File Cabinet

Recently, I made up my mind to sort forty-five years' worth of file folders of home improvements, updates and purchases in my file cabinet. Oh my,  what a chore, but actually it was a bigger task in my mind than in reality. Have you ever tackled something like this? It seems as if, and maybe it's age related, that I have had a need to clean out, organize and pare down the clutter.

First of all, I simply brought the folders out of my file drawers but I put them on the dining room table, where it bugged me day in and day out.  I could have moved them but I had made up my mind to this chore!  Seeing them there just got my attention and finally, these past three days, I meant business! 

There have been times in the past that I tried to remember what year something was done around the house.  Years go by too fast and memory fades even faster but with slips and receipts saved in a folder, it can be all put on a database for a clearer picture.  This database of household updates will come in handy if ever we sell the house.

So, a new year is upon us and in preparation for it, I have already begun!  I don't exactly get into making New Year's resolutions but I think I can say now that the next home improvement, update or large purchase will be easier to keep track of because the footwork has been laid. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Something else happened when clutter in my file cabinet got organized...my whole spirit has calmed down. Only after this huge task was completed did I realize what a major accomplishment it was; why did I wait so long!

 I am beginning this new year right, with an organized bunch of file folders that tell a wonderful story of the past forty five years in this wonderful abode of ours! So, happy New Year to each and every one of my family and friends.  There's a day or two left if any of you want to begin tackling your file cabinet, too!  

 

Birth

Courtesy of Pixabay

This is the week! In a few short days, the world will once again celebrate the birth of the Christ Child!  With the pandemic I know this season has been quite different for many of us, curtailing get togethers, and for many, shopping and other things. 

Pondering this very reality, have you ever thought about the positive changes that might have "birthed" in a person because of the pandemic?  I have. 

I received a Christmas letter from a college teacher and was amazed at my reaction at receiving that card and letter. Now, I am not one that gets very excited about sending cards and letters out but something happened inside me, so great that my whole attitude changed about sending my own out. I have sent  out more cards and letters this year than usual but it's what has happened inside me that has been the miracle. Just think about it!  

How a newborn baby, the baby Jesus, changed this whole world and wants to bring new life into our own lives...how has this Season brought new life into our life?  Yes, we can focus on what has been lost, like there being "no room at the Inn" and the being born in company of barn animals and poverty, but what about the warmth and love, caring and concern we can show with a card, phone call or container of soup!

What about being able to see the needs of others more clearly; to feel their struggles more acutely; to respond in ways that would never happen if all of us were not in that same boat in one way or another!  This might be the greatest gift ever! 

Merry Christmas and God bless each and every one of you who read this and share it with others.  This inspiration may be just what they need to help them through their challenging times, too!  What is birthing in you this year?

John Lennon

Courtesy of Pixabay

I have spoken of my cousin, Greg, more than once in my posts.  Here's another one.  Today, I think today, another email came informing me that it is the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's death. This is a bit of trivia that could have passed me by and it wouldn't have mattered a hill of beans! 

Many weeks ago he sent me something, I think it was many somethings, and I failed to reply in some shape or form.  It was a bunch of music numbers.  None of them appealed to my senses.  I will say that if it wasn't Leslie Uggams or the Lennon Sisters, I'm practically illiterate in the music world. So, meaning nothing to me, I ignored all that he sent. 

Well, I don't want to do that again but it did get a reaction from him: I good long, loud, emotional phone call.  He told me off a good one.  All I could do was laugh and laugh and laugh because I really  couldn't understand how someone could get their bundles in a tiff over such a thing as me not responding to something they loved so much, his musical numbers that were hard rock, loud, etc. etc. etc.  I don't even know the name of what you call a lot of the music nowadays!

He even told me our whole conversation and event would make a good topic to post about.  I'm not sure if I'm hitting the mark with what I'm writing or not but I think the gist of his point was that sometimes a person will send stuff that means a lot to that person and whether or not it means something to the recipient, the recipient should at least acknowledge it to the sender. Maybe he's right; I'll find out after this goes out!

So, every day, or ten times a day it seems, something comes in from my cousin.  Another song or music of some sort.  Where and how does he get this stuff?  That impresses me more than the music itself.  I don't quite understand how he does it, or better yet, how he finds the time for such trivia! 

But, it is fun hearing from a cousin who makes me smile and laugh with music that he loves and I really could care less about. Where, oh where are you Leslie Uggams and the Lennon Sisters!!!  And my sympathies to all those who are glad to know of the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's death. 

So the point of this post is: if someone sends you something, music or not, reply and express yourself somehow.  It meant enough to the sender to at least think of you!