Saturday evening the annual Golf Cart Parade was held in my neighborhood. It is a fun tradition, that has turned into something quite positive. Those who choose to participate decorate their golf carts for the holidays. We ride through our little community, singing and laughing and making happy noises to attract the attention of the families inside. When the children come out to see us, we throw beads and candy. The kids love this, their parents love this and most assuredly we love this fun.
The participants also bring canned goods, to share with the local food pantry. Funny thing, when telling this to a new participant she seemed a bit concerned. In fact, her face looked pale and grim at first. Somehow, she thought we were going to throw canned goods as we rode and collect candy! I couldn’t control my laughter as I saw her face and imagined the stunned look of neighbors as they ducked from the flying missiles, much as President Bush avoided the flying shoes.
It is my hope to see the neighbors bring out canned goods we can collect as we ride through next year. This tradition is a great way to teach children holiday cheer and the fun of sharing. It reminds me that the holidays are not just about “stuff”.
Last night was the first of many book signings for my dear friend and author, Janet Conner. It was a lovely event, held in a cottage home in the grand “old” area of St. Petersburg. There was a jazz pianist playing softly in the background, food and drink and of course plenty of books. So many of her friends showed up in support, such wonderful people. The room was filled with love and joy, I just had to stop and close my eyes and breathe it all in. Interestingly, an amazing assortment of aromas became clear to me as I did. A fire in the fireplace, yummy foods, scented candles, even the colognes of the attendees. I was able to anchor the love, the joy and the contentment I felt in that moment with the sound of the music and friendly chatter, the scents I was enjoying and the feel of the book in my hands. Divine!
Janet Conner has written a wonderful book titled, Writing Down Your Soul, How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within. In this book, Janet walks readers through the four steps that awakens access to divine guidance through writing by hand. Janet is a columnist for UPI’s religoun and spirituality.com. She is also the creator of Spiritual Geography, the deep soul writing system that heals the broken heart. More information about her book is available at www.WritingDownYourSoul.com
Sounds like your parade was fun. 🙂 And for a good cause. I wish you wold post a pic of you in your golf cart. Or maybe I missed it if you did.
I have always believed in the connection that comes from writing by hand. I thought I was mostly alone in that. Nowadays most of us write on the computer. But set aside some quiet time every day to write letters to yourself by hand.
Good post, Deb.
Hello my wonderful maxie!
I am waiting for the pictures to be sent to me, then I will surely post the most embarrassing ones. You know me and actually getting pictures, not so much. Thank heavens my kids have memories, ‘cuz we have no proof for much of what we did.
I am not surprised you write letters by hand, you are a very insightful individual. Very insightful. That’s part of my love for you. That and the fact that you crack me up!
Sounds like a fun time..its so great that even in hard financial times they can still find it in their hears to give to the needy.
Blessings
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
@ Dorothy,
I think it is interesting that in these times I am seeing more generosity than previous years. Perhaps we are realizing how close we all are to change and want to make a difference!