Friendship Friday

I spent most of my life adjusting to the changing seasons of the midwest; but, three years ago Hubby and I retired and moved to sunny Florida.  The days are growing shorter, but the “hot,” and at most, “warm” days are year-round, the:

• grass stays green,
• flowers continue to bloom, and
• leaves are not falling to the ground

So, I rely on visual images from memory of fall days in the midwest:

1. What book do you never tire of reading?  I first read, “Simple Abundance:  A Daybook of Comfort and Joy,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach in the mid-1990s.  I have read and re-read the daily essays in this book which focuses on the importance and benefits of living an authentic life.  It is my go-to inspirational  uplift when adversity and negativity creeps into my space.  I admit to being a work-in-progress on the path to leading an authentic life.  But,“Today is Better Than Yesterday.”

2

• What song do you never tire of hearing?  “I Believe I Can Fly,” song by Yolanda Adams and featuring Gerald Levert.  The first two verses resonate with me:  “I used to think that I could not go on.  And life was nothing but an awful song.  But now I know the meaning of true love.  I’m leaning on the ever lasting arms.  If I can see it.  Then I can do it.  If I just believe it there’s nothing to it.  I believe I can fly.  I believe I can touch the sky…….”   Whether it is morning, noon, or night listening to the lyrics of this song can change my “mind set” from pessimistic to optimistic.
• What Movie Do You Never Tire of Watching?  “Imitation of Life,”  I first viewed this movie shortly after its release in 1959.  It was a very, very sad movie about a daughter who terminated her relationship with her mother to pass for white.  Despite the mother’s efforts to reunite, the daughter continued to reject her.  Ending with the daughter begging forgiveness over her mother’s casket; the carriage drawn funeral processional; and, the beautiful voice of Mahalia Jackson brought tears to the eyes of everyone in the movie theater that day.

On one hand, I was very sad.  But on the other, as a 15-year-old young girl, I was happy.  After all, this was my first “grown up.” movie.  Periodically, I dig through the videos and return to memories of this season of my young life.

So happy to share “memories” on Friendship Friday.

Author: SeasonedSistah2

During this final season life, I am going on a journey to define "ME." Opening up and going outside of my comfort zone to redefine ME.. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility. In undertaking this mission, overcoming the FEAR is my greatest challenge. Fear has played a large role in my life, but I overcame the FEAR of breast cancer, chronic pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Apnea. My new mantra: FEAR has two meanings: "(1) Forget Everything And Run, or (2) Face Everything and Rise. The Choice is Mine." Blogging here I come ready or not!!! View all posts by SeasonedSistah2