Straight Hair Don't Care

 

The longest relationship I have ever had with a man is 17 years. That has been with, Tim, who cuts my hair. 

Going in for a much needed haircut, he knows the drill... take a couple inches off and thin it out. After a fabulous hair wash (he has great hands), and a haircut, he likes to straighten my hair. I usually protest, but today I just let him. 

I remember 17 years ago when he and his partner started dating. Kurt would sit and watch Tim in a trance do my hair. It is relaxing. All these years later, they are still together and have their own salon together. I adore them both. 

Straight hair, don't care... it's all over when I wash it.

Happy New Year

 

The world has there hope in a better 2021. As if once we reach midnight, things will be suddenly better. 

We are a blessed nation. This pandemic may be new to us, but there is nothing new under the sun. King Solomon wrote, "There is a season for everything..." and we know seasons change and this will pass, too.

There is so much hope going into New Year's Eve and we bring traditions with us. New Year's resolutions, cultural traditions such as pork & sauerkraut at midnight, champagne toasts, we countdown to midnight, we make some noise in celebration, and we kiss those we want to be kissing in the new year. Traditions are fun and they are fond memory makers. And sometimes we go to bed before it strikes midnight, I have a 10 a.m. strength training class.

We always want a better new year, but have we learned from the past in order to make it actually better? Are we taking the golden nuggets of what we know what works, ridding our lives of things that we know doesn't, praying like it depends on God, and working like it depends on us? That's where real change happens. 

It isn't a wish we make, it's about having gumption. It's putting our faith, hope, and prayers in God and the willingness to work towards what's important to us we want to see come into fruition in our lives. 

Too many are putting their hope in 2021. When 2021 is going to start off looking and feeling a lot like 2020. Perhaps it would help if they they sing "Auld Lang Syne." Does anyone really know the words to this song anyway? ha ha 

Tonight the world will be celebrating and that brings it's own thrill of excitement. I'm excited too.  

Our generation will always remember 2020. 

Don't put your hope into 2021... but, God. 

Happy New Year

Alfa

 

Alfa Holden. Poet. Author. My new BFF. 

I admire... let's be honest, I breathe in her writing. She writes from a place that speaks to my soul. Yesterday, I commented on a post she made and she replied back. I'm pretty sure we are bff's now. 

Honestly, you have no idea how excited I was to see her reply to me. I'm not one who has favorite celebrities, but I do have favorite authors. Pretty much it would be the same if your favorite celebrity personally replied to you. 

I seriously need a cup of coffee and a couple hours to just sit and girl talk with her. 

HIIT & Spin

 

HIIT = High-Intensity Interval Training + Spin

I knew it was going to hurt. 

There were 6 of us: 3 of us were 50 years old and 3 were in their 20's. The instructor is 50 and she is a beast (I mean that in the kindest way). My instructor said with the younger girls, she wouldn't play 80's classics; rather something more they would like. The music turned on loud, the tunes to Pitbull filled their air. Thank you, Jesus! Pitbull is my go-to music when I run the Monument steps and I am going to need strong music to make it through this class.

The room is dark with a black light to set the stage.

I'm glad it's dark, I'm glad it's loud, the instructor shouting instruction over the music.  

If it isn't intense enough, we did interval spinning and worked out with weights. This was actually a welcome relief, because as you are spinning and using weights your butt is on the seat. Standing up pedaling is brutal and I was grateful it was dark and for Pitbull. 

The end of the class, the instructor was inviting the 20'somthings to our strength training class. They said they were terrified if they could even do the class lifting weights. I'm watching this in shock, are you kidding, this class is brutal and I have nothing left. 

Biking for me is an outdoor hobby and my average ride is 22 miles. Spinning isn't biking, it's like pedaling for your life because there is a cheetah chasing you for 45 minutes, but there really isn't.  

Home is a Warm Blanket

 

When I learned I was getting Christmas Eve through the New Year off, I low-key panicked in my mind. How on earth am I going to entertain myself for almost two weeks?! 

