Some days you just need to take a moment for yourself. Today was one of those days for me, and I did precisely that this afternoon when things cleared up at work. I’ve discussed my loved of cheesy holiday romance movies before—today I watched Eight Gifts, a-Hanukkah themed movie, while I put together our new tinsel Christmas tree together. I’m not particularly handy, so this was a major accomplishment for me, and I’m still feeling quite proud.
I saw a cartoon a couple days ago with a fallen Christmas tree. The caption read, “If a tree falls and no one’s home to hear it, what sound does it make?” with a sound bubble coming from the tree saying, “MEOW!”
I saw a meme with a picture of a very guilty looking dog sitting in front of a Christmas Tree laying on the floor. It said “I’m so glad you’re home - the tree fainted”! 🤣
My son sent me that one! And it WAS funny - as with the one with the cat. I have to say there are LOTS and LOTS of those out there - much more fun & interesting than the current orange bobblehead!
Not very funny to me since I adopted a ferrell cat that's used to running around outside being...well...ferrell. But somehow she has turned into quite a civil feline enjoying the tree as she sits in the living room window. Miracles do happen. Must be all the time I've spent playing rock, and stick, and throwing her toy mice to wear her out.
Delightful photos! thanks for sharing with us, and enjoy your evening. You deserve all the best and are truly appreciated by all of us for the perspective you bring to current events. Much love to you and your family!
Inexplicably, I wept after reading your wonderful words. In wondering why, I think it comes down to the sorrow of what our country is going through since the tRump years--Covid, the hate and division, racism, women fleeing their home states to seek medical attention, the specter of a tyrant being elected to forever change our country, imagining life in Ukraine and war-torn countries, wanting/needing to celebrate holidays absent departed loved ones. Your message of self care is so timely and we so appreciate the hope you bring. Thank you for your thoughtful and sometimes humorous and always heartfelt messages to know we aren’t alone but are “in this together”.
Diana, Having read more than once through your listing of disturbing trends, my mind kept returning to Joyce referencing Vindman’s words “here, right matters,” and they struck me as the bulwark of the Constitutional order our collective efforts will aim, in 24, to preserve. Meantime, blessings to all who are “in this together.”
In agreement with Vindman's words this post is added as just an awareness that although the military has recent history of a republican lean it is not because the military isn't about Democracy, but because the republican's have taught them to hate liberal ideas of Democracy and true "Right". The post Vietnam era has many vets remembering the seething hate towards troops in the 60's and still finds its visceral response against "Right" as liberal vs. "Right" as religiosity and control of liberals.
They've forgotten WWII.
That said, the preamble to the American Legion (The largest Veteran's org) includes:
- To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
- To make right the master of might;
- To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
- To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
Many have fought and sacrificed for these ideals.
I believe the 2024 election is entirely about our Democracy vs. the wishes of some for strongman to "make right". The republican's can't shake their want for power to rule.
Many vets are seeing the truth, but still much work to go. May "Right" in the court of law deliver justice against the tyranny laid before us by a power hungry, criminal narcissist.
AND, in a win, the Republican effort to insert language in the recently passed NDAA, that would have barred service members from contacting the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) with complaints about efforts by religious right-wing service members to proselytize on-duty members, was stripped in the Senate. [Talk about First Amendment violation!]
I recommend everyone to check out the MRFF website to learn about some of the egregious proselytizing that seemingly goes on every day in every branch of the service. https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/
Agree, 12/12/2023. It’s beyond the pale and very illegal, and very divisive to troop cohesion. So interesting of timing to try to insert that. The gop really want their Theocracy.
“ MRFF demands that the USMC leadership on board Camp Pendleton take immediate action to, (1) both acknowledge and confirm this unconstitutional disaster to the Battalion members and; (2) acknowledge and confirm that your USMC leadership will immediately take actions to remediate and fix it..”
Bill, I write to clarify, in my view, that Vindman’s words “Here, right matters” signal our not having to hesitate to take a stand against forces that threaten our democracy. I would, however, add that Vindman cautioned that right matters here, but only if we make it matter.
I agree and many are trying really hard to make it matter. Chomping at the bit to vote them out. They’ve been itching for the fight in real physical terms to claim the “ANTIFA” are the problem and are working extreme measures to avoid accountability at the voting box.
I pray “right matters” in our courts sooner than later.
Community is important, and we are building one here. I learned of Joyce through Heather Cox Richardson, and Red, Wine,& Blue. Then there is No Lie With Bri, Brian Tyler Cohen, Midas Touch, and Robert Reich. So many others, and of course all of us. Out of many, one. United we stand. Sound familiar? We truly are in this together. Share the news and information everywhere you can. Happy Holidays!
