Category: Holidays

Chew on This for Valentine’s Day

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Chew on This for Valentine’s Day

Chew on This for Valentine’s Day

Editor: Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m hope everyone finds a diamond in their soup.

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

All That Glitters

I am a simple kind of girl – give me some plain ol’ chocolates in a velvet heart-shaped box with a big ribbon and an even bigger diamond, then I am content. As long as my chocolate confections come with a little something sparkly, I am happy.  My husband is big on placing jewelry in food – nothing says romance like a cracked molar and expensive, extensive dental work…

Cuisine Creative

My first diamond cocktail ring arrived in a dish of carrots because it was a “1 carat” ring.  My engagement ring was presented, much to the delight of the charming waitress at Red Lobster, in a plate of mussels – my husband’s theory was since pearls come in oysters, diamonds can come in mussels.  Another diamond ring embedded in tiramisu (ladyfingers…) appeared at our favorite Italian restaurant.  A sapphire ring came atop a cupcake; my diamond and sapphire wedding set was encased in a miniature pink gumball machine.  Hmm, I wonder what I’ll find topping our heart-shaped pizza this year (hint, hint…).  Fortunately, I never broke a tooth on or ingested any of this jewelry, so I don’t have any trips to the emergency room stories to share.

He Shelled Out…

So I asked my spouse to get me something expensive and rare this Valentine’s Day. I am enjoying my dozen eggs – I might just bake him a cake with them. Maybe once “The Donald” leaves office, I can get a heart shaped box of Whitman chocolates, a pink stuffed bear (just not Trumpy Bear), and a dozen long stem roses instead.

The Good Ol’ Days

I was looking over some vintage Valentine’s Day ads recently – they sure bring back memories of Whitman samplers, red dresses with Peter Pan collars, and those adorable little valentines with the small white rectangle envelopes that have a lick strip straight across the top that we were forced to give to everyone in our classroom, whether you liked them or not. I would wear my crimson velvet dress with shiny black Mary Jane’s and the requisite white socks trimmed in lace, a big red bow in my hair. With giggly anticipation, every little girl in kindergarten and first grade awaited the pile of white envelopes on our desk top.

Sugar Rush

The red napkins came next, then frosted vanilla cupcakes with pink sprinkles and gumdrop hearts, topped with sugar and a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss. This was our grammar school celebration for the sweetest of holidays. We washed the caloric red dye food coloring down with even more sugar laden red hued beverages. A plastic punch bowl adorned with a scoop of sherbet and a splash of ginger ale, or if you happened to be from the Pittsburgh area like me, a cherry Little Hug.

Dance Like Teacher’s Watching

Off to the gymnasium to learn to dance with a reluctant partner and work off the sugar high. My Barbie and kitten Valentine cards were passed around with a flourish. I received a stack of puppy and Hot Wheels cards in return. We lined up in pairs of two to receive our box of conversation hearts for the road. Sticking our tongues out (when the teacher wasn’t looking our way) at the little boys that stepped on our beloved shiny patent toe pinchers while we learned to waltz. Those were the days – our hearts were full of joy and our little party had style…

Holiday Reflections and Inflections

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Holiday Reflections and New Year’s Inflections

Holiday Reflections and New Year’s Inflections

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Kwanzaa, everyone. I have been thinking about unique holiday gifts this season, not the same old, same old. A classic carol came to mind as I began to ponder unusual presents…

Too Much of Good Things?

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree. ” A cute, quiet little birdie in a tree the bears fruit, a gift that keeps on giving – Amazon does have everything.

On the second day, “two turtle doves” – doves signify peace, very appropriate for the season and our often crazy world.

The third day brings us more birds, “three French hens” – no offense to those birds, but French perfume would suit my tastes a bit better.

The fourth day. “Four calling birds”, more avian gifts – it’s getting just a bit crowded in here, and surely the neighbors will call the cops with all the squawking…

“Five golden rings” – jewelry! Much better, thank you.

Day six geese, even more feathered friends – they are a-laying on my best holiday quilt and making quite the mess. My true love is getting on my last nerve…

The seventh day, swimming swans – what’s with all these birds? Perhaps a pair of tickets to see Swan Lake would be a more appropriate present?

Number eight, maids milking – I do enjoy an ice cold glass of fat free milk, and who can’t use the services of a good maid, but this is kind of overkill…

“Nine ladies dancing” – please refer to number seven, tickets to the ballet – thank you.

“Ten lords a leaping” – what the heck kind of goofy gift is this? These clumsy dudes are scaring my pets and destroying my home decor.

“Eleven pipers piping” – I met a very understanding police officer, courtesy of my next door neighbor…

Phew, we made it to the last day, a full dozen drummers, drumming up even more noise. and I am seriously considering taking out a restraining order. Perhaps my true love should have purchased a gift card for a massage and pedicure, much more my style…

New Year, New You…

And then, of course, Happy 2025. Hopefully, we are all resolving to show love and kindness to others, this year and always.

