Make Your Next Family Reunion the Best One Yet

Summer is here, school is out, vacations are planned and families are gathering for that big get-together...the Family Reunion.

If your family is included in this scenario, here are some tips to ensure your next Family Reunion is the best one yet.

REMEMBER YOUR MANNERS AND BE POLITE. Yes, it counts with family, too. Being among kinfolk doesn't give you the right to be rude. Besides, some of the elders who taught you manners in the first place may be there watching you.

SOME ARE KIN...SOME ARE NOT. Guests are usually welcome, so friends, neighbors, and other non-related people are often invited to family reunions. With that being said, you need to remember that reunions also flush out members of your family that you haven't seen in years. So don't just read a name tag...find out exactly who everyone is. The last thing you want to do is hit on First-Cousin Cathy or Half-Brother Hal.

DO NOT AIR NOR SHARE FAMILY DIRTY LAUNDRY; even if it's your own family's laundry. When you see people together in a whispering huddle, you know it's not about Me-Maw's mouth-watering deviled eggs. So jump in and suggest playing a game or drag out the homemade ice cream maker...anything to distract the gossipers. And don't fret about spoiling anyone's gossipy good fun, either. There's always comfort in knowing they'll catch up on everything later, during the familiar post-reunion phone sessions.

PREPARE FOR ANIMATED ACCOUNTS OF PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. There's no escaping this. They're as natural to reunions as ants are to cookouts; you know, a colossal pain in the butt, but expected none the less. So dispense with retorts of one-upmanship. Look at it this way; you're ALL family, so if someone happens to be doing well; you're ALL doing well.

And last but not least:

NO CRITICISMS ARE ALLOWED about the planning or organizing of the reunion. If you were on the committee...great! Then you know first-hand how much work was put into it. If you were not on the committee, then you should have been...so keep your criticisms to yourself. And before you leave, be sure to sign up to work on the next reunion committee since apparently, you think you can do better.

Reunions are about gatherings and happy times. Make it a point to keep them that way by remembering the special bond that brought you all together in the first place.

 Happy Chinese New Year!

Today, January 29, 2025 ~ just one month after the Universal New Year arrived ~ the Chinese New Year begins. This Year of the Snake calls for careful planning of goals and desires as it promises success and positive transformation.

Today also welcomes the New Moon in Aquarius, the first new moon of the year.

And let’s not forget the spectacular Cosmic Parade of 7 Planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury) that’ll be going on until the last week in February.  

Most of these planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) can be seen with the naked eye. So don’t miss out. Go out and witness this dramatic event. Experience the wonder and excitement that only the universe can deliver.

This is an event that won’t happen again until the year 2492. So, as these celestial planets put on this dramatic cosmic dance for us, take advantage of it.

• Align your thoughts and deepest desires with inspired actions just as the planets are aligned.

• Take the time on tonight’s New Moon to release the old habits that no longer serve you.

• Set your intentions for what you want to show up in your life for the new cycle.

Happy manifesting! 

You couldn’t ask for a better time to do so!

Truly Simple Pleasures

What calms you? Probably several people in your life, right? But I'm not talking about that kind of calm that comes from those close to you.
 
I mean, what THING seems to slow the world down for you, putting you in that place where all is right -- even if it's only for a few moments a day?
 
For me, meditation, prayers of gratitude and yoga are parts of my daily fix, but there are a couple of simple pleasures I indulge in that I'll share. Enter my favorite drinks;
 
WATER, TEA & COFFEE. And the real stuff, too...no decaf.
 
Ok, ok, I hear all the chatter out there about caffeine. But let me tell you; when you drink as much water as I do each day...2 gallons or more...drink your coffee.
 
Whatever you do though, make it special. I use pretty dishware, or something that's strictly personal, like these...


Gold-Rimmed Glass

And no, that's not wine in the glass. I do enjoy a good Moscato every now and then, but that's flavored water with lemon.

My BLISS Mug

But you get the idea, don't you? Pleasure is just that simple.

So now that you know my thing, why not take a moment, grab a glass or cup, and sip a little tranquility with me. 

Cheers!

~~Add a comment below and share one of your Simple Pleasures with us.