Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Been a while, to say the least, but you should always know, I'm out and about, scouring the town, the countryside, the school, the market... just about any particular place I can to find a great subject in which to voice my opinion about - be it a welcome topic, a debate, or just a little rant to pass the time. Today's post comes from the heart. One that I know doubt could do better at, but an act so bright, I had to wear shades.
A.R.K. - act of random kindness -- this goes without saying, but for those slow on the up-take, I'll say it anyway. If the world as a whole would do one random act of kindness, we could be such an awesome world. Granted, I do not know of any other worlds with 'people' of our kind, but nevertheless, how great would that be... But one act doesn't seem to go very far and there are far too many people taking 'advantage' of those acts. So I came up (and I'll tell you how in a minute) L.I.G.H.T... Simply put - "Life Is Generosity, Honesty, and Trust". Let me break it down for you.
Life is... Generosity - Taking a moment to tell someone something, do something for someone, being a generous person without expecting anything in return. Being thoughtful of others situation and showing compassion where it is due.
Life is... Honesty - Couldn't we all use a little bit more of this in our lives.
Life is... Trust - If we knew people were honest, couldn't we trust them more? Wouldn't we want to trust them more? I know my life would be a lot less irritating if I could trust people more.
But, LaVonda... How did you ever come up with this?
I'll tell you.
At a local grocery store the other day, I was in the process of filling my WIC voucher. If you have now or have ever been on the WIC program, you are very much aware of how each store has different brands and how only certain brands/varieties to chose from or that are allowed for purchase. Knowing this, the health department created a pamphlet containing a list of all the approved food items -- and they are suppose to distribute said pamphlet whenever a person is certified for the program. However, they tend to keep them locked up tighter than Fort Knox.
Well, I have 5 children and pretty much a veteran of the program, so I'm familiar with the items allowed, however, while in the grocery store the other day, I seen a young lady, who couldn't have been more than 15 or 16 years old, belly starting to look like she had ingested a small ball -- yep, she was pregnant. She was with who I assume to be her grandmother. They were standing in the cereal aisle, as was I. The look on her face was that of fear to say the least. Not because Tony the Tiger was staring at her, but because she looked lost.
Standing there for a moment, I began to wonder just how hard life had been for me when I was pregnant with my first child at 18. I also recall how nervous I was to even be seen in public for a while because of the looks people would give me. But eventually, I got over it.. I'm thick skinned like that and truth be told, I don't care what people think about me - ye that is without sin... and so on.
Well, as I stood there debating on whether to get hot cereal, cold cereal or go out on a limb and get both, I also began to wonder how I would have felt if someone had been kind to me in my time of fear and despair. Glancing back at her casually, I noticed she was trying to see the WIC labels on the shelves that directed the consumer to the approved items as though she had not ever seen them before. Then it occurred to me, perhaps she has never been in this situation before, or ever received WIC before -- heaven help her if she has been pregnant before. She looked so young.
That is when a light bulb came on. Not an epiphany - but just a big ol' smack of reality -- I'll be a light. Not a religious fanatic who preaches about spreading a light and what not - that only works if you are dealing with someone who is lost. I'm talking about MY LIGHT - LIFE IS...
How could I stand there, holding a pamphlet that lists everything she is looking for while I just shop away, possibly capable of reciting the pamphlet by memory alone. Walking up to her and her grandmother, I said hello. I did not go into the 'you're so young, have you thought of adoption" speech that I had heard religiously for nearly my entire pregnancy in 1998. I simply said, "I've already got my stuff and this pamphlet will help you figure out what you can get. You can have it if you'd like."
The look on this girls face was something electric. She seemed like a huge burden had been lifted just by taking the paper from my hands. She thanked me (repeatedly) and said she was so worried about getting the wrong stuff. I told her it was my pleasure and not to worry if she does get it wrong, the register will let the cashier know and they can fix it.
I may not have been the light that I wanted to be, and I may not have really done anything huge in someone elses eyes, but... I helped someone, I was honest, and trusting and generous... and in MY eyes... that is LIFE!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Day the Mole Met His Match
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Everyone has seen them at one time or another. Those raised lines of soil trailing haphazardly along your lawn. You walk over to them and relentlessly press them down with your foot, only to wake the next morning to see them pulling something akin to Lazarus... They've risen again!