Resolute!

I realize many of us have personal resolutions to enrich and better our own lives: for example, I resolve to buy more shoes and drink more mocha lattes – I believe in making resolutions that I know I can keep.  Hopefully, my husband has resolved to be a bit more careful with the outside mirrors on our Mini Cooper; this will certainly improve his wellbeing. I, in turn, could resolve to allow him to sleep indoors, since our puggle Sasha misses the use of her house.

Food for Thought…

Of course, I realize resolutions can come in many different forms. Perhaps many of you might be traditionalists, for instance, resolving to lose weight. As a plus-size princess, I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin, but I do advocate healthy eating and exercise.  We can all resolve to eat healthier by avoiding processed foods, preservatives, and sodium intake.  I am resolving to stick with Meatless Mondays and enjoy a wide variety of fish – our cat Prada applauds this part of my resolution.

Stretch Yourself

If you are anything like me, exercise needs to be fun – a stroll through the dog park, or a dance class at the park district or local studio can help one reach my fitness goals.  I certainly hope you dance in the coming year, but whatever you resolve to do, remember to do it with style.

Old Long Since

On a more serious and reflective note, we remember a beautiful version of “Auld Lang Syne” by Celtic Woman; it got me to thinking about that New Year’s Eve favorite – many artists have sung it, including a lovely rendition by Barry Manilow. The song actually derives from an old Scottish poem – I never really thought about the lyrics much except to have always considered them to be just a bit depressing. “Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind”. There are many old acquaintances that I truly care to remember and remain acquainted with. Those who are no longer here, the reminiscence can be rife with sadness, yet oddly comforting. Some whom have gone on and many whom still remain in our lives, of course, don’t always bring happy memories.

Greet Someone Different Than You

Several years ago, we attended a fabulous Kirk Franklin concert on New Year’s Day. Mr. Franklin talked about saying hello to someone you didn’t know, as well as not taking certain people into the new year with us. Truth be told, there are certain folks I don’t care to take into the next minute with me. Getting rid of toxicity in our lives can often be the best resolution we can make – heartbreaking as it can be, sometimes a clean break is for the best.

Forgive, But Not Forget…

The Lord teaches us to forgive, but forgiveness does not mean to carry another person’s bad behavior with us through the coming months. Let bygones be bygones but do so with wisdom – maybe that is what this song is trying to communicate. When our hearts are heavily burdened, it’s time for a spiritual and emotional renewal.

Those who Forgot History, Doomed Us to Repeat It

The phrase, “Let go and let God” comes to mind, however, as we enter 2025 we are forced to take “The Donald” with us, much to the disappointment of many of us. With 49.5 per cent of the vote it is clear Trump did not receive a mandate to do anything. Less than half the electorate chose a repeat term of terror by the orange-haired former “occupant” of the Oval Office; but we must endure in resistance with the help and hope of the Lord. We will “take a cup of kindness yet” and have a stiff drink from it, as we offer God’s grace and walk away from those that don’t enrich our lives, because self-care has style…

 

24 Things to be Thankful For

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24 Things to be Thankful ForJust because Trump was re-elected we still have much to be thankful for.

24 Things to be Thankful For

By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel

A Sad Day

Thanksgiving 2024 was a very sad day for so many of us. It’s unbelievable that Donald Trump has once again been elected president of the United States. But despite that despicable result, we still have many things to be thankful for. I was heartbroken hearing a favorite and familiar hymn being sung by right-wing conservative fundamentalists, when Trump received the number of electoral votes to win the election.

Blasphemy

I do still question the legitimacy of this outcome, and intend to fight back by joining in any and all peaceful protests against “The Donald” and JD Vance. As a devout liberal Christian of Jewish heritage, I found the singing of this hymn for Trump’s “win” to be blasphemous.

In This Storm

I do find comfort, however, in the lyrics of one of my favorite Christian contemporary songs by the very talented CCM recording artists “Casting Crowns”. For almost the past two decades “Praise You in this Storm” has brought me comfort. I am not sure where this band stands politically, but the music brings me hope. “Although my heart is torn, I will praise you in this Storm”. I do believe that God is in control, but I will always vehemently disagree with anyone supporting the orange monster, even those I care about.

