Author: LC White

and what are you willing to do to get “it”? Step one must be defining the “it”. Sounding simple enough a task, yet my efforts these past two plus years, as flip flap floundering like a fish, out of water gasping and inching across the sand, water bound.

Until I wasn’t, swept up in everyone else’s drama which compounded my sense of dread; worrying what people thought, why did I leave a job, what do I want to do, accompanied by several near missed opportunities- jobs that weren’t meant to be. Taking a breathe, deep long exhale, and believing in the power of me…. wobbly, unsure, digging down deep to live with purposefulness. It’s still there- I have to be willing to sit with the feelings. They don’t last forever. Intake, glean and learn- surround self with positive attitude. We finished first, then cheers others finishing up their stories. JUST BE ME, I’m good at this. And more to come ❤️lwhite

The secrets we hide, and oftentimes don’t even realize we are hiding them. Here’s to peeling off layers and healing.

I do admit it’s been awhile since American Lit class with Dr. Benjamin Wilson, a class I really enjoyed. The enlightening discussions around Mark Twain, Randall Jarrell, and O. Henry, took me to places I had never been before, reading selections I probably wouldn’t have chosen, were they not part of the class assignment. I held onto those literature books all these years, so beginning work at O. Henry Magazine, had me dust off a volume of short stories. After all, 10 years of a stellar local publication, and my new employer, I felt I owed it to myself to know more stories than “The Gift of the Magi”. Randomly, I selected my reading choice, “Best-seller” first, then “The Double Dyed Deceiver”. I find the writing interesting, in O.Henry’s ability to find a story in pretty much anything, everyday life, possibly boring or mundane to some. He was quite the writing machine, cranking out stories weekly of which I find incredible. Two stories down, 40 more to go- stay tuned on my O. Henry reading journey. I’d love to hear your comments on his work too. A new year and new insights with me! #ohenry #gsoauthor #readmore #williamsydneyporter

All is well and found out several folks I have been volunteering with also have DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS! And one January 1st gal! I sense a big old ZOOMING birthday party amongst us! One lady said she has been celebrating her birthday daily in December for 15 years! Her birthday is 12/25. I have found my tribe that understands! Today I helped a co- worker, shopped local for dinner at SCRATCH, and visited a buddy. So far so great and yay me! I feel happy and grateful, now where’s the cake? 🤣🧁

As I allow my mind to wander to past events, memories, holidays are hard- I’m determined to drop this feeling and keep pushing forward to me.

So far so great on the birthday countdown! I was able to make a dear friend smile by bringing her a chocolate advent calendar! And I shared Krispy Kreme doughnuts with the office and friends. Happy to celebrate smiles and help others 😀

Goodbye November, HELLO DECEMBER 1, 2020! In a mind-full way, thoughtfully, “care for yourself” or you have little to give to others. (Someone shared that with me) What better year for me to give this a whirl as I march forward to the national holiday of me, 12/23. Beginning bright and early tomorrow, December 1, daily, I shall engage in an activity, something differently, big or msmall. Suggestions welcomed- and I promise to share my daily observation, fun or not so fun. First off, I PURCHASED my OWN holiday countdown advent calendar… to serve as a my reminder. So, if I can make cauliflower pizza, try yoga, and start meditation (April 23) these next 23 days should be a fun fiesta of me! (Two hours to go… WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR ME? #laricecan #23daysodme #imworthit 🍀😎

Or text pals, oh what joy. For the past five years, my SIL Donna and I have been sharing letters, laughs, encouragement, flowers pix and so much more. She loved butterflies, flowers and her cat named, Fraidy (which was a feral cat who claimed her) This past March, I started sending flower pix from my yard, of which, the Lenten rose was all I had. Living in sunny Florida, Donna had started a butterfly garden- I lived to see those flowers from her front door. So the weather started getting warmer, and I would send a couple of pics a day of the White House gardens, which is really a scrapbook of my life. I have iris from Grandma White, peonies from my friend’s Aunt Frances, and many more. She thought that was cool. Basically the more I share the more flowers I get. Donna and I especially enjoyed the blooming yucca, starting out like an alien pod and bursting forth with hundreds of sweet smelling, bell shaped blooms. We watched that yucca daily across the miles spring forth. I loved the stories Donna shared about her brothers and sisters growing up, and I’m not surprised she was a ping pong champ and my brother’s wife. What we really didn’t speak of much was the damn cancer. It didn’t win, she did-living her life as fully as she could, making me laugh, helping me pick out my mother- of- the- bride dress, and so many warm stories I will hold close to my heart. Some may think of heaven and pearly gates, but I think Donna is just around up on that next plateau, gardening, laughing and sprinkling love and blessings down on those she left behind. I’ll be seeing you someday sweet Donna ❤️

In times of sadness and unrest, from my experience, it will draw you together or rip you apart, but you are still family, you forgive and accept and move on as best you can in love. Recently a podcast by Kate Bowler, “Everything Happens” has given me much to think about, changes in perspective. I think you would appreciate it too. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-happens-with-kate-bowler/id1341076079?i=1000470042078