Yes folks, even in the wonderful whole in the wall called Oak Grove, moles do exist. And so does a never-giving up husband named Rodney. You see, he loves his lawn as do I. He tends to it like a woman would her mani/pedi and can't stand for things to miraculously appear, be them God made or otherwise.
A trip to our local Lowe's store for a mole trap several years ago proved completely worthless. It worked better as a lawn ornament. Nevertheless, the ice storm of 2009 seemed to have made the moles disappear. Alas, el nino has ended and the insects/spiders/rodents/mosquitoes are worse than ever! The mole hath returned!
With a more determined frame of mind, hubby and I venture back to Lowes in search of a product that will eradicate these vicious creatures -- it seemed determined to hit our pecan tree -- and we cherish that tree! Perusing the products they have available, one catches his eye: Poison Peanuts! Reading the label, we agree this is the best way to end the little bugger!
The sun had just began to set and he walks, I waddle, to what we've now deemed "ground zero". Following the labels instructions we bait the area - and wait. The next morning, reminding me of a child on Christmas morning, hubby trails outdoors to see if there was any sign of his return - and there was! We knew he took the bait... and just as we were about to celebrate, we glance over our land and see another risen area of soil some 100 ft from us.
Hubby's eyes widen, a sinister smiles stretches across his face as he launches an all out assault on the mole from hades. The following is a true story.
Day 2: "I can't tell if he's taking the bait. There are signs he's been there, but he keeps moving."
Day 3: "He's definately moving. The poison isn't working. I'm going to have to set it out better."
Day 4: "I've baited nearly every trail he's been in. There's rocks all over hiding the bait so I should be able to kill him."
Warning - Graphic!
On the 5th day, I walk into the kitchen as hubby is returning from the back yard. He has this glimmer in his eye, nothing too evil, yet, a very satisfied look appears. I ask, "Did you get him?" He replies, "With the shovel! I seen him moving when I was out there, so I started digging about a foot behind him. I dug up the tunnel real fast and killed him with the shovel!"
And what woman wouldn't be proud of her solider husband, defending their pecan tree against the likes of one sadistic mole?
Hope you enjoyed! We certainly did!
Until Tomorrow,
L
Everyone has seen them at one time or another. Those raised lines of soil trailing haphazardly along your lawn. You walk over to them and relentlessly press them down with your foot, only to wake the next morning to see them pulling something akin to Lazarus... They've risen again!
Yes folks, even in the wonderful whole in the wall called Oak Grove, moles do exist. And so does a never-giving up husband named Rodney. You see, he loves his lawn as do I. He tends to it like a woman would her mani/pedi and can't stand for things to miraculously appear, be them God made or otherwise.
A trip to our local Lowe's store for a mole trap several years ago proved completely worthless. It worked better as a lawn ornament. Nevertheless, the ice storm of 2009 seemed to have made the moles disappear. Alas, el nino has ended and the insects/spiders/rodents/mosquitoes are worse than ever! The mole hath returned!
With a more determined frame of mind, hubby and I venture back to Lowes in search of a product that will eradicate these vicious creatures -- it seemed determined to hit our pecan tree -- and we cherish that tree! Perusing the products they have available, one catches his eye: Poison Peanuts! Reading the label, we agree this is the best way to end the little bugger!
The sun had just began to set and he walks, I waddle, to what we've now deemed "ground zero". Following the labels instructions we bait the area - and wait. The next morning, reminding me of a child on Christmas morning, hubby trails outdoors to see if there was any sign of his return - and there was! We knew he took the bait... and just as we were about to celebrate, we glance over our land and see another risen area of soil some 100 ft from us.
Hubby's eyes widen, a sinister smiles stretches across his face as he launches an all out assault on the mole from hades. The following is a true story.
Day 2: "I can't tell if he's taking the bait. There are signs he's been there, but he keeps moving."
Day 3: "He's definately moving. The poison isn't working. I'm going to have to set it out better."
Day 4: "I've baited nearly every trail he's been in. There's rocks all over hiding the bait so I should be able to kill him."
Warning - Graphic!
