luscious_purple: Julia, the Maine Coon Cat (Julia)
luscious_purple ([personal profile] luscious_purple) wrote2022-01-10 09:16 pm

First post of the new year

Hey, it's about time. Five things make a post.

1. Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of my dear mother's passing. I remember my parents' 25th wedding anniversary -- red roses, silver-colored gifts, firecrackers and Roman candles. There are no such general symbols for a death anniversary. I volunteered to light the chalice during yesterday's Sunday service (on Zoom). It seemed the best way to honor her.

2. Saturday I ventured out to the local town cinema -- first time to a movie theater in almost two years! -- to see the new West Side Story on the wide screen. It was every bit a visual feast as you would expect from the pairing of one of the all-time great director-cinematographer teams, plus the music was exquisite. I have loved this music since I danced to "I Feel Pretty" in my preschool ballet class. No matter what you might think of the plot or the general artificiality of a movie (or staged) musical, you have to admit that the music is some of the most sublime ever written. I'm so sorry this film is now considered a "box-office bomb."

3. I have been spending money like crazy. New eyeglasses (first since the summer of 2013), vet exam and blood/urine tests for Julia (who is now a senior kitty), new muffler and tailpipe for the noisy car. Whew. Hard come, easy go.

4. I am SO. INCREDIBLY. TIRED. of this covid-19 pandemic. None of the organizations to which I belong can meet in person this month because of the omicron surge. Atlantia is "shut down" until January 21; Storvik is taking the entire month of January off. Church is soldiering on with Zoom meetings. Same with Toastmasters. People are fed up with virtual this and online that. My local science writers' group had its second online holiday gala last month and attendance was barely two dozen instead of the usual 150 or so. No wonder people drive like entitled maniacs and treat strangers so poorly when they do manage to leave their hidey-holes. We are all losing social capital.

5. Just now, as I was writing the above, I heard a crash in the condo. The little wooden shelf in the dining room fell off the wall. It's the little wooden shelf I gave Mom for her 75th birthday. Is it a sign??

Over and out....
fauxklore: (Default)

[personal profile] fauxklore 2022-01-11 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
In Jewish tradition, we mark death anniversaries by lighting a yahrzeit candle (a small votive sort of candle in a glass jar that burns for over 24 hours) and reciting the Mourner's Kaddish in synagogue.

And, not do I relate to the pandemic fatigue.
ursulas_alcove: 19th century engraving of a woman using a drop spindle (Default)

It's been rough

[personal profile] ursulas_alcove 2022-01-14 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
I am with you on this. The cancellations are necessary, but boy, does it hurt. No income at all is where I am at. I am lucky to have friends making sure I survive. Meanwhile, my mother's death anniversary is also approaching, 6 years. My grandmother passed January 30th long ago now and my mother passed February 1st. I'm glad you got to light the candle. It seems very fitting.
Edited 2022-01-14 02:17 (UTC)