Category: Holidays

Happy Juneteenth!

tjsthingsLeave a comment
juneteenth tee
available at blackonblackbk.com/collections/t-shirts

Just in case you did not know, Juneteenth commemorates the day when Union soldiers delivered the news of emancipation to slaves in Galveston, Texas (June 19, 1865). Never mind that the emancipation proclamation was actually signed on January 1, 1863, but it explains a lot about Texas and how a lot of Texans do things. Depending on where people are, it is celebrated with a parade, a picnic a music festival or a similar gathering. Growing up in the South, it was a big thing there but I have attended events as far away as Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.

Happy New Year!

tjsthingsLeave a comment

2012 for me began the same way that 2011 ended – with family. All of the kids stayed up until midnight last night, which made for an interesting time getting the youngest ones to bed. I usually don’t make an exception for their bedtime on the weekend, and now I see the wisdom of that choice. We all wore hats and had horns and noisemakers to welcome the year with style. The sun greeted me this morning on my way to church.

The countdown is on.

tjsthingsLeave a comment

Everybody’s fed and comfortable and the hats and noisemakers are ready. This year has been a rollercoaster at moments, but I’m so thankful for the joy provided by the hills and the lessons learned in the midst of  the valleys. I’m so thankful to see all of my family and friends growing and learning and becoming more of the wonderful people they are. Thanks to all of you great people who have joined me this past year. I look forward to seeing you in 2012!

Merry Christmas.

tjsthingsLeave a comment

Merry Christmas everybody. I really hope that everybody who reads this has some joy in their hearts on this day.

This Christmas, I’m overjoyed to be with my family. I’m very thankful that all of my family is doing well and that we are warm and have food. I know this sounds a lot like Thanksgiving, but it’s just how I feel. If my family is blessed to celebrate next Christmas together, I really want to encourage my kids to make a special effort toward helping others outside of our household during the season. I know that New Years is next week, but I’ve also been giving thought to the changes I want to make for the coming year. Some of this means extra effort as I prepare to begin that year, which I’m not necessarily looking forward to, but I’m willing to do the work. 🙂