Another Day's Walk

 Another day, another walk .... but not in a park.  It was a very busy holiday shopping day and I got all my steps and more at my local Walmart!  

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet??

Holiday Music in OITNB

Orange is the New Black holiday episode entitled "Can't Fix Crazy" is terrific.  I am addicted to this show and find it amazing that this diverse group of women with their own problems and plenty of drama can come together, set differences aside, and create a holiday program for the rest of the inmates at Litchfield Prison.

Among the many diverse characters, there is one woman named Norma who doesn't speak because of a crippling stuttering problem.  There is another woman called Crazy Eyes who was scheduled to sing at her high school graduation and froze up, unable to sing.  Her current fear is having the same thing happen during the Christmas Pageant, which of course, happens.  There is a small miracle of joy that happens when Norma closes her eyes and sings so beautifully the verse to "I Saw the Light"

Just like a blind man I wandered along

Worries and fears I claimed for my own

Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight

Praise the Lord I saw the light.

I saw the light I saw the light

No more darkness no more night

Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord I saw the light.

This scene is well touted on the 'net and is quite moving if you're a follower of mute Norma.  But in my opinion Samira Wiley, who plays Poussey Washington, sings in trio with Cindy and Taystee, "Joy to the World".  When they get done with their performance and take their bows, Poussey bursts into a solo of "Amazing Grace".  To me, it is just beautiful.  I've seen it many, many times and it still brings tears to my eyes.  

This drama is one of the best I've seen in a long time.  There are diverse characters, there are opportunities to learn backgrounds on the women who are incarcerated, and with every episode I find a new reason to like or dislike the many characters.

What will season 4 hold???

I can't wait to find out!!

Single Bells

The one thing I hate about spending a holiday alone.....  is the day after at work 

when everyone asks all those "How was your holiday" questions.

How do you answer without sounding pathetic?  without arousing sympathy or pity?

Most of the time,  I do my best to avoid entering into the topic at all.

When it happens, I reply, "Great!" and turn the question on them,

hoping they're the kind who want to ebulliently expound on their day! 

Most times, it works.  For those who continue to ask details about 

my own day, I just say "the usual family activities..." and let it fall off.

The No.12 Rule of a Lady

Being single doesn't mean you're weak, 

it means you're strong enough to wait 

for what you really deserve.

Now Playing:  Luke Bryan's "Drunk on You" - and high on summertime.  Brings back thoughts of hot summer nights.  It's been chilly here in the Valley of the Desert.  Another 30 days or so and spring will be here - can't wait to watch the cactus burst into blooms.  Feb, March, April are most beautiful here!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  

I told myself I wouldn't blog today - why?  Because I didn't want anyone knowing, to feel sorry for me - that the "poor single gal" - sitting at my computer, when I should be doing "something else".  But I don't write this because I want anyone's pity, no one needs to feel sorry for me.  

As a divorced single parent, I learned long ago that a holiday doesn't have to be spent on the exact holiday.  For many years, when my kids visited their dad for Christmas, I would hold the celebrations until they returned.  Often times, we did Christmas and New Year's together.  Sure, it made for a crowded day, but that's ok, we made it the best we could, we made it through.

Back when I was a church goer, there would usually be someone who wanted to do something for the singles, having a get together for those who had no where else to go.  It was usually a pretty good time.  But in the bigger picture, single folks who aren't with family today, are home. alone. 

So how does a single person turn that around?  How do you get up and do things that are not "conventional" in the eyes of a world who are coupled up?  I feel very lucky to have Sadie, my pug, this year .....   a built in excuse to be out walking in the park, around the block, or anywhere else.  But you don't have to have a dog to do that.  Take a walk, get out and enjoy nature -- use the excuse that you're walking off a big dinner if you feel the need! 

I've been up for a long time now; since I worked yesterday, and will work tomorrow, sleeping in today wasn't an option.  So I light some scented candles, and vacuumed, dusted and shark'd the living room while The Blind Side plays on DVD.  I'll head out with Sadie after the sun warms the desert, maybe head to my mountain or the park for a walk, take some pictures along the way.  

Take some time for reflection today; remember how blessed each of us are.  Don't fall into the trappings of the media with their preformed ideas of how your "day" is supposed to be.  Make it your own, no matter you situation.  Here's a big HUG from me to you! :)

Road Signs - Motels

Lately, I've been noticing hotel/motel signs... the ones that are obviously from a different time. 
If you watch close, you'll see some too!