It reminds me how naïve I was 10 years ago, when I began this blog, wondering if I was going to have enough to say. What was I thinking?! I am a fount of adventure, with a plethora of activities that interest me, and an overabundance of time. This time off through the holiday's is a wonderful gift! 

I run around and do a variety of things, then I run home to refresh and relax, then head back out.

Home is a warm blanket during a frozen winter filled with things I love. It is the perfect oasis of peace and rest I created, and truth be told, I love to be home. 

Lunching on Keto lobster mac & cheese with a fabulous new Keto chocolate chip cookie and a cup of hot coffee, it's time for a funny episode of Schitt$ Creek. Lucky me, it's where David runs away to Amish Country, a classic! 

Sunshine is pouring through my sliding glass doors and feels hot on my skin. 

It's time to laugh and relax, because tonight I am trying a new HIIT class. I may die, but I am willing to give it a good old-fashioned try!

But for now... Schitt$ Creek! 

Unattended

 

Okay, fine, I'll take the week off. But, in my defense, this is a long time, there is a moon, and I am left unattended. 

Make My Day

My muscles are b-u-r-n-i-n-g and the music is pumping. I realize I am smiling as I am transported back to my early 20's...

I don't want

A place to stay

Get your booty on the floor tonight

Make my day

I don't want 

A place to stay

Get your booty on the floor tonight 

Make my day... 

It's the 90's, back when we would die before we would make a grand entrance before midnight. Back when girls put themselves together. We shopped for the perfect outfits, dressed up, did our hair and make up, slipped into strappy high heels to arrive no earlier than midnight at the dance clubs. 

The clubs were alive with music and there were always lines to get in the doors. Oftentimes, shoulder to shoulder inside, we'd make our way to the high rise on the dance floor... where there was a ladder to climb onto it, but that's where the spotlights were and that's where we were. On the pinnacle of the center of attention. 

It's what we did and my gosh, if you could dance, we fell in love [well, lust]. That's how we met our boyfriends back then, not online. We were wild and carefree and danced through the 1980's - 1990's... 

My muscles are burning, because I've increased the weights, and I'm not sure if I can finish the reps... but, this music... I could last forever then and I can do it now and I finish the reps. 

I love this class. We work out hard with weights for an hour without slowing down. This same group of women, we show up 3 times a week together, and workout hard to loud 80's & 90's music and it's so incredibly perfect! It takes me back in time and makes me smile... 

Alfa

 

She's been through more hell

than you'll ever know.

But that's what gives her beauty an edge.

You can't touch a woman who can 

wear pain like the grandest of

diamonds around her neck.

                                                                                        - Alfa

I'm obsessed with the poet Alfa Holden and I feel like I've received a goldmine with my daughter's giving me her books for Christmas. 

 * She Wears Pain Like Diamonds

 * I Needed A Viking

 * I Find You in the Darkness

Like King Solomon wrote Proverbs... a proverb is a short, concise sentence with words of wisdom. Alfa is a poet and writes powerfully from her soul in only a way one can from significant love and loss. 

I read her words and I want to sit down with her over a cup of coffee and hear her story. I wonder about the one, or perhaps a few, who inspired her soul to write. 

It isn't one or a couple quotes, it's thousands. Raw words written from a broken heart, healed and empowered, and reflecting back place. Words my soul cannot put together in rambling crescendo, but she does, and my heart says, "Yes! That!" 

I never needed a Man.

I needed a Viking.

I needed someone who wasn't afraid

of my strengths or my needs.

I chose wrong 

in the past.

I thought I had to find someone who

could put up with my hunger for life.

But I was so damn wrong.

I needed a Viking.

I needed someone who could admire

all the things about me

that tepid men were intimidated by.

                                                                                          - Alfa

A Who-ville Christmas

 

I've said before, I have moved into the most amazing neighborhood! 

Sue, who lives across from me became a fast best girlfriend the moment we met in the middle of the street. We had our Christmas together this morning before our family Christmases. As I am getting ready, the sound of the snow blower next door sounded unusually close... my next door neighbor was out blowing both our driveways off after last nights snow storm. As I am waving and thanking him from the door, the kids across the street (in their mid 20's and expecting a baby girl in April 2020), were loading presents to head to families, they are waving and everyone is saying Merry Christmas.

