Well, I am not one of those people who goes all out, having a tree and decorations with a holiday meal smack dab in the middle of the year. (Yes, those people do exist.) Nor, am I one of those organized planners who begins bargain shopping in order to be finished with gift purchases for Christmas by October, November, or earlier. I'm more the type that is walking around humming "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." And, honestly, the song has been in my head for at least the past week!
July is a month I consider to be bittersweet. It is the "kickoff" for summer, but the days escape so quickly, and stores put a damper on the enjoyment as they begin putting up back-to-school goodies earlier and earlier. UGH! Fortunately, the warmth of the sun, longer days, cookouts, poolside relaxation, and small adventures all make up for the latter shenaniggans and foolery, and I fast forget that with the approach of July 31st is the sad reality that summer is coming to a close.
I am thankful for this long month of days, which has (this year) brought a lot of joy even in the midst of some of the sadness that has filled my heart from other events of life. This season's July 4 holiday was great being with one of my dearest friends and getting away to the beach for sun and fireworks. It only got better with one of my friends from childhood finally getting married, and he and his (now) wife having me take a part in their special day. I managed to get in two fun-filled cookouts with good food and fellowship. My eating habits curved for the better, as I did more from home (or the homes of others) and managed to have a really decent grocery bill with a lot of yummy buys--a watermelon steal and I cut that badboy with grace and perfection! There were two visits of pampering to the beauty salon, and I've enjoyed my dangly curls; it's been a relief not having to do my own hair, which is my typical routine. And, how could I forget the call I received on Friday, July 9th? On that morning, my two very close and dear friends asked me to do them the honor of being the godmother to their soon-to-be-born daughter, Laila (we're still experiementing with the spelling of her name). Only to have the month climax at the end with an impromptu visit from my brother who lives out of state, and Boston--my dear friend, CMB, the expecting mommy--also making her way down here to the South to spend the weekend with me while here to facilitate a few sessions for a dance ministry conference. I can't leave out the laughter and talks with dear friends, book reads, and new opportunities found. Also, I am not lessening experiences like Vacation Bible School or trips to our local amusement park, Busch Gardens.
Every experience this month has contributed to making THIS "the most wonderful time of the year." And, the last day of this month did not disappoint--and I am not just saying that because of the cooling temperatures! I think about the fine jewelry purchase I made today, the company in tote, and the experience with our sales associate. Life is occurring every second of every hour every day...a reality that I am grown, I am blessed, and I have so much to live for in this world. I love how July gives a fresh outlook, revival, and desire to make the most of living.
This is my "Christmas" in July.
When the season changes and we're in the rush of fall, I'll come back to this time, loving and remembering my favorite time of year.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Need an Outlet...
During the months of June, July, and August, I am fortunate enough to have three-day weekends, but I end up with 10 hour workdays Monday-Thursday. This set-up works quite nicely, and I wish it could be this way during the actual academic year. Most years I've embraced Fridays, sleeping in and being as lazy as I'd like. That has not changed completely, but Fridays have been quite difficult for the past two months, which is when I received the call from one of my god sisters that my "second" mommy had passed on from this world.
I realize she is out of her pain. I know she lived a good life. I feel her presence and spirit in so many ways. But, it does not remove the pain or the memories of how that Friday played itself out. No matter how prepared you are for death, you're never really...
So, my Fridays presently are avoidance days. I try to find activities to fill my time and keep me from reflecting or thinking too much about that Friday that was only about eight weeks ago. And, truth be told, I've managed to do a pretty good job of having things to do. Beach visits, amusement park fun, traveling, and shopping...even mixed with a little cleaning! Particularly, my recent venture to the nearby shopping outlet is what developed the title and today's stream of thought. Outside my bag it read: "Need an Outlet...Kenneth Cole". Catchy and cute, huh? Well, I thought so!
I thought more and more about the phrase on the bag while getting birthday gifts together for my brother and sister-in-law, and began to really get the fact that outlets are so needed...and for a variety of reasons. My brother from Tampa had an impromptu visit coming to see his best friend get married; however, this visit has served as an outlet for him. He has always been the one to have distance from home due to his work, and we knew his being away served as THE outlet for coping with the loss of our father. This recent trip has given him some opportunities for closure that I think were necessary and right on time, which is great to see.
