The Party of the Year Is Here…………….Happy 2014

Happy New Year! (Photo credit: Lucy Liu.)

Happy New Year’s Eve! This is the place to be for New Year’s Eve and Day for fun and frivolity. Let the 2^nd Annual Blog New Year’s Party begin!

Date: Today and Tomorrow

Requirements: Drop by with a music pic, video, comment, and/or a resolution you plan on not keeping—and just for fun, put it in Haiku form (this is not a requirement, just a suggestion)

Be prepared to raise a glass of cheer and enjoy appetizers brought by Bloggers around the world.

Enjoy the music of Vanessa, and a promised appearance by Le Clown—a fellow Canadian extraordinaire and rabble rouser.  Mimi, Brigitte, Cindy, Audra, Darla, Peggy, Madame Weebles, Lois, Frank, Austin, David, Rosy, Julie, Sheila, Heidi, LuAnn, Diane and Diana, and hopefully Lisa and Robin, S.L., Misifusa, and a whole host of my other favourite bloggers (whose names my fuzzy brain will not produce) will be showing up—so let’s get this party started.

To get the ball rolling, the resolution that I will not be keeping is:

A LIE

I resolve and vow

To embrace tart brussel sprouts

And quit chocolate.

Here is my contribution to your New Year’s entertainment—quotes that fit almost every personality:

For the pragmatist or pessimistic optimist:

“May the New Year bring you courage to break your resolutions early! My own plan is to swear off every kind of virtue, so that I triumph even when I fall!”~  Aleister Crowley, Moonchild

For the writer:
The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” ~Melody Beattie

For Curmugeons:

“I would say happy new year but it’s not happy; it’s exactly the same as last year except colder. ~ Robert Clark

For novelists:

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

For those who like to parse sentences for their deeper meaning:

“A bridge of silver wings stretches from the dead ashes of an unforgiving nightmare to the jeweled vision of a life started anew.” ~  Aberjhani, The River of Winged Dreams

For the Optimist who likes Poetry:

“May Light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your Hurts turn to Healing;
Your Heart embrace Feeling.
May Wounds become Wisdom;
Every Kindness a Prism.
May Laughter infect you;
Your Passion resurrect you.
May Goodness inspire
your Deepest Desires.
Through all that you Reach For,
May your arms Never Tire.”  ~ D. Simone

For those who believe that success is just a Self-Help book away:

“This is the new year the new you. You can pass through another year, coasting on cruise control. Or you can step out of your comfort zone, trying things you have never done before, & make… the (new) year that you elevate from where you are & soar high. Make it happen!”~  Pablo

For those who can understand whatever language this is:

“Quella vita ch’è una cosa bella, non è la vita che si conosce, ma quella che non si conosce; non la vita passata, ma la futura. Coll’anno nuovo, il caso incomincerà a trattar bene voi e me e tutti gli altri, e si principierà la vita felice. Non è vero?” ~ Giacomo Leopardi, Operette Morali

For those who have enough patience to read a lengthy paragraph:

“In this new year, may you have a deep understanding of your true value and worth, an absolute faith in your unlimited potential, peace of mind in the midst of uncertainty, the confidence to let go when you need to, acceptance to replace your resistance, gratitude to open your heart, the strength to meet your challenges, great love to replace your fear, forgiveness and compassion for those who offend you, clear sight to see your best and true path, hope to dispel obscurity, the conviction to make your dreams come true, meaningful and rewarding synchronicities, dear friends who truly know and love you, a childlike trust in the benevolence of the universe, the humility to remain teachable, the wisdom to fully embrace your life exactly as it is, the understanding that every soul has its own course to follow, the discernment to recognize your own unique inner voice of truth, and the courage to learn to be still.” ~ Janet Rebhan

For the touchy feely:

“Many things are thrown our way in this game of life. It’s how you deal with them that shows your true character. I want all of you to feel the hope, love & passion I feel for the upcoming year & the rest of my life. I want ALL of you to not only go for your dreams, but have a damn ass good time doing it! Love & Warmth, May ♥ ~ May Water

 For the Non-animal lover

“A cat’s New Year dream is mostly a bird! Don’t be like a cat; in New Year, dream something that you have never dreamed! Target for new things!”  ~Mehmet Muratildan

For peaceniks and dreamers:

“As we did every New Year’s Eve we made ridiculous resolutions that no one would keep, and quietly we all wondered what the coming year would hold, each of us praying for our own private miracles…This hopefulness was something hardwired into our psyches, that a new year might mean some monumental something wonderful could happen to bring us happiness at a level we had never known. A new year was a chance to start over. Maybe even, just maybe, there would be peace on earth for one entire day.” ~ Dorothea Benton Frank, The Last Original Wife

 

Another one for those who understand this—I found the way the letters and words were put together fascinating—hope Enock was not predicting the end of the world:

“Mwaka mpya ukifika watu husherehekea kwa vifijo na nderemo! Pumzi ikifika hawasherehekei. Kwa nini?”  ~  Enock Maregesi

Wishing you a Happy New Year and prosperous 2014!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=4612184373868&source=jl999

2nd Annual Blog New Year’s Eve Party

Party!

