Monday, November 8, 2004

Moving Ahead

Eight of my last ten entries have been of the political bent.  Not surprising, given the high-pitched emotions surrounding last week's election.  "Our side" came up short, to the crushing disappointment and disillusionment of many of us.  Days after the election, I was still steaming along, cranking out the political commentary.  It took a huge piece of my personal sky falling on my head, to bring me back to myself.  I've decided it's best to crawl back inside my own skin and tend to issues a little closer to home for awhile.

We're finally getting a taste of more seasonal weather.  Our first frost didn't come until the night of the election...but old Jack has returned every night since then.  Mornings have been cold, foggy, and frosty, which makes for a dark, half-blind, slippery commute for the husband.  The sun generally makes an appearance around mid-morning, its slanted post-equinox rays providing the perfect spotlight for the trees that are still enrobed in their autumn brocades.  I've been trying to get outside and just bask in it.  It's actually been an uncommonly long dry spell for this time of year, and one needs to get outside and soak up the vitamin D when the opportunity presents itself, this time of year in the Pacific Northwest.

Appreciating the little things, the exquisite little gifts that life holds when you take the time to look for them, has helped me to dispel the heaviness of my surprisingly personal reaction to the election. Friday night, husband and I called a "date night."  We dined at our favorite little Chinese place, and then moved on to a quiet antique bar in Old Town (St. Helens!) for a drink and dessert.  Back home, we sat on the floor in front of the fire, with kittens tumbling over our laps, and one jealous canine and six big kitties vying for a little of Mom and Dad's attention.  All I could do was sit there and smile, near to tears.  I felt like I was living in a Christmas card.

Husband and I have decided to make a real holiday of the Christmas season this year.  We're going to go out and about and enjoy the yuletide entertainment offerings of the greater Portland Metro area.  Tickets to several concerts have already been ka-chinged to the VISA.  (I will not be wanting to see that bill in January...)  I'm going to drag out every sequin, diamond (cubic zirconia?) and bangle I own, and wrap myself in velvet, satin, fleece and/or leather depending on the venue and the weather.  It's going to be celebrate the season, or die trying! 

 

9 comments:

  1. I guess the green eyed monsters eyes are really green. Glad you had a good time and are planning to have a GOOD Christmas.

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  2. What a wonderful plan.....I bet that there are lots of great shows in Portland.  Here I'd be regulated to school and church plays.  Humpf.

    I am green I tell ya.  Green.

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  3. An evening in front of the fire with animals loving you sounds heavenly.  Hope you have a blast during the holidays, just don't do so much, you do die trying.  I'd miss you too much.

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  4. Lisa, I am so glad you and Matt will be enjoying the Yuletide. Maybe Rick and I can join you guys one night for some holiday cheer. Have you heard about the play at the Newmark. Diaries of Santaland I think is the name of it. I sounds hilarious!

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  5. Christmas time will be lovely.  I plan to have all, and I  mean ALL of my shopping done by Wednesday, so I can just kick back and enjoy each day!

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  6. Date night sounds really nice. I can understand you disappointment but like you said we must crawl back into our skin and deal with issues a little bit closer to home.

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  7. Ah...good for you.  I think when you have things to look forward to in your life, it helps us get over those rough patches.

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  8. Lisa-
    I also feel the same. The election hit me hard, very hard. I blogged all day long with other Kerry/Democratic supporters in my area the day/night of the election. Stayed up until 5AM saying my prayers for different numbers to surface. But it's all over now, to say the least right?
    We are also experiencing wacko weather here in Las Vegas. I love it! I even actually had to put a jacket on the other day....LOL. We have sunshine right now but there predicting more weather. Oh goodie!

    Gayla

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  9. Date night sounds nice. I'm not much of a Christmas-y person. So, that definitely won't help me much but I'm glad you set forth a plan to shake the sludge off. We are living and life is meant to be lived. There's always hope if there is a breath in our lungs. I've been reading a lot of historical stuff and quotes and writing. It helps me clear my mind and formulate a plan. :-) ---Robbie

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