Hello Everyone,
Hope the New Year finds you happy and healthy. So far, I’ve spent the new year trying to do both, finding ways to be happy and healthy. I’ve been to the movies with friends and family. I highly recommend Song, Sung Blue. It’s fabulous. I’ve gotten myself up early, even in the bitter temperatures to walk the dog and exercise. I’ve invited family over for a home cooked meal. Which leads me into my topic for this month’s blog. It has to do with something my son said when he was over for dinner with the family this past weekend. When asked what was for supper, I replied, “Chicken and rice and pineapple upside down cake for dessert.” He said, “Oh, you’re going “old school. “You used to make that when we were kids.” And he was right. It was “old school“.
I wasn’t offended at all by his comment. To me being “old school” just means we value those things that have brought us joy and pleasure from our life’s experiences. Take for instance, greeting cards. I’m still in the habit, as our many of my peers, of sending cards to loved ones for birthdays, holidays, and special events. I can stand for long periods of time in a card shop, grocery store, or a bookstore reading them. I find it cheap entertainment, perusing the cards, laughing out loud, searching for a card that would match someone’s personality, style, or ideology. I don’t wait for a specific reason to purchase cards. If I see one I love, or is just perfect for someone I know, I get it. I have a special box at home where I keep cards I acquire throughout the year. Cards have always been special to me. One of the greatest compliments I ever received was from my older brother who passed away last June. He said, “Sis, you always find the best cards.” I still smile thinking of him and his compliment.
Believe it or not, I have kept every Christmas card that someone has sent me. When I pull out the Xmas decorations, I open the box of past received Xmas cards and take a sentimental journey. I think it’s a way of honoring folks who have been in your life and took the time to send you a heartfelt season’s greetings. Someday my kids will find the box, wonder what the hell was wrong with Mom and pitch them, but until that day comes, I’ll continue my personal tradition.
I’m not unlike my own mother in respect to keeping cards. When she passed, I can remember finding boxes upon boxes of cards that were sent to her and my dad. I remember sitting cross leg on the basement floor, reaching in and selecting a card, maybe finding a note or letter tucked inside. I would read them all and smile, remembering their friends and acquaintances. Some were cards I had sent to them for special events. I think, and I’m not a psychologist, but I think the cards you send to others, and the cards you receive reveal much about yourself. Your sense of humor, your serious side, or your deep feelings toward others. Like a card, it opens a portal to your heart. I’m gonna’ continue my “old school” ways. I’ll remember to send a thank you note for receiving a gift, I’ll set a holiday table with candles, bone China and sterling silver, I’ll bake Christmas cut out cookies and pineapple upside down cake and occasionally have a proper Sunday roast, and I’ll send a card. All “old school.” All wonderful.
Happy New Year Everyone.
Cheers!
Coco
