Tuesday, December 31, 2024

endings and beginnings



 the most lovely rendition please enjoy with all the words...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jO2tlzIBg8

I don't let go easily. I have found over the years that "change" is usually not good in my life. I need security and peace to thrive. 

It feels in short supply at the moment. 

I have always loved the song Auld lang syne, so I decided to research some of the meanings behind the poem and song. It was an ancient Scottish tune, and Robby Burns the poet wrote his poem to go with it in 1800's. The general meaning seems to be, whatever happened badly in the past, drink a cup of kindness to and move beyond it. 

I love these two and their rendition of what are you doing NYEve

 I looked forward to being able to have a voice in elections, and the year I could vote for president I registered to do so. 
I lived in Tampa, I was young in years but old in experiences and a survivor of much by this age. I was and still am a believer in justice and kindness and that a society that takes care of all citizens will be one that thrives and is happier than one of haves and have nots. 

I drove to Lowery Park to hear a candidate speak. He was standing on the back of a flat bed truck, and his words were balm to my soul. He spoke to me that day and I pledged to support his work in making the lives of Americans better through respect for all. 

Jimmy Carter, I will always love you and best I can carry on the principles we both believed in. 

Milo my beloved companion, my court jester, my sensitive intuitive protector left me this year. He didn't want to,  and I had no idea he was dealing with so much illness at age 7. If there is justice in life, I will see him again in Heaven as the body dies but the soul lives on. 
go play now, my baby, and know Mama loves you. 

My health is challenged daily, my emotional health is challenged by the upcoming American changes beyond my control, but I hope to somehow keep up the beliefs that citizens can come together to make all of life better for each of us. I do not believe some are unworthy of being American or being treated fairly, I believe justice and fairness matter. 

I don't go into the new year blindly saying it will be better. Happy New year doesn't wipe the slate clean,  I know it takes work to overcome biases and to be a good person contributing to the whole. 
 President Carter, I am still here and still agree to do what I can as just one person. 

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

Jimmy Carter


I no longer choose a word of the year. I hope to try new things this year, and continue to see life from artist's eyes. I hope to be healed so that I can do things I need to and want to do. I hope to treat people with respect and kindness, to find humor in the every day, to learn and grow. I hope to stay in contact with the lovely people who I am lucky enough to call friends. 

Love, LeeAnna


10 comments:

Duke said...

This world needs so many more Jimmy Carters and I wish he could have lived to 200 years! We wish for you a happy, safe and healthy 2025, LeeAnna

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Please never lose your commitment to justice, kindness and fairness to all. Those principles are even more important in dark times. Happy New Year, LeeAnna.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Jimmy Carter was an amazing human, one that many should use as an example on how to live their daily lives. We are all hoping for a brighter 2025,

Miaismine said...

LeeAnna, Just popped in and learned about Milo's passing. Big hugs of comfort to you and your husband. I'm so sorry for this tremendous loss. Your post reminds me to hold onto the good and gives me hope for the future despite current circumstances. Hugs of comfort to you.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I have been so sad about Jimmy Carter's passing, too - such an amazing person. I hope the new year brings you better health, and each day a little less pain for the loss of Milo. Holding onto hope that our country can survive these strange political times, too. Hugs to you!

Tails Around the Ranch said...

Jimmy Carter was the first president I was eligible to vote for too and I did so enthusiastically. I waited patiently in a VERY long line at the high school gym after work and was afraid they wouldn't let me vote after 7 pm. Learned a lesson that day...you can vote if you're in line when the polls close. Jimmy was an amazing human who always kept his principles in tact in everything he did. Talk about leading a life of service. While I'm heartbroken he's gone now, I'm grateful for all he did for this country and the world.

PaintedThread said...

Best wishes for the new year.

MissPat said...

LeeAnna, there are so many people who believe in the same things as you. We will get through this year the same way we get through every year, One Day at a Time. I'm trying hard not to worry about things I cannot change, but to show people grace and to do whatever small things I can do to make this a better world for everyone.
Happy New Year.
Pat

Kathleen said...

We will all do what we can to hold on to what we have. Already DJTs people are backbiting and they haven't even taken office. Jimmy Carter was a fine human being and a good president. When I look back on what he accomplished, as president and a human being, I am in awe. We need more decent people in office, Biden is decent. I don't understand how we got her, but I won't let DJT take away rights without fighting for it. I did it last time and will do it this time! I will have to be more of a squeaky wheel than I like to be.

Babajeza said...

I believe that changes start inside of me and go from here. Just being yourself makes a difference. We have to be patient and see each day as an opportunity to do better.

Jimmy Carter was a president worth his title. There aren't many these days. I still remember the day when he was elected. My sister came home from school and told that her teacher had asked who the new president was, and a colleague of hers shouted: Jimmy Charter.

Take care! Regula