Happy New Year...2008!

It's a little early for the "Happy New Year", but I will be busy with Mr. S., Family and Friends the rest of the weekend and I wish to also take advantage of the good weather we are having now. I do want to reflect a bit.

I am thankful for the many friends and family that are in my life and the people that pass by and just say "Hi". I am thankful that I have someone to share the good and not so good, the quiet and noisy, the fun and the sad times with.

I wish to remember those who are no longer with us. They are remembered fondly and their impact on my life can not be measured. You are missed, but are in a glorious new place.

There are new friends and old friends that have made this last year so special. I am glad I am able to include you in the many parts of my life.

I'm not sure what I want to do for my New Year's resolutions. I think I will continue to focus on health, family and spiritual life, nurture relationships, and keep close to those I love. I think Mr. S. and I should travel a bit this year if we are able...maybe Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico... (I really like sharing my life with him).

For all of you out there reading this: May you have a New Year full of health and the love of friends and family. May you find peace and caring. I wish for a year that is full of new and positive things that will make the children in our lives proud. God Bless You All! Peace.

"The Last Song" and some quiet time

The first part of the Holiday events and gatherings is done and now on to the second part. In the middle of all this chaos, my mom, cousins and I were able to have some quiet time and sit down to watch an old Sarita Montiel film on DVD...."EL ULTIMO CUPLE" ("The Last Song"). It was full of music, gowns, music, love and loss....all that you want in an old film. At the time it was released in 1957 it was the most popular Spanish film of the time.

Sarita Montiel (he given name by the studios) was born in Spain in 1928. She is the daughter of a peasant and a beautician. She has always had a presence and is still going at age 81. I recently saw her on a television interview. She was in charge while smoking a cigar...

Sarita can be seen in some English language films such as "Vera Cruz" (1950) and "Serenade' (1955). It comes to show that elegance and glamour never goes out of style. Even though there are many good films out there, we tend to like seeing the classics.

Hoping all of you continue to have a safe and joyful week.

Jo! Jo! Jo! (That's Ho! Ho! Ho! in Spanish)

The week is going by quick. I've already finished all my holiday shopping and most of the Chistmas and Happy New Year cards are out. The house is decorated and the lights are up. There is a nativity set in every room, the holly shower curtains are up, the holiday dinnerware has replaced the daily set, the poinsetta bedsheets are on and the holiday throws and couch pillows are out. Hmm? Do you think that is too much? Those are just the basics. I still have not gotten around to painting my room and the guest room, but at least they are clean and ready for company. Now, it is time to wait for the family storm to arrive.

I have my godson and his mom (my cousin) coming in from Wisconsin and another cousin, her husband and two teenagers coming in from Maryland, Mr. S is spending some time during the weekend plus we have an old family friend coming to stay. Oh, and my younger sister will probably spend some nights here also.

This is not to say that the festivities have not yet begun. We have already had 25 people over to light the advent wreath and it turned into a Puertorican Party. Then we had Bishop Soto and his wife over for lunch before they leave town for the holidays and that turned into a luncheon for 10 people.

Coming up is the Twist and Palace Holiday Parties and on Saturday is the last of the 40's girls parties. It is a "Cubo-Rican Party". There will be a mix a Cuban and Puertorican food along with goodies that guests were asked to bring. It is an all ages, all background group that will be attending. It is at one of the girl's homes and I was there at the beginning of the week putting up all the lights, moving furniture, giving advice and making lists. It is going to be fun. I hope the weather cooperates and that we find enough tables and chairs.

Even though there are all the get togethers going on, there is still the thought of friends and family that are dealing with illnesses, and other personal losses and difficulties. They are in my prayers and I do get to see and/or speak to some on a daily basis. If you know of anyone that is having or had had a difficulty this year, please remember them. It could be a phone call, a card, and invitation to a meal out, or maybe just a quick visit. Anything to let them know they are not forgotten and are remembered can be an uplifting thing.

Peace to All.

"The Passion of Matthew Shepard"

There are many organizations that need help during the year and during the holidays. Please give when you can.

I was at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming the Summer of 2002. I was there for the Episcopal Youth Event and was responsible for a dorm of youth and adults that were in attendance. There were around 2,500 attendees from every State in the USA, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Micronesia and the United Kingdom.

One of the days a group of us ventured out to the location where Matthew Shepard was found and had a service. I was very moved by the way the young people reacted and the passion, compassion and empathy that they showed. I am fortunate that sometimes I have the privilege to glimpse at a group of youth (who are now adults) that give me hope and fire up my optimism for the present and future.

I pray today for the many youth that find themselves disconnected and in a time of solitude and despair they feel they can not overcome. I pray that they find their angels and that the angels out there find them. AMEN