Thoughts on being a Grandma: 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011

Shelley, Symbols and Sharing

My beautiful friend Shelley once shared with me the following words written by Harold Rosen who was a minister at the North Shore Unitarian Church. She explained to me that with this list, Harold invites us to "look behind the all-too-familiar things, and see the Larger Reality they represent."

In the past I have been open and unashamed in my frenzied buying and have been caught firmly in the trap of rampant commercialism at Christmas. However, over several years I have developed into someone whom I think merely "observes" the season without truly participating. This makes me wonder why. Does my change of heart come from my experiences in Peru and India where happiness is pure and comes with so little material baggage or have I simply had a change of heart because of my age and stage? Probably a bit of both. The excess of our North American lives often makes me sick and at the same time I am humbled by the sincere generosity of those who have nothing.

But please don't get me on the topic of the "true" meaning of Christmas because I would then need to admit to the highest level of hypocrisy. As much as I try to live a decent life as a believer, I know that I am a fair weather church goer who is moved to the occasion, sporadic at best.

I know. I know. Bah humbug.

Thank goodness for grandchildren! They bring with them the magical innocence of the season because they "believe". Through their eyes we once again experience the feelings of excitement, anticipation and pure joy.

Giving and gratefully receiving. Having hope and finding faith. Loving and being loved. I embrace them all.

I really appreciate and find wisdom Harold Rosen's words. I hope you will too.

Season Of Symbols

Gifts - they are more than stuffed boxes covered with shiny paper and ribbons; they are tangible tokens of all those thoughtful things we wanted to 'do' for our loved ones and friends, all year long, but never got around to it.

Cards - they are more than donations to Hallmark and overtime pay for the postal service; they are humble hints of the much we'd like to say if only time, emotional strength and eloquence abounded.

Lights - they are more than electrical fire hazards and jobs for the handy-person in our midst; they conquer the darkness of season and soul with a glimpse of celestial spendour.

Carols - they are more than memory-markers and excuses for extra choir rehearsals; they are auditory proof that heaven is nigh, and that the layers of tradition can heal the layers of our pain.

Angels - they are more than plastic ornaments on trees... they are those whispers we hear just in time, saying "you have what it takes.' 'Good deeds can be fun.' 'Things pass, but Love abides' and 'all will turn out well, despite appearances.'

Blessings to you all,
Leslie

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sixty or not, Leroy Bell is hot.

Thank you Carole for finding this photo, I have been searching for it. I met Leroy Bell (of X-Factor fame) after a Temptations concert in Bellingham, Wa in 2009 at the Mount Baker Theatre. He was the opening act. What a pity all these pathetic groupies got in the way of Leroy and Regular Grandma having a pleasant evening together.