I really enjoyed this post, especially all the pictures. As a Jew who loves Christmas and was always a little miffed (as a child) not to have a tree, I love seeing your menorah amongst the trees. Happy Holidays, Joyce. You help keep us informed and sane.
Oh, and sweet little Tofu. That is probably my favorite picture, accompanied by thoughts of him trying to bring the tree down... Keep us posted on how long it lasts! :)
I give the tree until this weekend. I've tried trees with cats before, and now the only one I'll consider is those fancy trees they hang upside down from the ceiling. I think some high-end retail store did this, somewhere, and I thought it a novel idea...but, it might be cat-proof! (might)
Our two cats love to sit under the tree while they believe they are camouflaged in the forest waiting for their prey. We’ve lost a few bulbs over the years, but those breakages were only accidental as they sniffed the decorations.
The cristlaly ones or those aluminum ones? We still had a few lead ones left over from my grandparents first Christmas tree in 1918. 😉 So, yes, I’m old enough.
When I read the words, "Tofu the demon cat", I thought what a great title! For... an animated cartoon? a YouTube series? I think Tofu, who embodies the mischievous cat who everyone loves, should take his place alongside Garfield in those single-panel drawings that capture and say it all.
Tofu the demon cat: Uh-oh... what did he do today?
My son and I each have a "version" of Tofu - his with long hair but both with the same look in their eyes! Black cats are special all by themselves! Actually Smurf is the first black cat I have ever had.
I love that you always sign, “We’re in this together.”
It makes me feel like I am not so alone in my concern, as indeed, I am not. So sorry you lost your Mom. We are all too young to be motherless children, no matter how old we are when we lose them. Grieve gently, for it will ease.
My husband and I are currently watching the Netflix series, World War II: From the Frontlines which consists entirely of colorized videos and newsreels from the war. Last evening, we were pleased to hear Churchill say, “We’re in this together!”
Hi Joyce! I’m a member of a mixed marriage too and my husband and I and our 3 children have SO much FUN lighting our menorah together with all our Hebrew AND decorating our BIG and small Christmas trees and celebrating and finding deep meaning in everything, especially this year, with so many people still held hostage in Israel. We have family in Israel, so we closely follow the news from there daily! Lots of love and joy to you and your family, Joyce, and to our whole world!!!!!!!! ✡️🩷
I LOVE your tree and ......TOFU!!❤️ I am a psychotherapist and work through the holidays ....for those like you mentioned, have a difficult time of it. I am happy to hear you are taking care of yourself and your family as well! LOVE your analysis on MSNBC and the sisters podcast; keep making it real with the love you have for us and our country!
"Man's inhumanity to man is not only perpetrated by the vitriolic actions of those who are bad. It is also perpetrated by the vitiating inaction of those who are good." - MLK Jr.
In 1972, my former husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Ireland. At one point we toured the inside of a church where an elderly sacristan was showing a side altar to another couple. A portrait of the late President John F. Kennedy was mounted nearby. The sacristan sighed and said to the couple. "Ah, President Kennedy - he was lovely to look at and to listen to."
I love the tree! Besides, if you don't do anything but beautiful golden chickens and warm knitted things your whole life, it's not a wasted investigation of being human.
You are able to take the complex and turn it into the comprehensible, and the amount you can express in the short time, is --well-- breathtaking. It's funny, we have never met, but you have been in our living room hundreds of times, always sensible and calm. Thank you for all your hard work. From an admirer, a public health doc in California.
Lovely!! Last weekend we went to the Southside- Forest Park Hanukah potluck on Saturday , then Lessons and Carols at Advent on Sunday (my grandchildren are in the choir). Then pizza and decorating the Xmas tree after we sang the blessings and lit the Hanukah candles. The best of both worlds!!
The cats and the baby (2 year old COVID surprise) haven't destroyed anything -- yet!!
I saw a cartoon a couple days ago with a fallen Christmas tree. The caption read, “If a tree falls and no one’s home to hear it, what sound does it make?” with a sound bubble coming from the tree saying, “MEOW!”
I saw a meme with a picture of a very guilty looking dog sitting in front of a Christmas Tree laying on the floor. It said “I’m so glad you’re home - the tree fainted”! 🤣
My son sent me that one! And it WAS funny - as with the one with the cat. I have to say there are LOTS and LOTS of those out there - much more fun & interesting than the current orange bobblehead!
Let's hope that Jay Kuo will include both of these in his "Xeets & Giggles" this week. Or next.....
A friend posted that picture yesterday and it made me laugh out loud!
Good one! A zenny holiday to you, Sam.
Not very funny to me since I adopted a ferrell cat that's used to running around outside being...well...ferrell. But somehow she has turned into quite a civil feline enjoying the tree as she sits in the living room window. Miracles do happen. Must be all the time I've spent playing rock, and stick, and throwing her toy mice to wear her out.
