Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Christmas Merry-Making Mishaps Series #5 Giving Gifts

One of the most hilarious gifts I’ve ever received (that wasn’t meant to be a joke) appeared neatly wrapped underneath the tree.  After hearing me remark how cute a matching magenta sweatshirt and sweatpants with Tweety on them looked on my youngest sister (who at the time was 6), my dad purchased one for me.  

I have no idea why he took my compliment to mean that at the sensitive age of 17 I would also be interested in sporting such attire.  I'm certainly no fashionista, but I'm fairly certain I stopped wearing cartoon-clad gear outside of the house by middle school.  

A friend and I couldn’t resist trying this cute-for-a-first-grader-but-not-for-a-teenager gift that got exchanged at the store faster than a certain wittle tiny bird could say “I tawt I taw a putty tat.”

I've tried to locate the photos with the intention of posting one while covering up said friend's face to save her from any embarrassment, but I can't find them in with the other Christmas pictures I took with my camera that particular year.  

Don't worry, yours isn't the only family who didn't have anything close to a Hallmark holiday Christmas Merry-Making Mishaps Series #1 Caroling#2 Decorating Cookies #3 Trees #4 Nativity Set holiday.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Why We Aren't Quite Merrily Rejoicing This Third Week of Advent

I took this photo the year my good friend since
high school, who is a practicing Jew, wanted to get
photos of Christmas lights in Richmond.
We had a blast taking pics and identifying
the songs she knew a fraction of the lyrics for!
Lord, I need You to help us out.  The Scripture readings for Mass for the third Sunday of Advent are all about how we are to rejoice and be glad in all circumstances.  My husband and I are both struggling a lot with that right now.

I’ve been sick with an energy-zapping, congestion producing, sinus-filling, sore-throat-inducing upper respiratory virus, infection, plague, whatever for over a month now.  Each time I think I’m finally starting to get better, my body lets me know in no uncertain terms is the battle o’er.  Coughing fits in the middle of the night and trouble sleeping are my newest addition of symptoms. I’ve missed Sunday Mass, our Spiritual Direction class, the work Holiday Party, and several opportunities to spend time with friends and family. 

Kevin works in the sixth ring of retail hell (aka the Short Pump area) and has since last year at this crazy busy time.  Most days he comes home feeling very sore and/or barely able to move after walking 10+ miles around the store and moving heavy appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, and such off the truck, around the warehouse, and onto the sales floor.  On top of that, last week he began taking three courses a week for his drafting and design degree.  This means he’s in class three nights instead of only two, has homework for three courses, and this will be the case throughout the rest of the time it takes him to complete his 21-month program. 

My Godfather Richard Vivacqua (nicknamed Stitch by my dad) passed away on Tuesday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the beginning of the Year of Mercy.  The card I’d started writing to him is sitting unfinished on our coffee table reminding me of opportunities gone by.  He was my dad’s best friend since college, so his sickness and death have brought back memories of being there when my father was in hospice care and passed away.  They live in Buffalo, so my mom was the only one able to make it up there for the funeral Monday, December 14.   

Three of my Christ Renews His Parish Sisters have had surgery scheduled for December.  Friends of ours infant grandson has had a major surgery as well.  So far, all the reports have been good, but I’ve been feeling guilty for not being better about sending them cards, calling, and such.  I have kept all of them in prayer, though, as promised.   

Another good friend’s father is now in hospice care.  This has been quite a shock to our friend and his family.  I wish Kevin and I were able to be more present for them right now.

I was hoping to sell my Prints of Grace photo art cards at the Celebrate Virginia store at Regency Square Mall, but I haven’t heard back from the woman in charge of the displays who told me to give her a call and figure out a time I could meet with her.  (Incidentally, if you want to place an order or see a selection of cards available, please call, text, or e-mail me.) 

I’ve still got photo cards, framed pictures, gift bags, and stuff sitting out from the craft show I did in the beginning of November.  If I have the energy, I might organize those things and put them away so we can pull out our Christmas decorations.    

A dishwasher hasn’t magically appeared in our kitchen, 
so the dishes are stacked
on the counter with care
in hopes that someone
who’s not-quite-so-exhausted
will soon be there
perhaps a perky person
with some energy to spare.  

The closest washer and dryer is four floors down in the basement and requires several quarters.  The elevator only works a fraction of the time, so I do whatever I possibly can to avoid getting stuck in it.  Basically, I never ever get in the thing.  This means I schlep all of our laundry, groceries, and such up and down three or four flights of stairs. 

I know things could be far worse and certainly have been in the past.  I know we have a lot for whom and for which to be grateful, but the rejoicing part is a bit of a stretch at present. 

I had to laugh when Kevin suggested that maybe we should volunteer.  I reminded him that over the past couple months we’ve been hard-pressed to get the normal household chores and errands done, much less be well enough we can both make it to Mass on Saturday or Sunday, so adding anything else at this point would be rather ridiculous.    

