Haiku! Wednesday

This week's theme: Comfort Zone

It's comf'table here.

All my mess in its right place.

All my clutter too.

I know where it is.

Shoes? Next to couch on the right.

I told you I knew....

Looking for your keys?

Its under the pile of clothes

...on the kitchen floor.

I need to clean up,

But it is not as cozy.

You know what I mean?

Moving Frenzy

Moving to North Carolina... is hard and we're not yet at the MOVING PART. we're still setting up for the sale of our home. and by setting up I mean trying to clean up and stage our house.

Just getting the determination to clean my house is impossible. The realtor is supposed to be coming sometime this week to assess my disaster my home.

So I'm putting it out there. How do you find the focus to do things you know you HAVE to do but really don't wanna!???

AMEN!

Is the headline of the Times Picayune in New Orleans today.  For in their FIRST visit to the SuperBowl, the New Orleans Saints HAVE WON IT ALL!

In their 44 year history the Saints have played 661 games.... Lost 375 of them!! Took over 21 years to even get a winning season. And this, a mere 4 1/2 years since Katrina, we've won the Superbowl AND IT WASN'T EVEN A CLOSE GAME.

Who Dat!  Who Dat! Who Dat Say dey gunna beat dem Saints?!!?!?!?!?!

What's making me laugh: SNL edition

If it were only this easy...

My daughter has been telling people recently that I'm having a baby... and No alarms because I AM DEFINITELY NOT PREGNANT... 

Its just that Lia's friend at school is going to be a big sister and has Lia all excited about the prospect.

So today in the car, Lia suggested: 

"Let's go to the grocery and buy you a baby!"

--Yeah right chica! if it were only that easy :)

Holden asked it....No one answered

Remember in the Catcher in the Rye, when Holden wondered where the fish went when the lakes froze over???

Well, where in the H do they go? I've not ever figured it out. Lakes don't usually freeze in southern Louisiana.

Haiku! Yes Please

This weeks theme: Reality

Life is really there

Whether you choose to see it

Or not. It exists.

It is separate. 

The world is not subjective--

relative to you.

People don't dis'ppear

Once you've exited the room;

You self-centered twit.

Delve

This could possibly be the end of me....

or the end of my sanity!

Have you ever had to move out of a house that was so crammed with JUNK that you could barely fit it all in to begin with?  Ever have to push things in a closet and then quickly slam the closet door before everything spilled out? Do you have to jump over things to get to your destination? what about crawl under???

No?

Well THAT is what its like living in my little townhome. And now its time to move away.

What's on my to-do list???

Why a garage sale of course! 

Have I ever done a garage sale before? NO
Do I know how to obtain a permit for a garage sale? NO
Do I have a garage? NO

Okay so I'm off to a good start.

:/ Wish me luck

Microfiction Monday

The Picture

The Story

in 140 characters or less

"You wanted outdoor seating... 
Well, there ya have it! 
Freaking outdoor seating.  
...you're welcome."

Sunday Citar

"People are beginning again to realize that they encounter God through human experience, not despite it." D.B., (Forward to the Book of Proverbs in the New American Bible--Catholic Study edition)

God is in Haiti. It is not His will for tragedies to occur, but it is in His will to bring glory and salvation through the tragedy. It is incredible how many people have come to realize the grace of God because of this horrible earthquake, and even us here in the States and around the world, although not directly hit by the quake, were definitely rocked and shaken by the destruction.  I bet mothers all around the globe hugged their children just a little tighter during the days after the earthquake....

Don't let me let go

I remember being a kid.
Young and vibrant
Goofy and empowered
You're-not-the-boss-of-me attitude.

I remember being a kid.
Insecure and alone
Observant and severe
All-I've-got-is-my-writing mentality.

I remember being a kid
Lost in a big world
Warm hugs from my grandma
Please-just-love-me need.