My home is surrounded by friendly neighbors and everyone comes out to chat. It's really unusual and it makes me think of Who-ville. 

Next week is the neighborhood Jingle Mingle and I love the thought of neighbors gathering together as friends. We have our own little community here of really good people. 

Maybe Christmas he thought,

doesn't come from a store. 

Maybe Christmas... perhaps...

means a little bit more!

A Christmas Winter Wonderland

 

It was thrilling waking up this Christmas morning in my new home to a winter wonderland. It's picture perfect! 

I woke up with a smile on my face and a grateful heart. Merry Christmas.

Happy birthday, Jesus! My God who knows me and loves me, my Provider, my Protector, and my Savior. 

A snow storm setting in last night set the stage as family pulled in for Christmas Eve celebration. 

Over the river and through the woods to grandma's house we go

The horse knows the way

To carry the sleigh

Through white and drifting snow

Memories of Christmas Eve in my home with my family... my Mariah & family in matching pajamas... my Brooke & Alex bringing sweet little Hamilton to meet the babies for the 1st time... their happy screams of chasing Hamilton and Hamilton chasing them racing through my home... my parents with us... and that sweet, sweet moment when I pulled my grandbabies out of my kitchen farmhouse sink (because they love to play in there) and said those magical words, "Do you want to open presents?!" Sofia let out a scream of joy that an opera singer wishes to hit! That was joy coming out of her soul that nobody expected!! 

Rowan all about me... he loves being at my house and always in my arms. He's such a sweet, handsome, ornery and funny little boy!

The Christmas stage is set beautifully and perfectly in my grateful heart. My Mariah is awake and waiting for her family to wake up to Christmas morning magic and I envision the fun they are having... my Brooke presenting her gift to Alex, a pretty big project I helped her with yesterday, he will absolutely love... and family together, again. 

A perfect Christmas is a matter of the heart for this [Grand]momma. 

Merry Christmas,

xo 

 

Shinin' So Bright

My home office

It's Christmas Eve morning and all is calm and bright.

The news is wrecking havoc with the Christmas Storm, airports overcrowded with holiday travel, the stimulus package, and vaccinations. Turn off the chaos. 

Since last week I wasn't ready for Christmas this week. In the best well-planned preparations, I still don't want Christmas to be over. Oh, I'm ready and I have been... it's more Christmas in my heart. 

My office is finished. Love and thanks to my dad for the endless projects he has done in my home to personalize it to his little girl's personality. My home was move-in ready, but I'm blessed with a loving and talented dad and we've done more home renovations than I dreamed even buying this house. It's so beautiful and I'm so grateful!

Everything is ready in Christmas preparation and my heart is ready, too. It's Christmas Eve in my new home. With sweets and treats and all the final touches, I know I'm blessed to have family together, and I don't take that for granted. 

I will turn on the lights, light a yummy holiday candle, stream Christmas music, and stage all the sweets and treats, and excitement will be in their air.

I'll bring the magic

I'll bring the lights

I'll make you a star

At the top of the tree

Shinin' so bright... 

My favorite Christmas song this season... in my heart, I am dancing and twirling in the snow...

Merry Christmas Eve,

xo 

Ahhh... Cashmere

 

Slipping into my soft new cashmere sweater, my favorite pair of jeans, my favorite earrings, matching knee high suede boots, and spraying on some *sparkle*... I am Fa-la-la-la-la, ready for today.

My last day at work, then I'm off for almost 2 weeks!

Magic of Friendship

“Can I invite myself over?” This is code for S.O.S.

Absolutely.

There is something so beautiful about sharing life with best girlfriends. We’ve been there through every season in life… from learning how to use a tampon, to boy crushes, dating best friends a couple times, prom, graduation, 1^st loves, losing virginity, marriage and divorce. The tough years of single motherhood. We’ve been there through pregnancies, babies, 1^st day of kindergarten tears through teenager years, graduation celebrations, to empty nesters, our kid’s weddings, grandbabies, and several deaths.

