The new year beckons

 I have a lot of goals for this next year. I know I won't accomplish all of them but I will work toward them. May this new year bring you optimism, hope, peace, and happiness!

Christmas times A-Comin'

1978 ish Christmas Eve

 I was a very young girl sitting in the back seat of my parents' green Chevy Caprice. My seatbelt tugged at me uncomfortably, and my ever-faithful bunny blanket covered my cold legs. My best friends were beside me, Lamy-pie and Bunny. It was late, and I was cold; so cold my breath fogged up the backseat window when I exhaled. My head was lying against that window, and the fake fur on my coat (that Mother insisted I wear) irritated my face. We had just finished the stomach-churning descent of Bull Mountain, and that meant we were getting close to a little town. I was hoping to see Christmas lights and was usually allowed to pay the toll at the bridge. I was tired but wanted to be awake; my Dad's soft and low voice followed along with every song on his cassette tape. His music choice was always country, and the older, the better. Every song was sad. Every piece was bleak, yet excitement was in the air; we would soon see Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa gave the best hugs.

I can hear those songs in my child's mind, Dad singing, my Mom quiet as a mouse in the seat beside him. I was so tired and so bored, I didn't want to be there, yet I did. No doubt I was allowed to pay that toll with the change one of them handed me, then promptly fell back to sleep. 

I only remember one house with Christmas lights that night; not many mountain families had the money to waste. This sweet memory brings my parents and grandparents to life; it takes me to a happy time when my world was full of family and love. Today I am thankful for the transportation back to that time and place, even for a few seconds. I hope to leave behind moments like those left for me. Sweet for the heart, good for the soul, and an escape to childhood joys.