⏳ #TBT Happy Heavenly New Year

After being blessed with 62 years of your motherly advice, care, concern, discipline, encouragement, friendship, guidance, love, patience, prayers, protection, support, and wisdom, I have to move forward into a new year without you being here for the first time. Since I can't call you on the phone at midnight to bring in the new year, I will simply say "Happy Heavenly New Year" and ask God to pass on the message to you, and dad as well. Love you both!

Watch Night

EMANCIPATION: "WAITING FOR THE HOUR"
(click on image for larger view)

The following information was actually written as an essay by Charyn D. Sutton, The Onyx Group, in December 2000 and revised in August 2004. The essay appears here in its entirety...

If you grew up in a black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night" Services, the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7:00pm-10:00pm and ends at 12:00 midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve destination.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service, made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the black church. And yes, there is a history of Watch Night Services in the Methodist tradition.

Still, it seemed that most white Christians did not include Watch Night Services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, in doing some research, I discovered there are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. Many of the Watch Night Services in black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings held on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places, and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863 and according to President Abraham Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared. When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts of joy, and songs of praise as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

But even before 1862 and the possibility of a Presidential Emancipation, African people had gathered on New Year's Eve on plantations across the South. That is because many owners of enslaved Africans tallied up their business accounts on the first day of each new year. Human property was sold along with land, furnishings, and livestock to satisfy debts. Families and friends were separated. Often they never saw each other again in this earthly world. Thus, coming together on December 31 might be the last time for enslaved and free Africans to be together with loved ones.

Black folks in North America have gathered annually on New Year's Eve since the earliest days, praising God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for the future. Certainly, those traditional gatherings were made even more poignant by the events of 1863 which brought freedom to the slaves and the Year of Jubilee.

Many generations have passed since that time and most of us were never taught the significance of gathering on New Year's Eve. Yet, our traditions and faith still bring us together at the end of every year to celebrate once again, "how we got over."

Please pass this information on to your family and friends so that they will know the true history behind the tradition we call "Watch Night".

🕊 #GoneFromSightButNeverForgotten

Autism Awareness

🧩 #Autism 🧒🏾👧🏾 #1in54 💙 #ILoveSomeoneWithAutism

🤦🏾‍♀️ O-M-G! #23Days2Go

I cannot wait until the current 3-ring circus is over and I'm still counting down the days to January 20th. Oh Lawd, please give me the patience and strength to ignore #45 until then!

Count Your Blessings...

#BeGrateful

😇 Thank God It's Sunday

#5Days2Go

As we now look forward with faith and hope to the coming new year 2021!

😭 Adobe Flash Player EOL

As technology continues to move forward into the future, there's always a trade-off and something is left behind or lost forever. In this case, I'm referring to the news that Adobe will stop distributing and updating their Flash Player after 12/31/20. My heart is broken because I will loose about a dozen of my grandson's early animated slideshows from 2006 to 2010 on the Picturetrail website, which will also cease to exist after 02/28/21. I spent a lot of time creating them and they cannot be viewed without Adobe Flash Player. This one was probably my favorite of the bunch (screenshot). It was my grandson's first Christmas and we were puttin' up the Christmas tree!

It's Time to Exhale!

The Reason For The Season

It's Christmas Eve!

#24Hours2Go

Philly Christmas Tradition

Although the store has changed hands a couple of times in recent years, this will always be the "John Wanamaker" Christmas Light Show. Thinking back on how many generations of families have packed the grand court since 1956 to enjoy the show seems somewhat strange and surreal in light of all the social distancing we have to do now because of COVID-19. But, I am hopeful that some of life's simple pleasures, such as this light show, will return one day. It is my understanding it can be viewed virtually, but nothing compares to being there in person... and, the beauty of all those lights is something you never outgrow. I also remember when the dancing water fountains were included in the show!

Quote of the Day

Original quote from the hubby.
It is a God-given talent and I love it!

Season's Greetings From The Grands

And, ditto from The Lady(Bug) of the Household. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones through holidays and beyond. Don't travel unless it is absolutely necessary, celebrate with your immediate family, and do your part to help everyone stay safe so all of us can celebrate with our larger families next year!

Puttin' Up the Christmas Tree

Our grandchildren put up the Christmas tree at

home yesterday and we think they did a fantastic job!

And, their cat Bubbles must agree. She didn't waste

any time finding a special place for herself right under it!

🙏🏾 Prayer of the Day

Thank God It's Sunday!

America: A Day Late & Dollar Short Again

As an African American who is alive to see this day, I say thank you. But, for the men who actually played in the Negro Leagues, you're too late.

Talky Tina!

Just finished watching one of my favorite episodes

of the Twilight Zone and now it's time to go to bed!

Quote of the Day

#7Days2Go

We are blessed because Jesus did all of these things and more!

