...Happy Birthday Mom!

On this day in 1980 John Lennon, an English musician and peace activist, was assassinated by Mark David Chapman, a mentally unstable fan, in front of the Dakota apartment building in New York City. Who can explain it? On this day, but a few years earlier, my Mom was born. I won't say that I miss her more around the Holidays. I think that is expected, but untrue as far as I am concerned. I get so busy that I forget to 'talk' to her on a regular basis, much as it was when she was alive. But I do get signs to let me know that there is more after death than simply death. Many consider the day that John Lennon died the day the music died. I beg to differ. If anyone had the pleasure of hearing my Mom belt out a Helen Reddy tune from the air vent in the kitchen to my bedroom, or enjoy a performance of her doing some Patti LaBelle, the day that my Mom died was the day that the music died. "Keep On Singing" Mom. The angels need you.

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."
Jane Austen

...pearl arbor day

Hi. We put the tree up at work and it looks quite beautiful. The light strands were ka-put so we forged ahead without them. There were also strands of lights with little pearls on them, but not enough to fill the tree. So what! Cram and silver ornaments, feathers strategically placed and a glittery tree skirt made for a wonderful combination. So, it wasn't a pearl arbor day but all worked out well. So pretty! On this day tho', in 1941, The Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the US Pacific Fleet and its defending Army Air Forces and Marine air forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, causing a declaration of war to Japan by the USA. Not so pretty. I shipped off a handful of Christmas Stockings late last night with the able assistance of JW and they are off to their respective recipients. Have fun today, try to keep the violence to a minimum...if at all and if you feel your lights fading, find an alternate source of energy.

"Next to sound judgment, diamonds and pearls are the rarest things in the world."
Jean de la Bruyere

...who needs a heart?

In 1970 a simple Holiday song entitled "Merry Christmas, Darling" was released and hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Here it is, 40 years later and the song has become a Holiday classic. Karen recorded the song when she was 19 years old, her voice making us believe that she felt every word. Apparently she did. Fast forward and the cast of Glee has recorded their version, keeping very close to the original arrangement. On this day in 1967 Adrian Kantrowitz performed the first human heart transplant in the United States. This is the time of year when those who do not seem to have a heart somehow prove that they do.

"Not enough people in this world are happy." Karen Carpenter

...give credit where credit is due

At this time of year, many people feel the stress brought on by many demands. Social gatherings, extra errands and lots of retail pressures telling you to buy, buy, buy. Don't fall for it tho', if it isn't in your means. Homemade gifts, baked goods and a simple greeting card should be more than enough to show your love and/or appreciation at this thoughtful time of year. Just because you have a credit card or two doesn't mean that you have to max it out. That statement will arrive in late January, after the pretty wrappings and lights have all but disappeared. Speaking of credit, on this day in 1932 German-born Swiss physicist Albert Einstein was granted an American Visa. No doubt American Express, Discover and MasterCard followed in suit. Ironically, today's photo is available on my website. I accept every major credit card and PayPal. Happy Holidays! You don't have to be a Grinch, but please watch your bottom line. That also includes overindulging in sweets. Happy Hanukkah.
"A check or credit card, a Gucci bag strap, anything of value will do. Give as you live." Jesse Jackson