The First Monday

Christmas is just about all put away at our house. It used to make me sad, but not so much anymore. I love the holidays, but I also love a fresh new start and that's what it feels like to me. I hve several things I want to accomplish this year, but will keep them to myself. One thing though --- it's been a long time since I blogged. I have no excuses. No reasons. No explanations. Other than life just keeps moving faster and faster for all of us. This year I want to do better that way. I want to keep in touch with myself through writing. I've always loved it. Always. And I think it's not only good therapy but it encourages thoughtfulness and Lord knows we can all use that.

This last year has been full of loss. I've known a dozen or so people who have gone on to the great beyond --- Cheri, Betty, Jessie, Tanda, Randy, Debby, Diane, Jay, Don, Bertha, Mrs. Madsen, Rick, the Buckster. Some were young, some not; some were sick, some not. But loss like that makes one stop and think. And it makes us take each other less for granted. When Jessie died, it was and still is very surreal to me. It seems like I could expect to see her at the next family reunion, like she's not gone anywhere at all. But the tragic facts remain --- and I wish I had taken just a little more time to know both her and Cheri better.

This year has also been full of so much joy! I've been able to reconnect with old and new friends...Jer and his family are healthy and happy; my relationship with my daughter has almost recovered; Nate and Quincy were married and there is a possibility that he will be moving closer to home this next year; Sean and MD are closer to finishing school; Laura got a better paying job; Alex has a promising future with his job; Alan is edging closer to retirement and more time in the shop; and we are healthy. Life is as good as it can be.

And though I didn't do things last year that I really regret too much, I want 2015 to be a better year. So...this year, I'll do much better. I'll be

kinder,
more patient,
more appreciative,
more accepting,
more willing,
more generous.

I want to do MORE. I want to BE MORE. And since I really like taking photos, I'll be including some of those too!