I love NEW! The words fresh, start, change, and begin light all my sparklers. There’s an exciting mystery with every calendar page turn. What will this year bring? How will I be challenged? What will I accomplish? Who will I meet?
I admire everyone who sets resolutions, establishes a special “word” for the year, and/or writes down specific goals. I’m sure that would benefit me, but it’s just not happening. I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-stretchy-pants kind of gal. And I’m not ashamed of that, except for when it drives someone around me completely bonkers. I’m sure that I’m annoying someone out there. But, since most of the people in my life are kind, he or she is keeping their opinion to him or herself!
We all have our own styles, and I celebrate that. Thank goodness a healthy portion of the population is organized and driven. Thank goodness some are flexible and spontaneous. And, thank goodness many of us are a blend of these characteristics.
At the end of last year, I hosted a couple “Favorite Things” parties. Have you heard of those? I did it two different ways. At the smaller gathering I asked everyone to bring two of her favorite things. It could be anything–a favorite lotion, a fancy candle (no ordinary candles, please), a well-loved book, a handy-dandy tool–whatever! At the larger gathering, every couple brought one favorite thing and we played “Dirty Santa.” Both events were so much fun!
I hosted these parties before Christmas, but I don’t know why you couldn’t have one any time of the year. There are oodles of sites out there that can give you ideas for personalizing your get-together. It could make for a fun “girls’ night out,” “welcome” party, or “just because.” Here are a few pictures of our celebrations…
Two FAB Recommendations!
My reading slowed down in December, but I did manage to finish a few I think you’ll like. Most of the books I read aren’t published yet, so I’ll post reviews at the beginning of their publication month. But, I can confidently tell you there are some fabulous reads coming out in 2024!
Two outstanding books I read that ARE out there now are Blessed Are The Misfits by Brant Hansen and The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Blessed are the Misfits is non-fiction and it’s one of my all-time favorite books–not just for 2023. If you don’t follow Brant on Instagram and Facebook, I suggest you find him. He’s written more books and I plan on reading them all. He’s honest, transparent, insightful, and FUNNY! Can you get a better combo than that?
As for Heaven and Earth, you know from the first sentence that you are in the hands of a skilled and gifted writer. McBride wrote another one of my all-time favorite books, The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother. It’s a magical, insightful memoir that continues to mesmerize with its timely message.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store sticks with McBride’s forte–personal experience with prejudice from two angles. McBride is Jewish and Black and that makes him uniquely qualified to expose the truth of how these two groups have often been treated. This book is historical fiction, beginning in the early 1970s but looking back toward the 1920s. There’s a touch of mystery to it and loads of emotion. You will fall in love with the characters who populate the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, even as McBride wrestles with tough subjects.
A Look Ahead…
On January 16, I’m speaking to the Seniors Learning for Fun program at West Kentucky Community & Technical College in Paducah. To find out more about this amazing program, phone Tina Clark at (270) 534-3821. You might want to register for their Spring Semester. It’ll be jam-packed with interesting opportunities to learn something new.
If you need a pro
gram for your organization or if you’d like me to visit your book club to discuss Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace, feel free to reach out. I love getting to talk “shop.” Just make a comment below–I respond to every single one!
So, that’s all for January. If you haven’t yet, make that list of resolutions…or don’t. Choose that special word…or not. Map out your goals…or skip it. However you roll, get out there and make a difference! Happy New Year, friends!!
P.S. I do have one goal…to get 100 reviews on Amazon. I’m around 70 right now. That means only 30 more will send me into Amazon Algorithm Fame. I promise you don’t have to be eloquent or wordy. Just an honest opinion and some stars. Thanks, all! You really are the best!!!
Julie
Headed to Amazon right now. Why haven’t I written a review before now? My bad!
Tracey Buchanan
Never too late! Thanks!