I do remember being a kid.
And all the painful moments.
And some of the laughs.
And definitely all the crushes.
But more so the rejections.
The good grades and the bad ones.
The friends
And the rivals.
I remember them all on nights like this
When my mind is drowsy.
And I'm all alone.

Forgiveness

Ever hear a sermon that you swore was written just for you ?!?! 

Well that happened to me last night, and I was forced to admit that I had been behaving very unmercifully. 

Several months ago I had a falling out with someone very close to me, and i felt betrayed more than I ever had in my entire life. My heart was turned to ice toward this individual. The lies she spewed... the hateful words she screeched at me... the accusations she made of me... all together were unforgettable. they were enough to damage a sister-like, 25-year relationship.

This argument had me in the deepest of depressions for DAYS. It had me reevaluating every aspect of my character, my aptitude at being a mother, my relationships with my friends and family members. She attacked my character and shook my life terribly.

But eventually I worked through my hurt  and resolved that I had forgiven her, even though she hadn't asked for forgiveness... I accepted that I would not allow her back in my life the way she had been, but honestly thought, I was being such a good Christian for forgiving her.

Well I saw her this past weekend at a children's party we both attended, and instead of feeling forgiving and peaceful, I felt ANGER, anxiety, annoyance..... There was no forgiveness in my heart. I didn't behave like a person who had moved on. I behaved like a person still very hung up on what had happened. 

During this party, someone even tried to force us to hug and make-up... Needless to say it was very uncomfortable and juvenile. PLUS I didn't want to hug her. I wanted to go home.  I didn't want to make-up. I didn't even want to speak or look at her. 

She recently sent me a note on facebook, wishing me luck on my move and telling me that she still loved me. What did I respond???!?! "Thank you."

--that was it.

How very Christian-like of me right???!!! 

Well I didn't realize any of this. I didn't realize how unmerciful I was being until it was highlighted in last night's sermon. I didn't see how unforgiving I was being until the preacher showcased it with the Word!   

So where do I go from here? I guess just acknowledging that my heart needs to be softened is a good starting place.  But she'll never be able to take back what she did. And I can't see myself letting her back into my life or into my daughter's life. That chapter is closed. But forgiveness doesn't mean making things the way they were. Forgiveness is a state of being. It's an attitude toward a person or situation, and it's freaking difficult. But I have to do it because if I don't, how could I ask for the forgiveness of others? 

when i'm not feeling very motherly....

I listen to this song... It literally makes me cry every time I listen to it, and it reminds me that my daughter's life is precious and that God entrusted an angel to my care, and if i were to  ever lose her... well i wouldn't be writing worship songs--but that is exactly what this Contemporary Christian music singer did...


To read more about his tragic story and the worship music that has come from this terrible accident Click on this article from CNN.com

ARTICLE CLICK HERE!<-------- 

Haiku! You know it!

Theme of the Week: Changes

I've written it all!

Exhausted the theme of change

What's there left to say?

I'm going away.

I am buying a new house.

I am uprooting.

It will be diff'rent.

I will be forever ME

But in a new place.

I will laugh loudly.

I will sing obnoxiously

I will love the same.

I will eat salad

With my fingers--as always

Because I'm classy :)

Same ol' Jillien

Just closer to the East Coast

And farther from Home.

My Musical Monday

You guessed it.... CARNEY ! I cannot miss an opportunity to talk about them musically. LOVE "EM LOVE "EM LOVE "EM oh and Did i mention that the 

SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're anything like me....

You don't know how to spend/ to save/ to delegate/ to budget MONEY!!

What did I miss??! Was there a "Have some freaking self control" elective that I missed in high school? Did I opt out of the "Learn how to be a responsible human being and adult" lecture study in college? When does an individual learn how to manage his or her finances? How does one learn......?

My friend Amy sent me this awesome prayer today and the Lord knows I need it--especially when our lives in such a huge transition mode right now, getting organized and budgeted before we mix everything up would be very beneficial.

Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a
Good steward over all that you have given me
GOD, for I know how wonderful and mighty
You are and how if we just obey you and walk
In your word and have the faith of a Mustard
Seed that you will pour out blessings.
I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have
Received and for the blessings yet to come,
Because I know you are not done with me yet.
In Jesus name Amen...

I found that to be very inspirational. Also Dave Ramsey spoke at our Church several months ago, and he had some INCREDIBLE financial advise that comes straight out of the Good Book. Check it out, if you're anything like me and need a swift kick in the butt a bit of encouragement when it comes to your money. 

------------->CLICK HERE TO VIEW DAVE RAMSEY's SERMON <-------------

Have you ever been.....

Alone?

I can't say that I have.  Up to just a handful of months ago, I've shared my life with a huge, tight-knit family. I've never been without a best friend... or at least not for very long.  I've always had a boyfriend, and I've been married since I was 20.  I grew up and lived in the same house until I graduated from college--surrounded my by mom, dad, grandmother, and childhood friends that still lived in the neighborhood... I've lived a fully supported life. Always someone there to turn to.

Now my husband's company is relocating our family to North Carolina, and for the first time in my life, I'm faced with unfamiliarity. At first hearing the news, I cried--hard. But since then, I've become numb.  The move exists in a surreal little pocket in my mind. It is not yet real. So I feel nothing. Even though I know I should.

Its strange. Every time I mention the move to a friend they ask, "How do you feel?"  and I have to make up some feelings.... Normal feelings that normal people would have because I'm scared that if I were to tell them the truth, "I can't feel anything"  they would be hurt or think I were heartless or crazy.

So that's where I am today. Where are you?

haiku?!?! You know it!

This week's theme: Freestyle!   enjoy

A time filled with change--

My mind and heart in a state

Of abject rebellion

Against the progress,

Against the unknown future,

Against improvement?

I should be happy.

I should embrace it instead.

I'm not good with change.

Never to suffer would never to have been blessed
--Edgar Allen Poe

With the recent life-shattering earthquake in Haiti, a person can often wonder WHY?! But the Lord is powerful, and it is within His power to turn tremendous tragedy into great and tremendous blessing. We have sat around allowing our sisters and brothers in Haiti to live in the most impoverished country in all the Western Hemisphere. We can no longer divert our eyes. Haiti is not only on the forefront of our thoughts but incessantly pulling at our heart strings as well. It is a time to rebuild, not only because there is no where left to go but toward progress, but also because we are called to act!

Microfiction Monday ==Drafted :(

The Picture

The Story (In 140 characters or less) 

"Just look at us, sister! The fae will never find us among the humans!" Not knowing that all of Faerie peered back thru the looking-glass.

My dang internet was down, and I couldn't get this published to save my life. So here it is a DAY LATE!

Paradigm Shift

It has taken me longer
Than I thought it would.
The years pass quickly
As do the opportunities.

And I have sat still
Without any strength
To put myself out there--
a thirst left for others to quench.

But the wheels have begun turning
Without any help from me.
A slight shove from the Almighty
Has made me look up and see:

That its now or never.
It is sink or swim.
And all the coddling
Has come to an end.

Microfiction Monday

The Picture

The Story (In 140 characters or less) 

As she flowed toward the bright greenness of her old world, Jil felt an anxious need to return to the dark world where she was never alone.

Appended:01/12/10

Had i had (much) more than the allotted characters, It would have read. "As she flowed toward the bright greenness of her old world, her mood started changing. She flowed steadily toward its sterility and its silence. Immediately, Jill felt panic--a painful need to turn back into the bizarre world from which she came. Her new world, her new life, a place where at first she was held hostage by its parallels and disfunction but also where she was in a constant state of companionship--be it not always nice. Her dark world where she would never be alone again."

