When Women Get Sick at Holiday Time

 I was thinking recently that one of my favorite ballet teachers from England, (she danced with The Royal Ballet,) got sick every year during the Nutcracker.  No wonder, I thought.  There is so much for women to during the Holiday Season.

Yesterday I baked some orange squash that I had purchased last month.  I also broiled a marinated chuck steak from Aldi.   The bottom edge of the squash looked overly ripe, so I cut it off and composted it.  After cutting it in half, placing small pieces of butter on top, and sprinkling it with salt and black pepper, I baked it in the toaster oven for  about an hour.  I eagerly tasted it, and it was dreadful.  It was sour, in spite of the kitchen smelling heavenly.  I thought pumpkins and squash kept well. 

Unfortunately, I swallowed enough to make me violently ill.  I had forgotten what it’s like to throw up everything you have eaten.  Jacques sat next to me, gazing into the toilet bowl.  He was quiet and concerned.  He seemed pensive. He really is like a service dog, highly sensitive and always at my side.

Fortunately, once the supposedly special meal was all out of my system, I recovered very quickly.  It is so easy to take your health for granted.  Another one of my friends had to cancel her Thanksgiving dinner because she became ill.  Maybe we shouldn’t do so much as we get older.  

This afternoonI baked a batch of cranberry lemon scones, and I plan to knit the heel of my grey wool sock.  What are you up to today?

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Learning From Past Journal Entries

 

My neighbor kindly gave me a gift certificate for Hobby Lobby, and I picked out some Grinch kitchen towels and cotton yarn.   have been crocheting some cotton dishcloths with it.  The hand knit ones I had been using for ten years had become frayed and were developing holes.  They last for many years, but not forever.  I find the crocheted patterns last much longer.  The stitches are sturdier.  The knit ones are prettier and more decorative.   Maybe I will make a few of each type.

While going through my paperwork recently, I found a journal from when I first moved up to the cabin.  It was eye opening to read the entries, and to relive what my life challenges were at that time.  Reading your own words from the past is the best way to evaluate the present and the future.  You can see your passions, relationship challenges and joys, and what activities you love.  I still enthusiastically knit, bike, spend time taking care of my home and dogs, and enjoy cooking and baking delicious food.  None of these things cost much money.  They just take time, effort, and discipline.

I also reflected back on the activities, parties, travel, and events that I attended.  It's important to see which ones are worth the money, and which drain your time, energy and bank account.  For example, one of the reunions I attended ended up being with a group of performers that I didn't even really know.  Their main focus was drinking.  I enjoyed my one-on-one time with a few close friends, but wouldn't spend that much on a trip to that part of the country in the future.  That particular city is too expensive, stressful, and crowded.  Hindsight really broadens one's perspective. 

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A Gala Event at The Nutcracker

 

Last Saturday I attended Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker at The Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica.  I reconnected with old friends from my ballet training days.  We all performed in the Nutcracker together in 1982.  Tessa and Russell went on to become successful actors, and Tresa and I had rewarding dance careers.

It was so much fun to laugh at old stories and to hear their familiar voices again.  Looking in their eyes  and reconnecting made my soul feel grateful and emotional.  We were all students of Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, two incredible master teachers.  I did a videotaped interview about what is was like being a young dancer at Westside before the house opened.   I lived with both ladies, and they were incredible women.  Yvonne was a principal with New York City Ballet, and Rosemary was a principal with The Royal Ballet, in London.  They really shaped us with love and care.

The Gala Event had delicious food, drinks, coffee, desserts, and a stunning atmosphere.  It was beautifully decorated with flowers, a loaded Christmas tree, lights, and a sled for photos.  They plan to hold a few parties like this one each year.  I can't wait for the next one!  

Have you been to any festive holiday celebrations this season?

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