There are 40 countries around the world that have some form of monarchy (Kay, 2011). This was shocking to me. I was unaware that so many monarchies continued to exist. We have close ties to England, for obvious reasons, so that may be the reason we are so familiar with that monarchy. Did you know so many others existed?
I was only 3 years old when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married. Although I have seen footage, I did not get to experience the feelings of hope, joy, and happiness (just to name a few) along with the rest of the world. I was determined not to miss out this time. So I, like many others, woke before dawn today to tune into the wedding of William and Kate. I chose to watch the coverage on E!. I am so happy that I did. It really was a great start to the day.
It was refreshing to finally see something so beautiful on the television. I am sure that they were a ball of nerves, but that did not show through. What did is the love that William and Kate share. I truly get the feeling that this marriage has a good foundation and will be one that lasts. Kate looked absolutely beautiful - a true Princess.
I have seen, in the days leading up to the ceremony, people question the fascination with this event. I can't speak for everyone, so I will tell you why I am so fascinated. I am interested in both history and culture. The Windsor's are a historical family, that have continued to exist when so many other monarchies have crumbled. Their culture, although similarities do exist, is different than the culture here in the United States. I spent days (ok, it all started when they got engaged) leading up to the event researching the Royal family and watching NUMEROUS programs about the Royal family and William and Kate's relationship.
Nearly every Disney movie has a princess, who by the end, gets her prince. Bedtime stories often have the same theme. Most women dream for years exactly how they want their wedding to be (often even before they ever had their first boyfriend), and hope they will find their "prince charming". That is exactly what we were able to witness today. A "common" girl walked down the aisle to her Prince and walked out of the church a Princess. While you may have found your prince charming, it is likely you are not an official princess. What is better than watching a real life fairytale and a dream come true?
Cheers to you William and Kate.
References
Kay, K. (Narrator). (2011, March 29). Modern monarchy. Do's and Dont's. Cleveland: BBCA.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter. Easter is celebrated by everyone in many different ways. Generally, Easter is a religious holiday where families attend church services to "celebrate" and remember Jesus's sacrifice.
For my family, Easter is a commercial holiday. I grew up in the Church of Christ, which does not celebrate Easter as a religious holiday. The belief is that since The Bible does not give a specific date of death, we are to "celebrate" and remember the event every day of the year. The Church of Christ does not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday either.
Regardless of whether or not you celebrate today as a religious or commercial holiday, most families are celebrating the day together. When I was younger, we awoke to see what the Easter Bunny had left during his visit. I always had a new Easter dress (and sometimes Easter hat), and attended church services with my family (like I did every Sunday). What made Easter so special was that everyone went to my Grandma and Grandpap Morgan's after church for dinner.
It is days like today that I miss my family the most and wish that I lived closer to "home". As you get older, the Easter dresses, hats, and candy baskets from the Easter Bunny become less important. What never becomes less important is what family means to you. I cherish the memories of my childhood and all the great times my family spent at Grandma and Grandpap Morgan's house.
However you choose to celebrate the day, be sure to make some great memories. They will be there to light up even the grayest of days.
Have you ever known someone who says that they hate drama but is usually the first one to create it? Have you ever known someone, that while standing with their hand out, complains about people having things handed to them? Lastly, have you ever known someone who says they have worked hard and having nothing to show for it, yet they are an adult living with their parents without a job?
I am concerned for the future. More often than I would like to admit, I have met or come across someone who fits into one or all of the "categories" above. We are living in a culture of victims. No one wants to take responsibility for themselves and they spend their lives focused on the fortunes, or misfortunes, of others. People act as if they have no choices and sit around while life happens. They may want bigger or better things in their life, but have no plan and no desire to really work for it.
I am sure everyone has their "days". Days when you feel buried and wonder if you will ever be able to dig yourself out. It may even be more than a day, but understanding that with patience and perseverance, anything can be achieved. It is the people who keep digging, no matter what, that truly inspire me. We are not victims of our circumstances and as human beings and citizens of the United States, we do, in fact, have free will.
Unfortunately, those who read this that fit into the "categories" will likely not gain anything. My hope is that this can wake up just one person. One person who will be the future.
Dear Mother Nature,
I am not sure which address to send this to, so I figured you might get it here. I apologize, I could not find an address on "Google". I am writing in regards to the drastic weather change we are experiencing in North Ridgeville, Ohio today. I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter as I am hosting a 40th Anniversary party this weekend.
