Meanwhile, back in Abbeville...

Gosh, I can't believe it's been over a year since my last blog post.  Sorry, Dear Hearts, it's been a busy year and the time has flown by.  I woke this morning to the bells of St. Mary Magdalene church just three blocks away.  The temperature is a crisp 34° and the leaves are all gone from the giant, old pecan tree next to the house, so the ringing is louder than usual without my leafy buffer.  I was reluctant to leave my warm bed, but the bells told me it was time.  Now I have my coffee and the South Louisiana sun is slowing warming up my room, so let me pour you a cup and let's catch up.

Firstly, my health has been much improved this past year and I'm really grateful for that because I have several friends who have had some really tough health challenges in the past months and I have been able to be of some help to them.  I have managed to lose some weight and, with healthy eating, realized some significantly improved health numbers.  Knock on wood!  I intend to stay committed to my game plan in the new year.

Life in Abbeville remains a fun adventure.  My neighbors are still as cool and kooky as always. Neighborhood gatherings have included backyard movies projected on the house next door while the kids ran all over the lawn, a super cool house concert, and Brooke's annual "Femme Fest" where I met some truly bright and beautiful women.  Trust me, the art of meaningful conversation is alive and well on S. Jefferson Street's shady porches and cozy kitchens.

My theater exploits were especially rewarding this past year.  I was in two productions last year, one was a comedy with Acadiana Repertory.  My character was an uptight office manager with a drinking problem (can you say typecasting?).  The other was a revival of a production I was part of two years ago, "Still, Life...Women of the Bold, New Old With Tales to Tell".  I love this production and the women in the cast.  It was an absolute joy to reunite with them to bring the production to the community theater here in Abbeville.  It was even more meaningful that this revival was a benefit for the Council on Aging.  The last three productions I have had the privilege to be a part of were all original works, performed for the first time.  Two of the playwrights are local women.  It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of bringing life to the works of these talented playwrights.  Joining Acadiana Repertory Theater has been a life changing experience.  Working and playing with all these talented people has brought so much into my life.  A couple of weeks ago I was asked to join their board of directors.  Hopefully, my marketing and fundraising experience will make up for what I lack in acting talent!

Well, I guess that brings me up to date.   As for the tumultuous days ahead of us in these divisive times, I am keeping the words of Maya Angelou in mind, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

Happy New Year, Dear Hearts,

Sally

O' Christmas Tree

This time last year I bought this little Christmas tree at the dollar store, along with some ornaments and a tree skirt to decorate in my tiny apartment.  A whopping investment of $15.  I have loads of Christmas decorations and ornaments stored at my brother's house in Texas, but I didn't bring them with me to Louisiana.  In fact, they have been packed away for over ten years.  Up until last Christmas, I was completely "Bah Humbug" on the whole season, Thanksgiving included.  That is what loss can do for you...if you let it.

With the passing of my parents and my beloved older brother, my divorce and just general hard times, my Christmas spirit abandoned me almost entirely.  Oh, I put on a cheerful face when cornered by well wishing friends, but I avoided invitations to spend Christmas day with their families, because frankly why would I want to be with your family if I couldn't be with my own?  Basically, I just gritted my teeth until December 26th, and all the merriment ceased.

Now, I am not at all prone to depression or even a sustainable pity party.  That is my blessing.  And I have been on a journey for many years to establish a simple life of joy and gratitude, but the holidays were one hill I circumvented year after year.  Until last year, when I decided it was time to reclaim my Christmas spirit, even if it was the minimal effort to decorate one, tiny tree.  Although I was home, alone, I made it as special an occasion as possible.  I poured myself a libation, put on some Christmas music and got to decorating the tree (my sweet friend, Margaret, gifted me the beautiful "S" ornament).  Of course, once finished (took about 30 minutes), I turned off all the apartment lights and sat back to admire the lights on the tree.

I don't regret the ten plus years I declined to participate in Christmas, I needed that time to heal.  But, once I took that small step out of my self-imposed exile I could actually feel my ship right itself a bit, as if one of my long ignored sails had gloriously unfurled and I was, once more, skimming over the water instead of doggedly rowing through each and every wave.  This year I couldn't wait to unbox the tree, set it up and plug in its lights.

Why am I telling you this story?  Well, I'm keenly aware that we all have seasons, days, and moments when loss and grief overtake us, especially as we grow older.  I don't know if my story relates to you, Dear Heart, but if it does, know that my little Christmas tree is for you too.  I am wishing you all the joys of the season and the happiest of new years.

Cheers,
Sally