Rain is falling in the heartland of Oklahoma today. Even though it is chilly and gloomy outside, this is a welcome sight given our drought situation. It is the perfect gift for closing out 2012.
A slow rain and a little ice on the tree.
Come on rain!
I have been reading many posts on the upcoming new year, congress battles, changes, and varied resolutions folks are making. I have never really been one to make stick with resolutions, but I am a “list” maker. And I do believe in new challenges, big or small, to improve my mind and life. Plans. Goal setting. Call it whatever you like. I want to take steps toward the positive, for there is always room for improvement. Everyday. Not just at the first of the year! George really nailed it on his blog posting, Have a Plan, Not a Resolution. This is a wonderful short read with great direction!
After hubby and I awake from our wild New Year’s Eve party tomorrow morning…..:) we will cook a batch of black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day. Neither of us like them. But when I was shopping the other day, the display of black-eye peas caught my eye. Then I thought of my Grandma’s tradition. She ALWAYS no matter what ALWAYS cooked black-eyed peas at the first of the year for good luck. My parents and sister follow this trad and mom asks me each year, “Did you have your black-eyed peas today?” Isn’t it amazing, all the thoughts that go through one’s mind at the grocery store! So maybe I am just cooking these things for memories sake….regardless, I’d say that’s some pretty good vibes sent our way already! (and check out this recipe for pulled pork! I made it for my kids the other evening. So simple. yes, I know I don’t eat pork, but still It will go well with those peas!!)
Black eye peas ~ for good luck?
Easy pulled pork recipe! Made in the crock pot.
I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong women in my life. My grandmothers, my mother, my sisters ~(♥ Mary), aunts, many friends. Obstacle after obstacle. Never giving up. Facing struggles head on. They keep getting up again no matter what. And when they rise…it is with a plan. So here’s to all the wonderful people in my life…..and to each and every woman. You are stronger than you think you are. You can do this. Thank you for being in my life and for setting the example that you do! ♥
♪ ♫ ♪ Happy New Year ♪ ♫ ♪ !!! And I’ll call ya at midnight! 😉
Paula ♥
p.s. Read Help-me-Rhonda’s post….it will give you chills and great direction for whatever day you choose to start your new year.
stuff i tell my sister 
Happy new year…thanks for sharing Rhonda’s post
Rhonda rocks….She, like her post, is amazing and inspirational! Happy 2013! So glad to meet you this year in blog land! ♥
Happy New Year!!!
I do the sauerkraut tradition on New Year’s Day. I’m not sure why it’s considered lucky, but it is. I love hearing about all the different traditions that come from different regions!
YUMMY! Enjoy!
MMM. Sauerkraut is so delicious. I think that’s supposed to bring financial luck. Maybe you could mix some sauerkraut with the black-eyed peas (add some jalapenos or something) to change them up a bit. Happy New Year!
What a great idea! LOVE sauerkraut! AND peppers. Sure can’t hurt the taste! 🙂 Happy 2013!
I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions, but this year I have a loooong list. Thanks for following my blog, I’m looking forward to following your blog to see how life is in Oklahoma. Happy New Year !!!
So great to find you! I look forward to knowing you better!!! Happy New Year to you and yours ♥ paula ♥
happy new year Paula!
Thank you! You, too!
My mom always opened a can of black eyed peas for New Year’s. I still always serve them on the 1st, but I’m not really sure why. I cook dried beans and make more of a Midwestern version of “Hoppin’ John” with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, a little hamburger and spices.
Tradition is in your bones….like mine. Love your idea to spice things up. Sounds gooood! 🙂 Happy Day!
Was enjoying reading your post and was planning to tell you about the go with peas–some kind of greens–you have to eat along with it. One stands for luck, one for money. But you knocked me back with the last paragraph about strong women in your life. I was blessed with the two strongest grandmothers ever! They taught me everything–especially to be strong on my own.
Happy New Year to all the strong women out there!!! Laura
Awww Laura…my mind does go in all directions….but I love that you have drawn on the strength of you grandmothers. Perfect and awesome. ♥ Here’s to 2013!
Happy New Year to you and Mr. Paula and the Paulettes – may 2013 bring you the best of everything!
Sweet Diana….thank you so much ♥ Happiness to you and yours! 🙂
Paula…thank you for sharing and it was a great day the day we met! Happy Happy Happy New Year to you and Marvin and of course the ‘youngin’s. xoxo
How could I not share this fab post?!?!?!? Here’s to a brand new year!!! ♥♥♥ hugs
(y) you got it! xoxo
Enjoyed your post and I also don’t make resolutions.Not a fan of black-eyed peas either. One thing that we do on New Years day every year is have fish that we caught. In the Fall we make sure to freeze one and save it for New Years. Since we love fishing we feel that if we cook one that we caught it will start the year out right. Thanks for visiting my blog, also. Happy New Year!
What a great tradition! I am not a fan of fish….so maybe I should do this with a hot pepper I grow in the summer instead???? 🙂 Happy day!
May it be that you and your family find comfort, peace and prosperity in 2013 🙂
Thank you so much! Sending postivie vibes and well wishes to you and yours. ♥
Thanks,.. and I just realised I sent you that wish twice LOL Hopefully it’ll have double the power behind it then 🙂
Never too many good wishes!!! 🙂
Is it good luck to eat black eyed peas on New Years, or to just cook them? Cause I’m good with the latter!!
Must eat a few….I think that’s been the problem all these years….we’ve just been looking at them!
Do we have ketchup?
YES!! (you and Steve!)
Lovely post.
thank you….♥
Having a plan sounds a lot more positive, doesn’t it? Do you do anything interesting with black eyed peas? I might just start a tradition of my own with them.
We are going to throw in some onions, hot peppers and some bacon. My mom always put ham in them. Let me know how yours turn out! Happy New Year! paula ~
” take steps toward the positive, for there is always room for improvement’ my favorite sentence in your piece of writing or i love to call it piece of heart =) i really enjoyed reading it =)
Thank you so much….I was talking to me….but glad you appreciated it, too! 🙂 Happy 2013! ♥
Spice up the black eyed peas and make Hoppin Jack! Happy New Year!
The hot peppers really helped. Thankfully, we won’t have them again for a year! 🙂
Great article. My years start and end with lists! Boring, I’m afraid. I scared everyone off with my huge lists – and they were MEANT to be funny. But I am a lister! 🙂 When I finish all my back reading here, I’ll go visit your planner. 🙂 ML
Hubby says I will live forever because dying isn’t on my list. Well if only it worked that way ~ 😉
Great post Paula, and thanks for the shout-out! I wish you and your hubby the best of what life has to offer! On that note, hopefully the blackeye peas do their job and bring you some good fortune!
Your post was just too great not to share! It received many “likes” on my fb page as well.
We are thankful that black eyed peas are just once a year….but we did it! We shall see ~ 🙂
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We had black eyed peas as well. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
You are so sweet. And I am with you….I cannot wait for Spring! Blessings to you and yours in this new year! ♥
What a great blog. It ‘s a joy to read. Thank you so much for following my blog. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy yours. cheers Judy 🙂
Thanks so much….So happy to have found you!!! ♥