24 Reasons

But there are things to be yet thankful for in the holiday season. I want to offer encouragement to our saddened world this holiday season, so here are my twenty four things to be thankful for in ‘24…

  1. I am thankful for loved ones, including my furbabies.
  2. I am thankful that while we celebrate the conclusion of this year that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are still in office.
  3. I am thankful for the Lincoln Project.
  4. I am thankful that we can still put a turkey on the table this Thanksgiving before we have one in the White House again. My spouse feels calling Trump a turkey is an insult to the mean, cantankerous, stupid fowl, but it’s a far less insulting term than the ones I usually reserve for the Donald.
  5. I am thankful for Harris-Walz, and the honest campaign they ran.
  6. I am thankful for Democrats and our fight to retain democracy against the “dictator from day one”.
  7. I am thankful for certain Republicans like Liz Cheney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others that actually voted against Trump.
  8. I am thankful for Mary Trump.
  9. I am thankful for feminist pride.
  10. I am thankful for every woman that did not die from miscarriages and lack of health care before the extremist “anti-abortion” laws, and I am broken hearted for those who perished at the hands of the tyrant Trump.
  11. I am thankful to currently live in a free democracy.
  12. I am thankful for the right to vote, and hope to continue living in our nation as I pray it remains a free country.
  13. I am thankful for necessary government programs that benefit the disabled, children, and seniors, but will I be able to say this next Thanksgiving? I hope so, but I am not holding my breath.
  14. I am thankful for those willing to fight for our freedom – our military will never be “suckers” or “losers”, no matter what the immoral orange haired monster calls them.
  15. I am thankful that I live in a state with a very strong Democratic governor.
  16. I am thankful for the many women that I have stood with over the years that fought for equality – we still won’t go back.
  17. I am thankful for COVID vaccines that President Biden made available after the Donald wrecked our economy and cost thousands to lose their lives with the mishandling of the pandemic.
  18. I am thankful the pandemic is over and we can finally manage COVID, thank you again to the Biden administration, as well as Dr. Fauci and all those who worked tirelessly to slow down and stop the pandemic.
  19. I am thankful for my neighbors that have immigrated to our nation in hopes of a better life or to be with family, but will they be deported?
  20. Although I am not diabetic, I am thankful for insulin being capped at $35 for those who do need it.
  21. I am thankful that no one’s cats or dogs were actually eaten – that rumor was started by a racist crazy man whose lemmings voted him unbelievably into office again.
  22. I am thankful that I am a childless cat lady that proudly voted for Kamala Harris and will continue to show my love for children and furbabies in my own ways, joining the many women who although are not mothers per se, are vital and strong without the approval of Mr. Vance.
  23. I am thankful I don’t use any of JD Vance’s hair products – I thought Brill Cream went out in the 1960’s.
  24. I am thankful that I won’t be purchasing blasphemous books that I simply can’t refer to as God’s Word signed by Trump (the Bible in no way needs his endorsement), or the bevy of Trumpy souvenirs this holiday season. My fireplace just isn’t big enough for MAGA hats and hideous gold sneakers, or worse yet Trumpy Bear (and burning those hats, sneakers, or “bear” would be toxic)…

In Conclusion

I would be very thankful to see Trump sentenced to prison for his 34 felonies this week. That would be a holiday miracle to benefit the greater good. Yes, our hearts are certainly torn up for sure, but we must not give up hope. Happy Trump-free holiday season for everyone. In closing, thanks to our current Biden Harris administration for the second year in a row the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner cost less than in previous years. Be blessed and stay safe everyone…

 

You Might Be a Woman of a Certain Age

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More of the Famous, “You Might be a Woman of a Certain Age”. . . 

More of "Women of a Certain Age."

More of the Famous “You Might be a Woman of a Certain Age”…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

