Sunday Snippet: The Things I Should Have Mentioned in 2024 Edition

It’s January 5 and maybe a few days late for rehashing 2024, but I have few memos for the past year that I need to get off my mind before I plunge into 2025.

Dear Summer 2024,

Where did you go? I mean seriously? I know the summer lasted the usual 3-4 months, but it sure didn’t feel like it was that long. We didn’t get enough lake time or enough time to go out exploring state parks and places of interest as we’d planned to do. Stick around and be more organized in 2025, okay?

Longingly,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear Election,

Sigh. What can I say? Things did not end well for our nation, and now here we are, heading into the fight of our lives for our democracy, for our country. I’ll be working hard to reverse things in 2026, and I will continue to make my voice heard to my congresspeople, but seriously, WTH?

Sad, Frightened, but Determined to Make a Difference,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Hey Cancer,

You SUCK! You took another friend, and I’ve had quite enough of you attacking my loved ones, so cut it out! Got it? Scram! The world needs a break and frankly so do I, so go away and never, ever return, okay?

Fiercely,

Nan

~*~*~*~

To My Three Favorite Men,

You all are my heart.

With All My Love,

Nan/Mom/Nanny

~*~*~*~

Dear Body,

You made it through another year. Heart still beating, joints still moving, if a bit creakily now and then. I’m counting on you to give me another year. I’ll do my part–exercise, eat right, not work 24/7,  slow down, get enough sleep and enough playtime, keep my brain active. You do yours. Stay strong, keep responding well to the heart medications, allow me to move with relative ease. We’ll be just fine in 2025.

Aging, but not Owning It,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear City of Madison Indiana,

Thank you for being the inspiration for my little fictional town of River’s Edge and for welcoming me like one of your own. You are and always will be one of my very favorite places on Earth.

Love Being an Honorary Madisonian,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear James Taylor,

Thank you for your Christmas CD! I thought I’d lost it when the season began and I was heartsick, but it turned up, and it’s awesome and I’ve nearly worn it out this Christmas. I especially love your rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “River.” You are, as always, amazing. Thanks for getting me through the holiday season.

Caroling,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear Lizzie,

I know I say this, but once more with feeling–how I treasure you! The universe brought you to me right when I needed a fellow writer and gave me not only a fellow writer but a kindred spirit as well.

Feeling Blessed to Have You in My Life Always,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear Lovelies,

What a wonderful surprise you have been–you came along just when I thought I was too old to find new BFFs. You are all so full of magic and together we are truly…well, lovely!

Sparkling,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Dear Readers,
I can’t thank you enough for all your support! You’ve embraced River’s Edge and her quirky citizens with open arms and I appreciate you more than I can say. You’ve given me and Tule Publishing enough confidence to try a little something new for one of my River’s Edge characters . Look for it in September 2025.

Thankfully and with Great Affection,

Nan

~*~*~*~

Gratitude for This Week: A fun evening of music watching Son’s band play; Friends who joined us at the pub for music; time with Grandboy; writer retreat is just a week away! The promise of snow!

Stay well as the new begins, stay safe (Vaccines and mask work!), choose kindness always, and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful,