Just a few weeks left in 2025, and this memoir is writing itself with all my hilarious, ludicrous adventures this year: making friends who show up time after time, the dates that remind me of my growth in saying goodbye, those who cheer me on while watching my ranting dishwasher issue videos, people who send me new music, handwritten letters, “I thought of you today… because…” messages, belly laughs, happy hours filled with oysters, vinyl finds, experimenting with a new pasta dish, and meeting musicians and artists who inspire and enrich our lives every day.

Now, I understand that not everyone can be positive every day, and that’s okay. I recently had an experience that tested my friendship, and it was a sad realization that I can’t save everyone or expect others to meet me where I am. Saying no, setting boundaries when I’m hurt, and protecting my peace has been very important for me this year, so that is my takeaway. What brings us joy changes daily, and that’s part of the journey. Sometimes it’s as simple as new fuzzy socks, cozy eye masks, a spicy margarita, kissing your favorite person, or treating yourself to flowers. Take care of each other; you matter. Cheers, bebes!

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

“We walk on starry fields of white
And do not see the daisies;
For blessings common in our sight
We rarely offer praises.

We sigh for some supreme delight
To crown our lives with splendor,
And quite ignore our daily store
Of pleasures sweet and tender.

Our cares are bold and push their way
Upon our thought and feeling.
They hang about us all the day,
Our time from pleasure stealing.

So unobtrusive many a joy
We pass by and forget it,
But worry strives to own our lives
And conquers if we let it.

There’s not a day in all the year
But holds some hidden pleasure,
And looking back, joys oft appear
To brim the past’s wide measure.

But blessings are like friends, I hold,
Who love and labor near us.
We ought to raise our notes of praise
While living hearts can hear us.

Full many a blessing wears the guise
Of worry or of trouble.
Farseeing is the soul and wise
Who knows the mask is double.”

Music Cue: Bless The Telephone by Labi Siffre