Make a Smilebox greeting

Warm and safe inside

Looks like we'll have a white Christmas this year for sure. As I write, I glance out the window above my desk and watch a fine, but persistent, snow both falling and blowing. It's a "wintry mix", they say. Whatever it is, I'm grateful to be safe and warm inside. I think our society really loves snow days. All the schools in the tri-county area were closed. Rather nice, too, since it's the last school day before Christmas break. How else can we stop, reflect, prioritize, listen to our deepest spirits, pray, rejoice in the magnificent blessings that surround us? Of course, if you happen to be homeless, unemployed, chronically ill, in prison either internal or external, it's not so easy to feel "safe and warm inside" or to rejoice.

Today I want to remember especially a woman named Audrie. Her funeral is today and I'm sad not to be there. Audrie has always had family struggles and stresses, as long as I can remember. Not to mention serious and long-lasting health problems. She and Norris got on particularly well and when we three were at the same service at church, we all made sure to give and receive hugs. Audrie was the best hugger I ever knew. She was warm and generous, full-bodied and sincere in her offers of affection. I'm glad she lived to see an African American chosen to be our President. She would be very pleased, I'm sure. Thank you, Audrie, for your rich laugh and warm personality and for your unconditional hugs! May your spirit find joy beyond measure.

Think I'll stop and write a check to our local food bank. God bless us--every one!

Another year of surviving--even living

Well, I have survived three years alone. It hardly seems possible. There were so many months when I wondered how I ever would make it without Norris and our closeness for over 40 years.I'm too tired tonight to say anything very profound. Just that M and I put up the tree and tried to do the lights the way he always did. We toasted him, remembered the sorrow of his last year of life, but also remembered his strength and reliability and his genuine love for us both. We cried some and laughed a lot. And when we hugged, I felt his arms around us both.

I no longer "expect" him to come back. I am grateful for the life he and we had. He gave a great deal; he received a great deal, as well. Except for his deep and well-founded concerns for the world in general, he really was a pretty happy man.

I am grateful for all the ways in which God has helped me through this valley. I am thankful for the men and women who love me and let me love them in return. Being widowed is very, very hard; but this year I finally feel that I not only will survive till it's my time, but I will live, as fully as possible.

Here's to you, Norris. May your spirit soar like an eagle!

One good way to save energy

My latest rant: Americans are too clean. Quit washing so much! Think of the energy, water, and time you'd save if you didn't take a shower every.single.day!!! OK, if you're dirty and sweaty, that's one thing. But if you aren't, why not take what we used to call a "sponge bath" every other day or so? Or apply a little strategically placed talcum powder.

And why do you have to take L-O-N-G showers? Norris used to say I could take faster showers than anyone he knew. Well, you get in, you get wet, you soap up, you rinse off. What else is there to do? Washing hair adds a bit, of course, but that doesn't have to be done every.single.day either.

I know, dear reader, you are probably shocked and appalled. But really! It's been proven that Americans are more vulnerable to disease because we're too darned clean. We need to build up some immunity; get a little tougher; be a little more natural. We are members of the animal kingdom, after all. Lots of people don't shower daily, or drown their bodies in powders, lotions, and perfumes. And they seem to be loved--by someone!

Furthermore, except for your underwear or a nasty spill, you don't have to throw everything you wear each day into the laundry. If you hang it up and let it, er, "air out", you can wear it again; maybe even three times. Think of the water, soap, natural gas to heat the water, and electricity you could save if you wore musty clothes once in a while!

We're using too much water; too much natural gas, too much soap, shampoo, etc. which pollute the water, too much electricity. So what can you do to help save the earth? and your life?

BE DIRTY!!! And don't forget to breathe--and laugh!!