Reflections From a Country Girl

As we get ready for those parties on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, we know we will likely be singing Auld Lang Syne.

Do you know where that song came from, who wrote it, and why? Do you know what the words mean?

The song we sing today as we celebrate New Year’s was actually one of many poems written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns around 1799. He was one of the rare poets of his period that also carefully set his poems to music. Aren’t we glad he did!

While there were many old versions of the words and some versions of a song with the same title before this, Burns’ version is the one we all know today. There are five verses to his works. They are listed below for your enjoyment.

While we sing this song today around New Year’s Day, many also sing it at Christmas. Then, there are the Scots who have a special time set aside on January 25^th – Burns Night – each year to commemorate the famous poet. You will often hear Auld Lang Syne sung as part of a celebration of Burn’s life and talents.

Auld Lang Syne is translated from these Scottish words to “Old Long Ago” and is about love and friendship in times past. The lyrics – we’ll take a cup of kindness yet – actually refers to a drink shared by men and women to symbolize friendship. Many of us drink champagne as that ceremonial drink famous at New Years. Others of us toast to the day with less potent liquid. All of us toast in celebration of love, friendships and acquaintances developed over the years.

My wish for you today is that you are able to toast to the many friends and loved ones you have as you usher out that 2006 and move into a new 2007. May your days be filled with much love and friendship in 2007.

~ Joellen

Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wandered mony a weary fit
Sin’ auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i’ the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin’ auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

I went to a Jim Brickman concert a week or so ago. His concerts are always great and I found myself thinking of the many times I’ve been to one of them.

I often listen to his music with my eyes closed. It always relaxes me and I find a sense of renewal. Frequently I will make notes about the selections he blends together and come back home to play them on my piano.

In all but a few of the Brickman concerts I’ve been to, Ann Cochran – a childhood friend Jim has been performing with for years – appeared with him. This time, she sang a song he composed called “Simple Things.”

“Simple Things” has a great message – that it’s really the simple things that are most important … and all of them are free. Some of those things mentioned are the sun, the moon, the stars, the first leaves off the tree, the way you look at me, the way you say my name, the thunder, the rain, the way we feel tonight, yes, the simple things.

We all know life is full of ups and downs. Some of us think of a glass as half full. Some think of it as half empty.

I guess, in the big scheme of things, it’s really what we make of life as it comes at us. It’s just like those funny, and not so funny, Nationwide commercials “Life Comes at You Fast.”

Since most of us live a fast paced life, it would behoove us to sit for a few minutes and think about what is necessary, and what is not so necessary about our busy lives.

We do have to make a living for us and/or our family. But do we really have to work 60+ hours a week doing it? Is our life so full of work related things that we have to fit our family in to the schedule? Do we work so hard that we don’t have time to take care of ourselves or our bodies – both physically and spiritually? Are you one of those that takes care of everything and everyone first before taking care of yourself? Do you use that as an excuse?

While I do take the time to appreciate and enjoy the “simple things” I also don’t do as good a job at taking care of myself as I should.

The only one who can take us back to a manageable place in our lives is each of us individually. It really should be quite simple to reorganize our lives to be a bit healthier. We can make the changes we need to if we want to bad enough…or if circumstances force us to along the way.

My wish for you today is that you are able to sort through all the unnecessary things that take up lots of time and get down to more of the “simple things” in your life. While there are those out there that want to be known for who they are in the business world, when reality hits the road, it’s just a job that gives us the money to do what we think is important in life. Adjusting our thoughts to simpler things – like family and friends – can help us live a longer and more satisfying life. Yes, it’s the simple things in life that are MOST important. May you find those and embrace them as you walk life’s path.

~ Joellen

Don’t know about you but I live by a list these days. I started doing this years ago when working outside the home, being a wife, a mother and an active community and church member all caught up with me and I missed an important birthday meal with my family.

This morning, when I heard Toby Keith sing a country song – That’s The Next Thing on my List – I thought about the multitude of lists I keep now. His is a cute little song about a man who has a list of “things to do today” under an old brass paperweight.

I chuckled as I remembered the “Honey Do” magnetic refrigerator lists I had just given my sister to use in her house. I suppose her husband will not appreciate seeing that every time he goes into the refrigerator for a drink, but they compliment each others’ strengths and weaknesses so they will probably laugh at it as they cross things off the list slowly.

Since I don’t have a “honey” at my house, I wanted to make sure they were put to good use somewhere. After all, we likely all have lists of things that need to be done, could be done, should be done and even one for what we wish we could get done – but probably will not do anytime soon.

During this time of year, people often make lists of New Year’s Resolutions. I figured – since I already have several lists – all I have to do is prioritize the ones I have.

With that in mind, here are a few thoughts about lists and what they are and are not good for.