Be Still

What is there left to say--
To anyone?
Everything has already been heard.
Truly
Nothing is left hanging--
Left dangling
Awkwardly.
But even wordlessness
Sounds and rings in my ears.
The silence vibrates.
It hums in syncopated breaths
With anticipatory intensity.
When does it all become placid?
When does the world become still?
A flat, windless, and calm surface--
With its depths darkly hidden and
Draped by its smooth, rhythmless serenity.

Surrender

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
 ²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


If you read my post yesterday, you know one piece of the whole crappy day.  But at the end of that day when my husband was settled down in front of our computer, after hearing and watching me cry all day, after reading my blog, after feeling his own sadness, he very wisely answered my questions. 


I asked what book will dry my tears. To which he responded, "The Bible, Jillien."


So I found the quote above and after reading it, I realized that it is in surrendering my earthly burdens that I can then take up his heavenly burden, which is always lighter than my own. I realized that I cannot control the actions of others nor can I control the emotions of others --not even my own child's.  


Having someone be mean to you when you thought him or her to be your best friend is a tough life lesson to experience at any age. Perhaps it was her youth that softened the blow.  I hope that in my own life I can be as innocent as my 3 year old. I hope that I can take meanness, ugliness, rejection as calmly and gracefully as a toddler.   


Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  ³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Woe

Today Lia had her first day back at school since before Christmas. She had been talking for days about playing with her "best"friend.

This morning when I asked her if she were excited to go back to school she said "I'm excited to play with my friends."

Fast Forward--I pick her up from school and ask her how her day went.
"I had a good day" she responds with zeal.
"Did you play with your best friend?" I asked
"No."
"Why not?"
"She run away from me."
"Why would she do that"
"She doesn't like me."

Cue tears..... and no not from Lia. My heart was breaking. I could feel my face twisting as I tried not to cry in front of her.

I'm reading this book Parenting with Love and Logic, and it would call this situation a Significant Learning Opportunity (SLO) for Lia. The worst thing I could to is sweep down and fix it for her or take control. I should just stay out of it. Ooooookay. [Check] I've not done anything. I'm letting her deal with this.  (while offering encouragement and love, of course. )

But where's the book that helps my heart stop breaking? Where's the book that helps me not feel as if it were done to me? Where's the book that dries my tears?

Microfiction Monday

The Picture

The Story

(In 140 characters or less)

"I'm going places" she snarled at the women as she turned and stalked silently away. Pride and poise practically seeping from her- the bitch.

Not Me Monday

Because MY child has been reared by the perfect parent, she had no choice but to be a perfect child. 

**Therefore it was totally IMPOSSIBLE that she would cry and scream for over an hour because she refused to put on her pants.

**She in no way had two accidents in one day this past week after being potty trained for over 6 months.

**My daughter is very gentle with animals. So she couldn't possibly squeeze our kitten so hard his eyes are in jeopardy of bugging out! NoooOoO not little Lia.

Sunday Citar: The New Year

Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944), "The Little Prince", 1943

  

Wanna know what I want in 2010?

It is to be a better mother. It is to see my darling child and to acknowledge her grace and perfection and to rise to the challenge of rearing her in a healthy and life-boosting way. It almost seems as if the Lord sent me a perfect being, and I, a marred and imperfect person, am trying to not mess her up as much as I can.

She truly is constantly explaining, through her actions, behaviors, moods, reactions, etc., how  I am to behave. How sensitive I'm supposed to be. How encouraging. How supportive. How loving. Truly the list goes on.

When will I know that I've learned enough?

Seams

My New Year's Sky
was a black satin sheet
blanketed over my world--
as dark gray, pillowy clouds
lined in rows
gently rolled over its smooth surface.
And brightly, although veiled,
The blue moon hung.
Shining and peeking as much as it could.
Stoic and patient, it waited for
me to have my fun.
Deep vibrating blasts
Sounded.
Other screeching rockets
Cut through the winter gusts.
The air rippled and shook,
While spectrum-colored fires
Erupted in the night-time frenzy.
All was splatted and dappled
Across my silky ink sheet.
All this while I stared.