  1. If you ever had clear plastic enclosed furniture and got stuck to it while wearing hot pants, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  2. If you wore Charlie perfume when it originally came out, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  3. If you know Youth Dew Bath Oil came before the perfume, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  4. If you know what Youth Dew is and who still makes it, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  5. If you ever used Tinkerbell cologne, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  6. If you ever used Tinkerbell wash-off nail polish, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  7. If you had a little doll in a plastic perfume bottle, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  8. If you ever had a Dawn doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  9. If you ever had a Chrissy doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  10. If you had an original Alan or Midge doll, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  11. If you remember Growing Up Skipper – yes, her boobs grew (see the ”Barbie” movie for a demonstration), you might be a woman of a certain age…
  12. If you know who Spike the dog is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  13. If you know who Dennis Rodman is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  14. If you know what Terry Bradshaw’s occupation was before he became an actor, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  15. If you had day of the week panties, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  16. If you are ready to throw your Spanx at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  17. If you are ready to throw your Depends at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  18. If you are ready to throw yourself at Sir Tom Jones, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  19. If you ever had a beeper, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  20. If you watched Saturday morning cartoons growing up, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  21. If you ever ran through the sprinkler as a child, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  22. If you ever caught fireflies and put them in jar with blades of grass and a metal lid with punched holes, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  23. If you ever went berry picking, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  24. If you remember Mr. Ed or Here’s Lucy, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  25. If you ever had a metal glider on your porch, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  26. If you had a wicker laundry hamper with a flower accent, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  27. If you ever had a rubber bathing cap with a brightly-colored flower, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  28. If you ever had wax lips or bottles with a sugary beverage in them, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  29. If you ever chose your Christmas presents from the Sears Wish Book, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  30. If you ever shopped at Sears, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  31. If you ever shopped at Radio Shack, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  32. If you ever shopped at Zayre or Venture, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  33. If you ever ate a breakfast brownie from a box, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  34. If you ever had a Swanson frozen dinner with the metal tray, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  35. If you ever had a little tub of ice cream with a flat wooden spoon, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  36. If you ever had orange drink in a miniature milk carton, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  37. If you or your child ever had a baby crib with an animal applique, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  38. If you ever had an original Spirograph, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  39. If you ever had an original Lite Brite, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  40. If you ever spent any Saturday nights at Blockbuster, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  41. If you know who the Great Pumpkin is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  42. If you ever saw a flashing blue light right after hearing, “Attention K-Mart shoppers…”, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  43. If you ever consumed Sugar Babies, Bazooka, Mary Janes, Lemonhead, or Chico Sticks, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  44. If you ever called a radio station to play your request and dedication on the air, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  45. If you know who Casey Kasem is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  46. If you know who Wolfman Jack is, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  47. If you know what musical House of WAXX is from, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  48. If you ever met the Flintstones or the Jetsons, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  49. If you ever smelled Jovan Musk Oil, English Leather, High Karate, or Aqua Velva, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  50. If you know Mikey hated everything, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  51. If you ever had Jiffy Pop, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  52. If you ever owned an avocado green electric fry pan, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  53. If you ever repaired a run in your stocking with clear nail polish, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  54. If you ever wore a Frank Mazzendrea design, you might be a woman of a certain age…
  55. If you ever wore an original Norma Kamali garment made of sweatsuit fabric, you might be a woman of a certain age…

Making Memorial Day Memories

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Making Memorial Day Memories

 

 

Making Memorial Day Memories

By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel

 

Remember and Honor…

Memorial Day officially ushers in the summer season. Here are some fun ways to celebrate this holiday. Let’s honor our veterans that have given their lives in service of our country, making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

 