⏳ #FBF Special Moments

HAPPY HEAVENLY HOLIDAY SEASON
In Loving Memory of Our Parents
The Ghost of Christmas Past Strikes Again...

#45 President Donald J. Trump

Nuff said and guilty as charged!

USPS Meme Survey

I think number one is my favorite!

Cookie Veggie Tray

When they ask you to bring a veggie tray, but you really

want to bring cookies. Sorry, no recipe. You'll have to wing it!

Senior Encounters

An old woman handed her bank card to a bank teller and said, “I would like to withdraw $10. The teller told her, "For withdrawals less than $100, please use the ATM." The old woman wanted to know why. The teller returned her bank card and irritably told her, "These are the rules. Please leave if you have no other business. There is a line of customers behind you." The old woman remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the teller and said, "Please help me withdraw all the money I have." The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down, and respectfully told her, "You have $300,000 in your account and the bank doesn't have that much cash currently. Can you make an appointment and come again tomorrow?" The old woman then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The teller told her any amount up to $3,000. "Well, please let me have $3,000 now." The teller, very friendly and respectfully, handed it to her. The old woman put $10 in her purse and asked the teller to deposit $2,990 back into her account. The moral of this story is, don't be difficult with old people. They spent a lifetime learning the skill!

Meme of the Day

#GARunoffElection2021 

#VoteByAnyMeansNecessary

It's Over! #45 Is Done!

#PresidentialElection2020

American democracy has prevailed, as it always should!

🎄 Tree of Lights 2020 Video

Thanks to Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice for recording the TOL ceremony and making it available for all of the families to share and treasure!

Nite-Nite, Sleep Tight...

My Granddaughters

Scriptures of the Day

#12Days2Go

Click on image for larger view of scriptures.

Time Person of the Year

 

Why Time Chose Joe Biden & Kamala Harris

💡 Staying Sharp From AARP

Understanding Brain Health, Challenges & Games
Click on image or this link to visit website for more details!

🤔 Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

I disagree. This is a year that will live in infamy for a whole lot of reasons in addition to the pandemic. When you forget, you live to repeat. I don't want to see a year like this ever again. Can you think of anything they missed?

COVID-19: Prayers For Our Governor

PENNLIVE

PA Gov. Tom Wolf Tests Positive for Coronavirus

“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.” - Gov. Tom Wolf 

I'll Be Back In The Spring

Because mom passed away in mid-summer and most businesses were operating in alternative ways and on delayed schedules due to COVID-19, I just received word today that the engraving of her name and dates on the grave marker was finally done. I feel better knowing that this was taken care of before the year came to a close, and just a few days after the Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice Tree of Lights Ceremony. 

Since that was the last scheduled celebration of her life, it seems the grave marker was returned to the cemetery in God's perfect timing. Now that the virus is on the upswing again, I will be staying close to home during the "dark winter" months, but will return to the cemetery in late April or early May to honor her birthday and Mother's Day. So, until then, sleep well mom and dad. God willing, I'll be back in the spring.

Couples Trivia Challenge!

Okay All Dating, Engaged, or Married Couples: Just copy and paste this post. Change our answers to yours, be honest but have fun, and add your photo!

• Who's older? Him, by 6 months!
• Who was interested first? Him
• Same high school? No
• Most sensitive? Me
• Worst temper? Equal
• Loudest? Him
• Funniest? Him
• More social? Him
• Most stubborn? Me
• Wakes up first? Him
• Stays up latest? Me
• Bigger family? Him
• Cries the most? Me
• Better singer? Him
• Better driver? Him, I don't drive!
• Better cook? Me, but he cooks!
• Ask for the most attention? Me
• Nicest one? Equal

It might be a bit early, but we included our holiday greeting too! #17Days2Go

Good Afternoon & Happy Monday!

Well, I'm ready to do whatever "this" might be, but not having

to get up @ 6:30am to get it done anymore is just fine with me!

🎄 Tree of Lights 2020 Ceremony

This invitation came in the mail a month ago regarding mom, and we just finished watching the ceremony. The families of all the patients who passed away this year, some from COVID-19, sent in a photo and brief statement about their loved one, which was shared during the program. We appreciated the music, prayers, and readings.

Every light on the tree honored a loved one lost and virtual candles were lit for each one of them. A candle litany was also read for hope, joy, love, memories, peace, strength, and tears. It was a very moving service.

We are grateful and thankful to the staff of Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice for everything they did to help mom during her final days of life, and the beautiful memory of this ceremony as well. Based on the remembrances that were shared, I know that she is in good company and would have been pleased that they were honored in such a special way. A lot of love and Merry Christmas wishes from this virtual gathering of families was sent up to heaven for all of them today!

COVID-19: T'was A Month Before Christmas

T'was a month before Christmas
and all through the town,
people wore masks
that covered their frown.

The frown had begun
way back in the Spring,
when a global pandemic
changed everything.

They called it Corona
but unlike the beer,
it didn’t bring good times,
it didn’t bring cheer.