Haiku.... yes please

Today's Topic: Aftermath

I am left reeling,

After this long year of changes,

After the growing,

After the living,

After so many goodbyes;

I begin anew--

With much better friends

And all of my family--

minus a couple.

This year I have learned
Many harsh lessons of life.
Stronger, I've become. 

From this point forward
I promise to allow God
to help me improve.

Ridiculous Wednesday!

Like Twins RIGHT?!???!?!

Tan Much??!?!?

You're Welcome!

Fuming!

I am realistic when it comes to relationships.  Be them friendships or family or anyone really. I have full faith that there are people brought into your life to help you grow, to teach you something about life or of yourself or of others... Basically there are many reasons that the people in your life are meant to be there. But that doesn't mean that they have to REMAIN in your life. Sometimes friendships end. Sometimes bonds are broken. Sometimes those breaks are gradual and soft. Sometimes they are harsh and painful. But it happens. It's meant to happen.  I can forgive and move on while still not incorporating that person intimately into my life again.

But its those people that so obviously have a problem and yet they deny, they sugarcoat, they avoid, they ignore..... you. They are spineless. They are two-faced. They are weasels. They are hurtful.

I can respect a person who has an issue with me and tells me and at the end of the day we know where we stand. I cannot respect a person who has an issue with me but doesn't tell me and at the end of the day I have no idea what's going on and why.

What my daughter says....

Lee: Ugh! It stinks in this car!
Lia: It doesn't stinks... You stinks....

Mother of the year award goes to.......

Thank you! You like me you REALLY like me :)  Here's the awesome event that earned me the nomination....
Because I'm forever the living embodiment of patience, grace, and understanding whilst in front of my daughter-- I could have in no way totally freaked-out had a disagreement over the phone with my husband.... Okay so maybe I did, and here's why!

He took my check book without telling me! Which means that hours later when at the check out counter with a basket full of groceries/presents/gift wrap for Christmas I had NO MONEY. Nothing. And if that has ever happened to you, you must know that 1. the check out lady is not at all happy with you 2. the rest of the people in line are VERY unhappy with you 3. I'm embarrassed and furious for being in this situation

WHere is it?!??!!? Where did I put it?!?!?!? It was in here yesterday!!!!!! (I think to myself) Then like a light bulb turned on in my mind.... I call my husband.

DO YOU HAVE MY CHECK BOOOOOK!!!!!! (yes) WHY DIDN'T YOU FREAKING TELL ME YOU TOOK MY CHECK BOOK OUT OF MY PURSE. I'M AT TARGET. WITH NO MONEY....

It goes on. I'm not proud.

So the genius that I am.... I travel down to a branch of my bank that happens to be just down the street. I grab cash, head back to Target, and THANKFULLY the cashier had suspended my purchase. I paid and was out of there. That wig out spectacle seemed a little overblown after that, I must admit.

That night, while putting Lia to sleep, we start our prayers.  Mine were the usual: thank you for my beautiful daughter.  Hers had a twist... It wasn't the usual: thank you for my toys. Instead tonight she said: Thank you for mommy's check book.    !!!OH MY!!! I was laughing and embarrassed all over again.

Buzzzz

The numbing, blurring, holiday-induced daze
has me in a tight embrace.
I've discovered new and effective ways
to spend money at a dizzying pace.

Fortunately for my husband,
who works hard day in and day out
I've not had to borrow or lend;
But of what so far spent--I've long lost count.

Not Me Monday --Sunday edition

I most certainly did not forget to bring my wallet with me to Church on Sunday. So that when we all went to lunch afterward I had NO reason to borrow money from my friend to pay for my husband, my daughter, and myself. That would be just too inconsiderate. Totally unlike me.

Deciding to drop my husband off at home afterward so that I could pick up my wallet and then go shopping with my friend was a brilliant idea. So of course I didn't mess it all up by dropping Lee off and then forgetting to pick up my wallet for the second time that day.