I also found my recent outlet being back with family--the immediate and extended. I was in the presence of love, peace, and goodness. Every family has its dysfunction(s), but it is being able to embrace all of that and dig through the surface in order to reach the core and very essence of what makes such a group special. It is the history, knowledge, and memories. It is the understanding that these are beings who share your blood and the connection was a divine order. They make me who I am--the good and bad. I joined hands in the room with generations of me, as we prayed over the family and food. I sat with my cousins, picking and laughing. Joined my aunties in the kitchen to steal some cooking tips. Hugged my daddy's best friend and caught up on life with my niece. Talked world and personal issues. Laughed. Loved. Lived.
I don't feel the need to end on a profound note in this "complex simplicity". Hopefully, you have some nearby inexpensive outlet of your own. What I've found, though, to be pretty true is just when you really feel you're hitting rock bottom or can't keep going on, the Divine knows what you need to replenish you and help you continue the journey, realizing life's not so bad after all.
I realize she is out of her pain. I know she lived a good life. I feel her presence and spirit in so many ways. But, it does not remove the pain or the memories of how that Friday played itself out. No matter how prepared you are for death, you're never really...
So, my Fridays presently are avoidance days. I try to find activities to fill my time and keep me from reflecting or thinking too much about that Friday that was only about eight weeks ago. And, truth be told, I've managed to do a pretty good job of having things to do. Beach visits, amusement park fun, traveling, and shopping...even mixed with a little cleaning! Particularly, my recent venture to the nearby shopping outlet is what developed the title and today's stream of thought. Outside my bag it read: "Need an Outlet...Kenneth Cole". Catchy and cute, huh? Well, I thought so!
I thought more and more about the phrase on the bag while getting birthday gifts together for my brother and sister-in-law, and began to really get the fact that outlets are so needed...and for a variety of reasons. My brother from Tampa had an impromptu visit coming to see his best friend get married; however, this visit has served as an outlet for him. He has always been the one to have distance from home due to his work, and we knew his being away served as THE outlet for coping with the loss of our father. This recent trip has given him some opportunities for closure that I think were necessary and right on time, which is great to see.
I also found my recent outlet being back with family--the immediate and extended. I was in the presence of love, peace, and goodness. Every family has its dysfunction(s), but it is being able to embrace all of that and dig through the surface in order to reach the core and very essence of what makes such a group special. It is the history, knowledge, and memories. It is the understanding that these are beings who share your blood and the connection was a divine order. They make me who I am--the good and bad. I joined hands in the room with generations of me, as we prayed over the family and food. I sat with my cousins, picking and laughing. Joined my aunties in the kitchen to steal some cooking tips. Hugged my daddy's best friend and caught up on life with my niece. Talked world and personal issues. Laughed. Loved. Lived.
I don't feel the need to end on a profound note in this "complex simplicity". Hopefully, you have some nearby inexpensive outlet of your own. What I've found, though, to be pretty true is just when you really feel you're hitting rock bottom or can't keep going on, the Divine knows what you need to replenish you and help you continue the journey, realizing life's not so bad after all.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Grateful.
"Get down on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet."
(Thanks for the quote, Facebook Friend!)
I'm thankful I am not where I used to be. And, I am so happy He's not through with me (just) yet.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Good Times
TRUTH: "A foretaste never makes me say, 'That is enough.' A foretaste only whets my appetite."
And, for the record, I WILL stay with you. Smiling.
Let the song speak for itself.
And, for the record, I WILL stay with you. Smiling.
Let the song speak for itself.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Enjoying Time While I Wait...
Congratulations, SerenaWilliams, on another Wimbleton win! I am feeling like a winner today, too.
The message has been pretty in-my-face these past few weeks regarding where I am and need to be...
Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD;he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rockand gave me a firm place to stand.He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God."
"Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
— Isaiah 40:31
"God will strengthen us and enable us to handle life peacefully
and wisely if we start praying about things instead of merely
trying to get through the day. When we take time with God and listen to His
voice, He renews our strength and enables us to handle life and not be weary.
But we have to start by using the time we have wisely by always putting God first."-- Joyce Meyer
Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD;he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rockand gave me a firm place to stand.He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God."
"Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
— Isaiah 40:31
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