This a high-level summary with real life in between. 

Think about 2020 and everything one year brings. Times that by 35 years. 

I love the quote…

You’ll always be my friend; you know too much

Best girlfriends are one of God’s greatest gifts. They fall in love when you fall in love and they will climb into the muck and cry in brokenness. They are a phone call way during every season in life and they don’t consider for a second to hold back truth and will hurl it unfiltered to get their thoughts and opinions across.

Teen years…                       20’s…                     30’s…                    40’s…                     50’s…

 

 Circa 1990’s

Turning 50 together - Summer 2020

 

When she said, “Can I invite myself over…” I turned on Christmas lights, put out a spread of Christmas snacks and goodies, lit a holiday scented candle, and streamed Christmas music. With the stage set for a warm welcome and a loving hug for one of my dearest girlfriends, we popped open a bottle of wine, sat at the table and talked, laughed and cried for several hours.

She may have walked in frazzled and needing intervention, but several hours later, she walked out happy, light-hearted and with a game plan.

My best girlfriends I’ve shared life with are always a phone call away. We celebrate life together, we are there at the battle line in life when needed, and we share life together. We know the details, the good and bad, the memories, the loves and the losses, and at any day, we are a phone call away.

That is the magic of best friends.

 

 

 

 

10 Years Later

 

Today is the 10 year anniversary of Keith's death. Ten years, my gosh how is it even possible? I say that in one breath, then in the next I say, "Thank you, God, it's 10 years later." 

Tonight, my girls and I opened boxes of photo albums from my mom's house. After my girls left to go to their homes, I went into my dining room table to box up all the photos and albums when I saw a stack of cards. There are several things I didn't know I had and as I picked each card up, they were from Keith.

How ironic I found these love letters on the 10 year anniversary of him passing.  

When a person passes, I believe you go through stages, much like a rollercoaster ride with your emotions. From making them a hero, to being resentful, to remembering the not so good times, and after all these years, I've settled into remembering the good things. Let bygones be bygones, we loved each other deeply once upon a time.

I was wildly in love with him. He was built like a brick house! Sexy, charming, funny, romantic, well-mannered, and magnetic and I was alive! He lit up a room with his presence. We had a little girl together, Brooke, and I see him in her smile, in her expressions, her manners, her dance moves and rhythm, and I wonder how she can dance just like him when she was just a little girl when he passed. 

As I look back with an older set of eyes, I see the wild, young, and recklessness I willingly took on and embraced and yet chose to ride out the storm in him. He exhilarated me. 

Opening these cards one-by-one, I remember how much I loved him and how much he loved me. Love letters, I had forgotten he was so generous with and my heart broke. We were together for many years after our relationship ended. I look at things so differently now, life became really hard after his suicide. I knew him so well, yet I didn't even see that coming. 

I wish I could go back and do things so differently. I believe, losing someone empowers you to say the things you want and need to say to another when your heart means it. 

Always tell each other how you feel. 

Walking around with unspoken words locked in your chest 

that you never got to breathe out...

Suffocates the life within you. - Alfa

It's so true! I have to purge my heart while you are breathing, so I have no regrets. Maybe that's why it's so important to me. 

It's important for our daughter to know that I know today hurts her heart. It still hurts me, too. He isn't forgotten. 

My eyes are swollen and my head is pounding... and on this 10 year anniversary, I wonder if it was coincidence to find cards I didn't know I had or... if it wasn't coincidence. 

My Girls & Hot Chocolate Bombs

 

It was an absolutely wonderful evening with my daughters, Mariah & Brooke. Christmas music filling the air, I made dinner for of us and we took a walk down memory lane pouring through a mountain of my photo albums from my mom's house. We ran across many treasures I didn't even know I had. Finding the molds and bags, we made hot chocolate bombs, and watched a Christmas movie together. 

As much as I love family, I love these rare moments when it's just the 3 of us. 