Delightful photos! thanks for sharing with us, and enjoy your evening. You deserve all the best and are truly appreciated by all of us for the perspective you bring to current events. Much love to you and your family!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, and restful, and joyful, Joyce!
E. Jean! Gigantic hugs and holiday good wishes to you, wonderful human!
-Mimi
Thank you for your courage! You are a hero in my eyes!
Inexplicably, I wept after reading your wonderful words. In wondering why, I think it comes down to the sorrow of what our country is going through since the tRump years--Covid, the hate and division, racism, women fleeing their home states to seek medical attention, the specter of a tyrant being elected to forever change our country, imagining life in Ukraine and war-torn countries, wanting/needing to celebrate holidays absent departed loved ones. Your message of self care is so timely and we so appreciate the hope you bring. Thank you for your thoughtful and sometimes humorous and always heartfelt messages to know we aren’t alone but are “in this together”.
Diana, Having read more than once through your listing of disturbing trends, my mind kept returning to Joyce referencing Vindman’s words “here, right matters,” and they struck me as the bulwark of the Constitutional order our collective efforts will aim, in 24, to preserve. Meantime, blessings to all who are “in this together.”
In agreement with Vindman's words this post is added as just an awareness that although the military has recent history of a republican lean it is not because the military isn't about Democracy, but because the republican's have taught them to hate liberal ideas of Democracy and true "Right". The post Vietnam era has many vets remembering the seething hate towards troops in the 60's and still finds its visceral response against "Right" as liberal vs. "Right" as religiosity and control of liberals.
They've forgotten WWII.
That said, the preamble to the American Legion (The largest Veteran's org) includes:
- To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
- To make right the master of might;
- To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
- To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
Many have fought and sacrificed for these ideals.
I believe the 2024 election is entirely about our Democracy vs. the wishes of some for strongman to "make right". The republican's can't shake their want for power to rule.
Many vets are seeing the truth, but still much work to go. May "Right" in the court of law deliver justice against the tyranny laid before us by a power hungry, criminal narcissist.
K/r,
Happy Holidays
AND, in a win, the Republican effort to insert language in the recently passed NDAA, that would have barred service members from contacting the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) with complaints about efforts by religious right-wing service members to proselytize on-duty members, was stripped in the Senate. [Talk about First Amendment violation!]
I recommend everyone to check out the MRFF website to learn about some of the egregious proselytizing that seemingly goes on every day in every branch of the service. https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/
Agree, 12/12/2023. It’s beyond the pale and very illegal, and very divisive to troop cohesion. So interesting of timing to try to insert that. The gop really want their Theocracy.
“ MRFF demands that the USMC leadership on board Camp Pendleton take immediate action to, (1) both acknowledge and confirm this unconstitutional disaster to the Battalion members and; (2) acknowledge and confirm that your USMC leadership will immediately take actions to remediate and fix it..”
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/12/14/2211685/-Beyond-outrageous-Marine-colonel-commands-Wounded-Warrior-Battalion-to-be-healed-by-Jesus
Bill, I write to clarify, in my view, that Vindman’s words “Here, right matters” signal our not having to hesitate to take a stand against forces that threaten our democracy. I would, however, add that Vindman cautioned that right matters here, but only if we make it matter.
I agree and many are trying really hard to make it matter. Chomping at the bit to vote them out. They’ve been itching for the fight in real physical terms to claim the “ANTIFA” are the problem and are working extreme measures to avoid accountability at the voting box.
I pray “right matters” in our courts sooner than later.
Community is important, and we are building one here. I learned of Joyce through Heather Cox Richardson, and Red, Wine,& Blue. Then there is No Lie With Bri, Brian Tyler Cohen, Midas Touch, and Robert Reich. So many others, and of course all of us. Out of many, one. United we stand. Sound familiar? We truly are in this together. Share the news and information everywhere you can. Happy Holidays!
Amen ..
I really enjoyed this post, especially all the pictures. As a Jew who loves Christmas and was always a little miffed (as a child) not to have a tree, I love seeing your menorah amongst the trees. Happy Holidays, Joyce. You help keep us informed and sane.
Oh, and sweet little Tofu. That is probably my favorite picture, accompanied by thoughts of him trying to bring the tree down... Keep us posted on how long it lasts! :)
I give the tree until this weekend. I've tried trees with cats before, and now the only one I'll consider is those fancy trees they hang upside down from the ceiling. I think some high-end retail store did this, somewhere, and I thought it a novel idea...but, it might be cat-proof! (might)
Our two cats love to sit under the tree while they believe they are camouflaged in the forest waiting for their prey. We’ve lost a few bulbs over the years, but those breakages were only accidental as they sniffed the decorations.
Are you old enough to remember "icycles"? Having to put them from both ends of a cat sort puts a downer on Christmas!
