Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category
Happy V-D
So, this Valentine’s Day, just like many in the past, I am not with someone to celebrate. However, I am perfectly okay with that. Now, many people may wonder how a person could be okay with being alone on this day of commercialistic love. It’s simple; I am okay with being alone as of right now.
It may seem a little odd that someone is okay with being alone. Yet, I have a good group of friends that I will probably be hanging out with to watch some television or something like that. It’s actually quite nice to be alone on some of these “holidays” (and I use the term loosely when talking about V-D) because you have no worries about who you have to please or if you have to do something big to make them know that you care about them. I think that it’s all a bunch of crock anyway simply because why do we as a culture have to agree that there is one particular day to tell that one special someone you love that you love them. Honestly, I don’t know that I agree with celebrating V-D simply because it is a ploy to get you to buy your sweet heart (significant other, big momma, sweet daddy, whatever…I could go on with these terms of endearment) a gift to show them that you care.
I mean seriously folks…Does V-D really, truly mean anything beyond the cutesy cherub on the card shooting his arrow into two hearts (which is really gruesome imagery if you really think about it)? I think that it began as a commercial venue to get people to spend money (and yes, I know about St. Valentine…yet, really people don’t know a lot about him because historically, we don’t know that much), and now, we as parts of the world economy feel as though we have to purchase things to be good “lovers” of the world and of those around us. Additionally, I’m not completely blameless on this front. Matter-of- factly, I bought several of my friends presents for V-D because all of us are going to be hanging out with each other on this holiest of holy love days…eh…I’m not as bitter as I sound in the post…I just wish that people would show each other the love year round instead of having to wait for a special day to do so.
Simply put, I wish that we didn’t have to feel so inclined by the media, by the displays as local chain stores, by the goading of people who don’t really matter (I’m talking about the people who rag on you if you don’t buy someone something on V-D), by the materialistic world that we live in to go out and spend money to show individuals that we love them. Why not say it with a good deed? A smile at the person who is sitting alone? A hug for your friends? So, that would be my idea for the rest of the year, try to make V-D a part of everyday life instead of the extraordinary day of the year.
Christmas Songs: Favorites, Classics, and a Twist
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. There’s something about multiple songs that a majority of people know that will get me into the spirit. Maybe it’s because it’s the closest thing to a musical I can get…hmmmm…..Anyway, I’m going to share a few of my favorite Christmas Songs from some artists that I love. So, here you go.
1) “Do You Hear What I Hear”–To me this song is wonderful because of the innocent tone that it has as we progress from words that are spoken by the night wind to the king. That and the melody make it so beautiful and simple. This version is recorded by Kristin Chenoweth, one of my favorite Broadway singers…All I can say is that it’s wonderful.
2) “I Believe”–Released on Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas Album, this song is beautifully sung by both Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins. It’s a song of hope and love that is simple and powerful. While it was released on a Christmas album, I think that it’s an anytime song.
3) “The First Noel / Mary, Mary” –Sung by Sarah McLachlan. A beautiful, interesting version of the two songs…I discovered it when I was looking for the other two videos. Enjoy.
4) “Silent Night”–A little different from the version we normally hear. However, still beautiful with Ruthie Henshall singing lead on it. Also, a refreshing change from the one that we are accustomed too.
5) “12 Days of Christmas”–While the original song is a little repetitive, this version by Straight No Chaser is quite fun. I would recommend listening to it and seeing for yourself…but let’s just say if you know 80’s pop songs you’ll definitely get a kick out of it.
So, there you have it. A few songs to help you get into the Christmas spirit. I know that while I’ve been searching out the videos it has definitely got me into the mood for Christmas. 🙂
Halloween Costumes that I’m not Excited to See
As Halloween gets closer, I begin to think of Halloween costumes. Mainly, I am focusing on what I want to be…and believe me this is a tall order because I try to go for interesting and odd costumes that have varying purposes but enough about me. I’ve been thinking about it the last few days and realized some of the costumes that we might see from people who are caught up in the fads of the here and now.
1) The Mad Hatter and other Alice in Wonderland characters. Good God, I hope that I don’t see a bevy of these characters this Halloween…even though, I know that I will. Due to the success of the movie and it being one of Johnny Depp’s eccentric characters, I feel that the Mad Hatter will be a staple for both children and adults. Why? I don’t really understand…quite frankly, I thought it was a mediocre performance in a movie that was only okay (I can hear the comments from Johnny Depp fans now…and it’s already grating). I don’t see why people would want to imitate this…and do so poorly. Let’s face it. No matter how good of a makeup artist you are, the local Halloween costumes and makeup from your local Walgreen’s or Wal-Mart cannot make you look like the professional quality Mad Hatter from the film (you also have to take digital effects into account too).
2) Avatar. You are not a blue alien from another planet…why pretend to be one and do it poorly. James Cameron’s movie was pretty amazing visually. The Na’vi are a computer generated race. I don’t know that a professional, movie make-up crew could effectively do it…so, I don’t know that we as normal people who have not experience in turning others into creatures could. Don’t get me wrong…I wish we could transform ourselves, but we can’t. So, get over it and move on. Also, please don’t try to be a Na’vi who is skinny and be a 300 pound person in a loin cloth…it just doesn’t bode well…
3) Edward and Bella. It doesn’t take much to look like a douchey vampire “teen” and his emotionally dead piece of meat…that’s all I’m saying. They have an unhealthy relationship and just because you think it’s a beautiful love story doesn’t make it okay. If I see people dressed like this and they are sincere about wearing the costumes, I will heckle them…yeah…
So, there you have it. On Halloween when I go to my door or to Halloween Parties, I will be on the look out for such costumes. I will try my best to avoid you, but if you persist in trying to chat with me, I might have to tell you like it is…Sorry.