Meaningful Moments

I'm Dawn. Most evenings you can find me sitting in my favorite comfy chair, in comfy clothes, with a cup of hot tea in one of my favorite mugs, binge watching my favorite DVR'd or Netflix shows, nestled in for the night.

It's how I enjoy winter. 

This week has been a blur of the things I want to do, but even from all the things I enjoy, after so many days, I need an evening to refresh. Sometimes you have to just sit still and recharge. 

A couple more days of hustle-n-bustle, then I will have a day completely open. 

Today I picked up my Sofia for the afternoon. At 3 years old, our conversations crack me up. Sweet, bossy, and determined, she is 3 going on 23. 

"i'M sLeEpY, gRaMmy." We played hard. She was fresh and clean from a bubble bath with her dolls, and with a full tummy from mac & cheese, I pulled her in my arms with a soft blanky. Nestled up against me, I watched her eyes drift to sleep.

Rocking her, I went to turn on one of my shows and changed my mind, love is in my arms. 

My sweet granddaughter, I held her soft, little hand and rocked her while she slept. Kissing her little forehead, what a blessing she is. I love our relationship and how close she and I are. 

Next week is Christmas and I love everything about Christmas. 

I find myself being intentional about slowing down to appreciate the little things that mean so much to me. I enjoy filling the air with Christmas music, and the glow of my Christmas tree and décor in deep, velvety reds. I love the magic of Christmas through the eyes of Sofia in her anticipation of Santa and the nail polish and teddy bear gifts she wants from him. I'm so lucky to listen to her heart and hear her hopes and dreams, because I am listening. 

I'm blessed to have her snuggled warm, happy, healthy, and safe in my arms, after a long afternoon of one-on-one time playing and doing all the things she wants to do, because she is a little girl and at grandmomma's house, it's all about her. 

I'm blessed to enjoy the things I want to do and to have time do do them. I'm very intentional about the magic of Christmas to my own heart and when it comes to meaningful moments, I don't miss a blink. 

 

I Iron

 

There is something empowering being in a gym strength training. I can feel my body overheat and my muscles are  b u r n i n g. My hair is damp with sweat, and I'm not sure if I can do 2 more reps, let alone 5 more... then I do.

The 80's rock is pumping loud and I'm grateful for the tunes and my thoughts race all over as I fall in sync with the instructor. I'm surrounded by my barbell and weights, a body bar, a resistance band, and free weights. For one full hour, it's about me and pushing hard. I love this!

I look around the room at this group of women from all walks of life, but dedicated to this class. We meet three times per week and I admire their dedication. When something comes up and I think I will skip the class, I think of them and how good I feel when I am there. It is my time etched out during the week and I make it a priority. 

It's intense and I as I push myself to see what I am made of at 50 years old... I am strong. 

Culinary Skills - Part 2

 

When it was my turn to cook, I wasn't really feeling it. So, I went for presentation.

He was thoughtful and I actually believe more appreciative on the presentation. I made a delicious creamy vegetable soup as a side to dinner. As he was tasting it, in deep thought he shared he loved it, what did I put in it?

Let's be honest, "Water." 

Then I laughed. Total confession, no I didn't make. The soup came all the way from Tennessee in a dry mix where you add water and boil for 30 minutes and it's sensational. 

Infusing strawberries with whip cream is not as easy as it looks. Here's a helpful tip though, it takes a couple attempts to try to get it right, each screw up can be easily fixed by running the strawberries under water. Rinse it off and start over.

Sometimes it's more about presentation than actually cooking from scratch.  

Last Name Not Needed

 

Corporate reached out yesterday. "Will you be on the call today? I would like for you to talk and share what you are doing." 

A call across the country spotlighting me? Absofreakinglutely!

Photos and names start popping up on my desktop as I see colleagues from across the country join the video webinar and the call begins with updates and information. Rolling into 2021 revenue updates, they listed the top 3 venues out of 160 locations across the U.S. I was listed at #2 in revenue for next year so far and was happy dancing in my seat! 