And because I'm always on top of things... It did NOT take me until we were at Target doing last minute Christmas shopping to realize I did not have my wallet once AGAIN!

Nope. Not me. 


And like always... one for the road:
I do not insist to leave my notebook at home instead of taking it to church with me. So that every week when I go to mass, I do NOT have to write all my notes on the back of envelopes, receipts, and random little pieces of papers I find in my purse. I'm always prepared. 

My original Sunday Citar--lengthy and taboo

*saved as draft earlier today. Do you ever have a post that your afraid to publish? Ever wonder what people will think? Ever feel apprehensive that some may not like what you've written. Earlier in my blogging life I had no apprehensions. I typed and published. Now I feel a little more nervous. should i feel this way? I dunno. Well  I said to heck with judgements. and here is the post...* 

Some quotes from author Christopher Moore's books (previously alluded to here)

"I know that even now, having watched enough television, you probably won't even refer to them as lepers so as to spare their feelings. You probably call them 'parts-dropping-off challenged' or something."
— Christopher Moore (Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal)


""You see," I explained to Joshua, "what Joy is doing is ironic, yet that's not her intent. That's the difference between irony and sarcasm. Irony can be spontaneous, while sarcasm requires volition. You have to create sarcasm."
"No kidding?" said Josh.
"Why do I waste my time with you?""
— Christopher Moore (Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal)



"Cofishes--other fish in a group, coworkers, cohorts, etc. Shut up, it's a word."
— Christopher Moore (Fool: A Novel)



"Sarcasm will make your tits fall off."
— Christopher Moore (Fool: A Novel)


His books have made me literally laugh out loud. They are crude and perhaps many will find them offensive. But although his protagonists are lewd, vulgar, and even immoral at times, he finds a way to portray them so endearingly that you can't help but laugh and side with them in all things.  I wouldn't recommend these books to some because of the rated R writing... and its totally understandable how one may be sensitive toward some topics he touches upon in his novels. But for those with a little tougher hide, these books are beautiful. His characters are down-to-earth and charming and worth the read. 


Here's his author description for his novel: Christopher Moore began writing at the age six and became the oldest known child prodigy when, in his early thirties, he published his first novel. Chris enjoys cheese crackers, acid jazz, and otter scrubbing and lives in an inaccessible island fortress in the Pacific.


And if he doesn't sound like your cup of tea... no worries... After I finish his novel "You Suck" a vampire romance, I'm reading Parenting with Love and Logic. My husband is currently reading it, and he is really enjoying it. It is a stern, honest and Christian perspective on parenting. 

Sunday Citar

The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase; if you pursue happiness you'll never find it. --CP Snow

The secret of happiness is to make others believe they are the cause of it. --Al Batt

And a few funny ones for the road

A lifetime of happiness! No man alive could bear it: it would be hell on earth. --George Bernard Shaw

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. --George Burns

My fragmented Friday

Not sure how true to Friday Fragments this post will be, but I have a very fragmented Friday ahead of me. I'm currently blogging while my daughter enjoys her breakfast and some Imagination Movers....

***I've fallen in love with another author. For a long LONG while I spent all of my reading on the Brilliant, talented, amazing, scruptious writing of Neil Gaiman---Stardust, American Gods, Anansi Boys, Good Omens, Fragile Things, Smoke and Mirrors.......etc (even his children's books ie. The Graveyard Book! excellent) Well when i reached the point where i had read all of his novels and his short stories and most of his poetry, I decided it was time to try a new author-And can you believe I found a new love! CHRISTOPHER MOORE ( not that guy who makes those controversial movies...) This Moore wrote Lamb: the gospel according to Biff, Jesus's childhood pal, Fool, Fluke;or I know why the winged whale sings.  Now I've only read Lamb and Fool so far, but he has captured me. 

