“How did it get so late so soon?”
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I have been debating with myself since the waning days of December about doing this last “Look Back” of the year. It was just such a month of “nothing.” Yes, I decorated for the holidays. Yes, I listened to music and sang along loudly! But it just wasn’t at all a “normal” year. Christmas gifts were ordered (for the most part) on Amazon and shipped directly to the recipients. If I thought mail was slow moving here in my neighborhood, well… Michigan said “Hold my beer” with their mail delivery foibles (a simple anniversary card has yet to arrive, though it was mailed on December 14th). A package that was full of special things for Vivi was sent at astronomical cost via UPS, but at least it arrived safely!
Yet, though all of this… it just did not feel like “year end” if you know what I mean. December just felt very discombobulated. I found myself waffling between these two sentiments: how on earth is this year over and how on earth is this year NOT over!
But there are photos (minus the 28th when I just did not take any photos at all!) and, though they are far from exciting, I am sharing them with you!
The Best Part of the Month
Are things that are not reflected here. A handmade Christmas and Birthday card from Vivi. My daughter’s ingenuity in making an ornament with Winston’s wee handprint on it! FaceTime calls, phone calls, and text messages galore. And my son getting a significant promotion at work. Those are simply the best things ever.
Something New Old
In this month that lacked any semblance of “sameness” I found the best comfort in “old things.” Things like ornaments my kids made when they were little and Firestone Christmas carols.
Also… me… yes, I quietly turned 60 in December. And that was exactly how I wanted it to be. It was a day of reflection for me… where I have been, where I am now, and where do I still want to be.
Best “Oh, Wow” Moment/s
I loved that the Scott Volunteer Fire Department brought Santa around… masked and safety protocols in place… so that the child in all of us could experience again the wonder that is Christmas.
The Christmas morning photos of Vivi and Win just make my heart sing with joy.
AND! That $6 amaryllis that I got from Trader Joe’s that started to open on my birthday.
What I did Well and What I can do Better
I did these “Look Backs” for the entire year, but I think they can be better. More unique. More individual. My word (Release) is helping with that… in fact it might be the very first thing I let go of… the rote task of scrambling to take a photo. Yes there will still be a look back in 2021, but it will look and feel very different!
That is it as I shut the door on 2020. I hope you enjoy this look back as much as I do! If you want to see the entire year of Look Back, you will find them all here!
Thanks and I will see you back here on Wednesday for some Unraveling!
I always enjoy looking at your pictures Kat and the Vivi and Winston ones are just so sweet! Hoping you can actually put your arms around them for real in 2021!!
There is much joy in the photos that you share in your “look back” each month. Some gray skies but mostly beauty and family and happy hours. That is what life is like, isn’t it? Some gray moments but more happy, loving, fun times if we look for them. You are so kind to share your good life with all of us. Thank you and I look forward to more…
I am sorry I did not get to wish you a happy birthday at the time, so consider this a very belated happy birthday, Kat! December was weird in so many ways, but I think that when this December comes around (provided we are vaccinated and mostly back to normal), we will be so thankful for it.
I love your photo reviews, and will continue to appreciate them in whatever form they take. I love the pictures of Winston and Vivi and congratulations to your son! You are looking good on the 24th and I want to wish you a very happy year ahead (one where you can visit your kids in person)!
Belated wishes for a very happy birthday. Here’s to getting to celebrate the next one with loved ones!
Lots of bright spots in your photos, and yes, feeling like 2020 needed to be over, and then wondering how it was over.
Quiet birthday greetings to you, Kat. And I love the Firestone Christmas albums. Still have my parents’ collection — although no turntable to play them on anymore. (My son has it.) 🙂
Good birthday wishes to you. Sometimes a quiet celebration of a birthday is the best. Your photos of those darling grandchildren are fun to see. I enjoy your photos.
Belated Happy Birthday to you Kat! As I approach 62 I can say it’s not such a bad decade! Love the pictures and the pretty sky shots. xo