Happy New Year!

It is the FIRST week in the NEW YEAR, the FIRST Friday of the NEW YEAR, and my FIRST Friday Favorites of the NEW YEAR!

Here they are…

Favorite # ONE

Black Eyed Peas

It is essential to partake in a meal of black-eyed peas, greens, and ham/pork on New Year’s Day.

I learned today that one of my team members had no idea that Black-eyed peas were part of a traditional New Year’s Day meal.

In the Southern United States, the traditional New Years Day meal also includes collard, turnip, or mustard greens, and ham.

The black-eyed peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, which represents positive motion. (source)

I made a pot of black-eyed peas on Wednesday, but put them away when I received a last minute invitation from Gina to come share a “New Year’s Feast” that Stuart had prepared.

Although pretty high carb, black-eyed peas are healthy and a good alternative to everything else that I’ve consumed in the past two weeks.

Favorite # TWO

Greens

This isn’t a food blog, but I love turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, and all of them mixed.  I found out that my brother-in-law cooks them up as good as Papa or Mema could!

I HAD to include greens in my favorites today because this week my cousin Robbie told me that he would often take his Mama out to eat and she would want to know if “the greens were any good”.  Before ordering them she would ask the waitress.  I thought that was so cute!

Favorite # THREE

Yellow Roses

are associated with the sun and warmth; they are representative of warm feelings of friendship, cheerfulness and optimism.

This Yellow RoseCame home with me on Tuesday after attending a service for a family member; a special lady who also represented warm feelings of friendship, cheerfulness, and positivity.

Favorite # FOUR

This Hymn

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

is such a beautiful hymn.

I heard it at the same service that I mentioned previously.  It was sung by my cousin Rosie in honor of her mother.  While she sang, I was silently cheering her on, worried that at any moment she may lose her composure.  She never did.

Her song was beautiful.

When I came home later that afternoon, I told LB about it then searched until I found this version to share with him:

Favorite # FIVE

Aunt Fran

She is the younger sister of my Mema Reid and she went to be with Jesus on the day after Christmas.  She is my Daddy’s precious aunt and my great aunt.

Aunt Fran was a bright, cheerful, very friendly lady who loved everyone who crossed her path.

I will cherish the memory of

Mary Frances [Fran] Spillane

and miss her dearly.

Thank you for taking time out of your day out of your day to stop by my blog.