The cristlaly ones or those aluminum ones? We still had a few lead ones left over from my grandparents first Christmas tree in 1918. 😉 So, yes, I’m old enough.
Not THAT old!! But I sure do remember the christally ones! THOSE were the ones! I think my old cats did too!!
PULL them!!!
When I read the words, "Tofu the demon cat", I thought what a great title! For... an animated cartoon? a YouTube series? I think Tofu, who embodies the mischievous cat who everyone loves, should take his place alongside Garfield in those single-panel drawings that capture and say it all.
Tofu the demon cat: Uh-oh... what did he do today?
My son and I each have a "version" of Tofu - his with long hair but both with the same look in their eyes! Black cats are special all by themselves! Actually Smurf is the first black cat I have ever had.
Suzanne - Your words, "You help keep us informed and sane," couldn't have been better spoken."
Thank you..
I love that you always sign, “We’re in this together.”
It makes me feel like I am not so alone in my concern, as indeed, I am not. So sorry you lost your Mom. We are all too young to be motherless children, no matter how old we are when we lose them. Grieve gently, for it will ease.
My husband and I are currently watching the Netflix series, World War II: From the Frontlines which consists entirely of colorized videos and newsreels from the war. Last evening, we were pleased to hear Churchill say, “We’re in this together!”
I love that too.
Thanks, Joyce. We love you. And we are indeed in this together.
Robert - I cannot begin to think of a better group of people to "be in this with!"
Hi Joyce! I’m a member of a mixed marriage too and my husband and I and our 3 children have SO much FUN lighting our menorah together with all our Hebrew AND decorating our BIG and small Christmas trees and celebrating and finding deep meaning in everything, especially this year, with so many people still held hostage in Israel. We have family in Israel, so we closely follow the news from there daily! Lots of love and joy to you and your family, Joyce, and to our whole world!!!!!!!! ✡️🩷
Rosemarie, I hope your family is safe. My nieces, nephews and grandnephews and grandnieces are there. Sunday I send my sister off to be with them
Rosemarie was my mother's name - so pretty. Lovely sentiments, too
I LOVE your tree and ......TOFU!!❤️ I am a psychotherapist and work through the holidays ....for those like you mentioned, have a difficult time of it. I am happy to hear you are taking care of yourself and your family as well! LOVE your analysis on MSNBC and the sisters podcast; keep making it real with the love you have for us and our country!
Ho, ho, hope!
"Man's inhumanity to man is not only perpetrated by the vitriolic actions of those who are bad. It is also perpetrated by the vitiating inaction of those who are good." - MLK Jr.
Even though it is clear by now that Burke is unlikely to have made this observation, no one has ever been able to determine who did.
Kennedy blamed E. Burke for it:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2006/06/04/ask-not-where-this-quote-came-from/ca3a139f-0060-477e-9693-48b08f6d0e20/#
He was a conservative, that's why.
Thank you for this link. It’s absolutely lovely !
In 1972, my former husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Ireland. At one point we toured the inside of a church where an elderly sacristan was showing a side altar to another couple. A portrait of the late President John F. Kennedy was mounted nearby. The sacristan sighed and said to the couple. "Ah, President Kennedy - he was lovely to look at and to listen to."
I love the tree! Besides, if you don't do anything but beautiful golden chickens and warm knitted things your whole life, it's not a wasted investigation of being human.
Dear Joyce, (if i may, counselor),
You are able to take the complex and turn it into the comprehensible, and the amount you can express in the short time, is --well-- breathtaking. It's funny, we have never met, but you have been in our living room hundreds of times, always sensible and calm. Thank you for all your hard work. From an admirer, a public health doc in California.
And a yuuge lump of coal for everyone's fav criminal defendant.
Give him a whole train car.
Perhaps we could bury him under the train car (and under all the coal, of course)??
That's an excellent idea.
Awww, thanks, Charlie!!
You're welcome.
I'm still trying to picture tfg without that cut up suit on. Hope he's wearing underwear. Ugh..the thought.
🤢🤢🤮🤮
Charlie - If it were to help the cause, I would gladly donate $50.00+tax towards the purchase of the coal and/or $50.00+tax to rent a coal car..
Joyce, love your photos! Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas! 🌺🌸🌺
Continued prayers for the holidays to bring some peace to all of us.
Thanks and prayers to you and your family. We are grateful for your wise counsel🙏🏼☮️🎄🐓🤶🏻
Lovely!! Last weekend we went to the Southside- Forest Park Hanukah potluck on Saturday , then Lessons and Carols at Advent on Sunday (my grandchildren are in the choir). Then pizza and decorating the Xmas tree after we sang the blessings and lit the Hanukah candles. The best of both worlds!!
The cats and the baby (2 year old COVID surprise) haven't destroyed anything -- yet!!