Ash Wednesday

It's Ash Wednesday.... the day that so many give up a certain personal addiction for 40 days and 40 nights. I think this idea is fantastic. I am not a religious person and honestly I have no earthly idea what the original meaning to this ritual is. Although the ability to exhibit control over something that controls you in some form or fashion is very intriguing. As I sit here writing and sipping wine ( a 2006 syrah blend at that) I suppose I could give up wine for 40 days and 40 nights... I have the fortunate ability to be able to indulge occasionally. I enjoy the taste and it gets me silly.... lack of control? I don't think so. Although I can definitely see the temptation in losing yourself every day into something that makes you feel a tad bit different. I could give that up for 40 days... but I don't think so.

Chocolate.. mmmm. Sensual creamy blocks of yumminess that fits between your teeth and savored to all capacities.... I could give that up. But I'm still not sure why. My waistline could tell you why, but I won't let it talk!

I could give up Social Networking.  Filling my days with checking in on those near and far and constant updates to my happenings often with pictures accompanying. I could... but... this technology allows me to be virtually closer to those that can not physically be.

So, what... what can I give up and why?  I can't think of a thing... because I live my life in such a way that everything I do has some sort of meaning to it. I'm already trying to ditch the fast food and junk.  I try to cook more and eat out less... I try not to over exert myself in needless what-nots. My only weaknesses and addictions are to people I love and the emotions I receive in return for making them happy.

So, this Ash Wednesday (even though I am not Catholic and respect those who are to the fullest) instead of giving up something... I will give. For the next 40 days and 40 nights.. I will give .. to those I love and to those in my community I barely brush lives with.  I'm not exactly sure how I will go about this, although I will report back regularly! I'll begin tomorrow.. with the obvious Valentine's Day! One of my favorite days of giving for the year.

Happy taking away and happy giving to all!

2013

It's okay to laugh at me... my cat laughs at me all the time. Especially when I get mad at him for walking underneath ladders and walking on cracks in the sidewalks.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am powered by symbolism and signs.  I don't like to say "superstitious" but there really is no explainable word for my character otherwise.  So, Hollie the Superstitious Weirdo. I will answer to that. I've been trying to figure out what fuels that part of my personality.  I suppose it could be control. Subconsciously I like to feel as if I had a certain amount of control on life around me and what happens in my future. In ways, monetarily, I do. Work hard... be responsible... use my manners.. respect people. All those important wonderful traits I parentally beat into my children daily. However there is a certain comfort in the idea of spiritually persuading the odds in our favor.  I have been this way since I can remember..... ridiculous idea that something I did or didn't do could twist my fate. To this day, in my 33 years on this Earth... I will not walk under a ladder, I freak out when someone opens an umbrella indoors. I HAVE to eat a piece of the birthday cake... I always hold my breath driving through tunnels, I put my hand on the roof of the car while driving through a yellow light. I wish on falling stars... loose eye lashes. I knock on wood religiously and always tell those I love to drive safe and I love you when they leave me. ALWAYS.  I may not really be able to control much but for some odd reason.. it sets my heart at ease that by saying those words I have done what I can to protect you with my thoughts.


This part of my personality has become very evident as I am beginning to plan this wedding.  This one event that will spur a new chapter of my life being joined with another is a prime recipe for wishings of luck, happiness and prosperity. Right down to the day we choose.... it will need to be a blessed lucky date.

Going along with superstitions are horoscopes and anything of that category. Today is the new year of the Snake.  I hope the snake brings me tricky ways to maneuver around challenges and showers me with love and happiness. The snake may seem like a derogatory animal... slithering.. sneaky, lethal but it is also is intuitive, intelligent and will empower those around them to achieve what they want. I hope the metaphoric snake in my life (even though I do NOT like snakes... heebie jeebies...) will empower me to speak up, to do what I feel is right for my family and I and to not be a push-over. I hope good things will come to us and I most certainly hope that love will be felt by all!

Happy Lunar New Year world!