Christmas Photo Dump

I'm trying, folks.

My jaw hit the floor when I saw this print. I had to have it. Please, with all that's going on these days with art theft and harmful NFTs, take the narrow road and support real art and real artists. Thanks.

I was gifted this coloring book. I'm learning how to draw Manga and thought it would help. If you haven't seen the Eva series, it will wreck your soul, but it's mind-blowing, especially if you have an appreciation for Psychology like I do. Fair warning, it is mature content. If you watch Neon Genesis and don't want to protect Shinji Ikari with your entire being, you are truly dead inside.

I decided to stick with desserts this year for Christmas. I gave them to neighbors.

My late uncle's holiday tree is being well taken care of.

I didn't do too bad of a job with the tree. The presents fit nicely. The only one I wrapped is a Nintendo Switch game called Shin Megami Tensei V. I've been watching voice actor Casey Mongillo play it on Twitch (they voice the protagonist, named Nahobino) and it is a gorgeous game. I had Amazon gift cards accumulated for donating blood, so I was able to redeem them to buy it.

Absolutely stunning print of N and Reshiram from Pokemon (same one I showed above)

Scorbunny <3

You know you're chronically ill when you buy electrolyte supplements for Christmas

Pound cake with cream cheese icing, for my bro and his family

I still have a lot to talk about regarding my health and personal life, but it will have to wait a few days. There's a lot going on.

 

A Hard Christmas

 

I overdid it on the bread-baking a little bit.

It was enjoyed, though.

MawMaw's couch, which I spend a great deal of time on, has a new cover.

This white chocolate sunflower walnut bark was awesome.

I tried my best to be in the Christmas spirit.

In reality, I was broken. I had learned of someone's death from COVID at midnight, and didn't sleep. I was in severe pain, risking my health, and feeling very much like I should have stayed in bed. I didn't last long. I ate a plate of food, gave my gifts, and went home. I cried most of the time I was awake.

The days leading up to Christmas were more pleasant. I was still in severe pain, because I always am. That never changes. But, I was able to participate in several online santa exchanges, sending gifts to a few people, and receiving a few gifts in return. I'm not going to bother with pictures. I'm tired. I also made a lot of candy and desserts, and passed them around to family and friends, as usual.

Kayla sent a grocery gift card. John sent an online Nintendo game subscription. I have snacks, and I may never leave my home again now that I'll have unlimited access to Super Mario Bros.

I also received an unexpected $100 from a page on Twitter that trolls the psychotic new site Parler. I laugh at some of the stuff they post, although most of it is very troubling, as it is extremist nationalism. I do not have an account there, mind you, I am only following the Tweeter that makes fun of Parler. At any rate, that person, who asks to remain anonymous, sent me and a dozen others $100, which was very kind, and incredibly needed since I had $15.00 in the bank at that moment. I also received some $$$ from a dear friend after Christmas, which has also been a tremendous help. I appreciate that at times when I am struggling, people appear in my life who lift me up, whether financially or otherwise. I don't take that for granted, and I do everything I can to pay it forward as often as I am able to.

This hasn't been the worst Christmas by any stretch. I've been through way worse, including bedbound illness, homelessness, and more. I don't want to think about it or talk about it, but I recall enough to maintain the perspective that I am currently safe and surviving, albeit, in poor physical condition.

I am grateful, and I will keep trying.

Christmas 2019 In Pictures

Family,

a few selfies,

a new doggie,

the best kitty,

road trips,

lots of sweets,

and silly girls.

I’m thankful to have survived another Christmas.

We’ll have at least one new baby to dote on next time.

Aunt Kelli will keep you posted. :)

Today Is The Day For... #1 (Carpe Diem Journal)

Today is the day for preparing for Christmas.

It doesn't feel like Christmas. Two loved ones have died within seven days of each other. I missed my student/friend Mark's funeral because my car isn't running well. It hurts, because I know he would have been at my funeral had it been me to die first. He was too young, and I'm sorry for his family.
Zollie, my brother's father in law, was the sweetest man you'd ever meet. He told me only a few weeks ago that he had "adopted" me as one of his girls. I told him I was honored. Now he's gone. The funeral is the 27th. I don't think Christmas will ever be the same. It certainly won't for his real daughters.
My stepfather has the flu, but is thankfully recovering. I panic when I think about losing him someday. Sometimes my anxiety and depression barge in when I think about it. I'm trying to tell myself to stop grieving over people who are still alive. I'm grateful he's here. I don't see him much anymore, but I'm glad he's doing ok and living his life as he wishes.
It's 3 A.M. so I guess I will try to nap before cooking for tomorrow's Christmas dinner. I don't feel like celebrating, but those who have gone from this Earth would want me to.

A little bit of Christmas, in Pictures

I entered the holiday door contest. :-)

(Edit Note: I won! LOL)

I made goodies...mmmm!

(I also cooked a feast, but forgot to take pics!)

I received some really nice gifts from friends and family.

This isn't everything, but many thanks to all who thought of me.

And I...nope. Just kidding. That's not my hand! Haha!

It's my brother's girlfriend's hand. They are finally getting

hitched! I'm happy that I was present for the proposal. :-)

I crashed early, and had to spend the rest of Christmas in bed.

I hated not carpooling to Pensacola, but my body was struggling.

I accomplished most of my plans, however, and I'm ok with that.

I was determined to fight depression and embrace the season.

I cooked, visited folks, bought a few gifts with the little money I had,

and, in spite of my unstable muscles, I had a successful holiday overall.

I hope you all did too, faithful readers.