On the 5th day, I walk into the kitchen as hubby is returning from the back yard. He has this glimmer in his eye, nothing too evil, yet, a very satisfied look appears. I ask, "Did you get him?" He replies, "With the shovel! I seen him moving when I was out there, so I started digging about a foot behind him. I dug up the tunnel real fast and killed him with the shovel!"
And what woman wouldn't be proud of her solider husband, defending their pecan tree against the likes of one sadistic mole?
Hope you enjoyed! We certainly did!
Until Tomorrow,
L
Sunday, May 6, 2012
It is with Great Pleasure...
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
A short and simple post to let you know how humbled I am. It is with great pleasure that I inform you, yours truly received the TOP 15 Award at Black River Technical College on April 26, 2012. Out of the 2,000+ students enrolled at both campuses, I am one of the top 15!
I was truly honored by this recognition and I can't be more pleased with my level of education that I have received and am currently receiving at this facility. A gratifying feeling knowing someone there recognized me, little ol' me, out of so many, and that I was deemed worthy of such an award.
There are so many that go unnoticed because of being shy, quiet or just generally are wallflowers. My hope is for them to speak up - be heard - be a winner!
And while this sounds like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award, well, so be it! In Arkansas, this is as close to an Academy Award as it's going to get and I'm rolling with it.
I share this award with my best friend, my lover, my strength, and my rock - My husband of nearly 10 years -- Rodney Evans. Since 2008, when I first gave humor to the notion of returning to school, he supported me unlike no other. He stood by me through the initial fear and intimidation that a returning student often goes through, reminding me that I am smart and can do anything I put my mind to. He ran our household single handedly for the first year, as I sat, crying at my desk, praying the Algebra gods would have mercy on my fallible soul as the letters mixed with numbers caused near panic attacks and shortness of breath.
Through the 60 mile commutes four days a week, keeping our vehicle running so I could get my Criminal Justice Degree and then, to re-enroll again to pursue my AA -- tending the house, the lawn, the laundry, the four children and now, the 5th due in just weeks. He is a man of epic proportion, a man of strength, values, morals and respect. A man who cares what his wife does and will do anything to support her in her decisions. Yes, this award doesn't come close to what I owe him for all he has done, but I wouldn't have it without him and that alone is why I share it with him.
I love you Rodney! Thank you for each and every thing, big and little, that you do! You are my superman!
Until tomorrow,
~L
A short and simple post to let you know how humbled I am. It is with great pleasure that I inform you, yours truly received the TOP 15 Award at Black River Technical College on April 26, 2012. Out of the 2,000+ students enrolled at both campuses, I am one of the top 15!
I was truly honored by this recognition and I can't be more pleased with my level of education that I have received and am currently receiving at this facility. A gratifying feeling knowing someone there recognized me, little ol' me, out of so many, and that I was deemed worthy of such an award.
There are so many that go unnoticed because of being shy, quiet or just generally are wallflowers. My hope is for them to speak up - be heard - be a winner!
And while this sounds like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award, well, so be it! In Arkansas, this is as close to an Academy Award as it's going to get and I'm rolling with it.
Through the 60 mile commutes four days a week, keeping our vehicle running so I could get my Criminal Justice Degree and then, to re-enroll again to pursue my AA -- tending the house, the lawn, the laundry, the four children and now, the 5th due in just weeks. He is a man of epic proportion, a man of strength, values, morals and respect. A man who cares what his wife does and will do anything to support her in her decisions. Yes, this award doesn't come close to what I owe him for all he has done, but I wouldn't have it without him and that alone is why I share it with him.
I love you Rodney! Thank you for each and every thing, big and little, that you do! You are my superman!
Until tomorrow,
~L
The Realization of Life
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
Many of you are aware of how often a light bulb turns on over your head. You have an idea, a thought or come to understand something so magnificent, you are in complete awe of your minds thinking capabilities... and if you have ever stopped by my blog, you are certain to have read a few of my own epiphanies. Well, today is no different, except that it didn't happen today, but rather, it has been happening for the last few months.
