Southern .... Charm?

Rain .. Ice .. Sleet .. Snow. All are ultimately, simply, various forms of water. Curiously, when any of the aforementioned fall from the sky, southern drivers tend to morph into 85 year old females with severe cataracts when behind the wheel. Why is this? If someone dumps a vat of water upon the road it doesn't change how one drives through the subsequent puddle, yet if that same water emanates from a cloud, the ability to think normally is lost. Furthermore, why, when the meteorologists call for any of the ice, sleet or snow forms of that same water, do those morphed 85 year old cataract-ridden drivers all converge upon the grocery store to stock up on bread, milk and eggs? I did mention the part about this being in the Southern portion of the United States .. correct? It's not like we have the climate to sustain a Minnesota blizzard. What makes it even more amusing (amusing to me anyways) is that a large portion of the population "down here" are transplants From The North. Shouldn't they be the ones with sense when it comes to the winter-style precipitation? Apparently, the portion of their upbringing that allows them to pooh-pooh an inch of accumulation leaves their consciousness when they've been here more than a year (or so it would seem). Anyway, happy weekend to all my fellow southerners .... and, as we're now under a winter weather advisory, steer clear of those bread aisles!

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

Please continue on to the next level ....

2011. So if we were sleeping or just not paying attention, then would it be possible to not realize the changeover to the new year date? Kind of like being so focused on a great book or engrossed in a fascinating project that you're unaware that a couple of hours have passed ... or if you were to waterski around the horn of Africa - would you truly know the point when you, the skier, were cutting through the Indian Ocean & the boat pulling you was zooming through the Atlantic?

I suppose the point of this musing is that so much of life seems to fly by in part because we're not truly paying attention. While I'm not a big believer in "new year's resolutions", making a concerted effort to truly notice our surroundings & what is currently happening around us on every level may be one of the most useful & positive things any of us can "resolve" to do. Think about it - how much more could we really accomplish and how many positive changes and pro-actions could we really make if we all resolved to be completely aware and live in the moment?

~ 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.