Painting out the Decade...

Most people spend Christmas Eve either going to church, traveling to see far-off family members, or decorating cookies for Santa Claus’ visit. This year, I spent it painting.

It’s been 8 years since the walls of our home have been painted properly, and in those 8 years, we’ve seen our share of bumps & bruises, much like our walls. There was the dented corner in our upstairs loft, where my son first got introduced to the wonder that is scalp staples. Then there’s the pillar by the stairs, nearly black with residue from all of our hands using it for support as we zip up and down the steps. And who could forget the banged-up corners from the balls bounced for our sweet puppies?

As I watched the paintbrush glide over the spackled-over nail pops and repaired edges, I couldn’t help but reflect on the years that held the events of the damage. I don’t know about you, but this past decade has been full of surprises. Some happy, some sad, some downright scary.

Take, for example, our daughter’s first broken arm shortly after we moved into the house. We barely had time to meet people before we had to ask them for references for an orthopedic surgeon!

Then the thrill of finding a gold mine of friends when our son entered elementary school. I had heard stories about moms losing themselves in PTA activities and scoffed, until I found myself right in the thick of it, and loving the new-found camaraderie of other stay-at-home moms.

That connection proved to be invaluable as my second child entered kindergarten – and I entered the oncology ward. Breast cancer wasn’t on my initial to-do list of life events, but 2002 had other ideas. A fire earlier in the year had bequeathed us the joy of redecorating, and the paint color we have is still a reminder of that rushed time of decisions. In fact, I still refer to that year as my “country music” year, since many songs of that genre talk about times of great struggle and strife. My year was infused with humor, joy, and laughter, even though our dog died, my husband lost his job, I got cancer, my daughter broke her arm for the 3rd time, and my mama broke her hip. Oh, and of course, I nearly burned our house down. Ah, good times, good times…

Painting over the residue of that year allowed me to meditate on the answers that intense soul-searching hopes to provide. Money isn’t everything as long as you have your health, but it’s pretty darn nice to have both. Happiness is a mindset, not a destination. True character is shown when faced with the loss of a cherished pet…or parent. Personal growth can be quite uncomfortable, and not just for the person doing the growing. And the bonds of love can be strengthened by the most inauspicious of events.

I’m sure that 2010 will also begin another cycle of twists and turns, better than the plot of any best-selling novel. The best part? We’re in charge of the plot! I could never have imagined the outcome of the days of 2000-2009, just as 2010-2019 are a mystery. I have set some goals for myself, but have learned to focus more on how I wish to feel, and less on the specifics of what I want to happen. My imagination is far too limited. The Universe, God, Gaia, Allah, Jehovah, Creator, or whatever name you choose to give to your guiding spiritual leader wants to give you what you ask for, anyway. It just doesn’t always show up in the form you originally asked for. The word NOT tends to be ignored, so I ask for what I want, rather than what I don’t want, or don’t have, or don’t wish to feel.

As I put the final brushstrokes on my walls, closing out the Aughts, (the O-No’s?), I found myself saying a prayer of gratitude for all of our family’s experiences from the decade. We have a blank slate. I look forward to seeing what the Teens will paint on the canvas of our lives!

Winter Solstice

The time is upon us where the nights will gradually become longer, and the daylight will thumb its nose at the preposterous notion of "savings time"...and it's time for our annual Winter Solstice celebration. This tradition began as a way to include all of our friends, several of whom are Jewish, Muslim, or simply non-Christian. Everybody can be happy about longer days, right?

And then I got the email about the family Christmas gathering from my mom.

"It is not just a winter holiday or the winter solstice as the politically correct people seem to think. How sad for the misguided, misled liberal thinkers. How I pray that the Holy Spirit would pop a light bulb of truth in their brains."

I love my family. I adore my mother. I don't agree with some of the religious or political viewpoints that my family holds, but we're still blood. So, Thanks, Mom! I really appreciate the prayers!

And, we can all appreciate the fact that we'll be able to enjoy more sunlight, minute by each precious minute. Happy Holidays, y'all!