1. Lists help us keep important tasks in front of us. You know, things like doctor and dentist appointments, things we need to get at the grocery, and picking up the cleaning. They also help us remember important dinner engagements when our day has been so busy we might forget.

2. Lists help us remember that we can always prioritize the important things in life. Most of the time we can never get to all of the things on a list. Toby Keith reminds us in his song that going for a walk, saying a prayer, taking a deep breath is often more important than most anything on a honey do list – especially if your honey does it with you! I like all the examples he gives, especially the one that says he will “start livin’, that’s the next thing on his list.”

3. One thing not to do with a list is to let it control you and your life. It would be very easy to do, especially if you have lots of lists like I do.

4. Don’t set unrealistic goals on your list so you can never accomplish them. If you do, you set yourself up for failure. After all, most are not absolutely necessary…it would just be nice to do if you can get to it sometime.

5. Be careful not to downplay the list your spouse leaves for you. Making light of things on your spouses’ list can get you in BIG trouble if you’re not careful. Just be sensitive to the fact that something appears on a “honey do” list more than once. If this happens, just ask her or him if that can wait awhile and be prepared with a good reason. Let me say here that using the excuse – every time – that you are going out drinking with the boys and shopping with the girls is NOT a good idea. That puts up a big red flag.

6. Every once in a while, help your spouse out unexpectedly with something that is usually not on your list but his or her list. Help wash dishes, help wash the car, sort the clothes….all very good ideas to help keep the stress low and the cooperation going.

7. If all else fails, offer a nice kiss, a firm hug, a little bouquet of flowers, or anything else that shows you care in your own special way…then offer a plan for getting those things done on the list and STICK TO IT!

8. If you’re single and make lists, it’s important to make sure you have a place for taking care of yourself on your list. That walk, a call to a friend, a nice long, soothing bath…just do something special for you to unwind. It will help things get done more efficiently.

9. One last thought. If you know someone who has an overwhelming list of must dos, offer to help out. Everyone can use some help from time to time. What a great way to help when someone needs it the most.

My wish for you today is that you evaluate your list or lists and whittle it down to manageable and achievable items. If you need to keep several lists, that’s fine…as long as you don’t let them control you. Remember, a list is made of things you have to do, but also of things you should do to make the world a better place.

Joellen

KC and the Sunshine Band has written a number of songs to do with partying over the years. Let’s Go Party is just one of them I can remember from the late 1970s.

Between now and New Year’s Day there will be many parties.

I most often have a drop-in between Christmas and New Years but decided not to do one this year…just too many things going on already.

There are five invitations lining my shelf over the computer. Those are just the ones people planned for ahead of time…not the impromptu ones that happen at the spur of the moment where I will get a call the day of the event inviting me and whomever I want to bring to meet in a few hours.

For one of the five parties I am a special surprise guest because of my recent book. That should be interesting.

All of these will be good times with friends and I look forward to each of them.

So what does your social calendar look like between now and the time you slip back into a regular work routine? If you have as many parties to attend as I do, will you go to all of them and stay as long as you can or just make an appearance at each and go home to a quite evening?

As for me, I go and stay as long as I can. I have a favorite one I most always end up at midnight on New Years. It’s often the only time of the year I get to see all of the group together. I love being with these folks. Our friendship has grown over the years to a comfortable and caring one.

So, if you find yourself going to many gatherings between now and the first of the year, how will you survive such a busy schedule of partying?

Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the partying season:

1. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver. Alcohol can catch up with a tired body that has already eaten and visited a great deal over the holidays. Be aware you are coming off a pretty stressful and busy time of year. If you haven’t had a chance to adjust your body back into a regular routine, consider that you may not handle alcohol quite the same way you usually do and make appropriate plans ahead of time. You don’t want to have bad memories of times between Christmas and New Years because you had a surprise with the alcohol.

2. Be aware of others around you who may have chosen to drink too much alcohol and do a kind deed to help get them home with a promise of help getting their car the next day.

3. If you have several parties to go to, make sure you don’t ingest your max of alcohol in one place. A good plan of action is one drink, moderate food intake during that time, lots of good conversation, and perhaps, even a coffee before you leave to go to the next one. Remember, overeating can cause drowsiness…not to mention the additional stress on your system.

4. While not necessary, it is always kind to take a little thank you gift. Don’t make a big deal about it. You can even slip it on the counter for the host to enjoy later. A bottle of wine, a nice candle, a thoughtful package of some kind with a little note thanking the host is just a thoughtful thing to do.

5. No, you don’t HAVE to go to all of the parties, but be considerate to let someone know if they asked for regret RSVPs. I can’t tell you how important that is to those who entertain. I have, in the past, planned for up to 200 at my gatherings with a request for RSVP if they are not able to come. It’s just not nice for someone to plan for that many and only 60 show up….way too much food and expense for that difference in numbers. While there are creative ways for those who entertain to manage that difference (after all you can have a party after the party!) it is just good practice not to let others expect you will be there if you already know you won’t.

