A Thanksgiving Christmas

Seventy six years of ringing in the Christmas cheer. First came the chocolate
cigarettes, Go Fish, Chutes and Ladders, Parcheesi, Lawrence Welk, The Hit
Parade and Ribbon Candy. There are memories of Grandparents, songs
around the piano, a lighted wind-up church that played Silent Night and
hanging tinsel strand by strand on the tree. Get-togethers with cousins and
friends and gifts of bride dolls, ballerinas and tea sets.
Next came the progression to Schwin bikes, transistor radios, table stereos,
Rock and Roll records, a ceramic tree, and that treasured “Pink Princess
Phone”.

How slow those 20 years seemed to go, straining for adulthood! Now, how
quickly they seem to have passed, as my memory takes me back to the
wholesome Variety Shows of Dean Martin, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and
Andy Williams…mixed with Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason.
My 21st year ushered in starting new traditions with a husband and learning to
budget. By year 22, there was a little one, too!
By year 28, we were a family of 6 with 4 little kiddos in tow. Doing for others, on
a shoestring, now 3,000 miles away from family, my skill set grew to knitting,
making jams, pinatas, cookies and breads.

For each new child, I made a homemade stocking and every year they were
blessed to have it filled to the top with Joy! They were always given a special
ornament and family game to play…it became a tradition! And play, WE DID!

Now, at 76, my joy is hosting Thanksgiving and having the house dressed for
Christmas and presents under the tree for my children and grandkids.
There are 3 turkeys and all the trimmings, jams, jellies, special breads,
Christmas cookies and presents for them to take home to their trees.

 It is now the grandkids that receive the special ornaments and hand-knitted items and other goodies. Oh, and I made each grand a special stocking for their first Christmas.

On this Thanksgiving-Christmas, we play board games as we always have.
There is laughter to the point of tears and peeing, an abundance of noise with
their animals brought along for Thanksgiving, too!
To an Outsider, it would be a scene of total chaos but to me…it is My
Christmas! A wonderful way to be Thankful on Thanksgiving Day making
beautiful memories for them to keep!

                                                            

 

                               More

 There's more to me than what you see,  

 When younger, I birthed a family; 

  I've hunted, fished, lived off the land,

  Even turned the heads of many a man. 

 

                                         I've loved with passion and great need,

                                      Yet, haven't succumbed to selfish greed;

                                                 Children four, I tried to raise with care, 

                                               Lost many a loved one and despaired.

                                                I've reinvented myself so many times,

                                                Left scars of the old self far behind;

                                                 I've written poems, songs and books,

                                                 And given my life a good hard look.

                                                  I've given all of me, it seems,

                                                  But never have I chased after dreams;

                                                  I'm content to be within my own skin,

                                                  And now-a-days, I consider that a win!

                                                  There are pills to take for the pains of age,

                                                   But none to make you a wise old Sage;

                                                   Life's Lessons form who we become,

                                                   We are nothing less than that total sum.

                                                

                                                                                                                           Nana Lynn 2025

                                                                        My Muse
 

So many gardens, I have birthed,

With heart full of joy and mirth, 

In dry and wet climates alike;

It began when I was just a Tyke.

  Grandma Bertha was my inspiration,

She is the Muse of all my creations

From Flowers to even Lima beans;

 I wish that she just could have seen!

Lynn's Garden Fall Colors

                                      

                                         REMEMBER ME   

                 I do not aspire to greatness, just only to be remembered.                                                                    I do not aspire to wealth, for in Spirit I have attained vast riches.                                                     I do not pine for Love, as I am wrapped in its warmth.                                                                       I do not seek revenge, for life's taught me to turn the other cheek.                                                     I do not long for things out of reach, for I am comfortable in my own skin.                                     I do not need great acclaim, for the pleasure comes in sharing.                                                         I do not have regrets, for the harsh times made me who I am.                                                           I do not aspire to greatness, Just Only to be Remembered!                                                                                      

May 29th Walkabout Part 3 The Front

May 29th Walkabout