Goodbye 2017

This is my last post for 2017.  I'm not going to write a year in review this morning, although you will certainly see many of them in the next few days.  I'm not going to talk about resolutions either or about who I think should be remembered as the hero of the year.  I simply want to share a few thoughts.

When you look back on this year now ending, I hope you won't think of it as a year of pain and of loss.  Regardless of how much bad happened, there was still good and we certainly woke up to a lot of realities.  I hope you will think of it as a year of growth and a year of learning.

Those of you reading this now, can be proud that you continue to wake up each day.  Despite the hardships, and yes there have been many, you have become stronger and are a better person.  Be proud of yourself!

On Sunday night, don't despair.  Look ahead to better days.  Raise your glass and toast the brand new year with hope and with confidence.

Back to the Barn Sanctuary

Back in August I first wrote about Barn Sanctuary saying "Be kind to all animals.  They deserve our love and respect just as much as humans do."  I've been following them on facebook and twitter and watching the adorable pictures posted by their founder Dan McKernan.  Seeing what they are doing for their rescued turkeys, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, and goats warms my heart.  I mentioned them again in October and you will likely hear me say a lot more.

The cruel and horrific things humans do to animals turns my stomach.  We hear about some terrible incident all too often in the news.  Thankfully there are people who care.  Go to https://www.barnsanctuary.org/ and look at the cute pictures, but also read the inspiring stories of rescue.  It truly will warm your heart!

Oh and speaking of warm, this is not a time of year when it is warm in Chelsea, Michigan where Barn Sanctuary is located.  The food, medical expenses, shelter, and daily needs of the animals is particularly important now when snow is on the ground.  Sometimes folks think they cannot afford to make donations, but as little as a dollar can make a difference!  Skip that latte for a day or two and send it on to Barn Sanctuary.  (Right now before the year ends is an especially good time to make a gift so you can claim it on this year's taxes too).

There are volunteer opportunities if you are in that area.  Check it out on the website.  Tell your friends too.  This is such important work.  No animal should suffer.  Dan and Barn Sanctuary are certainly among my 2017 heroes!

Joy to the world!

Finally!  The special time of year has arrived.  (It hasn't been going on since September, despite what some retailers want you to believe). On Sunday night people all over the world will be welcoming Christmas.  You do still have a little bit of time for those last minute preparations but don't delay!

 

Whether you gather with family and friends in a church at midnight and sing Silent Night) or stay at home in front of a fireplace (or the yule log on television), I hope that yours will be an enjoyable celebration.

 

Many of my holiday traditions have changed since I moved to a smaller community, but that doesn't matter.  The spirit of Christmas is wherever you happen to be.

Yes, there have been things in this past year that make you not want to celebrate.  If you lost a loved one, it just not feel right to be happy, but happiness is within the reach of every single one of us.  There have been good times, AND there will be more, so joy to the world  -  be happy!