New Year

    In the mountains of North Carolina, the first day of the New Year requires a particular meal if one wants a good year moving forward. Greens (mixed or collard depending on your family) represent dollars. Black-eyed peas represent coins. Cornbread represents gold, and pork represents other forms of luck and health. I typically go the easy route and get canned vegetables and pre-baked ham. The cornbread is such a staple that it doesn't feel like work.

    It was my Nanny who introduced this tradition to me. I know it is common throughout my county because finding any of the ingredients on the day of New Year's is nearly impossible. In fact, I met and had great conversations with two older ladies in the store today just because I helped one find fresh collards (she has more gumption today than I do) and the other find black-eyed peas. 

    Where do these traditions come from, and why do we pay lip service to them? I enjoy the food traditions, but what about the ones we know we won't follow, or the ones that make our lives more challenging instead of easier?

    Resolutions are the worst. We all know that they will last about two weeks, tops. Years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the idea of a One Word Challenge. It is more like a guiding principle that will help you move forward. The past years have led me to words related to self-care. Health issues and the pandemic have taught me that being willing to say "no" was necessary. Curating and refining my responsibilities would allow me to focus my energies where they would best be used.
    
    This year, my word needs to be focused more on growth. I think I have rested enough, and it is time to grow. (I am working on the exact word I want, but that is the direction I am heading.) I hope that helps me along the path of studying, acting, dancing, and doing other things I enjoy again. I know that it will be difficult this year with the surge of the virus, but it seems like the right time. 

    One of the things that I am excited about is this year's Reading Challenge with my local library. I entered a few books into the challenge last year, but I didn't commit to it. I would like to work on it this year. I don't choose my books based on the list; I read what I want and see where it fits. Life is too short to limit myself to a list, but if I can do both simultaneously, that sounds like a sweet deal. So as I move forward, you will notice that I am adding what I am reading to the bottom of my posts. I finished The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett today. 

I am currently reading:
The Witches Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
The Ore Knob Mine Murders by Rose M. Haynes

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