**I will continue on to read some more of his stuff and let you know what I think!

***Ugh I watched MTV the other day and was disgusted by the portrayal of women and the treatment of women by the male stars of their shows.  Those Real World/Road Rules challenges are getting grotesque.  The men have no respect for women.  The ladies(loose interpretation for the women on those shows but still!) are ridiculed, teased, cursed at, humiliated.... its revolting.

***My daughter got married this week.... she's three! She describes her husband differently every time. Originally he was black and wore black clothes, and they had met in New Orleans.  Then he was pink with pink eyes but they still met in New Orleans.  Now he's shifted into Prince Eric (from The Little Mermaid) 

She cracks me up! :D

Quotes of Late

Lee: If my friends ever found out, I would be humilified

Jillien: Cmon Lia..Lets go to the *stutters* pum... pum... potty. 

Lia: pum pum potty. pum pum potty. 

Lia: I have a husband.. He's pink... I met him in New Orleans.


Bueno: Hey! Watch out Swirvey McChange Lanes.

Haiku! (a day late)

This week’s theme is: Guilty Pleasure?

SaraLee Pound Cake,

I am forever tempted

To eat all of you!

And by all of you

I mean every package made--

And all by myself.

Too much?

and if you don't know what I'm talking about.... you've never ever visited this blog before this moment.

Lee's Response to my poem: Somewhere between then and now.

Could it be the imaginary-words locked in the scope of two minds?
Could it be the usual-emotive moments that are withheld in secrecy?
Could it be a wishful bond that never gets the chance to connect?
Something might be gone soon.
It is the generic disguise that will surely make this a mystery.

Somewhere between then and now

It may all soon be gone.

The never-words stifled in our throats.

The rare-emotive moments closed forever.

There may never be another opportunity

For me to hear what you never intended to say.

Christmas Tag-along

My friend, Kelly over at My Voice My View, tagged me to play this fun Christmas meme. Bring it on!!!


Have you started your Christmas shopping? I'm almost there. I've got everyone but my parents, in-laws, husband, nephews, sister and grandma.... HmmMmMmMmMmM Okay I'm a lot less prepared than I thought!

Tell me about one of your special traditions. None. My parents are NOT the celebratory type. We barely even had a real tree most Christmases... did you read my post about the Christmas branch?!?!?

Are you a Black Friday shopper?  I went out on Black Friday and spent a fortune. Nothing I wanted was on sale! I'm the worst shopper ever.

When do you put up your tree?  I put it up the week after Thanksgiving. But i still don't have a full size tree. I have a forest of miniature trees that I've been collecting. All about a foot tall... Some fiber optic... Some with little ornaments... Some that I have to water!

Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? I travel but not too far. I live in Baton Rouge and we drive down to New Orleans where are families still live.

What is your funniest Christmas memory?  My mom was the only one that was home that Christmas morning. When I woke up, I had a bunch of little gifts: stickers, temporary tattoos, jacks, etc... My mom and I spent christmas morning playing jacks and putting silly tattoos all over me.  Years later i learned that my parents had been really low on cash and the night before Christmas my mom was hysterical because she had no presents for me. She went out to the Dollar General and got all those little gifts for me. Turns out I loved them more than the nintendo, bike, jackets, money that i would receive in the years to follow. 

What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time? I love those claymation movies.... The Rudolf one and the one about the elf with the big ears.... 

Do you do your own Christmas baking? What is your favorite Christmas treat?  I bake all year round.  I'm in a constant state of baking. It will be just another day of baking. I like to make rugelach... Ina Garten has a great recipe!

Fake or real tree? Fake! Less money in the long run. Although in LA they use the Christmas trees as a wetland preservation tool.

What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? Christmas eve. lol I work well under pressure

Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Absolutely

What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Opening presents

What Christmas craft do you like the best? Oh my goodness... I'm not crafty at all :(

Christmas music. Yes or no, and if yes, what is your favorite song? I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas music.  Favorite song "O Holy Night!" 

When do you plan to finish shopping?  By Christmas eve--definitely hahahah

Gotta Tag it along now:

Jessica

Amy

Nessa