My town had a shin-dig this year for New Years Eve. We dropped a lit up Hub sign apparently. I don't know first hand as I was not there. The original Hub sign looked just like the one pictured (or is that the original?) that sat on top of what we refer to as The American Building near the railroad tracks, which was once a grand hotel. This was because, in a railroad way, Hattiesburg was The Hub City. We're still referred to as that, though rail lines aren't nearly as popular in this country as they were a hundred years ago. But you could get to any of the major cities in the south via a rail line from our little po-dunk-ville. Because no longer are Meridian or Natchez larger than Hattiesburg, or the end-all, be-all destinations that they once were. But that was the sign and apparently that lighted effigy was what was lowered during the ten second count this year. I, personally, am not one for New Years Eve or Day. It's never been one of my favourite holidays. I liked that it was cold and that when I was a kid we'd shoot off fireworks. We haven't done that in a long time though. The last time, I think I was twenty one or possibly twenty two. Our coffee house was up and running and some of our regulars were in that night. We went out and up to the side street and were shooting off fireworks and drinking champagne when it started to snow. It was just barely flurrying and didn't stick, but it was magical and beautiful simply because of the frozen precipitation. But I couldn't recapture that moment again, nor the fun times from my childhood and I just let go the last thread that was tethering me to this holiday.
I also never was fond of all the good luck food and the resolutions. I like the idea of good luck food, I just was never partial to ours. Collard greens and black-eyed peas. Cornbread is nice and pork is good, but it was never any good pork like loin or chops or even ham or bacon. No, it was salt pork or back fat or pigs knuckles. No, thank you. I'd be a little sad to spend Christmas all alone, though I would have a small live tree and decorate, because it makes me merry. But to spend New Years alone wouldn't bother me at all. Most years I spend the evening watching some Netflix and just hanging out with my cat. That is until my mother messages me, pestering me to open the champagne that I won't drink and ring in the New Year. It's like a count down with her. I'll get a message an hour before midnight, then forty five minutes, then half an hour before and so on and so forth. Personally I like to saunter downstairs ten minutes before and then toast my coffee or water at midnight with my family, say, "Happy New Year" and then go back up stairs. This year wasn't much different. I was in bed watching Frasier and mom started her harassing. Only this year we had pomegranate. The Sister got me one for Christmas and I'd read that they're eating in the Middle East for good luck on the New Year and that in Greece they smash them against doors, the more seeds spilling out the better for fertility and wealth. Don't want the fertility bit, but we're Greek ancestrally and both bits of information were cool with me. I like pomegranates. Also had some ham since it was left over from Christmas Day dinner. And this year I spent New Years Day somewhere else, as The Sister had just started our five day jaunt of house sitting for a friend. So, that was certainly different. Also, no resolutions pour moi. I think it was because my mom was so crazy about them when I was growing up and she made the entire affair anxiety inducing for me. I did get a kids book from The Sister for Christmas. There's either a small writing or doodling prompt; 365 days worth. So, I started that on Christmas day and have been keeping up with it. I suppose if we want to call that a resolution we could, even though I started it early.
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AuthorA girl from South Mississippi who finds herself in exploration. Archives
November 2019
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