Which is exactly why I call in on the phone and do not want a camera on me for a whole video call. Nobody wants to see the touchdown-in-your-face-dance! Plus, I would have to watch my facial expressions on a call for a whole hour. 

Under normal conditions I say, "If you aren't 1st your last!" A quote from Talladega Nights; however, the venue in the 1st spot is worthy competitor. By that I mean, this venue is located out of state, by the corporate office and is the poster-child for all corporates ideas. It is also a beautiful venue, much nicer than what I have, and she is only a few thousand ahead of me. This momentary win is hers, but 2021 hasn't been won yet! 

I was jumping in my seat excited. 

My projects displayed on the video webinar, I shared and spoke on what I am doing and added a couple other projects, too. The feedback was great and I've had other locations reach out asking me questions. A follow up email after the call with my projects rolled out in detail across the country and to corporate.

I love being the leader and sometimes when when a month goes by and things are quiet, I will say to the General Manager, it's time corporate hears from us again. Which means let's lead an initiative. I'm teaching him it's fun to be the first out of the gate with all ideas. Let's share with corporate to share with all the other locations, because none of them are our competition. 

When my 1st name is said on a call, everyone knows who they are talking about. 

Last name not needed. 

Cher.   Madonna.   Prince.   Pink.   Shakira.   Rihanna. 

Culinary Skills

 

One of the greatest perks of being single is you buy only the foods you like, you make what you want when the mood strikes you, you eat what you want, and when you want. It can range from an "Oh my gosh, this is so pretty, I'm going to take a photo and post on Facebook elaborate dish!" To... sautéed zucchini & mozzarella. It's only about you. 

Then...

You meet someone with really snazzy culinary skills. It's all romantic and wonderful when they are cooking. Until... it's your turn. 

Well, it's my turn. 

Now I feel the pressure to be a culinary artist. Dang it! I should have pushed the time back to after 7:00-out-of-the-dinner-hour-window-pressure-of-time-where-it's-my-turn-to-cook p.m.. That my friends, is a single persons trick.

I better run to the store... 

 

New Years Resolutions

 

This has been a crazy year for sure! When everyone on every platform is bickering and there is negativity everywhere about 2020, I take a hard look back at this year and think of all my blessings. 

A year of new milestones with my grandbabies and another on the way, several fun vacations, turning 50 years old, losing 50+ lbs, buying and moving into my new home, and my new neighbor has become a dear friend. I won the Salesperson of the Year Award at our annual conference, and while my events took a hard hit, I'm still thriving professionally. I finally bought a new luxury SUV, started dating again, and after a several year dating sabbatical, my heart came alive again. Brooke and Alex bought and moved in their new home and after a lifetime of wanting a dog, she has the sweetest little guy ever, and of course Max. Everyone is healthy and that is a blessing I don't take for granted. 

When I look back, I'm extremely grateful. Find the good. Don't let the world convince you otherwise.

Looking ahead at 2021, what are my new year resolutions going to look like? 

1. I've started strength training and I'm up to 3-days per week and absolutely love it. Strength training is what I want to continue and I want to see what I can do by next summer. 

2.  Being on Keto, learning to eat clean has been truly life-changing. Taste changing, too. Foods I used to like don't even taste good anymore. Especially, processed foods like pasta and breads, soda, and some desserts. SO, I want to enhance my fruit and vegetables in 2021. Each week I want to grab a new fruit and vegetable I never normally ever try and incorporate them into eating clean. Like Dragon Fruit. I love it, but never buy it. I'm going to start going to fresh markets and do a strong focus on new fruits and veggies, no longer just my standard go to's.

3. God and I are in heavy discussions about this one. 

Imagine That 1st Christmas

 

Christmas is in the air, in my home, and in my heart. 

In my home office, there is a small library of books on the bookshelves that I've read over and over. Books that speak to me. They are heavily dog-eared, because I don't believe in writing in books. Dog-ears at the top of the page means that's where I left off reading. Oh! but if the bottom of the page is dog-eared, there is a morsel on that page that speaks to my soul and I want to know where to find it quickly, so I bend the small corner of the page.