It is spring and according to weather data the average current high is expected to be in the 60 degree range. I am not so greedy to request no rain, as I know it brings May flowers, but I would really appreciate seasonal temperatures. Having high temperatures in the 40's or low 50's with winds so high it could blow me over, is not acceptable.
I do appreciate the wonderful temperatures we experienced over the weekend. I had assumed that the 80 degree Sunday was an apology for for the previous weeks of unseasonable temperatures and the snowy winter. I did not expect for it to be a joke, that would be quickly taken away.
I am sure that you are busy, receiving many complaints. I will be waiting for your response.
Regards,
Melissa
After writing the last week about some of my high school shenanigans, I promised that I would write some more. So, here I go...
Story #1
My friend Susan had a red Grand Am. One Saturday night, we didn't have much to do, so we decided to go and hang out at Kroger. (I know interesting town). While we were there, we saw the new boy in town who I had a crush on. We started following him and his friends around the store. When they left, we decided to continue following them. Since I had the crush, Susan wanted me to drive. I had fake finger nails on. One had come off and I didn't want the boy to see me with only 9 nice finger nails. This is what Susan wrote in my Senior book beside a "We Love You - Buckle Up" sticker. "Especially when you drive the Grand Am, don't stop at stop signs, take out bread stores, and take your finger nails off at the same time! Talk about talent." See, I knew I had talent!
Story #2
I was in the high school Marching Band. We spent the entire month of August, before school started, preparing for the football halftime show. At the end of the first song in the show, the entire band ended the song on the sideline in a straight line. To get from my previous position on the field, I had to walk pretty fast. I had that in mind and while I was playing my clarinet reminded myself that I needed to walk fast. I was supposed to be second to the end of the line. I wasn't really paying attention, just marching and playing. It seemed like I walked even faster than I had remembered this time. The song was over and I looked up. I was 10 yards away from the rest of the band. I guess I needed some exercise.
Story #3
As a senior in West Virginia, it was a requirement to take Advanced Comp, which was an English course. I had an excellent teacher, Mrs. Pivik, who was a teacher when my Mom was in high school, yet she was still very much in tune with the teens from my generation. I had some very good friends in the class, Becky, Ray, and Rick. We were always talking and gossiping and I believe that it made Mrs. Pivik feel young when we let her join in. Ray was a new student and from NYC. Being from a small town, I thought he was the most interesting person I had ever met (you really are). Although my college years have erased some of my memories, when looking through my senior book Ray wrote, "I love your big feet and humping your leg". I vaguely remember him always turning to talk to me and straddling my leg. I can't believe we ever got any work done in that class with all the talking, but I have a report card with "A's" to prove I was there.
I have many more to share, but will save some for another entry. Until then, pull out your own yearbooks and senior books. You won't be sorry. You will be reminded of some of the great times you thought you would never forget but unfortunately have.
Last night I went to West Virginia for my niece, Chloe's, birthday party. My sister, Lyndsey, had a roller skating party for her. My niece is going to be 7 years old, and she had twenty one of her little friends attend her party.
I don't get to WV very much anymore and it was really nice seeing some of the family that I don't normally get to see when I am there. My family was standing near the door when I went inside and everyone wanted to start talking. It was a bit overwhelming, but it was nice to know that they miss me as much as I do them.
As you can imagine having twenty one 6 and 7 year olds, on roller skates, was quite amusing. I think most of them were on the floor more than they were on their skates, and I think one girl may have even lost a tooth. Even though I am sure most of them have their battle scars today, there were very few tears shed.
I remember moments from when I was younger, but I forgot how animated and "grown up" little ones can be when they are with their friends. If only the majority of adult conversations and interactions could be so serious yet so simple. The biggest drama of the night came when sitting down to eat. You see, like any other person, Chloe only has two sides, but more than two friends who want to sit beside her.
Although visiting with family and watching the little ones interact were great, that was not my favorite part of the evening. Chloe had asked my husband, Mike, if he would skate with her at her party. She told everyone, "Uncle Mike said he would skate with me". Lyndsey asked him if he would skate with her during her special "birthday skate". The two of them were out on the floor skating, to a New Kids On The Block birthday song. You couldn't have written a more perfect or precious moment. I really had to fight the tears. Just watching the two of them skate and wishing that this moment could be frozen in time.
I hope that for years to come, Chloe will remember this birthday party and cherish the memories of the party like I know I will.
