Yes, I know most people have been moaning and groaning for the entire strange year. Well, darlin’, y’all just ought to know by now that I am NOT most people! My favorite word is exuberant, and that is how I choose to look back on this weirdest of years.
I celebrate dear friends who survived cancer, friends who survived kidney stones and broken bones and hurricanes. I celebrate dear friends who used it as a time to get creative with music, writing, photography, painting, and woodwork. I celebrate that everyone who reads this has survived elections and the pandemic.
I appreciate the wonderful people who gifted me roses, slippers, travel bags, and a girl’s night out at a favorite restaurant. I even more deeply appreciate the special ones who built a handmade bookcase, gifted me beautiful jewelry, washed my car, and restored my antique trunk.
Here are just a few things I managed to accomplish in 2020. I survived some broken teeth and a broken wrist. I did a lot of book reading and took several online courses. I learned new technology and launched my own website https://embracesouthernstates.com/ … on which I have posted many travel stories and local interviews. Travel articles I actually got paid for have included info on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
I made many new friends and one of them interviewed me on her podcast. I made my first ever Facebook video. I made my first ever batch of gluten-free cookies. I painted some artwork and participated in a Pop-Up Art Gallery. On a different “painting” note, I painted my bedroom furniture in a Mardi Gras theme of purple, green, and gold.
Currently I am doing a lot of research and “tasting” for some upcoming food articles. I am watching as much SEC football as possible. My four favorite teams have always been (and always will be) Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Ole Miss Rebels, and LSU Tigers.
I am still learning technology. Does anyone really understand SEO and how to get backlinks? If so, please explain it to me in simple words!!
As I look back over all of this…there has been much success and much cause to rejoice. No, it has not all been puppies and rainbows…but I remain positive. I continue to make a conscious choice to celebrate every little thing…and to be a joyful person.
As the year 2020 is drawing to a close, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I also wish you the biggest, boldest, brightest BADASS year in 2021!!
If you wish to do so…PLEASE share reasons that YOU choose to celebrate and to be joyful. That would be awesome!
It has been amazing in many ways! Sharing our love and joy with great friends, feeling the love of prayer warriors that are STILL being answered, and the blessings that surround us every day!
You, my friend, are so Beautiful and I am thankful for the moments and blessings of having You in my life! 💜💜💜
Thank you, Theresa, for being a beautiful person and a true blessing to those who are glad to know you.
Yes, the year has been great with new people and places that have made it very special, your friends close and afar are very lucky to have such a beautiful friend as you in their lives. Always with a heart, rose, kiss and hugs.
Thank you, Ken, for being the sweet one-of-a-kind man who is always happy to be there as a friend.
Wishing you the best for what is yet to come. Having you as a friend is the best gift of all. Thank you for being you.
Thank you, Michelle, for going above and beyond the expected…and showing us the joy of the unexpected.
One of my blessings this year was being able to follow your life. Thank you for your positivity!
Thank you, Bella, for following along and for recognizing the positive things.
What a wonderful letter,may 2021 be even better! Love the refurbished chest, great job.
Thank you, Bruce, for encouraging me on so many levels!
Wishing you the merriest year possible! Hugs and Rainbow wishes!!! I love this post. My year has been pretty bad. Lost my mom to Covid but gained my youngest daughter home to love on her old mama. I’m not happy with 2020 but that is in the past. So looking forward to new days to come!
Thank you, Tammy, for hanging in there through some hard times. May your 2021 be much brighter.
Although I did not like being restricted from international travel, I have enjoyed the year… just differently.
I am lucky to be living in Texas, not California, my home state. While I am free to go to restaurants and the gym, my sister is locked up in another shutdown. Hope to see you at the writer’s workshop in New Orleans in June. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Bonnie, for the way you look at life. Hope the NOLA event will happen.
Glad to see there ARE still some people able to be POSITIVE in the world. I am not one of them. Too much has been stolen from me this year and I want my FREEDOM back. NOW! I don’t understand why Americans were not up in arms months ago. The curve was flat a LONG time ago and their 2 weeks were finished with over NINE months ago!
Thank you, Jill, for having the strength and courage to voice your true opinion. I hope in 2021 you will make your own happiness.
I learned many new things this year as well! Research for projects is always a fun time. If you ever have to or want to do a piece on cemeteries in Tallahassee, call me up!!
Thank you, Tiffany, for being able to have fun in so many exciting ways. I can see some collaborations in our future!
Wonderful story. Can’t say my 2020 has been as exuberant as yours but it could have been a lot worse. Hope your 2021 comes in with a BANG!
Thanks you, Amy, for being exactly who you are. Hope your 2021 is as unique as you.
One of my blessings this year was a chance to meet you and learn about your vision. It was such a pleasure to spend time with you, I literally forgot I was being interviewed for an article on your website. Continued success in 2021.
Blessings,
Melvin Beal
Thank you, Melvin…you are such a JOY to spend time with and a great conversationalist!! I look forward to our collaborations in the coming year. Thanks for all your encouragement, and I WILL hold you to some of the help you offered.