Reflection Monday December 2018

Peace

Desk Chit Chat: Hello to December

Viewpoints, digital photo

During the holidays more than any other time of year, I feel, there's a lot of stories of human kindness in the news. Instead of sales reports, I'd rather hear about acts of kindness, gift ideas, people's holiday traditions, and recipes.

The leaf in the photo is runner up to favorite picture taken this week. The more I look at it, the more I like it. The leaves in the last two photos I've posted are from the autumn decorations. I add real fallen leaves to the fabric ones to give the decorations an organic wholesome aura. I guess I lean toward being a Nature person. Although I like concrete and such, trees are preferred.

Note to self this week...just because a parking lot doesn't look full, doesn't mean it isn't busy inside the store.

I've heard in the news recently about stores that sell reusable clothing. I thought that's what thrift stores and eBay are for. Who knew.

The Ben Franklin store in Middlebury, Vermont is sadly missed. I feel stores like that are a treasure to a community.

Happy December!
Invest in Your Best You
If you have to stop and think about what is best about you, then write yourself an essay on your impression of yourself. Write it like there's professor to grade it. Then...say hello to sliding it into your shredder. Evidence of ego shouldn't be left around. Want to be bold? Make a time capsule box and bury your not shredded essay in your yard. Use waterproof ink.

Early Winter...Early Spring?

Leaf Dancers, Digital photo c.2018

Winter early = Spring early
It is no wonder that fall leaves are dancing for joy.
As it goes at this elevation near Lake Champlain, the snow hasn't been brutally horrible as it is in other locations. I pray for easy winter snow storms. I fear a couple of blizzards, but all in all, high  priority to pray for a not disastrous winter weather.
The focus to be proactive to deal with winter blues/depression is going well despite the lead bricks of bad news in the path of wellness. Turning the negative into something positive takes work. The practice on  calming one's self is more than I need. Carry On! New meaning to those sweet words. Success is not allusive.

Changing my dietary habits has created a surprising impact on mood. As I did not stuff myself with food at Thanksgiving, that lack of feeling like a beach whale creates a sense of power and, an unexpected bonus of lightness. Over three days (separate from each meal) I cooked turkey, baked squash, and finally veggies with cranberry sauce. I feel so thin it makes me giggle. Celebrating alone isn't a bother for me. Taking control over how I approach a holiday solo creates good memories.

The blogging slow down is replaced computer games for brain exercise, and lining up craft projects for winter. My easel is now visible, and except for the shredder in the way, the canvas is reachable by brush in hand.  I look forward to 27 January Chocolate Cake Day. The unusual holiday feature here will return in January as well with a few new features. I am hopeful 2019 will be a year for blogging.

Desk Chit Chat: Holiday Hype

During the snowfall, the bird in the top of the tree, from the white around the eyes looks like a robin. They do winter over here.

The recent snowfall has been fluffy and not nearly as bad as feared. If all the snow storms this year are similar, then it will be a winter of snow. However, I fear a couple of blizzards or so. Emergency pack in vehicle and home are on the list. A collection of short stories to have handy is the go to reading this winter.

The Holiday Hype Hole has begun, that abyss of depression deepening for anyone, those on a budget or without family and friends. Instead of holiday cheer, one may be reminded, along with the weather, holiday sales statistics aka you are too poor to participate or welcome to brain freeze spending. It is as if the entire economy depends on spending during the holiday. For some retailers, the holiday season is a huge part of yearly sales.
(Note the above paragraph has been edited to include everyone because depression does not discriminate.)

Some ideas on how to not get sucked into that Holiday Hype vortex:

Plan your own festivities!
Volunteer
Attend a free holiday concert
Bake cookies (adjust recipes that make dozens)
Present yourself...gather up stuff in your home and make yourself a present
Plan how your Power is spent...not sapped by things you don't control
Watch silly holiday movies. I thought it would depress me more, but it actually cheers me up.
Sing aloud holiday songs...or not!

Not celebrating is all right.  You aren't alone. There are a lot of us that would like to pass over the holidays, get right into winter, and welcome spring. Remember, each day you are one more closer to Spring!

Hello Snow!

First snowfall day for me...rain turned to slush snow about an hour ago at 6:30 AM EDT
I heard it snowed last week, but I was asleep, and the snow melted before I woke up.
Archive photos below

PBS Nature, Wednesday, 14 November 2019, A Squirrel's Guide to Success
Check you local listings for air time