Ms. Bear Memories: On My Childhood Home

childhood home childhood homeThe wonderful Ms. Bear is back on the blog again today, friends! This time, she’s sharing memories of her childhood home, complete with photos!! Enjoy… xoxo

I beg to differ with the old adage, “You can’t go home again.” Of course, you physically can’t transport yourself to the past, but if you work at keeping the memories alive, you can visit anytime you want! Maybe it’s because my parents and my husband are all dead, but I feel I spend a fair amount of time in thoughts of the past. It’s not that I live in the past; it’s just that thinking about it makes me happy!

Maybe that is why this little gift from my sister is so important to me — see the photos above! You see, I grew up in a bi-level house and when I opened this little model, I just about exploded with joy! It looks so much like the house I grew up in…it’s uncanny!

When I think of memories from my house in Lombard, Illinois, I remember it as big. Imagine my surprise when I recently looked it up on Zillow and realized it was only 982 sq feet! There were 5 of us living there, during all my formative years. We had 3 bedrooms and only 1 bathroom! It’s funny, but I don’t ever remember feeling crowded.

childhood homeWhat do I remember about my house growing up?

Well, I remember feeling loved and cared for every day. I remember hot breakfasts in the morning, a lovely sack lunch for school and a hot meal every night, ready as soon as my dad got home from work. I remember my piano and our first color TV! I also remember playing baseball in my backyard, with all the kids in the neighborhood. I remember going from house to house with my friends, getting drinks after riding bikes around the neighborhood. We also had our elementary school park a couple blocks from our house, and you can imagine the fun we had there! When it turned dark, we would bring out our flashlights and play flashlight tag. Of course, we had to be back at my house as soon as the street lights came on. That was non-negotiable!

childhood homeMy house made me feel safe and loved. Things like holidays and weekends really stand out in my mind as family time. I can actually still see all the rooms of my house in my head. I always say my childhood was like something out of The Wonder Years and for that I am so grateful.

That little house on Greenfield will always be part of who I am. It really was the best of times! Thank you, little house, for sheltering us for all those years. I’ll never forget you, my childhood home…

In Which I Compare Myself to Buffalo Wing CHEEZ-IT Crackers

CHEEZ-ITLet’s just get something out in the open right away: You’re probably wondering why in the heck I’d be writing an entire blog post about CHEEZ-IT snacks on a random Thursday…

Well, for one thing, we’re in quarantine, so you know I’m not going out much. And, for another thing, have you ever had CHEEZ-IT?? They are, without a doubt, the most scrumptious, most delectable, most delicious snack in the ENTIRE universe.

When it comes to the world of snacks, I used to be strictly a potato chip gal. Barbecue potato chips, to be exact; in fact, I’d never deviate from those chips as the perfect lunchtime companion. Then a few years ago, my mom taught summer school and started taking CHEEZ-IT crackers for a mid-morning snack and, as they say, the rest is history!

Well, the rest actually looks more like rows and rows of those uber-recognizable red boxes — they line our kitchen drawers and are completely irresistible. We’re not even picky about what flavor is our favorite, either. Some days we’ll break out a box of the Four Cheese flavor. Other days, it’s all about the Cheddar Jack or White Cheddar flavors.

That’s really the beauty of the CHEEZ-IT brand, though: There is something for everyone. A unique taste experience for each unique foodie out there. Maybe that’s why I’m SO shocked that no one told me about the existence of Buffalo Wing CHEEZ-IT. My sister surprised me one day and needless to say, I was VERY surprised! And here I thought I knew all the flavors in the land. Apparently not and it was quite the revelation, let me tell you!

Now, I’ve been known to down a buffalo wing or two in my day — and, yes, I’m still sort of mourning the closing of our local Applebee’s, which served the BEST buffalo wings I’ve tasted in my entire life. So I was prepared for some hotness in these tiny square crackers; I knew they’d pack a powerful punch and that their small size was quite deceiving!

CHEEZ-ITSPOILER ALERT: I was right. Exactly right. These crackers certainly didn’t disappoint.

I tried them for the first time last night, expecting a slight rush of the spicy variety. At first, that’s exactly what I got. I mean, it all seemed innocent enough.

A few seconds passed, which actually felt like minutes. Then a few more seconds. And then…

That’s when the fire was unleashed — it was a roaring confection of all things spicy and hot and, to personify those crackers, a little bit of sassiness too. I could only eat a couple before it felt like my mouth was literally on fire.

Yes, those crackers weren’t at all what they seemed at first glance. But give them a minute and they’ll show you their sass and spice really quickly. They may be small, but don’t let that fool you — they’re nothing if not mighty!

