By Vernalee
On January 20, 2021, history was indeed created with Kamala Harris becoming our first Vice President of color (Black and South Asian) and our first female VP. Another historical moment also occurred. Her husband, Attorney Doug Emhoff became the first ever Second Gentleman of the United States (SGOTUS). The roles have indeed changed. It’s a new day as it shows that gender roles aren’t so fixed anymore!
Photo Credit: marieclaire.com
By Vernalee
What's in your backpack - emotionally? If it's anything like mine's, you're probably carrying around a lot. No wonder my shoulder aches from the weight! Sometimes, we don't realize how much is in that sack because it's so neatly packed. But my, oh my, try emptying it. You may be carrying your stuff and that of others. Ouch! Anxiety, worry, frustrations … are contained inside. Don't fret. Your bag also contains joy, happiness, accomplishments … too. We just have to stay on guard and emotionally work hard to make sure that we regularly clean out and unpack our backpack by removing and letting go of stuff that should be released. If we don't, that cute little backpack becomes too heavy to carry. Balance is so critical to our emotional health and viability. We have all been there with those heavy weighted burdens. Having them may be a way of life, removing them is our responsibility, even if the task is hard!. Sometimes, stuff and people have to go! Their removal may be extremely hard (no one said that it was easy), but the load will be lighter!
Photo credit: amazon.com
By Vernalee
It’s here! The day has finally arrived! All of the traditional gentleness and happiness of Christmas permeates throughout the air. Some celebrate the “White Christmas” that they dreamed of having. Peppermint candy canes, yummy gingerbread houses, glowing scented candles, and stuffed Christmas stockings are everywhere. The house smells of love! Gift wrapped presents with decorative bows are marvelously scattered under the Christmas tree. Family and friends are displaying bountiful love. Children are thrilled at what Santa brought them. With Rudolph and his reindeer companions parked in a sleigh on top of the roof, some of the younger ones claim they saw Mr. Claus easing down the chimney! Oh my!
The kitchen is filled with the aromas of Honey baked ham, turkey and dressing, home made rolls, sweet potato pies, chocolate cake, egg nog, and countless flavorful delectable dishes. “Joy to the World” and timeless Christmas carols are heard In the background. (”Silent Night” by the Temptations remains my favorite). A galaxy of colorful scenic lights and nativity scenes are on every street corner and fill every room of our homes.
Yes, Christmas is a day of giving; a day of love; but more importantly – the day that we celebrate the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season! “O come let us adore him.” Let’s rejoice and give thanks as we pray for our well being and that of our loved ones/families, the less fortunate, the lonely … and for a better world. Let us show immense thoughtfulness, incredible caring, and bountiful love to one another! Let us remember and never forget the memories of those that we love who are not with us in the flesh, but who are smiling as they watch us from the Heavens! Their love for us and ours for them is forever and a day. As “Hark, the Herald Angels” sing “Glory to the new born king” – “Let there be peace on earth!” Merry Christmas! Blessings!
Photo Credit: time.com