one day, maybe more. And more debt. ugh.

I hope all of you are NOT incurring debt this holiday, but are spending only the cash you can afford when it comes to gifts. We can have cheer without debt, yes?

All best,
sdh

December 9, 2010 Christmas Spirit update

I'm forcing myself to get into the holiday spirit. I have made plans to celebrate Winter Solstice (my favorite winter holiday) with my friend. We will light LED candles (she can't have real candles in her assisted living joint) have some sparkling cider and talk about writing and the goddess until late in the night (9pm). Last night I sang carols with my teenage grandson -- I knew the tunes, even if I didn't remember the lyrics. All those years in Sunday School ground those tunes in deep. He has never even heard most of them having been raised in non religious households and schools. He has been going caroling with his choir groups this year though and is learning some, so we did our best. Also, I have now shopped for two people. Yay! Three more to go. One is a Visa card, she knows that. One is books. What to get my son who needs everything? hm. Also, I may wrap up some of my own abundance and send it to my faraway friends who don't really need anything, but who doesn't like to get packages in the mail? Yes, I'll wrap and mail those gifts tomorrow.

Happy Holidays? not so much cheer here ...

OMG, it's December 7th already. I sent out Hanukkah cards on time. I also sent out early Holiday e-cards, trying to lift my own spirits and remind my close friends that I care about them. I've bought exactly one gift so far. How are you people doing? Where does one dredge up the energy to get through the season when one simply doesn't feel like it? I really don't feel like it. My mom broke her hip eleven days ago. She's 93, 2,000 miles away being properly cared for by my sister and brother-in-law, and I'm here caring for my daughter who needs me way more. All my grandchildren are teenagers who really only want money, although my grandson has asked for books, the girls just want money. I don't know what to buy my faraway son. He needs everything, as he is starting over in midlife. We are all living on far too little money, everyone is sad and/or depressed. Mom may or may not live through the holidays. I am grateful for what I do have, that is true. I am grateful that my kids are alive, that my grandchildren are healthy, that I'm alive and this sadness will pass. I have my writing, I have so many good friends, and I have my wonderful sister and brother-in-law out there with my Mom. There is love and light.

Kate Kasten has a new book out!

One of the best writers I know -- who also happens to be a dear friend -- has a new novel out. I just ordered copies from amazon.com and you can too. (The link is over there on the right.) If you know other fiction lovers who are appalled by the influence of Christian fundamentalism creeping into government, please pass the word along about this novel. I think people will also find it a good read even if they aren't interested in religion or politics. At least go take a look at the gorgeous cover!

GODMOTHER TOMBOY'S TIME (1920's)

Being homosexual was more accepted in the 1920s and early 1930s than in later times, although in a different way than it is today. Here, check out this video:

THE PRINCESS AND HER PRINCES

When the sun went down the princess
went to her wardrobe and flung open
its mirrored door.
Inside were dresses sparkling
in the colors of my old Crayola box:
aquamarine, burnt sienna,
deep ruby red.
My favorite were the two
opposites: bridal white
and black taffeta.
Shoes to match every dress
and the extra dove gray platforms
with crossing 12 inch straps
just because
she had small feet and
tiny royal ankles.
She displayed all her
best assets in these
garments and accessories.
Every Friday and
Saturday night the
witch went dancing at the
Silver Star Tavern
with a handsome prince
who upon closer inspection
resembled a warty toad.
A sweating, rotten-breath amphibian
who promised to get me a
singing contract.
Or the other one who said
I had bedroom eyes.
Our fridge was empty,
my shoes had holes,
the princess witch and
her princes wore raiment
of kings with pockets
full of promises
which upon closer
inspection resembled
crumpled bits of
fabrication.

New Poem

Shelley Bell got salmonella
not from eggs, like you might think
but from her strange bedfellow
she plucked from the drink
twenty years ago and
made her bee eff eff.
i know! right?
and every night
they sleep together
side by side
leg by leg by leg
leg leg --
leg.
Her "friend"
is a turtle
this big! I mean
it's huge! I think
she kissed it.
Shelley Bell
got salmonella.
whadda you think?