Moments and Memories

I created our holiday card today. Going back through a year's worth of photos to find the perfect ones to use is always a fun pastime. The memories run the gamut for everything that occurred over the past year. Yet, looking at all those photos got me thinking, even though we document these moments in our lives, are we really present while they're occurring, or are we too busy documenting to completely enjoy each moment?

You may be wondering what I mean by the word "present". Obviously, if you're in the, photo you were physically there. The "present" I'm referring to, however, is the mental state of ignoring all other areas (like texts or Facebook or even phone calls) and being completely and totally focused on the here and now of what's happening immediately in front of you. In this day and age of push notifications and automatic updates, how often do we do that? How often do we completely give ourselves over to nothing but the moment that we're in and those that are physically there with us? How many priceless moments do we lose by not being completely present?

I know that there have been times where I'm more focused on documentation and uploading to social media than I am on what's happening in front of me. We are all probably guilty of that in some form. But as I look back over those photos, I regret it. Don't get me wrong, I love having the photographic memories, but the moments themselves are so much more important.

As we enter this holiday season, with all of its moments and memories, we should absolutely remember that even though the documentation is wonderful, the moments that we experience with those we love and appreciate are infinitely more important to completely experience while we're in them. Life and its precious minutes are something that shouldn't be taken for granted or ignored. In any situation.

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

The Earth Moved On Valentines Day

Apparently we had an earthquake. I also apparently missed it. Not saying that earthquakes are exciting adventures to be experienced, but feeling the earth actually move on Valentines Day is a bit poetic. Maybe, (hopefully) it's a positive sign of the love for one another and the kindness towards our fellow humankind out there. There's snow on the ground that juxtaposes with the warm colors of rose petals warmly given and lovingly received on this day of love....maybe that juxtaposition here in the south has something to do with the movement of this continent's easternmost plate boundaries. Who knows! Fortunately, there seems to be no reports of major damage or life loss. We should take it as a sign that enough love in the world actually Can move mountains!

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

Tis the season for ....

Tis the season for all sorts of things that don't end up in holiday songs. Holidays, by definition, are supposed to be joyous happy occasions. Not everyone feels the spirit of the season in that manner... which bites. For some,  the previous loss of a loved one brings feelings of melancholy. For some, the regrets of years past cause introspective sadness. For others, the misunderstood and/or selfish actions of others causes deep distress over what they dreamed the holidays would be.

It doesn't have to be that way. The moment taken to smile at a grumpy stranger ... the act of paying for coffee or lunch for someone fumbling for change in their pockets ... the anonymous purchase of a gift for a child who might not get one otherwise ... the hug given to an acquaintance who is having a harsh day ... the simple joy of viewing holiday lights & decorations ... taking a moment to focus more on these small things that are about someone other than ourselves can help remind us of the happiness that can be found in this sometimes difficult season.

I wish for you joy, happiness, peace, & feelings of love & thankfulness. Just remember,  they're not necessarily found by looking inward.

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

It's the holiday season (the holiday season) ..

Winter Solstice, Festival of Lights, Christmas, Hannaukah, Kwaanza .... there really is no picture perfect name stamp to put on this time of year. Doesn't matter where in the world you are, there are festive lights & holiday gatherings .... gift giving and creation of at least one 24 hours worth of peace with those that one would not normally. So why is it that so many people find this time of year to be sad, lonely & frustrating? Maybe it's the media influence that projects images of loving couples and perfect families with Walgreen perfect lives, homes and standards of living. Maybe it's the preconceived notion that we all should be happier when we see the pretty decorative lights and hear the holiday songs. Somehow, the images, the lights, the songs, the preconceived notions ... they (for some) tend to backfire. Instead of thinking "Wow! That diamond bracelet would be a stellar idea for my sweetie!", the thought of "Damn! Here comes another holiday where, when that special hour occurs, I will yet again be alone.", or under the current economy, "That was a fantastic idea last year, but now I wonder if I had saved that money would I be able to purchase gifts for my children?" Personally, I was lucky enough to be heading the "Angel Tree" front at my office this year. Please understand, the office I work in is quite small, but between the 10 of us we were able to support 2 of the "Angels" from the tree and purchase almost everything on their lists for only $10 apeice. Somehow, shopping for simple things that most of us take for granted, plus a couple of things that just bring stars to kids' eyes, brought about more holiday spirit than any ornament, any song, any light showcase, or preconceived notion could ever evoke. So to all the people out there that may be in dire straits, to all those who are pining for a lost love or loved one, to all those who have simply lost the Spirit of the Holiday, I say to you, go give of yourself without reason or accord or thought for repayment. Go give of yourself with total abandonment in whatever realm suits you. It is there that you will find the true meaning and happiness of the season.