Remembering there is a book about the women of Christmas, I pulled that pretty red book off the shelf to step back in time, over 2,000 years ago, before there was Christmas...

The Christmas story always comes with three wise men and with all due respect, they have a magical role in Jesus birth, but there were three women God chose also for [His]story: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna.

God values women and the great story of Christmas began with God setting the stage for Jesus birth through these three women. Elizabeth, barren in old age, yet faithful to God, an angel of the Lord appeared to her husband, "Do not be afraid... your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John." - Luke 1:13 John would be one day known as John the Baptist. 

When Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth to Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God... you will conceive... and give birth to a son... and you are to call him Jesus." - Luke 1:30-31

The angel Gabriel told Mary, "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age..." - Luke 1:36. Mary set out on a journey to see Elizabeth, and when Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby leapt in her womb. Being flooded with overwhelming desire to shout with joy, "... and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit... In a loud voice she exclaimed... blessed are you among women... and blessed is the child will bear." - Luke 1:41-42

Elizabeth was too old, her relative Mary was too young and a virgin. 

God is setting the stage for Jesus birth and doing it through His power through remarkable conceptions, that He can do all things. 

Then, there was Anna. An old woman, a widow, a prophetess, who never left the temple. Anna "worshipped night and day... fasting and praying" waiting for the Messiah to appear. When Jesus was brought into the temple, Anna knew. She knew. She knew the way that Elizabeth knew. The Holy Spirit revealed to the prophetess that this was indeed the Christ. "She gave thanks go God." - Luke 2:38

There was much planning and preparation before Christmas came to be and God chose these three women. I think of my holy God excited and setting the stage.

My daughter is 20 weeks pregnant and today, I saw the 1st ultrasound photo of my grandbaby. My constant prayers for this baby and it's safe arrival. I think back to those wee in the early of the morning hour phone calls, when I heard the tiredness and in pain in my daughter's voice, and those beautiful words, "Mom, I'm in labor, we are going to the hospital..." 

The months of excitement, anticipation, and preparation and it's "Go time!" 

When I look at the photos of my daughter when she was in labor with Sofia, I was holding her leg up, and she was concentrating hard and pushing. Me, I was beaming in joy. I didn't realize it until I saw the photos. "Push, sweet girl!!" 

Not knowing Sofia's gender until she came out, my daughter reached down and lifted her up from between her legs and shouted, "It's a girl!!" before anyone else could see her gender. 

What joy!! There are no fireworks as grand as the fireworks in my heart when I learn of my grandbabies and at their births. 

Imagine... the heart of God when Jesus was born... heavenly hosts appearing, praising, and singing, "Glory to God in the highest..." What a heavenly celebration that must have been!

Imagine that 1st Christmas. 

In these crazy times, when the news and world is shouting, "Covid, presidential elections, vaccinations!!" Make sure your heart is shouting ever louder...

For unto us a child is born...

his name shall be called 

Wonderful Counselor, 

The Mighty God, 

The Everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace

Alfa

 

Alfa Holden is my new favorite author and poet. My gosh, I cannot get enough of her words and she writes in a way that if your soul could put into words what your heart yearns to say, she writes it. 

Like a kindred spirit, I want to sit down and have coffee with her. Hear her stories, because you can only write from a place of great love and great loss and you know she has had her fill.

I've always said in life, "there will always be another [female] who is prettier, better body, more money, and smarter." For those that play every option thrown their way, there will always be another... 

Alfa's quote here caught my attention from a completely different perspective, 

"You will always have something that she does not."

I love that!

You will have, you will be, and you simply are... what she is not. 

Wrapped in Christmas

 

The weather forecast predicted a snow storm to come through and me, I was like a kid at Christmas. 

It was the 1st snowfall in my new home and as I woke up, I smiled and remembered. Jumping out of bed and running from window to window to see what my property and views would look like as a winter wonderland. It was beautiful! 

Then... I backed out of my driveway to see what my house looked like in the snow and honestly, it feels as if it is wrapped in Christmas.