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!