As it turns out, you can say the same thing about me. Maybe you’re the same way and people make up their minds about you too soon. Maybe they’d describe you in a way that is the exact opposite of your actual personality, but once they get to know you, that description changes. Obviously, I’ve given this metaphor a lot of thought. Like I said, I’ve got nothing but time during this quarantine!

CHEEZ-ITSo, friends, what’s your favorite flavor of CHEEZ-IT crackers? Are you more of a spicy or salty fan?? There are so many options and maybe you’ll be like me and discover something about yourself the next time you find yourself snacking!!! xoxo

P.S. Have you weighed in on my funny tweet yet??

P.P.S. And in case you’re wondering: No, this isn’t a sponsored post. I’m just really, really obsessed with this super snack!

In Praise of Ms. Bear’s Childlike Wonder on Her 64th Birthday

64th birthdayAs you can tell from the title of this post, it’s someone’s special day today!! Not just someone special — someone VERY special. In fact, not just someone very special — someone who is the best person in the whole universe!! Yes, today is Ms. Bear’s 64th birthday!!!

I’ve been thinking long and hard about what I wanted to say in this special birthday post. I mean, I could literally go on and on about how wonderful my mom is; I’m forever in awe of her wit and her charm and her kindness and her strength and her love for the people around her.

And then I look at photos like the ones above. Photos from her childhood, which, I’m sure to her, feel like a lifetime ago. We grow up and over time, that lens of childlike wonder through which we viewed the world tends to fade, doesn’t it? We experience life and the bad times seem to harden us, wrapping us up in a big blanket of bitterness. Sometimes, it even feels like we’re powerless in stopping that bitterness.

I know what you’re thinking: “Wasn’t this supposed to be an UPLIFTING birthday tribute??”

Oh, it is. Just keep reading and, as Ms. Bear always says, you’ll see.

So back to that overwhelming bitterness we can’t seem to escape. I don’t know how my mom did it, but guess what?? She’s one of those people who has managed to escape it!! From 4 to 64, she’s held on to her childlike wonder. That’s six decades.

She doesn’t look at the world with bitterness or negativity, even when things are at their absolute worst. She finds the best in everything and sees the best in everyone. She sees the world as a magical place full of possibilities. And, frankly, she just enjoys the heck out of life!

64th birthdayWe talk a lot about the importance of change and “growing up,” how it’s inevitable and how it’s a good thing. But I think there’s something just as important to be said about holding tightly to the same sense of wonder that you discovered in childhood and using it to discover the wonders of life as an adult. At the very least, how boring would it be otherwise?? Certainly, it would make for a very boring and bitter existence.

In the end, isn’t that really the ultimate glow-up?? Because there’s nothing more beautiful or inspiring than refusing to become jaded. I’m thankful every day that my mom pushes me to see the magic in this world instead of being bogged down by its cruelness.

Happy 64th birthday, Ms. Bear!! Thank you for filling all our lives with joy and love every day. And thank you for teaching us how to see the wonder in this world. I love you soooooooo much!!! You are magical and I’m so thankful for the light you shine on the world… xoxo

P.S. More Ms. Bear birthdays: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Family Photos: Our Christmas Adventure…at Home

Christmas ChristmasHello, friends, and welcome back!! How was your holiday?? I can’t believe that this is my first post of 2020, but I’m excited to be back! Although, it is pretty tough to get back in the swing of the work routine, isn’t it? I mean, today is the first time I’ve been out of the house in TWO WEEKS, so you can probably imagine how I’m doing right now. The shock! The sights! The sounds! When did the world get so bright?? It’s certainly a lot to take in and it has me thinking about our grand Christmas adventure — at home, of course! Because, really, that’s the best place to be for the holidays, if you ask me!

I thought I’d share some of those photos today! Think good family, fun games and delicious food (spoiler alert: A huge pizza is involved!)…

ChristmasWe kicked off the festive season with a family get-together! And when you have a family party and order a pizza called The Hurricane…you quickly realize that a photo can’t possibly capture said pizza’s size! Talk about huge!! And delicious!!

Christmas ChristmasThis year, it finally hit me: We’ve started a new family tradition! Every year, usually a few days before Christmas, I get my hair cut because, you know, you got to look fresh and fabulous for the Big Day! We then meet for lunch (this year, we went to a great Mexican restaurant AND we got Janelle to be in the photo!) and afterward, I, umm, do my Christmas shopping. I know. I’m that person.

And, yes, I’m also that person who doesn’t wrap her presents until the evening of Christmas Eve. Picture this: It’s almost 7 p.m. and there is a mountain of gifts and wrapping paper all over my bed. I’m furiously cutting, wrapping, taping (repeat!) as my mom shouts “Your dinner is getting cold; do you want to get food poisoning?” over and over. Suffice it to say, I got all my presents wrapped — and narrowly escaped a bout of food poisoning!

