Feel Good Friday 54
Hey there, friend! Can you believe this is the last FGF before Thanksgiving? Have you bought any gifts yet? Check on your friends who haven’t done Christmas shopping yet. We are not OK. Yikes. Let’s just forget about that stress for the moment- who needs it? Instead, let’s focus on all the things that are bringing seasonal cheer right now! (This post contains affiliate links.)
Town Traditions
Does your town have any fun and unique holiday traditions? I love how these events create such a feeling of community. This Christmas is only our second in Greensboro, so I am still learning about what this city offers. However, my old town of Myersville, MD had a super fun snowmen on Main St. each year. We loved to walk the street and check out all of the creative and clever designs that people of the town (I feel too old fashioned calling them “townspeople”) decorated. When the contest was over each year, you had to go collect your snowman and take him home to squeeze and love forever and ever. We even moved ours down to our new home in Greensboro, and this year I added them to the stairway that leads to our patio. This tradition is one that I miss greatly, but I am sure if I look hard enough, I will find all of the fun things Greensboro has to offer. Actually, I did see a tree decorating contest…
Another Holiday Ad. Grab the Tissues.
Watch this. Feel something. Cry it out.
This Kohl’s ad pulls at my heartstrings for so many reasons… unlikely friendship, lonely elderly citizens, the Rainbow Connection. My heart breaks for senior citizens who are on their own in this world who are often mistreated for being slower, judged harshly for not getting current trends, or just plain ignored. In their time, they may have been track stars, fashionistas, comedians, writers, healthcare workers….They’ve lived long lives and have stories we don’t even know and may never know. All it takes is one person reaching out and making a connection, a simple “will you be my friend?” Ugh. Pass the tissues and let’s all do better to take care of our elders.
Hilarious Podcast Episode
You guys probably know by now that The Moth is my all time favorite podcast. This past weekend, I went for a run and tuned into the most recent, entitled Swans, Squirrels, and Snails which featured two ridiculously hilarious true stories about animals. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but let’s just say I was trying not to pee my pants as I ran, which was an extra challenge I didn’t need. Do yourself a favor, and block off 20 minutes, and listen to it here.
A Podcast Featuring Yours Truly
I was recently interviewed on a local podcast called Melissa Unscripted which is hosted by our realtor, Melissa Greer. It’s about real estate as well as community and so much more. We sat down, via zoom of course, and chatted on a topic I am often asked about: how I made friends and connections quickly in a new community. I wanted to share it here since so many have reached out to ask for tips, and I hope it helps a bit.
Funny and Feeling Movie
Last week I finally curled up on the sofa and watched Instant Family, which is based on the true story of a couple who fostered and ultimately adopted 3 children. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne lead up this hysterical yet incredibly “feel-good” movie, which had Emmy and I cracking up more than we expected. If you’re looking for a movie to watch as a family (with older kids), I recommend this one!
BONUS: A Holiday Funny Feel Good Movie
And I couldn’t leave out this movie which made it into an instagram post of mine last week where I quoted the song from the last scene and hoped that one day we could all come together singing in the streets, just as the movie ended. It’s streaming in several places right now (Amazon Prime is what I am using) and I am choosing it for my movie night pick this weekend. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a modern (well, it was modern in the 80s!) telling of A Christmas Carol.
Holiday DIY
Baking soda painted vases have been all of the rage on instagram during quarantine, and my friend Jen took it to another level with her painted Christmas trees! Her mantel looks beautiful with the earthy and muted tones she selected. Check them out here! It’s a super simple DIY with beautiful results that anyone can do to update old Christmas ceramics.
Holiday Song
This song by Kenny Loggins is one of my all time favorites that doesn’t get enough radio play, if you ask me. It’s not a blatantly seasonal song, but it’s about returning home, and this year that’s just not possible for most, so I think this song is hitting me a little harder in 2020. If you haven’t listened before, check it out. Jennifer Nettles also has a beautiful recording.
Some Holiday Moments Making Me Happy
I thought I would share some of the sweet moments I’ve captured around my home over the last week.
Last Friday I hosted an event at my local Aerie (mask mandatory, socially distant safe event!) and called it a “pajama party” and made shoppers come in pajamas. Emmy came with me and we had so much fun shopping as well. She got these cute flannel pajama shorts, matching top, and sloth slippers.
Wilder was a little jealous of the slippers, so we’re trying to find some in his size as well. By the way, this is his “big cheese” smile…
I found this Christmas tree pillow at TJ Maxx recently, and as you can see I am not the only one who loves it.
Well, friend, I hope you have a nice cozy pre-Thanksgiving weekend! Maybe get out and get moving and pre-burn some of those calories you’re sure to consume next week. I mean, I know I plan on filling my plate and stuffing my face!