Contagious and deadly
this virus spreads fast,
like a wildfire that starts
when fueled by gas.

Airplanes were grounded
and travel was banned.
Borders were closed
across air, sea, and land.

As the world entered lockdown
to flatten the curve,
the economy halted
and folks lost their verve.

From March to July
we rode the first wave.
People stayed home
and they tried to behave.

When summer emerged,
the lockdown was lifted.
But away from caution,
many folks drifted.

Now, it’s November
and cases are spiking.
Wave two has arrived,
much to our disliking.

Frontline workers,
doctors, and nurses,
try to save people
from riding in hearses.

It’s true, this year has
had sadness a plenty,
and we’ll never forget
the year 2020.

And, just ‘round the corner
is the holiday season.
But, why be merry?
Is there even one reason?

Why decorate the house
and put up the tree,
when no one will see it,
no one but me.

But, outside my window
the snow gently falls,
and I think to myself
let’s deck the halls!

So, I gathered the ribbon,
the garland, and bows,
as I play those old carols,
my happiness grows.

Christmas is not cancelled
and neither is hope.
If we lean on each other,
I know we can cope!

#DareToCareRepost

🥋 #BrownBeltBound

"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT THAT NEVER QUITS"

Karate Class Through The Looking Glass

COVID-19: Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

#OperationWarpSpeed

Well, what do you know! I originally posted this meme on November 30th and I heard on the news today that Operation Warp Speed finally came through with a vaccine. Good for them and better late than never, I always say. Now, THIS is the vaccine that #45 should take credit for and have named after him. Not the other 4 vaccines from private companies that he had absolutely nothing to do with! Just SMH...

⏳ #TBT I Was Xtra Good That Year!

  🎁 #SantaGaveMeLotsOfPresents

Since Christmas is only a few weeks away, I thought this would be timely. It's the one and only pic I ever took with Santa Claus from 1965 when I was 7 years old. I haven't seen it in decades and never knew what became of it. But, mom had it tucked away in a safe place and The Ghost of Christmas Past led me right to it. We were at Gimbels Department Store when it was on the corner of 8th & Market Streets. And, if you're not old enough to remember it, I don't need to know about it and you don't know what you missed. Those were the days when downtown Philly @ Christmas time was pure magic!

🎄 A Different Kind of Christmas

Before you start posting on social media that you’re done with your Christmas shopping, please remember:

* Some parents have lost their jobs and can’t make ends meet, never mind buying presents.

* Some parents had to take a salary cut and can only manage to pay bills.

* Some people have lost family members and Christmas won’t be the same without them.

* Some people don’t use the internet and have no idea how or when they will be able to shop now.

* Some people are fighting for their lives, so Christmas shopping is the last thing on their minds.

Never brag about material stuff. Keep thanking God for what He allows you to have because one day, you might be the one who has to go without.

For me this year, it's more important who is around the tree rather than what’s under it. I’m happy to be alive and healthy in 2020.

This Christmas will definitely be different for many families, so please offer assistance if you can and keep them in prayer. #DareToCareRepost

💙 It's Giving Tuesday!

Join the worldwide #GivingTuesday movement and help redefine the giving season by donating to the Greater Philadelphia Autism Society (ASA Philly). ASA Philly proudly supports the autism communities in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia counties. Please click on the image or use the hashtags to DONATE directly on the website. They are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of thousands affected by autism, their families, schools, communities, and partner organizations–it’s just what they do! Help them help all affected by autism! #AutismSupport

Meme of the Day

#BidenInauguration2021

Personal Trivia Challenge!

Just copy and paste this post, then replace my answers with your own. Don't forget to add a photo of yourself or one of your answers to the mix!

* Age Backward? 26, this is definitely off to a great start. I just dropped 36 years!

* Favorite Pie? Blueberry

* Steak or Seafood? Seafood

* Italian or Chinese? Chinese, especially dishes with shrimp!

* Pepsi or Coke? Neither, Mountain Dew please!

* Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

* How Many Tattoos? None

* Ever Hit A Deer? No, don't drive!

* Netflix or Hallmark? Netflix

* Last Text From? Daughter

* Favorite Season? Spring and Fall are tied, can't decide!

* Broken Bones? Yes

* Beach or Mountains? Beach

* Dogs or Cats? Both, can't decide!

* Early Morning Person? Definitely not, I'm nocturnal!

* Surgeries? 3

* Favorite Color? Black

* Ever Flown On A Plane? No, but I've flown "in" a plane. Could be a trick question!

* Beer or Wine? Neither, prefer fruity and sweet mixed drinks!

* Mild or Hot Salsa? Hot

* Waffles or Pancakes? Both, can't decide!

* Favorite Holiday? Christmas, Jesus is the reason for the season!

* Smooth or Crunchy Peanut Butter? Can't stand peanut butter but I love peanuts, especially southern boiled!

If you want to take this challenge, have at it!