Happy Monday, dear reader. I hope you had a weekend filled with everything you needed, whether it was peace and relaxation or the energy to engage in fun-filled festive activities. This weekend was the kind of weekend I find overwhelming. Saturday was an over-scheduled day filled with juggling five different commitments. As my daughter grows older, her list of activities and obligations complicates my schedule. I love to see her become involved in projects she is passionate about. However, our busy schedules don't always allow me to be as present as I would like.
The Bean was participating in a play for Santa's Breakfast hosted by our school district on Saturday. Although her role was the narrator, and she convinced me I was not missing out on a Grammy-worthy performance on her part, I felt terrible about not being able to attend. She went to her play, and The Bibbed Wonder and I went to Lone Oak Farm to take part in their Merry Local Christmas event. We enjoy this annual event because it is filled with many of our vendor friends and supports dozens of small local businesses. Our friend, Jenna, was also out and about representing The Smiling Goat Soap Company on Saturday.
Jenna attended the Indiana County Faire's holiday event at the S & T Arena. My funny and outgoing friend dressed in her Buddy the Elf costume and represented us in a festive holiday fashion. I admire Jenna's outgoing personality and winning sense of humor. She also makes an impressive and hilarious Buddy the Elf. Next holiday season, I think we need to create a photo booth with an Elf-themed backdrop that reads: Jenna the Elf, What's Your Favorite Soap? I would be thrilled to have my photo taken with Jenna dressed as Buddy.
While The Bibbed Wonder and Jenna continued representing The Smiling Goat Soap Company at these fantastic local events, I had to duck out for a more somber occasion. On November 5, a friend and former classmate passed away, and I wanted to pay my respects to her family and attend her celebration of life. Although we were not close friends in high school, we reconnected over the past few years and found friendship. My friend Janeen was a bright light. Her smile was one of the most beautiful smiles I have seen. Janeen could be fiery and feisty, but she was also so brilliant and kind. She was a tremendous advocate for adopting and rehabilitating rescue dogs. While her rescue dogs were her passion, her extensive work in laboratories helped infertile couples, and she helped the medical community to understand Covid-19 better. We talked extensively, often having conversations that lasted four to five hours. I am so happy I could connect with her, but I am sad this opportunity ended so quickly. The world is a little less bright without Janeen.
After the memorial, I had to rush home to attend another annual event we look forward to: our friend Jamie's Christmas party. Jamie and Eric were friends in elementary school and reconnected a few years ago. We joyfully anticipate Jamie's party. Jamie invites the same families year after year, and Eric and I now look forward to seeing them, as well as Jamie and her family. It is not a wild and crazy party. Instead, it is a collection of friends who sit around talking about what happened in the past year, and we play a card game. This year, the game of choice was Cards Against Humanity. Oy! is all I can say about that. It's a good thing the little kids enjoy playing in another room, and the teens are too involved in their devices to care what the "old heads" are up to. Although wildly inappropriate, it was hilarious and fun.
Despite the hustle of five different events happening at once, I enjoyed myself immensely at Lone Oak and Jamies. Although paying my respects to my friend and honoring her life filled my day with sadness, I was happy to do so. As we approach the holiday, I appreciate the little moments just a bit more. It's the connections that truly matter, which is what I appreciate about the holiday season. Whether connecting with my soap family at local events, attending a party filled with new friends, or paying respects to old ones, I realize the human connection makes the holidays special.
I hope, dear reader, that you, too, have an opportunity to make important connections and realize just how special they are. On this warm but rainy December day, stay safe, be smart, and be sure to connect this holiday season. Appreciate those who brighten your world, and keep washing your hands.
Comments