  1. Attend a mass or service on Memorial Day – light a candle for a military member that has passed. What better way to honor our fallen service members?
  2. Send a card or gift to a military person; those on active duty would love some home baked cookies – older veterans may welcome a visit or small gift. Let those who serve or have served know you care.
  3. Widows, widowers, and children of fallen soldiers might enjoy a present, also – a batch of brownies or a plant, perhaps.
  4. Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day, so let’s decorate. Honor the graves of service members with flags or flowers.
  5. Red, white, and blue bunting, banners, and decor are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. Doors, patios, balconies, walls, and windows can all be decorated. I leave my patriotic decor up through Flag Day, July 4th, and Patriot’s Day.
  6. POW and MIA bracelets may be a thing of the past but a nice patriotic pair of earrings or necklace looks pretty for the holiday.
  7. Picnics and barbecues can be fun. Try new recipes with less red meat – try grilling fruits and veggies. Keep food safe from warm temperatures, iced or cooled until time to eat salads and cold sandwiches.
  8. Parades, as well as outdoor concerts and films are free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
  9. Avoid sparklers or other fireworks by your self – they can cause very serious injuries.
  10. Veterans in nursing facilities might like a visit – make a new friend.
  11. Patriotic films can be found online, on streaming services, and at your local libraries.
  12. Many pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend. Use a safe sunscreen (ones containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are the best) and enjoy water play. Remember SPF lip balm, also. It’s fun to hit the beach, but check conditions and bacteria levels locally before swimming – do the same for lakes. Install a weather app on your phone for quick updates on air quality, temperatures, and storm warning.
  13. Pay attention to boating safety if you decide to do some sailing. Keep keys on a floating chain, at least enough life preservers on for everyone in the boat, and a well charged cell phone in a waterproof case with you at all times.
  14. If it rains, an indoor picnic is just as much fun. Indoor grills are a great way to bring the outdoors inside.
  15. Check ingredients before allowing pets any of the celebratory fare. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate are some of the foods toxic to our furry friends.
  16. Remember summer is a short season, so patriotic items are usually inexpensive. Some stores will put them on sale after Memorial Day, so you can stock up for the 4th.
  17. Take a walk in the park, hike, or bike ride – summer is finally here. Some cities have free or minimal fee bike rentals available.
  18. Use the long weekend to clean out your garage or basement. Power wash your deck or patio, and outdoor furniture. It’s time to get everything season ready.
  19. It’s a great weekend to wash the car or the dog in the backyard.
  20. Start a vegetable and flower garden – fresh vegetables and fruit you grow yourself are nutritious, taste great, and rewarding. And who does not love the look and fragrance of beautiful flowers?
  21. Don’t forget the insect repellent – check websites like the CDC and Consumer Reports about the safety of the various active chemicals; I still like the Skin So Soft products by Avon, myself.
  22. If you have allergies to bug bites, food or the like, carry your EpiPen, and your inhaler if your asthmatic. Hotter temperatures can cause worse reactions.
  23. Stay hydrated – water is important in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  24. Sunburn cream can be kept in the refrigerator for a nice cooling effect. Lipsticks, lip balms, and eye pencils are less likely to melt if kept cold, also. Toners are more refreshing when chilled, as well.
  25. I am addicted to indoor plumbing, so camping does not work for me, but if you are inclined to enjoy nature this way, keep safety first and foremost. Know where you are – carry physical maps and a compass. Most cell phones go out of range when far from civilization. Have provisions such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra socks, antibiotic, and burn ointment and bandaids with you, as well as acetaminophen and water with you. You might want to carry a pocket size Lysol for those outhouses. Keep a cooler with ice for anything perishable to avoid dehydration and food poisoning. Nothing can ruin a trip more than an unprepared and unexpected injury or illness. S’mores are great, but bring clean metal sticks to use over the campfire. Respect nature by cleaning up your camp site. Consider a tree hanging shower pack. Personally, I feel a nice camper with a kitchen and bathroom inside at a camp site or a cabin on the campground is a bit more my way of roughing it. Cabins have indoor plumbing facilities; guess I am a hotel kind of girl.
  26. If you are traveling for Memorial Day, make sure your gas tank is full – carry a tire gauge, jumper cables, and Fix-A-Flat or the equivalent, as well as coolant and water in your trunk. Have transmission and brake fluid on hand, also.Check your vehicle’s oil before you, or get it changed. Make sure your battery is well charged. Check your car’s safety before you hit the road. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. Keep your motor club and insurance cards handy, too.
  27. Many restaurants have outdoor patios to dine al fresco – search the Internet for money saving coupons and offers.
  28. Festival season has begun. Wear your comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for weather fluctuations. A bag chair or other portable seating is a must, also. Check policies before bringing a cooler. Many venues might require that you carry clear purses or tote bags – leave anything that might be problematic at home or locked in your car, out of sight. Carry a charged portable charger with you. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep cash and credit/debit cards on your person.
  29. Enjoy your loved ones, include your fur babies, but make sure pets are permitted at your outdoor events. Check local leash laws, and bring a travel water bowl for Rover or Fluffy, when attending events close to home. When traveling with animals, pack a small favorite toy, disposable litter pan (for cats), and baggies of food. Furry friends likely won’t need clothes in warm temperatures but a cute neckerchief never hurts. Remember, if you are warm in your skin, imagine how hot they must be in fur – keep pets hydrated and cool. Bring a cold wet washcloth in a bag or container.
  30. As a final suggestion, carry a few disposable bags, hopefully sustainable ones, for any trash you may accumulate. Find a garbage can or take the rubbish home to dispose of – never litter or just leave debris behind. Let’s take care of our planet, God bless America and our service members.

 

As President Biden said in his Memorial Day remarks last year, “We haven’t always lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it. And today, standing together to honor those Americans who dared all and gave all for our nation, we can say clearly: We never will.”

Black History Month May Be Over, But Black History Never Is . . .

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Black History Month May Be Over, But Black History Never Is…

Black History Month celebrates the contribution of black citizens to world culture

Black History Month May Be Over, But Black History Never Is…

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

A Dark Past and Present

We celebrate Black History, annually each February. During the month we reflect, appreciate, and acknowledge people of color and their rich history. In 2023 the Black History theme was “Black Resistance,” focusing on the struggle African Americans have endured, both in the past and continuing today. Oppression, injustice, repression, racism, exploitation, suppression, maltreatment, and disadvantage are still shockingly present in today’s society. White privilege is regretfully, appallingly alive within the ultra-conservative community. We may have moved passed black performers using different hotels, restaurants, and restrooms during artistic tours but a startling number of atrocities still continue to occur.

Art for Artists Sake

The 2024 Black History Month theme was “African Americans and the Arts. This year’s theme was a different vibe than previous years but the message was equally important – we need to value the arts and encourage these great artists to thrive. The focus this year has been the celebration of the incredible black artists that have enriched our lives over the years through classic performances on the stage, screen, radio, television, music and concert. Dramatic and creative professionals in the spotlight and the many more working hard behind the scenes compose the vast number of Black artists we salute. We make every effort to not just celebrate those in the mainstream of culture but the large number of less well known but equally talented individuals that comprise this community. Black History month may be coming to a close for another year but African history in the arts lives on.

Black Makes Beauty

2024 was also the 18th year of the UNI African American Read-In. The Read-In was once again a significant part of  Black History Month activities. To broaden participation many activities occurred on line for students. Theaters, schools, and libraries across the country held special events to honor Black artists and artisans during the month by reading aloud of many of the great books, plays, and poems of black artists.

