NEW TRADITIONS - A Christmas Recap: This life as an artist takes a little getting use to. I have no complaints as my schedule now offers me flexibility like I have never known. Up until five years ago I have worked most holidays. When I was lucky enough that I didn't have to work Christmas, I was at home celebrating with my mom, grandma, brother and two nephews. With my grandma gone and my nephews grown, the holidays are getting a little shook up with new traditions or "fly by the seat of your pants" plans being made. We will now celebrate a little here, and a little there. As long as we get to see everyone and enjoy the spirit of the holidays together at some point in time, it's all good.
Despite the holidays, being a farmer means chores must still be done everyday, critters fed, water bowls and tanks filled, hay pitched. It's just part of life on a farm. With chores done, my mom and I headed out Christmas Eve to celebrate with my brother, oldest nephew and his baby boy....we had packages wrapped, games packed, and even stopped by Bob Evans and picked up a meal that I had pre ordered online. Had never done anything like that before, but wow...I recommend it, easy and delicious.
Despite the holidays, being a farmer means chores must still be done everyday, critters fed, water bowls and tanks filled, hay pitched. It's just part of life on a farm. With chores done, my mom and I headed out Christmas Eve to celebrate with my brother, oldest nephew and his baby boy....we had packages wrapped, games packed, and even stopped by Bob Evans and picked up a meal that I had pre ordered online. Had never done anything like that before, but wow...I recommend it, easy and delicious.
On the way in to St. Louis we commented how packed Walmart and some of the other stores were. We were glad we were not in that mess, but my mom mentioned we probably did need to pick up dog food. We decided to do it on our way home, hoping they would be less crowded. So we made it to my brothers and had a wonderful time. Amazing how much fun and excitement having a little one around brings to a get together. I am looking forward to lots of fun times ahead with my great nephew. I'm sure there will be lots of dirt, animals, and outdoor adventures in our future.
After a day of fun, my mom and I headed home. Taking our time going through the subdivision to enjoy the lights and decorations. Not even thinking about anything being closed we hopped on the highway and headed home, planning on stopping at the Walmart closes to home for dog food. By then we also decided we had enjoyed the ham so much from Bob Evans, we would also grab a small ham and a couple fixings to go with it so we could have a nice meal at home Christmas Day.
After a day of fun, my mom and I headed home. Taking our time going through the subdivision to enjoy the lights and decorations. Not even thinking about anything being closed we hopped on the highway and headed home, planning on stopping at the Walmart closes to home for dog food. By then we also decided we had enjoyed the ham so much from Bob Evans, we would also grab a small ham and a couple fixings to go with it so we could have a nice meal at home Christmas Day.
So with tomorrow's meal already on our minds and a need for dog food, imagine our surprise to find Walmart closed at 9:30 pm! The lights outside were off, but the inside was lit up. It looked like a ghost town with three cars in the whole lot. A guy stood out front on of the doors having a cigarette. We drove up to him, rolled down the window and in amazement said, "Wow, You guys are closed!" and he happily said, "Yes, For Christmas." We were happy to see that and wished each other a Merry Christmas. So as we drove across the empty parking lot we were trying to decide if we should head back towards St. Louis to see if something in a bigger town would be open, but then we thought what if Walmart had closed all their stores so employees could spend time with their families! Still in shock we pulled to a stop light where we could see the Walgreens sign was a glow. I don't know that I've ever seen a Walgreens that busy. Apparently we were not the only ill prepared folks out on Christmas Eve. A valuable lesson was learned as I paid half the price of a large bag of food on a bag one-fourth the size. Next year...shop before the holidays!
It appears I have adjusted well to life on the farm. Once you get away from the hustle and bustle of the city a couple years, you loose track of how fast things really do move. Since making the career switch of blue collar worker to artists, life has taken on a new pace. It's just as busy and I work just as hard, but in a different way....and I like it. I no longer spend time in a mall shopping for Christmas presents, instead I make them or I shop at Art Shows, Galleries, Craft Fairs, and Mom & Pop Shops through out the year....stashing goodies away until needed.
I no longer have to battle the day to day traffic or punch a time clock. I count myself very fortunate to be living a dream. I look forward to what 2016 has in store. My hope is that everyone has enjoyed the holidays and are as excited about the new year as I am. Times change, new traditions are born, we adapt, move forward, make the best of what you have been given or do all that you can to change it. Here's to a new day.
I no longer have to battle the day to day traffic or punch a time clock. I count myself very fortunate to be living a dream. I look forward to what 2016 has in store. My hope is that everyone has enjoyed the holidays and are as excited about the new year as I am. Times change, new traditions are born, we adapt, move forward, make the best of what you have been given or do all that you can to change it. Here's to a new day.
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