Let's say your are sitting somewhere listening to a conversation between two people. Not eavesdropping, just waiting for the right time to join in on the convo. Lets say those two people are not talking about school work, homework, work work, or anything like that, but rather, something that is common between the two of them. I'll go out on a limb and throw the subject of Zombies out there. OK, this post is about a particular professor I've been privileged to have and a classmate who has brought a smile or two with their commentary (and he's so respectful to his 'lady friend', never being derogatory in any way!).
This particular professor is infatuated, dare I say obsessed with Zombies and the A&E Show, The Walking Dead. Now, in the beginning I thought this was just a one time happening -- a short intercession if you will between class starting and roll being taken. However, the next week, the same thing... followed by the week after that and the week after that. So much so, the smiles on both conversationalists faces seemed to fascinate me. Being a fan of Vampires as opposed to Zombies, I had to find out what all the hubbub was about. Having been caught up on all my homework for one evening (gasp, how the hell did that happen?!?), I sat down in front of my families big screen, turned on the blue ray player, pressed the netflix button and within minutes, I was caught up in a whirlwind of death, tragedy, confusion and, *sigh* I must say it... A disgusting, gut wrenching, close my eyes on some parts tale that seemed to go on forever. Needless to say, I may have been converted that night -- I'll never tell!
Venturing back to class the following day, I inform said professor that I watched the first season with intent and curiosity. I fear I would not lose any sleep should I ever miss another episode, but it would be fascinating to follow up with the second season which just ended, and much to my dismay, neither would talk about it in class, except that it just keeps getting better. I sometimes caught myself wondering, "is this what two women sound like when they are discussing a new pair of shoes or a new handbag?" To see the look on their faces when they described the show and how it made them feel made me truly realize life -- no matter what your poison, everyone has a taste for something - theirs happens to be zombies while mine certainly still remains chocolate!
But it was not just seeing the two of them conversed about a show they shared in common, but the issue was with me as well. I did not have the ability to 'mesh' with their conversations as much as I would have liked to, but alas, a great teacher does not always have something in common to be a good listener or share-er of advice, wisdom, praise or self-worth.
A teacher sometimes listens and gives feedback without drawing more to the story. Sometimes she remains the quiet woman who smiles at you when you've gotten so tongue-tied all you can do is laugh. Sometimes she is the teacher who encourages you to look outside the box -- to weigh all your options, to question EVERYTHING before deciding on anything. Sometimes, just sometimes, she is the teacher who makes all the difference in the world. Out of respect for my teachers and their privacy, I will leave them nameless... but, if you are a witness to my laughing outbursts in class or my ability to seem to get one unwanted contraction in that seemingly perfect essay, then you know who you are -- and you should know that you have both made a huge impact on my life!
I salute you. Thank you for being who you are and for teaching me who I can be!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Many of you are aware of how often a light bulb turns on over your head. You have an idea, a thought or come to understand something so magnificent, you are in complete awe of your minds thinking capabilities... and if you have ever stopped by my blog, you are certain to have read a few of my own epiphanies. Well, today is no different, except that it didn't happen today, but rather, it has been happening for the last few months.
Let's say your are sitting somewhere listening to a conversation between two people. Not eavesdropping, just waiting for the right time to join in on the convo. Lets say those two people are not talking about school work, homework, work work, or anything like that, but rather, something that is common between the two of them. I'll go out on a limb and throw the subject of Zombies out there. OK, this post is about a particular professor I've been privileged to have and a classmate who has brought a smile or two with their commentary (and he's so respectful to his 'lady friend', never being derogatory in any way!).
This particular professor is infatuated, dare I say obsessed with Zombies and the A&E Show, The Walking Dead. Now, in the beginning I thought this was just a one time happening -- a short intercession if you will between class starting and roll being taken. However, the next week, the same thing... followed by the week after that and the week after that. So much so, the smiles on both conversationalists faces seemed to fascinate me. Being a fan of Vampires as opposed to Zombies, I had to find out what all the hubbub was about. Having been caught up on all my homework for one evening (gasp, how the hell did that happen?!?), I sat down in front of my families big screen, turned on the blue ray player, pressed the netflix button and within minutes, I was caught up in a whirlwind of death, tragedy, confusion and, *sigh* I must say it... A disgusting, gut wrenching, close my eyes on some parts tale that seemed to go on forever. Needless to say, I may have been converted that night -- I'll never tell!
