So Many Photos

I've been trying to scan all many prints. I'm almost done. Some early prints are from college - very fun memories - my first niece as a baby. Ma and Mom. One of many first Dyke Marches. I'm definitely a "saver" like my moms. I can't believe that I saved SO many notes and cards from now over 30 years ago! Some of the great ones are from middle school where bff and I must have dedicated a whole spiral bound notebook and we'd pass it along to each other. Folding over pages when we were done. It was really cute. The silly things we said, although at the time I'm sure they were entirely serious and dramatic for us.

And then there the "love letters" and even break up letters. I actually found a few items of an old boyfriend, tracked him down, and sent him the stuff. I thought he'd be thrilled about getting his old baseball hat and a drawing he made me. I know I would be. But, alas, I guess he's been over me. Obviously. My spouse said, he's probably not responding due to his wife. Too bad, because I really liked the memories and then the thought of even talking again. Oh well. Letting it gooooo...

Various photos and slides I found

A Different Christmas

This Christmas, Mom and I jokingly called our "poverty stricken" Christmas. For Mom, who is now a severely limited income until her house sells, not being able to buy presents for her grandkids, friends, and family is like torture. I could tell this as she lamented that she only had one gift to give me and others. That she just couldn't get out to shop since she didn't have the van to drive and even if she did - she just has no money.

Although like most, I like a small gift or two, but I also have hated the commercialism and capitalism that comes with most holidays. There's just so many other better ways to spend money.

While it's hard for Mom, I am sure that most people in America and around the world wish they had more money to buy gifts for loved ones. And that this feeling is a common and annual feeling.

When the house sells, Mom will have a little bit more - so that she can give. But for now, I hope she can just be thankful for the health she has as well as her friends and family that love her with or without a present.

Have a Very Merry Gendered Christmas

Oh TJs - that's what me and my spouse call Trader Joe's.  Known for cute once and awhile seasonal items. Inexpensive yet quality.  I recently saw these mini-gingerbread MEN cookies. I says thought they were gender neutral, but seems very clear that these cookies are men! Why TJs, why? Don't you know that gendering things only makes them problematic?

The next thing I looked for was the women. Didn't see them. Putting a skirt on these time told cookies would just be weird. Keep them gender neutral!