Planning Christmas 2013

I have decided to spend Christmas in San Diego.  One reason was not to be the "Debbie Downer" at someone else's Christmas.  Another reason was restart a postponed tradition when I was single.  To invite Christmas Orphans, like me, to dinner.  This year, at Harvey Milk's Diner at 1:00pm Christmas Day.  Let me know if you would like to join me.  So far, there are two of us going.

I will visit Mom for a few days before Christmas in Portland.  Appreciate the colder climate.  See friends in Portland over the weekend before Christmas.  I hope to spend time with friends in Palm Springs after Christmas.  But, on Christmas, for the most part, I will be content to enjoy the Christmas Cookies mom is sending with those who stop by or while I am practicing and reacquainting my fingers with my instrument.. 

I have planned to set aside two hours to open the violin case and begin to practice music that I put aside for the last three years.  I plan on spend two hours on Christmas practicing and reconnecting with the 20 years of violin playing I used to do.  It was something I never did when Carleton was around.  And, he was disappointed I only played for him once.  He did not appreciate that I needed to practice in private.  For, I am a slight perfectionist at some things.  And, to perform, one must practice, alone.  Yet, it is a choice regret I took to heart.  I will not put it off any longer.  I hope to become better prepared to perform when someone simply wishes it.

So, practicing old tunes.  And, recreating a reformatted tradition.  Christmas is a present you can give to family or to others without family.  This year, I hope to have my own full table, at Harvey Milk’s Diner, with those who wish to share it with me.  Feel free to come along.  But, whether you plan to spend Christmas with family or friends, or alone.  Be sure not to spend the entire day by yourself.  Spend at least a couple hours with others.  Or, you simply can spend that time with me, over dinner, at a diner.