I’m sure it hasn’t helped that our movie choices for this week have included two from The Hunger Games series.  Hardly cheerful holiday flicks.  

My Prayer for Returning to a Spirit of Rejoicing: Lord, there are so many who are struggling in body, mind, and spirit right now.  Please help us be tender and compassionate with them and ourselves as we face some tough challenges.  Keep us mindful that everyone we meet has some burden they are caring that we can't see and may never know is there in the same way that many people don't know even half of what we're going through.  Open our eyes to the joy that exists in and around us. Amen.   

Sunday, December 13, 2015

One Winter Concert, Twelve Pertinent Props, and Six Suave Sombreros (None of Which Were in a Pear Tree With or Without a Partridge)

By the time I was to lead our last practice (out of a whopping three) for the Winter Concert at work, I had almost completely lost my voice.  

I’ve been sick with an energy-zapping, congestion-producing, sinus-filling, sore-throat-inducing upper respiratory virus, infection, plague, whatever for over a month now.  

Each time I think I’m finally starting to get better, my body lets me know in no uncertain terms is the battle o’er.  Coughing fits in the middle of the night and trouble sleeping are my newest addition of symptoms.

Fortunately, a co-worker had made posters of each of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” so the kids could hold them up when we got to their number.  We made do with me acting out many of the days while the kids held up posters facing out so parents would feel encouraged to join in.   

We sang “The 12 Days of Christmas” acapella.  Considering, we’d never all been together for a single practice, including the mini-rehearsal in the basement of the church right before the show, it went well.  Unless someone got it on video, most people probably couldn’t pick out the person who skipped every practice then was asked to hand-out programs, thereby missing every opportunity to practice the song lyrics and see the props.  Without the posters as guides and audience participation to cover up that fact, it could have easily been a train wreck, albeit an endearing one. 

The other song chosen for us to sing was “Feliz Navidad.”  For this one, we sang along to the music and had a dance party of sorts.  A co-worker brought in several sombreros she had at home.  The reasons why she had multiple sombreros at her residence were never clearly explained.  (I may look into that mystery further next week.)  I located the additional hats purchased earlier that day, but unfortunately, I could not find the original ones supplied for us. When it was time to load the bus and go over to the church for the concert, I'd looked high and low but never located the missing Mexican hats. 

A co-worker tells me she thinks someone who was upset they had to stay and close down the building, thereby missing the Winter Concert, had hidden them in passive-aggressive retaliation.  I’m not sure if this is accurate or not, but only some of the kids had sombreros for the song. The others stood there looking dejected because they did not.  I'm of the opinion that any co-worker who would stoop so low should have to handwrite a letter of apology to each of the children scarred for life because they were without festive headgear for their performance.   
I had planned on changing from my sneakers into boots, putting on some make-up, and looking halfway decent for the performance since this would be my first public appearance in front of most of the parents, but that never happened.  Instead, I made my grand debut in gray pants, a somewhat nice pink top with a gray button down cardigan over it bearing the company’s embroidered insignia, and my well-worn black and gray walking shoes.  At least, I had on a gray and black print scarf and a little lipstick.

I’m not much one for fashion or makeup usually, but I’d hoped to look a little better before the throng of parents, grandparents, co-workers, and administration, some of whom were pretty gussied up for the occasion. 

After pleading with the audience to sing along with us, I sat on the floor near the aisle with my back to the crowd so as to be as inconspicuous as possible.  I did the motions to remind them of the words for the Twelve Days and sang along (since my voice had come back).  I wasn’t blocking any parents from the show nor was I blatantly identifiable as the only adult responsible for what was happening on the altar, so I’d say it was a win-win.     

Actually, the kids did great.  They skipped right over the four calling birds because the girl doing the Five Golden Rings was so eager to do her part and jumped in a verse early.  Aside from there not being enough sombreros for each person, the kids did a good job singing and dancing to that song as well.  I received compliments on the performance, but I have no fear anyone will be knocking at my door to put together a Spring Sing.  Again, it’s all good. 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception as Kick-off for the Year of Mercy

Contrary to popular misconception, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (always on December 8) is the celebration of the Blessed Mother Mary being conceived without sin.  It is considered a holy day of obligation, a day in which Catholics are invited and encouraged to participate in the sacrifice of the Mass as part of the solemnity. 

This morning I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Bridget Church along with some 450 children who attend the parish school there.  Hearing the voices of children singing the songs warmed my heart.  Seeing all of them there in uniform with their teachers made me think of the days when I used to attend St. Mary School many years ago.  I smiled, thinking of how wonderful it is to be at Mass with the three silly sisters singing right beside me. 

Monsignor Carr stood before the statue of the Blessed Mother to one side of the altar to begin his homily.  He pointed out Mary’s position in life and in Heaven as one that welcomes us in, offers us solace.  When gazing at the statue, I felt Mary beckoning “come to me.”  Her hands are outstretched and open, ready to receive us.  She’s ready to hold our hand, draw us into her arms, listen attentively, and comfort us. 