Life Ain’t Over Yet

Celebration of Black history should be 365 days a year, not just one month. Respect and equality, not just in the arts but in all areas of life. Housing discrimination still exists,  mortgage and rental applications being denied disproportionately, and higher interest rates in African American communities, as do food deserts, with grocery stores that offer fresh, healthy choices avoiding opening or continuing operations in communities of color.

Dreamers

Activists such Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. and John Lewis fought decades ago for civil rights that are still being denied today. Black pioneers in the arts, such as Nina Simone (whose birthday is appropriately February 21st ), Maurice White, Josephine Baker, and Mahalia Jackson (to name just a few) were very instrumental in paving the way for future artists to be treated with dignity. As Dr. King said in his “I Have a Dream” speech, “With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.”  And Mahalia Jackson sang, “If I can help somebody, as I travel along; if I can help somebody, with a word or song…” – she broke significant ground for the African-American musicians who followed.

Labor On

2025’s Black History Month theme, will be “African Americans and Labor,” celebrating, recognizing, and highlighting the very compelling impact of Black workers on American society.  We need to draw attention to their productivity with the broadest outlook, providing versatility and intuitiveness, a vision of Black culture throughout the ages.

2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

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2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

Cate has been going through her list of resolutions for 2024. Enjoy the fun.

2024’s Worst New Year’s Resolutions

By Cate Rees-Hessel 

Editor: At the beginning of each year many of us examine our lives and in many cases decide we need to make some changes; thus the New Year’s Resolution List.  So with that said, here are Cate’s 2024’s worst New Year’s Resolutions.  

  1. Resolving AGAIN to lose weight – this is the most common resolution. It lasts until maybe mid-January most of the time. I no longer bother to resolve to do this, I just resolve to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and exercise.
  2. Resolving to join a gym but never visiting there – canceling can be a major hassle.
  3. Resolving to get a permanent eyeliner and lip liner tattoo. Nope. I’ve resolved to get up ten minutes earlier in the morning to line my eyes and  sometimes I  even skip the lip liner.
  4. Resolving to get plastic surgery or Botox in order to appear younger. I instead will embrace the beauty of aging.
  5. Resolving to clean out your closets, ridding yourself of any and all junk. A good idea but overwhelming if you decide to do it all at once – try doing it in smaller sections.
  6. Resolving to never, ever, ever again, drink, soda, alcohol, or expensive coffee beverages. Let’s face it, not going to happen – just remember moderation is the key here.
  7. Resolving to only drink diet soda. Are you aware of the chemicals in those?
  8. Resolving to play the lottery. Don’t gamble on this one – just start a savings account instead.
  9. Resolving to give your boss a piece of your mind – this is the same as resolving to join the unemployment line.
  10. Resolving to be adventurous. Skinny dipping in winter, bungee jumping over a frozen lake, twerking in public – this is called stupidity.
  11. Resolving to accept as many blind dates as you can – this is also called stupidity.
  12. Resolving to drunk text your ex on New Year’s Eve or maybe Valentine’s Day – this is called beyond stupidity.
  13. Resolving to stop reading the labels at the grocery store. Since the majority of boxed, canned, frozen, and even alleged fresh foods are GMO these days, this is not a wise resolution. Preservatives, artificial colors, and the like don’t make for a happy New Year, either.
  14. Resolving to start jogging 5 miles a day. No, just no – start slow and stay safe. Maybe a walk around the block today and two blocks tomorrow.
  15. Resolving to skip COVID vaccine boosters. You will have plenty of time to read the books you are resolving to read while you’re in quarantine, presuming you are not in a hospital on a ventilator. Whatever you do, don’t binge watch the last six seasons of the “The Apprentice” – you are already sick.
  16. Resolving to dance like nobody is watching in front of a window – no, nope, not good-somebody is always watching.
  17. Resolving to give that creepy date a second chance; after all Valentine’s Day comes shortly after New Year’s. I think not – this won’t end well; creeps just get creepier.
  18. Resolving to conquer your fear of heights by taking flying lessons or trying a zip line. My fear is that this too will not end well.
  19. Resolving to invest half of your paycheck in cryptocurrency. You may want to rethink this one, because the last I heard all those hot cryptocurrency guru’s are serving 99 to life.
  20. Resolving to take pickleball lessons, learning to play the tuba, or enrolling in a circus arts course at the community college- think these over before you shell out any money. I think you’d be alright with the pickleball classes, but I’d definitely forget the tuba training and the high wire act.
  21. Resolving to be a do it yourself plumber – once again, this can’t end well.
  22. Resolving to vote Republican. Don’t go there – ever… No, not ever.
  23. Resolving to buy a boxed set of “The Apprentice” on clearance at Walmart and binge watch it. First of all, why would anyone do such a thing and secondly, why are all those lousy old videos still around? Because they’re lousy of course.
  24. Resolving to never again attend a multi-tiered market party no matter the hype, to find out why, see below.