Venturing back to class the following day, I inform said professor that I watched the first season with intent and curiosity. I fear I would not lose any sleep should I ever miss another episode, but it would be fascinating to follow up with the second season which just ended, and much to my dismay, neither would talk about it in class, except that it just keeps getting better. I sometimes caught myself wondering, "is this what two women sound like when they are discussing a new pair of shoes or a new handbag?" To see the look on their faces when they described the show and how it made them feel made me truly realize life -- no matter what your poison, everyone has a taste for something - theirs happens to be zombies while mine certainly still remains chocolate!
But it was not just seeing the two of them conversed about a show they shared in common, but the issue was with me as well. I did not have the ability to 'mesh' with their conversations as much as I would have liked to, but alas, a great teacher does not always have something in common to be a good listener or share-er of advice, wisdom, praise or self-worth.
A teacher sometimes listens and gives feedback without drawing more to the story. Sometimes she remains the quiet woman who smiles at you when you've gotten so tongue-tied all you can do is laugh. Sometimes she is the teacher who encourages you to look outside the box -- to weigh all your options, to question EVERYTHING before deciding on anything. Sometimes, just sometimes, she is the teacher who makes all the difference in the world. Out of respect for my teachers and their privacy, I will leave them nameless... but, if you are a witness to my laughing outbursts in class or my ability to seem to get one unwanted contraction in that seemingly perfect essay, then you know who you are -- and you should know that you have both made a huge impact on my life!
I salute you. Thank you for being who you are and for teaching me who I can be!
Until tomorrow,
~L
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Back In The Saddle
Hello fellow bloggers, readers, and passers-by,
It's that time of year again when we say goodbye to the fat-drenching holiday food, the mistletoe and eggnog. We welcome the new year with an open mind and hopefully, an open heart. We set aside those thoughts of contempt to make way for adoration of those who are doing well and though, sinfully, we sometimes turn green with envy to those who have a little more than we (I) do! *gasp* Yes, I want great things, too! But the difference for me: I will not sit around and wish -- I will make it happen.
So, I venture, yet again, to BRTC in hopes of putting some useful knowledge into the 'ol think-tank and maybe even have an "awe" moment by such knowledge! In any event, I refuse to give up. "Why would you give up?" they ask!
Let's regroup. Last semester, Algebra did not completely obliterate my GPA but it did take a hit. A surprise pregnancy near the end of the semester left me wondering, "Is God seriously playing a game with me?"... the answer being a loud NO just as soon as I heard the heartbeat of that miracle now growing in my tummy. And for the Pièce de résistance, not one damn person running for the presidential seat is worth listening to, much less voting for.
But I will not fret, and you, dear friend, shouldn't either. Because where there is a will, there is a way, and whether it is God, Buddha, Allah or any other deity, life will continue. We will saddle up, straighten our hat, (hopefully you have your big girl pants on) and strive to make sense of this thing called life. There is only one ending for us all -- not heaven or hell, but death in general, and I for one wanna be going 90 mph when I slide into my coffin yelling, 'man, what a ride'!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
It's that time of year again when we say goodbye to the fat-drenching holiday food, the mistletoe and eggnog. We welcome the new year with an open mind and hopefully, an open heart. We set aside those thoughts of contempt to make way for adoration of those who are doing well and though, sinfully, we sometimes turn green with envy to those who have a little more than we (I) do! *gasp* Yes, I want great things, too! But the difference for me: I will not sit around and wish -- I will make it happen.
So, I venture, yet again, to BRTC in hopes of putting some useful knowledge into the 'ol think-tank and maybe even have an "awe" moment by such knowledge! In any event, I refuse to give up. "Why would you give up?" they ask!
Let's regroup. Last semester, Algebra did not completely obliterate my GPA but it did take a hit. A surprise pregnancy near the end of the semester left me wondering, "Is God seriously playing a game with me?"... the answer being a loud NO just as soon as I heard the heartbeat of that miracle now growing in my tummy. And for the Pièce de résistance, not one damn person running for the presidential seat is worth listening to, much less voting for.
But I will not fret, and you, dear friend, shouldn't either. Because where there is a will, there is a way, and whether it is God, Buddha, Allah or any other deity, life will continue. We will saddle up, straighten our hat, (hopefully you have your big girl pants on) and strive to make sense of this thing called life. There is only one ending for us all -- not heaven or hell, but death in general, and I for one wanna be going 90 mph when I slide into my coffin yelling, 'man, what a ride'!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Saying Goodbye
Hello fellow bloggers, readers and passers-by,
No, I'm not leaving! *tear* Thank you for your undying loyalty to my blog, though I have done nothing if not neglect it since around August... But fear not, I have not stopped entirely -- I do have a life outside of the world wide web! And today, I'll bring to you the year of 2011 -- they hype, the drama, the saga, the actors, the deaths and the ability to say "Bring it on 2012 -- Let's See What You've Got" -- right??? RIGHT!
So, the year started off on a positive note. New resolutions for many... and many that I faltered on myself... That losing weight thing crapped out after the first two months. The exercise thing after two months (only because I was EXERCISING ALL THE TIME and not losing any weight -- zero will power, also) *wink*
No, I'm not leaving! *tear* Thank you for your undying loyalty to my blog, though I have done nothing if not neglect it since around August... But fear not, I have not stopped entirely -- I do have a life outside of the world wide web! And today, I'll bring to you the year of 2011 -- they hype, the drama, the saga, the actors, the deaths and the ability to say "Bring it on 2012 -- Let's See What You've Got" -- right??? RIGHT!
So, the year started off on a positive note. New resolutions for many... and many that I faltered on myself... That losing weight thing crapped out after the first two months. The exercise thing after two months (only because I was EXERCISING ALL THE TIME and not losing any weight -- zero will power, also) *wink*
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Commercialism Vs. Spirit
Hello fellow bloggers, readers, and passers-by,
This post will probably make no sense to you, or me for that matter, but I felt the need to do it. To write something for you all to read, and to ease the tension that is slowly building up inside me. Not to mention the pain in my neck, throat, head and sinus area. Alas, I am ill. But fear not, my faithful followers, it is not the illness that will be contagious, but rather, the urge to do something... anything... to break the boredom I am so severely suffering this holiday season.
"Times are tight and moneys hard... and here's your F'in Christmas card"... yes folks, I just wrote that. Do not be bothered by it. It is nonsense really. But it is true that times are tight and that money is hard. For instance... many people have gone out, blew up their credit card balances and cleared nearly everything out of their savings account to buy into the commercialism of Christmas. Their four member households will open a more than adequate number of gifts this holiday, bragging on face book and twitter how much they received and how happy they are and their 'I can't wait until next years list' of gimme's. On the other hand, some families are happy with the simpler things. That turkey dinner they have so patiently waited for all year... complete with all the trimmings, because let's face it... Thanksgiving dinner just can't compete to Christmas dinner!
Then there are the families who have no presents, no dinner, and no one to share a greeting with. Families that have been torn apart by addiction, depression, adultery, and an onslaught of other issues that many forget exist. And while these are truly tragic events, the one that really chaps my hide are the ungrateful... the ones who want more and more and more, and are not once truly appreciative of what they have.
I'm not talking about material things. I'm talking about life. Whether you believe in God, Buddha, Allah, or other deity (or not)... you got here somehow, even if by science... and yet, we are living, breathing human beings are incapable of showing a little gratitude. Those who believe in a higher power often do for others who cannot do for themselves... but is it because they want to out of the kindness of their hearts, or because they think they will receive something in the end. I know, I know, they think its the right thing to do, so they do it... but you and I both know, whether it's on earth or in heaven, they expect something in return. Sadly, those who do not believe in a higher power will often give just because they can and want to. As you can see, being in the bible belt has it's good points and it's bad points... and I've seen enough 'christians' to know that a person is just a hypocritical walking into a church as they can be walking down an aisle at the department store.
I told you this post would not make sense... but it's starting to come together. If we are going to make it in this world, let us give with our hearts, unconditionally, rather than with our wallets on a budget. Let us become indebted to our neighbors out of the kindness we share with each other over the high prices at the store. Let's do unto others as we'd have done unto us because we genuinely care about the other person, not so we earn bragging rights about how expensive a particular gift was.