Mary is the best example I know (besides Christ, of course) who said yes to God, though she knew right away that it would completely change her life, require some huge risks, and major adjustments. 

Today begins the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis.  The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a fitting kick-off, because it illustrates how God has loved us and longed for us to be reconciled with Him.

He made Mary without sin from the moment she was conceived in her mother’s womb to be a stainless tabernacle for the Son of God.  This didn’t mean she had to say yes and be open to God’s grace, but it certainly helped her to accept the grace the Lord had already given her to do what He would ask.  What to her was an unplanned pregnancy to the rest of humanity was the redemption and salvation of all humanity.

It’s far too easy for me to fall into thinking that my yes to God doesn’t really mean that much or make that big of a difference.  To some extent, it makes sense God won’t ask something as monumental of me as He asked of Mary.  Or will He?  Each one of us is asked to submit all that we are, were, and will be in mind, body, and spirit to the Lord. 

In my life, there have certainly been times when it takes every ounce of strength, grace, and energy in me to do what God has asked of me.  Long before I understand the how or why, He asks me to move forward in faith.  He doesn’t force me or give me an ultimatum.  God invites me to trust Him more.  He waits more patiently than I do when I’m not ready, yet. 

Questions for Reflection and/or Discussion:

Do we realize that our faith, hope, love, inspiration, joy, peace, prayerfulness, kindness, generosity, and gentleness can have a significant influence on those around us?  

How can we be more open to the Holy Spirit in big and small ways each day?  

What is one way the Lord has brought you closer by working in and through someone else?   

My Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for the gift of Our Blessed Mother Mary who by her openness to Your Will shows us the power, honor, glory, and humility of saying yes to whatever You ask of us.  Please give us the courage to turn to You in our doubts, questions, fears, and weakness to listen for Your still small voice guiding us ever closer to Christ.  Amen.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Whose Line Is It Anyway? Popular Songs, Catchy Tunes, and Questionable Lyrics

This is an original piece of artwork I did when
I was on my colored pencil and stencil kick.
Don’t tell me you haven’t done it. I won’t believe you!  

For years there’ve been countless popular, really catchy songs that upon closer examination have weird lyrics, mixed messages, some challenging grammar, special syntax, and the propensity to be seriously screwed up by adults and children alike. 

I might share some of the favorites my husband and I have in another post, but in this one, I'll stick to songs many people have heard on the radio many times.
(Just an fyi, there are some PG-13 words, topics, and humor in the following links to music videos.)  

This is the most hilarious video I have seen thus far of a comedian talking about lyrics he’s misheard.  What’s even funnier is that once you hear Peter Kay's version of these lyrics, you will likely be amused, appalled, and wish this bit lasted another hour or two.

Chanting Preschoolers "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and featuring Bruno Mars

Sometimes, you don’t even need to mess up the lyrics to make people do a double-take.  I found it impossible to keep a straight face when a group of three-year-olds burst out singing “Up-town funk you up! Uptown funk you up!” over and over again.  

No music was playing.  They started chanting this anthem on their own apropos of nothing I could figure out.  One of the boys wasn’t articulating as clearly as he could have been which made the experience even more surreal in a no-you-didn’t-just-say-that sort of way.

Not-so-High-Fidelity  "Honey, I'm Good" by Andy Grammer

This is a watercolor piece I
accentuated with Sharpie markers.
“Oh, no. Honey, I’m good.  I could have another, but I probably shouldn’t.  I’ve got somebody at home, and if I stay, I might not leave alone.” 

Yes, I’ve seen the music video on Youtube of one couple after another holding up how many months, years, even decades they’ve been together, but if you just listen to the lyrics, then there seems sufficient reason for concern. 

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d just as soon my significant other didn’t go around calling other fine-looking women “honey.”  I’m just sayin’.  And is this the bartender asking this guy if he wants another drink? or someone propositioning him? or both? 

“I’ve got somebody at home” doesn’t sound like much of a long-term commitment of love and fidelity to me.  Then, you’re undermining any argument you might have had for good judgment by stating that remaining in the same bar/club for longer could persuade you to leave with someone else (who isn’t the ‘somebody’ at home). 

Locked Up Leads to a Love Lockdown "Locked Away" Rock City featuring Adam Levine
  
“If I got locked up today, and they took it all away. Tell me honestly, would you still love me the same?”

This I made using hearts
and paper scraps left over
from my other projects.
Um, yeah no.  I’m not sure what you did that they locked you up, but I can tell you right now that whatever it was, I’m not going to express my love to you in the same way while you’re behind bars as I might if you hadn’t resorted to criminal activity and landed in the slammer. 


“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you, but I love it.”  Okay, I watched the music video for this one, and I’m any not closer to understanding what he means.  I don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs, and maybe that’s what it would take for me to comprehend what he’s referring to in this song.  I’m not willing to experiment with these substances, but if you do and/or for some other reason have a clue about why he can’t feel his face when he’s with someone, pray tell. 
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