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Festive Food For Thought

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Festive Food for Thought

Pumpkins spice and peppermint sticks every where you look.

Festive Food for Thought

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

Food for Thought

I hope everyone is having a joyous holiday season, shopping and preparing your favorite foods. Unlike many people, I enjoy grocery shopping; during a recent trip to the market I discovered some unusual edibles for the festive table. Imagine, if you can; unicorn pudding, Oreo and Warhead candy canes, sweet cinnamon Kit-Kats, white peppermint Twinkies, “Wintermint DingDongs” with ice blue filling, a reindeer-faced slice and bake cookie set complete with antlers and a red nose. There was a whole clearance aisle full of all things pumpkin spice, and a large selection of goods inspired by the movie “Frozen” – to this I say “Let It Go”…

Bake Someone Happy…

I admit it, I’m ready to bring back the Christmas’s of my childhood. Let ‘s bring back Christmas cookies made from scratch, and Jiffy Pop for our Christmas special viewing party snacks. We actually had to wait for our favorite programs like “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “Rodgers and Hammerstein ‘s Cinderella”. These were actual classic TV shows, not a DVD in a player, or streaming any time I wanted to see it. These were a big deal. The networks advertised them for a month before the holiday. We’d invite friends over to watch these timeless holiday shows, because they were only shown once a year. I am a Hallmark movie kind of girl, but I miss the anticipation of those annual events.

Mmmmm, no…

We baked cupcakes, and set out a bowl of M & M ‘s – not jalapeno, thai coconut, coffee, hazelnut, caramel, crispy honeycomb, English toffee, chocolate marshmallow, white chocolate peppermint, white pumpkin pie, milk chocolate glow-in-the-dark, or even mint – we had plain and peanut, still my favorites. Hot chocolate was made with cow’s milk and the flavor was chocolate, with maybe a few marshmallows thrown in, and a dollop of Ready-Whip. There was no pumpkin spice, or peppermint anywhere is sight.

Snow Joke

We didn’t ask the musical question, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” We just went out and built one, complete with carrot nose, lumps of coal for the eyes, and a tattered plaid scarf. Even the holiday commercials on television were festive; my favorite was always the Norelco shaver gliding over the white hills like a snowmobile, with the catch phrase, “even our name says Merry Christmas”.

“Pop”-ular Games

The toys under our trees both delighted and educated – I was the Julia Child of lightbulb cuisine; our “notebook/tablet” was an Etch-A-Sketch – stairways up, stairways down, and stacked boxes. We had Lite-Brites, Barrels of Monkeys, Spirographs, Bride Barbies, Tiddlywinks, and the game Trouble with the Pop-O-Matic – we thought that was cutting edge technology. Some of my favorites were Suzy Cute in her yellow plastic crib, Chatty Cathy, the Dawn doll’ s beauty pageant and beauty salon, Mrs. Beasley, and of course, I had a Swingy doll (mine was decked out in pink and orange) – (batteries not included).

Don’t Sweat(er) It…

Life was slower-paced, and we made our own fun and beautiful memories; we didn’t feature “ugly” Christmas sweaters, but wore green velvet dresses with red ribbons in our hair and shiny black Mary Janes on our feet. Christmas balls went on the tree, not on our apparel, and the coffee table candy dish was filled with ribbon hard candies. I wish you and all those you love a holiday season to remember; Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and may your New Year arrive in style…

 

Deck the Halls, Not the Husband

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Deck the Halls, Not the Husband

While I love classy, my husband is attached to tacky.

 

Deck the Halls, Not the Husband

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

New Family Traditions

I like classic, classy things; my husband, on the other hand adores the tacky. Currently, he  is in a decorating frenzy, and that scares me. As we prepare to celebrate, who can forget decorations? I sometimes wish my other half would. Don’t get me wrong, I love a tasteful wreath on the door and a holly berry candle on the mantle, and this year, thanks to my recent DNA test, we will be including a menorah along with the family creche, however, my other half is not quite a Clinton Kelly when it comes to holiday embellishment.

Another Holiday Move

I look up from a Hallmark Christmas movie, and to my horror I see my spouse, attired in a Chicago Cubs Santa hat and a flashing Christmas tree tie, hanging jingle bells on the bathroom doorknob. Apparently, there are no safe places from his holiday mania. I cautiously enter the powder room, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, as in I wonder what the heck happened to my bathroom.

Hang Up the Mistletoe…

Gone are the lovely blue lace-edged fingertip towels and the matching ceramic soap pump. Replacing these tasteful items are Hallmark’s Jolly in the John – really? My husband loves this little guy as much as he loves his Mini – and joining good ol’ Jolly is his pet reindeer, another Hallmark creation, with a roll of toilet paper decorating one of his antlers. Rounding out the tacky trio is Mr. John’s “other half”, a plastic snowwoman soap pump.

And the Toilet Seat

A purple garland adorns the shower curtain rod, and the shell toilet seat is now covered with a giant Santa face, gloved hands covering his eyes (do you blame him?). My attractive celery green with chocolate brown polka-dots bathrobe has been replaced with a latch hook creation of eight tiny reindeer, a rather unfortunate garage sale find. I turn to flee this holiday horror to find my other half nailing mistletoe above the necessary room door.

Merry Migraine!

I resume watching the previously interrupted holiday-inspired film, I take a fortifying sip of my mocha latte as my husband makes his way to the kitchen with a devilish glint in his eye, our jingle bell collared puggle Sasha in tow. My better (?) half is carrying a pair of Rudolph pot holders and a Grinch tea towel. What desecration could he be up to? Visions of plastic glitter sugar plums strung on the stove dance in my head, threatening a migraine. Did I just see our cat Prada wearing kitty-sized elf ears? Over the years my husband has acquired a plethora of kitschy Christmas items, right down to, cover your eyes, glow in the dark snowman boxer shorts, which he actually wears to bed. Does murdering a spouse still rate a life sentence?

Jolly in the John

As I said, one of his favorite pieces of seasonal décor is Hallmark’s “Jolly in the John”; normally I’m a Hallmark kind of girl: love the movies, cards, and ornaments, but I have yet to make friends with good ol’ “Jolly”. A plastic snowman holding a plunger who sings the potty song “Who’s Gotta’ Go”, and informs bathroom visitors they “look a little flush”; in my opinion, he’s gotta’ go. My spouse proudly places him atop the toilet tank, accompanied by his “snowwife”, a plastic lotion dispenser in the shape of a snowwoman, and their beloved pet, another Hallmark creation, a reindeer adorned with a roll of toilet paper on one antler. This “charming” trio has replaced my tasteful glass vase, containing vintage gold and silver Christmas balls.

A Special (Dis)appearance

Ironically, strange things have befallen Jolly – he keeps coming up missing, and stranger still, it only occurs when my hubby isn’t home. I have no idea how Jolly ended up in the bushes-apparently he must have fallen out of the window. I didn’t realize our dog could throw up the sash; lucky for us, our neighbor found him and brought him to our door. My other half then found him in the trash can-I have no idea how he got there, either. He was lovingly washed down and put back and in his place of honor, behind the throne.

Pack It In

Most recently, Jolly turned up at the local thrift store, buried in a box of old clothes I had donated. Lucky for us, that same helpful neighbor volunteers at the resale shop. My husband happened to be in there seeking out more tacky, I mean whimsical, holiday decorations, so the snowman has returned home. I guess I just have to accept that good ol’ Jolly is my husband’s way of decorating. We have certainly decked the halls with a unique bevy of holiday décor, but always in the theme of “peace on earth and goodwill toward men”; yes, Virginia, I married a man with style…

 

Christmas Short Story

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SNATCHING SANTA

The age old battle of good vs evil played out at Christmas

SNATCHING SANTA

Editor’s Note: I wrote this short story a couple years ago and have reprinted it on my website every year since. If you haven’t read it, I hope you enjoy it. If you have read it; read it a again. Happy Holidays.

By D. S. Mitchell

It was a small noise that woke Santa. Something out of place in the middle of the night. He lay in the dark, wondering if he’d imagined, or possibly dreamt the sound. Mary Claus slept by his side, her steady breathing the only sound in their darkened bedroom.

“There it was again,” he said under his breath.

This time it seemed to be at the back of the house. It was the sound of feet on gravel, a noise that wouldn’t be noticed during daylight hours, but seemed magnified by the darkness. It was close to 3:00 am. He worried that a sneak thief might be trying to break into his toy shop.

The suddenness of the event shocked him. The front and back door were simultaneously kicked in, and several men rushed through the battered doors into the house. The sound of polished boots on hardwood floors echoed down the halls. Mrs. Claus gasped as they both sat upright. Santa started to get out of bed, but the light came on before his foot hit the floor.

Two men armed with automatic weapons stood in the doorway, blocking any possible escape. The taller of the two men took in the room in a glance before lowering his eyes to the bed. He narrowed his eyes and pointed his weapon directly at Santa.

“What do you want?” Santa demanded.

“Shut up,” was his answer.

The weapon remained on its target and the tall man warmed the trigger with an agitated finger before saying, “Get dressed old man, you’re coming with us.”

Santa could see the shadows of several men moving about the house, the intruders opening closets, drawers, and doors. Mrs. Claus screamed. Santa hushed her with a hug and whispered reassurances.

“I said get your ass out of bed, Chubby.”

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