Happy Solstice, taking stock, blog housekeeping

Jeannine Gailey — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Happy Solstice Lunar Eclipse Day, everyone!
I missed seeing the blood-red moon because of Seattle’s obscuring clouds but saw the pictures and it was beautiful. My parents got married on the winter solstice, which I always find very romantic. Happy 41 years, guys!
This time of year always catches me accidentally taking stock of things. Last night I watched a movie in which a woman received her 15-year high school reunion invitation and freaks out, dreaming of her high school boyfriend and wondering if her life is sexy/fun enough. My 20th high school reunion is next year, and maybe I haven’t freaked out enough yet, or maybe, mid-life crises happen later than they did ten years ago.
Speaking of taking stock, I’ve been checking over my blog roll and doing “blog housekeeping,” taking down blogs that are dead or inactive. If you want to be added to the blog roll, and I don’t have you listed, let me know!
Sprained my ankle last week (again) and yesterday had a full-blown food allergy reaction again, so I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, like thanks Santa! Maybe I can blame the eclipse. As far as taking stock, the lesson here is…um, I need to learn to keep my balance, literally!
I miss being around my family this time of year, my little brother playing video games and the nephews and nieces opening presents. But on the plus side, I am a thirty minute drive from many wonderful friends, which I am very grateful for.
Anyway, to avoid any depression or self pity, I will cheer myself up by celebrating that from here on, the days grow longer and sunnier, the world will get better. The sun will (eventually) shine again, and it won’t always get dark at 4 PM. The whole Christmas festival is about birth and re-birth, as well. Cheer up, don’t give up, all those twinkling lights and evergreen garnishes say!
On the plus side, I’m pysched about the fact that my new book is coming out next July and I’ve already started planning readings, I’ve been working with an excellent poetry manuscript by a friend and an article I’m excited about, and my husband is building me a poetry submission database for Christmas! Ho ho ho!

Jeannine Gailey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Happy post-Thanksgiving! I’ve had a cold and been grading. I know, too much fun – you’re jealous!

Ring in the new…

Peter put up a post about the first decade of the 2000’s being the “decade from Hell.” Although there have been some good things to come out of it, I’m going to go ahead and put it on my “not favorite decade” lists. Now, the 90’s – there were some good times. The music was loud, everyone was optimistic, and I remember that I always had too many job offers on my hands. (Of course, I was a techie-type then and not a poet-seeking-teaching-positions.) Plus, I was healthier!
I haven’t been so excited to see a year end in a loooong time. In 2009, I must have had a dozen trips to the hospital, my first ever broken bones, a no-exaggeration near-death experience with pneumonia, some other unpleasant firsts involving viruses and an amoeba, and the fact that I spent about ten months, between broken bones and multiple sprains, in crutches. Yes, it’s been a bit depressing. I don’t want to complain, but Universe, if you’re listening, I could use some good news and health in the new year! Let’s hear it for 2010!

Trying to shop local for Christmas this year (except for poetry and obscure books.) Locally-made Napa Valley candy, honey, olive oil, etc. Haven’t put up our tree yet, but hoping to get a chance to do it soon. I’m ready for some Christmas cheer! I’m in the mood to sing carols, watch sappy holiday specials, and rattle some noisemakers.

Christmas cheer – Webbish6

Happy Solstice, taking stock, blog housekeeping