Just Some Thoughts πŸ€”: TheπŸŽ„HolidaysπŸŽ‰πŸŽπŸ’­…..

Every year I give Thanks to the Lord that I made it through. It’s been a long challenging year, but a good year, all things considered. I was happy to hear from a relative who’s dear to me, my great-grand aunt (83 years old) that raised my mother. Her call meant a lot to me, because I think of my Mother around this time of year. She told me that I crossed her mind, and she thought to call me. This gave me the opportunity to speak on Mom, and Thank her for doing such an impeccable job raising her. She Thanked me for ensuring that mom received a proper burial, and that was very important and significant to me. I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief, a beautiful note to start the holidays and end the year.

I think of my Mother and all of the great Christmas’s that she gave us. l’ve had folks question me about my take on Christmas. There isn’t a conversation or debate that hasn’t been had regarding Christmas since my teenage years. They assume that I don’t celebrate it, or acknowledge it, because I stopped putting up decorations a long time ago. I don’t scramble to spend money on the knick knacks that we’re “supposed” to buy, and I don’t expect presents from any of my loved ones. I don’t feel as though I have to keep up with the advertisements, store displays, or expectations of others. I cherish the memories of Christmas past, and try not to feel ungrateful.

The holiday obligations and fake stuff I can do without, and I’m glad that I don’t have to deal with it. I find it odd that people who are just a text or call away, choose to gather only on designated holidays. It looks more like a “photo op” than a genuine get together based on love, and appreciation for the birth of Jesus. If I was checking in on you all year, my text or call shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. I wish you well throughout the year.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

~Dawn Lovely

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β„πŸŽ‰πŸ“œWelcome To 2021πŸ‘‹πŸ½…..

It never feels different from the day before, but hey we’re here. I’m happy and feeling blessed that I made it through 2020. I’m happy that you made it through too, Happy New Year!

This has been one of the only business that has maintained and stayed open during this pandemic. A good handful have closed for good, or have closed and are being replaced by a franchise, or are now closed until further government announcements. It’s a shame. The mainstream news continues to emphasize our more on our troubles to come, but not on what we should do to cope. No “expert” guests or doctors, providing tips on how to eat healthier, or tips to improve our immune system. I will be sharing my own personal eating healthier/how to cut back tips in another blog. This year I’ll be sharing more in general, and I’m excited to do so!

Salute to all the local markets who have made it to 2021, despite the shutdown. As more and more of the city seems to perish, I must express my gratitude. They’ve been a life saver for me, and of course a money saver! I wouldn’t have been able to make it residing in this area without them. I took this photo outside of the produce market, while shopping on the evening of Jan 1st. It was in the midst of blowing snow, but you could never tell by the picture. I don’t mind trekking out in the windy snow to run some errands, I need the exercise and the weather has been very reasonable. No crazy snowfalls, we’ve been blessed considering the current climate. Ironic the weather is good, and we’re not supposed to go outside.

I’d like to share a little story about how much the new norm has had an affect on me, more than realized:

I went on road earlier than usual, before my shift, because I was in desperate need of a portable heater. As I walked quickly, weaving in and out of the crowd, I came face to face with an elderly woman, with a walker. As I tried to quickly pivot around her, I thought she was trying to social distance. I notice many elderly folks have an air of worry, which is understandable. I felt guilty that maybe I had tripped her up, so I stepped aside of the crowd. The lady rolled up to me, keeping her distance, and politely asked me for the time. I felt very silly, because I didn’t realize that she was actually trying to approach me the whole time! I assumed that I was in her way, and also was trying not to make her uncomfortable, by keeping my distance! As she said Thank you, I told her have a nice day. I walked away feeling odd, I realized how this social distancing thing has really got to me!

This year is definitely going to full of new “New Norms”, and I’m doing my best to prepare.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely