I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas! Thanks Mom For A Lifelong Memory!

Not really, I just wanted to get your attention. I have said for years that if I lived somewhere that it would start to snow on Christmas Eve and continue through Christmas Day and then melt away that night it would be perfect. Living in Florida for twenty five years, I am certain of one thing year after year, it will not be a white Christmas.

I do have a story of one Christmas Eve when it did snow and very heavily. I grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, so the prospect of snow on this night was very good. We always had Egg Nog (non alcoholic) for the holidays and we didn't have enough for the night. I was only sixteen and did not have a drivers license, so my Mother asked me to ride with her to the only small store that was open in Butler, Jack McCain's. It was snowing quite hard and several inches already covered the streets of our town. It truly was a winter wonderland. The tree branches bent gracefully under the weight of the wet, white mantle that engulfed them. Power lines swayed and the wind whistled through the valley town. Mom drove the couple of miles, slowly and, thankfully we did not encounter many others foolhardy enough to venture out.
When we arrived, the parking lot was completely empty. Entering the small market. the only person there was, Jack McCain himself. I think we surprised him. "Ginny, why in God's name would you be out on a night like this?"  To which my mother replied, "Jack, why would you be open on a night such as this? We ran out of Egg Nog, Do you have any?" Spying the liquid gold that began our quest, we made our purchase and quickly went back out the door. The drive home was just as deliberate, but I do remember the magnificent scenery as we push forward.

The image of that snowy Christmas Eve some forty plus years ago is as bright and strong, as if the story played out yesterday. It was not very eventful, but it has, become, one of my fondest memories. The next day we were all greeted by the most remarkable Christmas morning ever. The sights we marvelled at as we stared out the window was more then a match for Bing Crosby's wonderful rendition of, "White Christmas", but my favorite part was that harrowing, but beautiful drive with my Mom the night before.

I will be taking the next couple of days off to spend some time and celebrate Christmas with my family. Try and remember a time that makes you smile and remind yourselves of the true magic of the season. Love, and the people you share it with. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to all.

The Simplicity of Faith.

As the New Year approaches, I am reflecting on my own spirituality and how to revive it. When Jessica and Nicole were young, Pat and I were adamant that they would be exposed to formal religion and give them the education to make decisions about their faith when they became adults. We attending St. Charles Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, religiously. We attended Mass every week. Went to Mass on holy days. We always enjoyed the Stations of the Cross, during lent. The girls attended classes after Mass. The best part, was I thoroughly enjoyed Mass and being part of the church.

Since moving to Orlando our attendance has been, at best, spotty. I miss not attending and receiving the spiritual uplifting that accompanies Mass. I firmly believe that the inner feeling of peace that comes with being in the church, is only accomplished there. This is very simple. As part of my simplification year, I am vowing to return to Mass as frequently as possible. For me I need that lift in my daily life.

How Are You Going To Simplify And Live Better?

I know the New Year is not quite here, but don't wait until the last minute to get ideas lined up. I am sure many of you are going to join the last minute shopping frenzy over the next couple of days and as you are doing it, will swear that next year all of your shopping will be completed by December 15. Just as quickly New Years Day will be upon us and that fateful moment where we decide, "Is this year going to be better?" It can be and guess what, it is all dependant on you. Nobody else will be to blame. One of the reasons, I am placing this out for everyone to read, is the fact that if you make a commitment in front of others it is more difficult to backslide. We can keep everyone focused and you all can hold me accountable if I do not achieve my goals. To simplify is actually easier then to hold on to the old way. Take that first step and commit. Do it. Come on I know you want to. Tell us all what you are going to do and we will work together and help you accomplish it. A better tomorrow starts today!

Thanks Marines! Simplify Feelings

I like the suggestion about feelings. We sometimes harbor negative thoughts about others, who may have even harmed us, and think if we show them our disdain they will be hurt. In reality we are the only ones affected when we do not let go. Simplify your feelings and thoughts and find inner happiness and peace. This is something I know I will work on in the New Year. How about you?

Simplify Life! Join Me and Have Some Fun!

With this year coming to a close, I am starting to focus on the New Year, 2012. I am not someone that has usually looked for, or created New Year's Resolutions, but this year is going to be different. This blog, Father Thinks He, Knows Best is going to get more attention, as will my Old School Sports, site. America's Voice will continue to grow, of this I am sure. With this said I want to get back to my theme for today and that is simply, simplification. Yes I did actually mean to write it the way I did.

Simple is a way of life that we all have gotten so far away from and need to get back to it. Back to basics. I have already driven Pat crazy with the word and variations of the word simple. As we get into the year I am sure she will be on the verge of strangling me, because of the word. I am determined to go through closets and cabinets in search of the "Stuff' we have accumulated and no longer use. Donate the good and throw away the trash. I am going to start making food simpler, with fewer and fresher ingredients. This may mean more stops at Publix, but it will be simpler and healthier for all of us.

Simpler means more reading and less television. Simpler means more exercise and less sitting around thinking about it. Simpler means more conversations and less mindless disconnect. Simpler means more health and less weight on me. Simpler is a way of life and I will also spend time writing about it and my struggle to achieve it. I am going to strive and make all of my postings on each one of my blogs, more frequent and less words. Me saying less may end up being the greatest struggle of all.

In short, I am asking you to join me, first by reading and then joining me as I fight against the complications that life throws at us each day. Share your ideas, successes and struggles. Together I know we will learn from each other and have some fun, but most importantly we will regain control over our lives. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of my loyal readers on all three blogs.