Share Four Somethings – February

Today I’m linking up with my online friend Heather to share my February Four Favorites. It’s a great way to slow down and reflect on the month that whizzed by.

Something Loved: Orange Julius and Galentines Day

I grew up drinking Orange Julius at the food court in our local mall. I loved it. I loved trying to decide between orange, strawberry, and pineapple. I loved the frothy texture. I loved paring it with fried cheese from Hot Dog On A Stick. It was a such a treat.

Recently my mom reminded me of our love affair with Orange Julius and sent me an article with a mock recipe. Christine and I made it (and a Strawberry version) for Recipe Archaeology and it did not disappoint. It’s so easy to make and so delightful that I’m making the pineapple version later today.

A few days before Valentine’s Day I celebrated Galentine’s day with my girlfriends. This was the first gathering at my house in a very long time and it was just right. I was so ready to have friends over and feel normal and kicking it off with Galentines was just what the (love) doctor ordered.

Something Gleaned: Reconciliation with Dear White Peacemakers

My book club finished Dear White Peacemakers by Osheta Moore this month. I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m so passionate about this book that I want every dear white person to read it. Osheta speaks to her white allies with a grace and patience that we truly don’t deserve. Right off the bat she reminds the reader that you are beloved. No matter what color you are, no matter what your background, no matter you ancestral history; you are beloved and deserve to be treated as such.

Throughout my social justice journey I have read books and sat with my thoughts and feelings. Many times I feel confused and guilty for the way White America has treated and continues to treat Black America. Osheta taught me that a guilty white person is not a productive person. Guilt and shame are not the same as acknowledging past mistakes and learning to do better. Guilt and shame do not have a place in reconciliation.

My biggest takeaway: It’s never too late to be a Peacemaker and it’s never too late for reconciliation.

Something Braved: Art Camp Audition

Addison sent in an audition submission for a summer camp that focuses on the arts. Oklahoma Art Institute is an organization with a mission to champion the arts in Oklahoma for both young people and adults. Each summer they put on a two week summer camp and bring in guest instructors who are experts in their field of study. They offer everything from dance, choral and instrumental music, visual arts and media. With our nagging and prodding, Addison submitted a short video for the media discipline. We won’t know if he is accepted to attend until April but I’m really proud of him for sending something in and interviewing. It’s not easy to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to something so subjective as art that you have created. The fear of rejection can hold people back from sharing their gifts and talents. I’m really proud of him for being so brave (even if it was at my insistence).

Something Achieved: No plastic shopping bags

I don’t normally give myself a new year resolution. However, this year I decided to try something new: zero plastic shopping bag use in 2022. I’m happy to say that I went through the months of January and February without using plastic bags. For the most part it’s been easy as I’m used to having my own reusable grocery bags with me. There have been a few times when I’ve had to walk out of a store like Ulta or JoAnne’s with my purchases crammed in my purse but it’s better than using a plastic bag for the purpose of walking 50 feet to my car and then immediately throwing it away. From now on I’m going  to try and keep a small canvas shopping bag rolled up in my purse for just such occasions.

The challenge with this little resolution is that I can’t use online pick up at Walmart or Target anymore. I loved ordering my groceries online through the Walmart app and then picking them up at my convenience. However, they use plastic shopping bags in spades. For instance, they will put just one grocery item in a bag and then two items in another bag and so on. What the heck?!

Do you have a 2022 resolution?