6. If you told someone you are coming to their gathering and are not able to on the day of the event, just call and give them your regrets with a reasonable explanation and a short phone visit. They will understand and appreciate the call.

7. Enjoy the other party goers and be a good listener. One of the worse things I experienced at a party was someone who talked about himself for 30 minutes and NEVER asked about me. Make sure you are not one of those. It’s good to talk about yourself, and people do want to hear about you…but, like to country song says, “I Wanna Talk About Me,” too. Just ask the person you are conversing with about what’s going on with their life as well…and genuinely listen. You would be surprised at how many people DO NOT know how to do this effectively. If you’ve talked for five minutes solid in a one on one conversation, you’ve talked too much. If you catch yourself doing this, STOP, say “My goodness, I talked way too much about me…what’s been going on with you?” and listen to the other person. You may just appreciate and enjoy their comments as much as they have yours.

Visiting with friends and acquaintances between Christmas and New Years can be a fulfilling and satisfying experience if participated in with consideration for others.

My wish for you today is that you plan your social calendar wisely between now and the first of the year, considering the things mentioned above. I hope you have fond memories of the holiday events – and that you can and will remember them all after the partying is over.

~ Joellen

It’s 8:30 on Christmas morning.

Many presents have already been given and received by now…especially by excited children around the world. Some were expensive, some were not. Many were store bought. Some are handmade. Others are basic food items or clothing hard to come by in normal times.

So what’s the best gift you ever received…or you ever gave?

For each of us, it will likely be a bit different.

For the baby Jesus, many would think that the three containers from the wise men were the best.

I would respectfully disagree with that.

I think the best gift those wise men shared with the baby and his family was not going to the angry King and telling him where the baby was. As far as we know, it cost the wise men nothing to make that choice, but it had a powerful impact on the lives of the world then and now.

Consider it a gift that keeps on giving.

I think of a bag of bows when I think of best Christmas gifts.

That was our little Scott’s favorite 2nd Christmas present. Scott had a rare bone disease and lived to celebrate only two Christmas seasons. We discovered his love of bows when someone else was celebrating and a few bows were tossed over Scott’s way. His eyes lit up, he held one close to his face to examine it, and he would throw one as he giggled. We tossed it back at him where he would pick it up, look at it inquisitively, cut his eyes over to anyone who would give him attention and – with a smile – throw it again.

You can imagine what he thought of a whole bag of bows. It was bow heaven for him!

I still want to toss bows when I see them – even 21 years later.

Another best Christmas gift I witnessed was the year my husband gave our other son a train set. They spent hours building and rebuilding that set. My 23 year old son still mentions that train set even today. The real gift there was that he and his father were able to spend hours of together time, on the floor working and playing…laughing together… making memories together…a real gift since his father died when he was six.

When I think of the best Christmas gifts, I think of the joy of Christmas day when you are with family. It quite often seems that all the imperfections of relationships within a family are “overlooked” at Christmas…if only for a brief moment. That is, indeed, a true gift for many of us who do not live in “perfect” families.

When I think of other best Christmas gifts, I think of a good friend who took time from his busy Christmas Eve schedule last night to drive me and his mother around for hours looking at lights and catching a late night meal at one of the few places open along the interstate.

And I thought I knew all “the” places Christmas lights were in Columbia. I still am not sure were we were. We would ride for miles in darkness and suddenly find ourselves in a myriad of lights.

A friend did this, you say? No, really more like family because this gesture is what family is all about. Many thanks to that special friend. He knows who he is. This will be one of my “best Christmas gifts.”

Best Christmas gifts are also those random acts of kindness that seem to happen unexpectedly. Often you may not even know where the gift came from. An acquaintance who was down on her luck told me of it recently. She was behind on her mortgage payment because she lost her job unexpectedly five months before. She was able to make the payments from savings for all the months before but had run out of money before her new job started. Someone knew her bank and went in, paid her mortgage anonymously, and had the bank call her with the news.

She still doesn’t know who did that. Now, she suspects many of her friends did, because most of them have the demeanor of random acts of kindness. Whenever she can, she now looks for ways to do the same thing for others.

Wouldn’t it be great if all of us had that kind of spirit in us?

Then there are the best Christmas gifts that some of us don’t even know we get. For instance, the gift of safety that our military men and women are sharing with us right now so we can have a peaceful holiday.

Yes, we all have our favorite Christmas gift stories.

My wish for you today is that you take time to talk about “best Christmas gifts” stories with your family and friends as you celebrate this special season. You just might be surprised to hear what others have to say. If you don’t have a best Christmas gift story – my wish for you today is that you – make one of your own by practicing random acts of kindness starting today and throughout the year.

~ Joellen