Featured Blog Post

That’s what so many are doing this time of year. Grocery lists for entertaining, lists for gift giving, or if you’re a self-improvement type, maybe a head start on a list of New Year’s resolutions.

Often the most fascinating lists are the “Year End Top Ten (fill in the blank) for 2018.” Movies, TV series, best-selling books, travel destinations, automobiles, toys, phones, you name it, right down to lipsticks, tweezers, and garbage disposals. No subject is too unimportant to cover.

The funny part is the excessive excitement and superlative descriptions entailed in these lists. Everything is over-the-top marvelous. It reminds me of when we visited a town in the Northeast once and actually (unbelievably, this is the truth) were somewhat influenced to move there by the sign on Main Street proclaiming it “One of the Top Ten Small Towns in America.” Sigh.

But I digress. The point is, we can assess the past year without help from pundits whose well-intentioned yet unsolicited opinions are now appearing everywhere in the media. I say make your own list, maybe the top ten things that happened to you in 2018. Then share it with me.

Or maybe give me your five worst moments and five best. Normally I don’t encourage whining, but if we do it first, then follow up with the positive, it works. Maybe you were touched by the devastating fires in California or lost someone dear to you. But maybe also you published a book, started your own company, or received an award.

I’ll start you off. In October my husband Keith and I lost our best buddy, Carson, who would have been 14 years old next month. He died peacefully in his sleep, and we’re grateful for that, but the loss is immeasurable.

On the other hand…

READ MORE