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The weeks from Thanksgiving through the end of the year gave me problems for years.
It is at this time we tend to spotlight our lives and examine how we truly relate to familiy and friends. It is one of the reasons many suffer Holiday Depression; we simply cannot live up to the Hollywood and Madison Avenue's stereotypes. Oft times, "It's a Wonderful Life" we ain't.
Back in 2007, Jan S. penned a short story called That's Enough. It is well worth reading, and it reminds us that regardless of your struggles, you can and should be a positive influence somewhere. I read this little story several times a year when I find myself beginning to dwell on my failures or the lack of compassion or understanding from my family members.
Jan told me some time ago she seems to have lost her lyrical voice and that is why she hasn't written recently. It is my hope and prayer that she finds it. I find her approach to storytelling to be quite appealing.
Thank you again Jan for writing the story. And thank you, Erin for all you have done to provide this wonderful place for us to come. Most here do not know me, but I consider each person here to be part of my extended family. For everyone that contributes, whether to post stories, blogs, or just comments, thank you.
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Gather For The Holidays
In years past we would host dinners and gatherings for all of our single, alone, or disenfranchised friends. It was something we started on the West Coast "rounding up the strays" and continued here because we felt nobody should be alone for a holiday where family traditionally gathers. Sometimes it was small and intimate and one year we fed nearly fifty people. We often told people that if you cannot be with family for the holdays, please do not be alone. Be with friends, find someone. Many of us are either separated from or not welcome by family. Rather than endure the bittersweet of being where you are not welcome it is a lot better being with friends who care and understand.
If you know someone nearby who is single or alone for any reason, please extend an invitation to them, don't forget to make the green bean cassarole!
We passed the torch to younger friends and moved on to let them create their own traditions.
A simpler solution.
I will be on night shift over Christmas (Thanksgiving has no relevance over here).In order to get the Christmas rubbish well and truly sorted I will also work an early shift on the day,between two night shifts,so in 36 hours I should have five off for sleep.
Saves the thinking.
I'll be alone
over Xmas, and part of me is quite looking forward to it. It will be a couple of days when I can really chill out and do what I want rather than spend my life running around for others. (except waiting on two bossy cats).
Angharad
Angharad
:)
:)
Thank you, Carla. I mean, what else can I say about something like this.
And also, thank you to all of the readers. I think we sometimes forget how important those that enjoy what we do are to us. So, thank you all.
(and I haven't stopped writing, I do it every chance I get, and often when I don't have a chance, but it is coming slowly these days.)
Hugs, Jan
Update: I just saw that there's a mention of this story on FM's hyperboard too (I only posted it there about a week ago). It's a bit embarrassing. I didn't ask anyone to do this, promise. (i do appreciate it though, Carla Anne.)
I just calls it as I sees it
And that's the truth. pffeewwwwww!
So if you're writing every chance you get, where is it?
Hugs
Carla Ann