A week goes by, and I barely notice any changes in my mundane life whatsoever. And then in just one short weekend I see we have new set of circumstances that have literally “slipped up” on me or maybe I was not paying attention to the slow progression that is inevitable. It creeps in ever so quietly and subdued yet I am acutely aware that “change” is undeniable.
Gary had a little slip out of the bed the other night. He was holding on to the covers while trying to hoist himself into the bed and he landed (fairly gently) on the floor with the comforter surrounding him. As scary as this could have been I managed to get Gary and the duvet back in the bed unharmed. Life is a slippery slope!
Over the weekend we were cordially invited (thank you Johnny and Cindy) to see the one and only T Graham Brown live and in person at the Boot Barn right here in our own hometown. After a little catch up time with sweet friends over BBQ and beer (non-alcohol) and chardonnay (w/alcohol) the lights came down and the music began with a remarkable local talent by the name of, Cole Grover, (which we can all agree is the BEST name for a country singer or any performer for that matter), who was opening for T Graham. As his session ended and the hype of T was about to begin Gary was ready to bail. Not in a disrespectful way, but pretty much in a desperate way. He was exhausted. I found myself feeling just as content as Gary as he “successfully” eased into our bed…exactly where he needed to be. Bedtime routine is now as important as it was when it all began in 1979.
New challenges and new routines sneak into ALL of our lives…not a big deal, but it hit me hard this week, that it is time for another change around here. A change I have been avoiding for years, but I’m ready.
The year for the “FAKE” tree.
The thought of sorting through the mangled mess of unmanaged and neglected web of tangled strands of twinkling white lights… Will they hold up their bargain to sparkle over the next four weeks? That wobbly ladder. The constant watering. The needles and the never-ending shedding. Ol Saint Nick is back, and it is time to wrap this thing up!
This year, this time, it isn’t the same. I know it’s different and it won’t smell the same, but the worst is that it is FAKE!
It will be little lighter, a little brighter, and a lot less complicated! Which is exactly what this exhausting life is begging Santa for this year. It will break my heart to “unpack” my tree, but it is insanely sensible. And deep down I know it is time. The sparkle remains the same.
Change is inevitable…
Family… unchangeable.
You gotta “Fake it” every now and then?
Light a fir scented candle and it will make all the difference!! As we age and things change, we need to make life simpler. This is a good step! Love your blogs!!
Candle is better than Sandy’s “GLADE spray” advise!!!!! (LOL)!
Love a great candle during the Holidays!
Change can be good. Thank you Carole!
We have had years of the fake tree…you can put it up early and enjoy longer. Instant fix, Glade Balsam and Spruce room spray😜😆. Thinking of you…glad you are surrounded by your family. It will be special. Love you and thinking of you🎄🌲🤶🧑🎄🎅🌲🎄
Sandy…Glade! Really? I thought that was for the BATHROOM! hahaha!!!! Love you!!!!
You are so last year! We all been fakin’ it for eons. Welcome to the party. Your blogs are so real…and so Tracy. Sorry life is throwing y’all some curves. == It happens! Keep that sense of humor. It will take you a long way. into that unknown place. XXOO
I am excited to catch up on all the “fakiness”! I can’t believe how long it has taken me to get there…not the “fake” part…just the tree;)
Always good to laugh out loud!
“Fake” is fine as wine at this point! Seriously!!! You’ve got this!! 🎄🍷
Straighten your 👑 and carry on!!!
Oopsy Daisy…the crown keeps sliding off! But I can def “carry on” with or without it! And I agree…fake is fine!
Love you Tracey🥰 I am feeling your changes from a distant location. Enjoy the holidays in all the ways you can🎄🕯️🍷
Thank you, LeAnn! As you know so well… adaptation is everything…and on a prayer. Can’t wait to find out what this little bundle’s name is going to be!
As someone who has taken your journey I know the importance of laughter Some of our funniest deal with how he fought us over not driving. He was devious. You are right, we adapt. I like fake so much, I bought a second one last year! Whatever makes you happy. Looking at my twinkling white lights makes me happy! I also love a good candle! Thinking of you, Tracy.
Diane I am not sure I was aware that you have been down this path. It can be a broken record, a tug a war, and a great deal of compassion all rolled into one. God bless them…God bless us! Nothing like a twinkling tree to warm our hearts…and in my case a sip of chardonnay beside that twinkling tree to warm my spirits! Thanks for reaching out. Would love to hear more details about your journey if you want to message!
Been putting up a fake tree for years. When you decorate by yourself it’s the way to go & a lot less messy. You also get to keep it up longer. You can get Christmas tree scent sticks that hang in the tree & make it smell real. Love y’all!
Kerith you are ahead of the game. As much as I loved my REAL tree, I think I have turned a corner that I’m afraid there will be no turning back!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope to see you soon. Love you too!
I finally, 6 years after Stan passed away, quit bothering my neighbors to help me get a tree and went artificial. Seasons of life change and we have to change with them. I have never looked back.
We do the best we can with our circumstances and make the best of it!
Praying for you, Tracy and God knows what you are going thru. I promise you, you are not alone.
Your friends love you and we are here for you, every step of the way!
Happy Holidays,
Love you, Tracy
Your home has always been inviting and warm. (like you) I think I will be happier now that I have come to terms with “faking it”!
I love our friends and honestly have felt supported by each and every one! Gary gets all the credit!
Thank you, Jane. Have a wonderful (“real”) Holiday!
Love you!