Miscellany

Well, that’s a wrap.

I can’t say twenty-nineteen was a showboat, exactly, though it did provide a few moments to remember:

It was the year I said goodbye to my book blog and bid the medieval society adieu . . .

. . . the year we dropped in on an open house or two, simply to peruse the library (one of which the realtor commented that the previous owners actually filled the shelves with books. Can you imagine? Mon dieu!) . . .

. . . the year we celebrated one whole year with a goofy pup named Cooper, who continues to fill our lives with love and laughter . . .

. . . the year we collected a few more memories with those we love most of all – in San Diego, in Sweden, and in our own backyard . . .

Of course, as twenty-nineteen sets, so sets another decade as well.

And the last ten years? Well, they’re a bit more showy.

The decade began with I’ve come to refer to as my “blue period.” You see, I lost my job right as the recession kicked in. While I’m lucky in the fact that I can freelance, I’m wretched when it comes to networking (thank God for referrals and word-of-mouth). Since it took me four years to find steady employment, those last two years were tough, to say the least.

Then, just to flaunt its versatility, the decade ended with me finding the one whom my soul loves, finally–after all these years, right when I felt certain it would never be.

In between the two extremes are countless bright spots filled with friends and family, good food and good conversation, love and laughter.

Sure, there were disappointments and heartache, too. That, my friends, is life. But it’s the everyday miracles that rise to the top.

With that in mind, I’m not as quick to jump into a new year as I usually am. Perhaps it’s my age, perhaps it’s the fact we’ve become much too accustomed to finding fault in the world, but I have an overwhelming urge to pause and say ‘thank you.’

Before I make plans, before I pen my hopes and dreams, I want to offer heartfelt gratitude to the one who saw fit to give me what I have.

Who knows? That may be the greatest celebration of all. For in doing so, I just might be better able to recognize my blessings, big and small, in the days and weeks, months and years to come.