Party!

Party!

Or in the immortal words of my drunken friends from my university days: “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!” This was the usual battle cry after at least five beers and two tequila shots. Of course, I was just an observer, but when the call was shouted out, one had to hold the beer they had in their hand high in the air and hop up and down to indicate enthusiasm.

Time is ticking, and tomorrow is the beginning of the big Blog New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day party.

Take That and Party (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It begins whenever you want to post and ends at midnight New Year’s Day. I have added a new twist if you should deign to participate:  When making your resolution that you will not keep, write it in haiku form (3 lines, 5 syllables the first line; 7 the second; and 5 the third line—or any facsimile thereof).

We will have entertainment, champagne and ice wine at midnight, and whatever else you want to throw into the mix. Unfortunately this year my co-host from last year, Robin Coyle will not be co-hosting, but I have sent her a special invitation so I am hoping she will show up and dance on the table again. Vanessa is putting together a wonderful song with Neil again—which is reason enough to attend. Anyone else who would like to be featured is welcome.

Your comments, music, videos, and haikus are what will make the party sparkle—so come one and come all!

~ Two ~ Party On!!!!!!!

Times Square New Years Eve Ball (Photo credit: ★ SimonPix)

Let the party begin! It is New Year’s Eve–let’s party like it is 1999! (Or if I were being truly wild and crazy–1977,  but that is another story). Grab a hat from mybeautfulthings, some champagne from Chay, wish RoSy a Happy Birthday, devour some munchies that Eagle-Eyed Editor so kindly brought, and don’t bump Robin Coyle’s table–we don’t want her to fall off!!

Robin robincoyle (she is the one in the lampshade) and I are hosting this party with our rose coloured glasses perched prominently on our noses. We want to enter this new year on a positive note–so here is the invitation with instructions:

You Are Invited to a New Year’s Eve Virtual Party

Where: Here

Why: To bring in the New Year on a positive note

How: By leaving a positive comment or resolution

When:  New Year’s Eve —all day and all night and into New Year’s Day

Come one, come all, and bring your most festive smiles.

Entertainment: You, Vanessa Chapman, and Rodents & Rebels

So join us for the frivolities and add whatever you think may make the party hardy!

Vanessa Chapman is dropping by with a song she and a friend have put together for us so make sure you find her–I think she will be in the kitchen. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDHzns7FryU&w=560&h=315%5D.

I have some mystery guests dropping by so check back every once in awhile to see what goodies they provide for us in the form of wise words, music, and even cigars!

Here is wishing all of you a wonderful New Year’s Eve and a great start to 2013–a leapless year!

Sharing my card from Mary with you:  http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3946887033868&source=jl999

Your Party Invitation Awaits

You are all invited to a Virtual Christmas Party!

(Photo credit: paparutzi)No party is a party without a disco ball!

Date: December 15th

Where: Virtually Here

Why: It Is Christmas!

Theme: Come as your favourite author or character in a book.

Co-hosts: LouAnn  and Robin

Bring: Your favourite appetizer from the 1970′s

Music Provided by: Rodents and Rebels (my son’s rock and roll band).

Special Entertainment: Margaret Atwood. She promises to be festive!

Headliner: Vanessa Chapman  will be singing a song chosen just for the party.

Requirement: Description of your favourite author or character’s outfit,  your 1970’s appetizer recipe, and favourite song request.

Not really Robin! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Robin Coyle (you probably remember her as the hostess of the first virtual cocktail party) and I have put our heads together to create some other fun activities to make this party rock—so choose one or two (or as many as you want) and be prepared to comment on them or provide a  pic on party night:

1.Provide a photo of an ugly Christmas sweater or if you are up to the challenge — provide a photo of a beautiful Christmas sweater;

2. Show us a photo (or stick drawing) of your favourite author or character in a book;

3. Don be shy—show us a photo of you dressed up as your favourite author or character;

4. Tell us  the worst line you have ever read from an annual Christmas newsletter;

5. Describe your best or worst Christmas memory (depending on your mood);

6. Tell us the title of your favourite Christmas themed book;

7.  Tell us about a Christmas tradition you want eradicated from this flat earth.

8. Create your own video or stand up or whatever your imagination conjures up. There will be kids at the party, so choose accordingly.

There you have it—choices galore.

I will be serving some shrimp cocktail in champagne glasses with cocktail sauce and champagne cocktails to toast the night with. So be there or be square!

Related articles

• A Blogcation (onthehomefrontandbeyond.wordpress.com)

Do You Need Shoes to Party Hardy?

Shoes! (Photo credit: Cynewulf)

“Abandon shoes, all ye who enter here.”  – National Post

Sometimes you can’t make this stuff up.  The subject of “peace on earth, good will to (wo)mankind” seems to no longer be a hot topic for this time of year. The new hot topic? Whether you should leave your shoes on or take them off when you enter a private home for holiday parties. The topic is so hot that the Canadian newspaper, the National Post devoted the front page to the subject.