In this day and age, I can't imagine a world more ugly, filled with commercialism, hate, jealousy, greed, and contempt as I have witnessed this season. So, my family will be bucking the system. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the 24 of December will be Commercialism Day. This is the day we will give our children gifts in honor of commercialism. Between four children, they will open gifts all totaling at a value of less than 200.00. They will smile with happiness, not because they got what they wanted, but because they were loved enough to get something, and they will value that. Because it isn't the price or the gift, but the love that backs it up. How many i-pad, i-phone, xbox 360 holding fiends can say that?
But our holiday will not stop there. On December 25, we will wake up, hug each other, have breakfast together, read the story of Christ's birth (because we do believe)... Then we will visit family and share the love we have with them. And when all is said and done, our children will know the true meaning of love... not the falsification of Christmas as commercialism would have us to believe.
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
This post will probably make no sense to you, or me for that matter, but I felt the need to do it. To write something for you all to read, and to ease the tension that is slowly building up inside me. Not to mention the pain in my neck, throat, head and sinus area. Alas, I am ill. But fear not, my faithful followers, it is not the illness that will be contagious, but rather, the urge to do something... anything... to break the boredom I am so severely suffering this holiday season.
"Times are tight and moneys hard... and here's your F'in Christmas card"... yes folks, I just wrote that. Do not be bothered by it. It is nonsense really. But it is true that times are tight and that money is hard. For instance... many people have gone out, blew up their credit card balances and cleared nearly everything out of their savings account to buy into the commercialism of Christmas. Their four member households will open a more than adequate number of gifts this holiday, bragging on face book and twitter how much they received and how happy they are and their 'I can't wait until next years list' of gimme's. On the other hand, some families are happy with the simpler things. That turkey dinner they have so patiently waited for all year... complete with all the trimmings, because let's face it... Thanksgiving dinner just can't compete to Christmas dinner!
Then there are the families who have no presents, no dinner, and no one to share a greeting with. Families that have been torn apart by addiction, depression, adultery, and an onslaught of other issues that many forget exist. And while these are truly tragic events, the one that really chaps my hide are the ungrateful... the ones who want more and more and more, and are not once truly appreciative of what they have.
I'm not talking about material things. I'm talking about life. Whether you believe in God, Buddha, Allah, or other deity (or not)... you got here somehow, even if by science... and yet, we are living, breathing human beings are incapable of showing a little gratitude. Those who believe in a higher power often do for others who cannot do for themselves... but is it because they want to out of the kindness of their hearts, or because they think they will receive something in the end. I know, I know, they think its the right thing to do, so they do it... but you and I both know, whether it's on earth or in heaven, they expect something in return. Sadly, those who do not believe in a higher power will often give just because they can and want to. As you can see, being in the bible belt has it's good points and it's bad points... and I've seen enough 'christians' to know that a person is just a hypocritical walking into a church as they can be walking down an aisle at the department store.
I told you this post would not make sense... but it's starting to come together. If we are going to make it in this world, let us give with our hearts, unconditionally, rather than with our wallets on a budget. Let us become indebted to our neighbors out of the kindness we share with each other over the high prices at the store. Let's do unto others as we'd have done unto us because we genuinely care about the other person, not so we earn bragging rights about how expensive a particular gift was.
In this day and age, I can't imagine a world more ugly, filled with commercialism, hate, jealousy, greed, and contempt as I have witnessed this season. So, my family will be bucking the system. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the 24 of December will be Commercialism Day. This is the day we will give our children gifts in honor of commercialism. Between four children, they will open gifts all totaling at a value of less than 200.00. They will smile with happiness, not because they got what they wanted, but because they were loved enough to get something, and they will value that. Because it isn't the price or the gift, but the love that backs it up. How many i-pad, i-phone, xbox 360 holding fiends can say that?
But our holiday will not stop there. On December 25, we will wake up, hug each other, have breakfast together, read the story of Christ's birth (because we do believe)... Then we will visit family and share the love we have with them. And when all is said and done, our children will know the true meaning of love... not the falsification of Christmas as commercialism would have us to believe.
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
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