It’s that time of year where I reflect on how the last twelve months went. This year had some challenges and some joys. I suppose that can be said of all years, but the challenges were unique this time, and they did have an effect on me. I found myself doing all of the holiday things but not always fully feeling them. It was more like biting into a KitKat from Japan rather than one from America. Still a KitKat, but lacking the intensity of an American sugar-filled one. I think when life is hard, I tend to put up barriers to protect myself. A better description would be I turtle-up and pull myself into my hard shell away from the harsh world. That works to soften the blow when bad things are happening, but it also mutes the good things. The question to end the year with is this – Is it better to not fully feel the bad and good or is it better to face the bad full on so you can do the same for the good? I think I’m going to need more tea to ponder that. Goodnight 2024.
12/16
unexpected guest
waited up to greet the day
before turning in
12/18
rush to the window
see what colors paint the sky
pink swirls await
12/24
morning promises
endless possibilities
new day to wonder
12/25
before the people
come to celebrate the day
enjoy the silence
12/28
best seat in the house
watching the final number
didn’t need a ticket
Tiffany Painter 
Leave a comment