It seems people have very strong opinions about the topic.  One of the “experts” quoted in the article said she did not mind if people left their shoes on, but noted quite pointedly that she did not have white carpeting. (So, I am thinking that if she did have white carpets she might not be so open-minded). Another woman  put the responsibility squarely on her visitor’s shoulders. She said quite adamantly that they should come prepared to leave wet footwear at the door, and bring a pair of shoes to wear inside. (I am thinking she is not a “party hardy” kind of gal.)

Another responder to the question of “shoes on or shoes off” said that “guests should leave their shoes on. Any decent party will involve a lot of spilled drinks, passed out people, and possibly, a flood. If you’re worried about a bit of slush on the carpet, you’re probably going to react badly when your brother-in-law falls through the coffee table”. He has a point. One might wonder about the type of parties he goes to. (I have not been to one of those in years–I sort of miss them.)

A highly fashion conscious woman sniffed at the question and said that shoes must stay on as they “are the most important part of an outfit.”  She stated: “May as well wear my pyjamas if I have to take my shoes off.”

My opinion, shaded on the side of “make your guests comfortable” is to not ask people to shed their shoes at the door, and let them make up their own mind. In fact, most of the time I encourage people to wear their shoes in my house especially if they are unexpected so that their socks do not gather up the dust tumbleweeds that tend to float willy nilly around my house. (If I am expecting guests though, I tame the tumbleweeds beforehand, spray furniture polish in the air, and use candlelight, not so much for the ambience but to hide my lack of housekeeping skills.)

The easy solution—in Canada in the wintertime?

Party! Party! Can’t tell if they have their shoes on. (Photo credit: Yelp.com)

Wear your boots to the door and put your shoes on after you have discarded your outerwear. Easy peasy. Or wear cute socks. The ones with the reindeer are especially nice.

Where do you stand on the shoes on, shoes off controversy this holiday season?

Party Like It is 1965!

A cooked hot dog garnished with mustard. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Party! Party! Party! (Sorry that was a chant from 1973, the beginning of my university academic life–probably should have been study! study! study!–but just doesn’t have the same ring to it!)

Let the frivolity begin! It is Friday. Not only that, it is the beginning of a holiday weekend. The reason for the holiday weekend is superfluous to me; the important thing is that it is a holiday weekend.

Does anyone remember having wiener roasts? When it was okay to offer people hot dogs roasted over a real fire, with real wood in a brick encased fire pit? My parents had a sort of outdoor mini fireplace they built with my older brothers’ help and it was the heart of  summer at my house.

We gathered around the makeshift hearth for many a wiener roast, hamburger binge, and on occasion steak fry (it was not really fried, hence I do not understand the term, but hey, who am to argue with a time-honoured tradition?)

We did not have steak a lot, but my parents would buy a half cow or quarter cow at the end of summer from some farmer who had it wrapped in a million big and little brown packages secured with string.  At the beginning of the procurement of the partial cow, we had the steaks. The steaks were big T-bones, and if I remember correctly, I could eat one that was about half my size. Now mind you, as I get more mature (?) I may remember things a little differently than they really were—but I swear those steaks were humongous.

And we would have potato salad with egg (always with egg), cottage cheese encased in green Jell-O (which I would never, ever eat!), huge mounds of coleslaw, and for dessert there was watermelon. We would cut it so that we could eat it without forks, and of course have seed spitting contests. (This sounds like I am making it up—but I am not—just ask my brothers and sister—oh, sorry—they do not want me to divulge their identities—so you will just have to take it from me).

English: fresh potato salad (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There will be no wiener roast for me this Labour Day weekend. We had to retire our barbeque a few weeks ago as it had just given up the ghost. We put it out at the road, and some poor guy came along and took it before garbage day, and as he was loading it onto his truck, all the burnt briquettes spilled out onto him. I just happened to be looking out the front window when he was loading it up and felt bad for him. Hope he got something out of it for his trouble.

Anyway, I digress. I am not sure what is on the menu for this weekend. Are any of you having a barbeque you want to invite a charming couple to—we will byob and some extra if you throw a couple more hot dogs on the *barby for us. Have the mustard ready!

*Friends from down under — did I spell this right – feel free to correct me and I will edit it.

The Quote That Will Go Down In Infamy

English: Logo from the NBC television program Chuck (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“WE ARE NOT HERE FOR A LONG TIME; WE ARE HERE FOR A GOOD TIME!”

~ Chuck from Rochester, New York: 1974-1975

It is Friday. At the wise age I have attained, the joyous hue and outcry of “We are not here for a long time; we are here for a good time” has changed its status. When first declared by Chuck, a friend and fellow communications student at university over three and half decades ago—these words meant : “let the party begin”.  Classes for the week were over and we had a weekend of dancing, partying, imbibing, and general hail fellow fun ahead of us.

Regis Philbin is famous for talking about his glory days at university even now in his eighth decade. I understand. I loved the years I spent at university. Sure there were exams and a million papers to write and studying to be done, but it was also my first taste of freedom. I had to account for my own wins and losses, my own victories and mistakes.

Today, as there seems to be fewer years in front of me than behind, these words should be taken more seriously ~~because it is true: we are not here for a long time. I think I will start letting the good times roll…..again.

Notes:

1. hue can be spelled hew

2. Chuck may not have originated this saying, but so what?