Speaking of food, we usually have a huge breakfast on Christmas morning and this year was quite possibly the most scrumptious, most delicious, most EVERYTHING I’ve ever had. My cousin Mona sent us a pancake gift set with pancake mix and syrup made in Vermont. Friends, you’ve never lived until you’ve taste the sweet taste of syrup from Vermont. It’s a transcendent experience like no other!

ChristmasLook what I got for my mom! I dare you to look at this photo and not immediately declare me the Best Gift Giver of all time!! Go ahead. I give myself 5/5 saxophones!

ChristmasHow cool is the theme in my mom’s gifts to me?? WOMEN RULE — and rule the world, right?? Well, we’re still working on the latter, but I know we’ll get there someday!

Christmas ChristmasStella and Whitney are usually notorious frenemies. But, they cuddled together and sat under the tree together!! It’s a Christmas miracle!!

ChristmasAlso, Whitney on Christmas morning is exactly how I’ve felt for much of 2019 — watching what’s happening and giving the world so much side-eye…

It may have been 55 degrees outside on Christmas Day, but I still had a “Frozen” Christmas!! What wonderful gifts from my mom and sister!!

After having a leisurely morning, we went to the movies! I never thought I’d be snapping a selfie with my movie popcorn, but here we are…

Anyway, we saw Little Women! Have you seen it?? I’ll be doing a separate blog post on the film next week, but in the meantime, here’s my capsule review: I knew I’d like Little Women, but I’m here to tell y’all that I LOVED IT. Jo March is everything!! She’s fierce and tough and completely unapologetic about it all. Such a relevant character to women’s lives in 2019…

A+
10/10
ALL THE THINGS

We had such a fun afternoon decorating cookies with friends!!! Big thanks to my mom for making her famous almond cookies!! The recipe was passed down from my grandmother and these cookies remind me of all things family and love.

Plus, did I mention that they’re delicious?!? So. Good.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas in 2019 without a festive holiday photo filter…or two!! As usual, Snapchat was on its game with the filters this year, so I couldn’t help but capture the magic!

I hope everyone had an equally magical holiday and New Year!! Speaking of New Year, look for a post tomorrow about my mantra for 2020. And let me know how you spent your holiday!! I want to hear about it all, so be sure to leave a comment with all your stories!! xoxo

Family Photos: Oh, Christmas Trees! Oh, Christmas Trees!

Christmas Trees Christmas TreesYes, friends!! I did write Christmas trees in the title of this blog post! And it’s a true statement — we’ve got multiple trees around our house this year — more than usual, in fact!!

But, really, who am I to complain here? I love being the photographer every year when we decorate the Christmas tree!!! How cute is my mom?!? We put our trees up over Thanksgiving weekend. I thought we’d be content with just two small trees — one in the kitchen and then one in my mom’s room. And then, just like that, my mom bought another Christmas tree!! That Santa tree skirt, below, belonged to my grandparents and reminds me of my childhood holidays spent in Alabama with them!!

Christmas TreesIf you’re overwhelmed by those HUGE trees, I highly recommend a smaller tabletop tree! It’s just as beautiful and it makes the kitchen feel all kinds of cozy!!

Now this is what I call getting lit on a Saturday night, y’all

Also, a few words about the holidays…

A winter’s day
In a deep and dark December

I’ve always loved “I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel and find myself singing it a lot during this time of year.

And even though I’m generally an upbeat person, this has been my theme song for years. I’ve built walls. I’m sometimes afraid of getting close to people. I’ve used my writing as an armor of protection. I’ve felt like a rock and an island.

Holidays always have a way of making me think about the past. Last week during Thanksgiving, I got to thinking about how fall is such a hard season for me. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in the fall. And it was around Thanksgiving in 2010 that my severe depression took hold. I just remember watching the Macy’s Parade, something that was so full of fun and happiness, and I just couldn’t stop crying. A month later, I was hospitalized and it was so much scarier than any surgery I’ve ever had.

So I always get a little nervous this time of year about that depression coming back. Because it felt so all-encompassing, like it swallowed me entirely. Because I felt like I lost myself for a good 6 months. Because I worried every day that I’d never be Melissa again. Maybe I’ll worry every fall for the foreseeable future, but something I’ll never feel is shame. Depression is a physical illness and if you’re struggling, please never feel shame, OK??

Christmas TreesBut let’s end this post on a high note, shall we?? Too early for that classic “Naughty or Nice” Christmas tableau?? I’ll let you decide who’s who…

And I’d love to know, friends: Do you have multiple Christmas trees in your home? Or one huge one? Any other fun holiday tradition you’re looking forward to this season?? xoxo