2024, as most years, had many ups and downs. We had some unbelievably fantastic moments and some hard, trying moments. But, all in all, it was a good year. More positive than negative. And I cherish many of the memories that we made.
December 2024 was busy with social activities, more than usual. We received multiple invitations for fun get-togethers and various events. We swilled eggnog at the homemade eggnog gathering, met new people at a progressive cocktail party, joined a wrapping party to prepare donated gifts for delivery to foster kids, noshed on a scrumptious Christmas Eve brunch, attended a beautiful Christmas Eve church service, and enjoyed time with family and friends.
During the month, we also attended several fun events that were seeped in Christmas cheer.
We attended a dinner and outing with Rob’s work associates at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It was a high-class affair with delicious food and drink. The nighttime stroll through the Christmas lights in the gardens was absolutely gorgeous. Awe-inspiring.
Even more festive was the Christmas concert we attended. A John Legend Christmas. Yes, I had already seen John Legend perform earlier this year. But, when he announced a Christmas concert at the legendary Fox Theater in Atlanta, my daughter was all excited about going. And, since Rob had not attended the earlier concert with us, he was very interested, as well. And, who am I to rain on anyone’s parade? So, we three went to downtown ATL to see the show.
Even if you do not enjoy crooner-styled music, I assume that most of you can get into the spirit of the crooning song during the holidays. So many Christmas carols are perfectly fitted for a jazzy, upbeat tempo, sung with smooth soul and swag. John Legend’s voice was tailor-made for every Christmas song that has ever been written. In my humble opinion.
And, did he ever deliver. His show was incredibly soulful, both sentimental and contemporary. It was full of style. The R&B vibe, coupled with his strong, mellow tone filled us with the Christmas spirit. He just set the room on fire. We were riding high as the holiday music rang throughout the theater. A definite win. Absolutely incredible.
But, of course, at the concert, there was an incident. Atlanta’s Fox Theater is a historic landmark theater, elegant and stately. As with many old, refurbished venues, there are no cupholders at the theater seats. If you take a beverage to your seat, you must set it on the floor or hold it in your hand.
When we arrived at the theater, all dressed up and ready to go, we stopped at the theater concessions bar to add some Christmas ‘spirits’ to our evening. When we found our seats and settled in for the opening act, I snugly positioned my plastic cup of Cabernet Sauvignon in between my knees for just a minute as I made myself comfortable. Having had only about 2 sips of wine. Before I could blink, the cup tilted towards my lap, and the entire 6 ounce serving of vino poured on my dress in between my legs, funneling down to the seat cushion. As the concert’s opening act performed. It was startlingly wet and startlingly cold. Like sitting on upholstery in a wet bathing suit.
My sopping wet dress clung to my skin, and my seat was squishy. Oh, so squishy. It was incredibly uncomfortable all through the opening act and all through John's performance. But, that’s a testament to how John Legend’s music captivated me. When he took the stage, I barely noticed how wet and sticky I was. His performance was mesmerizing. So uplifting and festive.
Luckily, I was wearing a dark grey dress, because, when I walked around the theater, you could barely notice the enormous red wine stain on the front and back of my dress. Had I been wearing winter white or champagne color, women might have started discreetly passing me feminine sanitary products as I walked about. So, it could have been worse. Much worse. My apologies to the next Fox Theater patron who will be sitting in Row T Seat 61. There might be some stiffly matted chair fabric and a lingering stench. Sorry ‘bout it.
Turning the page to 2025, we are looking forward to New Year’s Eve activities with friends. We are excited to embrace new opportunities in the year MMXXV. There are so many possibilities as a brand new year kicks off. We are ready to take on new challenges, resolve problems, embrace creative energy, give, share, and learn. There is much work to be done.
I hope that you all have a wonderfully Happy New Year, full of love and adventure! Take care, and don't forget to be awesome!