Buying gifts ahead of time

 

Here we are at the beginning of March, and I am already looking ahead at my gift giving for this year. I do this because it works better for my budget than having to buy many things at one time.  And not just for Christmas.  I keep a list for gift giving.  Things like birthdays and other holidays when giving a gift may be appropriate (Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.). And, of course, I am always looking out for fun things for Christmas for my friends and family.

This works for me because I do my best to think outside the box when giving gifts.  Because of this, I can buy something months out and it will still work.  And I enjoy the thrill of the hunt when it comes to buying gifts.  Knowing what friends like and finding that unique treasure is very satisfying. In April and May, I have about 5 people I want to get birthday gifts for, so it is really time for me to get going on that. I have already been formulating ideas in my head for a few of my friends.

And, of course, if I don't find anything, then a gift card will do. I don't mind giving gift cards.  I used to absolutely hate it because I felt like I put no effort into it.  But since I have put gift cards on the back burner as a standby, it is much more palatable for me to use that as a gift resource.  And there are times when someone needs a gift card more than a Knick knack or a book.  I remind myself that the gift is about the receiver and not me, so I do not let my gift giving excitement get in the way of that. 

Another reason this works for me is that I can peruse online sales way ahead of gift giving time.  When I am shopping online, I do my best to buy from independent sellers on Etsy and Teepublic, etc.  I will use big box stores online if I really need to, but I do try to buy from independent sellers.  And I keep in mind that some independent sellers use online retailers like Amazon, so I try to buy from them when visiting that site.

So, it really is time to get my gift buying underway.  First, I need to update my list and see who all is on it.  Are you?  We shall see!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

The great benefit of practicing mindfulness...is presence of mind within a storm of emotions.

Phillip Moffitt

A day of rest

Growing up, Sundays really were considered a day of rest in our house.  While our Sundays revolved around church activities, the rest of the day was pretty much devoted to nothing incredibly important.  That is not to say we never did anything.  Sometimes Sundays meant a matinee at the theatre.  Or a trip to an antiques shop.  Or just reading or napping or watching the game on television.  Nothing labor intensive.  All housework was done on Saturdays or during the week.  Sunday was set aside to just exist in whatever form we chose.

I have started to incorporate that mindset into my life again.  I work full time Monday through Friday, so the weekend is my only opportunity to get things done for the most part.  I do try to do things during the week after work, but that is still limited, time wise. Saturday and Sunday are it for me to get things done.  The past few Sundays, I have chosen to relax instead of being productive.  In some ways, though, that is productive because it is self-care. I decided that taking a day to just be and not worry about having to do laundry or dust or organize the closet was more important to me than a day of productivity.  It does both my mind and body good.  

This past Sunday, the most intensive thing I did was cook. That is not a chore to me as most of you well know. I do enjoy my Sunday lunches, so that is something I do for fun for myself. I finished the book I was reading and started a new one.  I watched "For What It's Worth", a fun antiques game show from the UK.  I took a nap.  I spent time with Lois next door. It was a glorious day.  No worrying about anything.  Just taking time for myself.  And because of that, my Monday was fantastic!  Work went very well and I was energetic, for me anyways, and I had a great Monday.  Taking that full day for me has proven to be a good thing and something that I will continue in the future.  That is all. 

A Trip to the Library - Sally Mayes

 A Trip to the Library is from the 1963 musical She Loves Me by Bock and Harnick.  It is an absolutely charming jewel box of a musical and it's initial run did not last long up against likes of Funny Girl and Hello, Dolly!  I was listening to a podcast this morning and they played the original version sung by Barbara Baxley.  I will admit that I did not care for her version.  I just don't believe she had the vocal chops for the song.  She may have been a wonderful comedian and could make it work for her on stage but that does not come across that recording.  Anyway, it's been stuck in my head all day and this is my favorite version from the 1993 revival sung by Sally Mayes.  Enjoy!

Quote of the Week

 I wanted to start off March with something to inspire me.  Found it!

Bringing people together around the table

 The other day on Facebook, I made a post asking if people would accept an invitation to a meal at my house.  The response was pretty overwhelming and very positive.  That made me feel good.  I really do want to begin sharing meals with friends. I spend a good deal of my spare time by myself.  That is not necessarily a bad thing, it is just how my life is right now.  And I realized that food is one way to bring people together.  I love to cook and entertain, so why not use food as my incentive to be social?  It sounds like a good plan to me.

Thinking back on my life, so many of my favorite memories center around food.  And it is not always about the actual food on the table but more about the people sitting around the table. Holidays are a great example of that.  On occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, I look back and remember the experience.  I remember the family and friends gathered together around the food.  I do remember some foods like Grandmother's dressing that we only had at Thanksgiving along with her, forgive me, dry turkey and a honey baked ham. But more importantly her house was filled with love because of the people there. 

Birthdays were another food centered occasion.  We almost never went out for someone's birthday but had a gathering at the house to celebrate.  Whoever's birthday it was would usually pick what we ate.  I always had hamburgers.  Bill usually chose lasagna.  And I remember the food because of the circumstances.  Mom and Grandmother's birthdays were in the summer so a cookout with friends and family was almost always on tap. Those were good times.  And being a church going family, Sunday lunch was huge in our household.  It was normally just immediate family but every now and then others would join us.  It is those times around the table that mean the most.  The food just comes in second in my memory.

Plain and simple, food brings people together.  I want more of that in my life.  That is all. Care to join me for lunch?

Go Back Home - Audra McDonald

 This song is from the musical The Scottsboro Boys by Kander and Ebb.  I did not know this song at all until I hear it as the title track from one of Audra's albums. It is haunting and beautiful.  I need to seek out the score and listen to the whole thing.  I hope you enjoy.