Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa

In this season of ensuring that we are politically correct, one must insure not to offend anyone in their holiday rituals or beliefs. So to anyone I forgot to mention, Happy Celebration of love, life and happiness.

I am a believer of Christmas and all the magic that it brings to children, adults, animals, etc. It is a time of giving, making sure other people are happy, as well as, lots of boisterous celebrations, lots of good food and time spent with loved ones. My family is big, loud and fun. Our children are cherished, loved and a little spoiled. The adults are educated and working. So, we are thankful for every blessing of a good life, good health and cherishing our every moment together.

Unfortunately, for far too many people, this is not the case. There are millions of homeless people, abused men, women, children and animals, as well as, untold poverty, war stricken countries and drug infested countries. Please take this time to give back a little to someone in need, a favorite charity, shelter, school, church, etc.

My family (children and adults) feeds the homeless the 4th Friday of each month at St. John's Church in Forest Park. We prepare the meal, serve the meal and talk to the 40 or so people that show up for a reprieve from the outside elements and a hot meal. It is the least we can do. We also collect and donate books, clothes, toys and volunteer around the city.

At this time, if you are fortunate enough to be celebrating, please take time out to drop off a toy at toy drive, visit a shelter and drop off toiletries and clothing for women/children/men in need. Find a way to give back in any way possible. Remember, no gesture is too small.

From my family to yours, Have a Happy whatever you celebrate and be thankful for all of your blessings. Here's to good health, happy live and wonderful family throughout 2011. Be kind to your neighbor, for you don't know what they are going through.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

Love - Part 1

I have been thinking about love lately……a lot! Maybe it’s because I’m in my yearly reflective time. Sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, I’ll spend time reflecting on the year. So among other topics that I’ve been thinking about, I keep coming back to three different types of love. You have eros, or passionate love, phileo, or brotherly love, and agape, or unconditional love.

I’ve been thinking about all of these types, but wanted to write first about eros love. I’ve not been in a passionate love relationship for a while now. I’m patiently preparing for my great romance. In the meantime, I do find solace in romantic comedies. Here are some of my favorite quotes from some of my favorite romantic comedies. I know some of them are not realistic, but they bring a swoon, a chuckle and even a tear. Enjoy!!

When Harry Met Sally
Harry to Sally: I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Bridget Jones’s Diary
Mark: I like you, very much.
Bridget: Ah, apart from the smoking and the drinking, the vulgar mother and... ah, the verbal diarrhea.
Mark: No, I like you very much. Just as you are.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Helen: I love you!
Orlando: And how do you know that Helen?
Helen: I carry you in my spirit. I pray for you more than I pray for myself. And if you're away for more than an hour, I can't stop thinkin about you. And your smile, when you smile, my world is alright.

Boomerang
Angela to Marcus: What do you know about love? What could you possibly know about love. You know, I'm sick and tired of men using love as if it's some disease you just catch. Love should have brought your ass home last night.

West Side Story
Tony: [singing] There's a place for us, Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air wait for us, Somewhere.
Maria: There's a time for us, Some day a time for us.
Time together with time to spare, time to look, time to care, Someday.
Tony: Somewhere we'll find a new way of living.
Maria: We'll find a way of forgiving, Somewhere.

The Big Easy
Remy to Ann: If I can't have you, can I at least have my gator?

Remy to Ann: Just relax, darlin'. This is the Big Easy. Folks have a certain way o' doin' things down here.

13 Going On 30
Jenna: You want to know a secret?
Matt: Yeah.
Jenna: You're the sweetest guy I've ever met.

Moonstruck
Ronny: I love you.
Loretta: [slaps him twice] Snap out of it!

Shrek
Princess Fiona: No, it's destiny! You must know how it goes! The Knight rescues the Princess, and then they share true love's first kiss...
The Donkey: With Shrek? Whoa, whoa, whoa... you think, you think that Shrek is your true love?
Princess Fiona: Well, yes!
[Shrek and Donkey look at each other and burst into laughter]
Princess Fiona: What is so funny?
Shrek: Let's just say, I'm not your type, all right?

Say Anything
Diane: I love you.
Lloyd: What?
Diane: I love you. How many more times do I have to say it?
Lloyd: One more would be nice.
Diane: I love you... please. I love you.

Lloyd to Diane: One question: do you need... someone, or do you need me?... Forget it, I don't really care.

Sigh!

Kitten Heels

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women