Thanks for these thoughts, KV. I resist the starting-over vibe that the world tries to ram down my throat at the turn of the calendar to a new year. Quoting another of my favorite writers who, like you, helps me sift through all the experiences and feelings of this life to better understand it: "I've said for years...[life] is only a continuous circle. And we are always following the path and carrying joy and sorrow and grief and surprise. We cannot wait for things to calm down before we fully live. We just have to keep moving forward with what is true right now." -- Emily P. Freeman, The Soul Minimalist
The Brickbreaker link cracked me up, semi-literally. While I never played any games on mine, it is any wonder it was rightly nicknamed CrackBerry back in the day...? At any rate, here's to more mutual excellence in motion, directionally speaking or otherwise, in 2026!!
THIS: "the filmy coating that heartache leaves on every surface of life."
I am happily bidding goodbye to the absolute worst, horrible hellhole year of my life. Worse than the year before when my Billy actually died because for most of that year, he was here, responding well to treatment, we had hope. That thing with feathers was completely absent from 2025.
It was a skin-shedding year -- a year of relearning who and what I am, my identity now that I'm not with the center of my universe for 49 years. What I've lost and what remains.
But I feel like I'm finally OK -- not all right, that's a long way off, if it ever gets here. And I'm not moving on -- that implies an ending and in a real sense, Billy and I will never end. I am, though, moving forward, not just because of, y'know, time, which moves us forward whether we want to or not. I'm looking forward, too.
Happy New Year KV! As always thanks for sharing and being real. 2025 was a doozy but seeing you at Belinda’s birthday fundraiser was a highlight for me. Cheers to 2026.
The whole New Year malarkey's a funny sod, isn’t it. An arbitrary position in our orbit around the sun, so random that the planet’s moved 67,000 miles by the time it’s marked here from when it was commemorated on the other side of the English Channel.
I think what I’m getting at is, passage of time is meaningless; enjoy right now.
But yeah, this last orbit does seem to have had more truly crappy moments than most, so hold on to the good ones when they're here and never miss a chance to appreciate a sheep! 🐑
When I turn 67 there was no craziness around 6,7. I just looked at it as a prime number and decided I was in the prime of my life. Even though there are many more years behind me than I had of me. Thanks for the post. It was enjoyable to read with lots of food for thought.
This is such a great perspective. If it helps at all, I felt about 2024 as you feel about 2025, and 2025 turned out to be better (for me, at least). So there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel!
Tick, tick, tick. This is what I hear in my mind as Hogmanay approaches and 2026 first foots my door. I too will be 67, on the 27th January, I keep telling myself, that's still young(ish)... nowadays. Health has been been below par since October, unexpected losses throughout, fatigue hanging over me like a dense cloud. Even stopped alcohol months ago to see if that would help...nope. Still, husband has retired, so planning more trips, lucky enough to plan them. I'm so grateful for everything else that is in my life, considering how other folk are struggling. So, it will be lippy on, hair boufaunt, nails painted, squeezed into something that fits and toast the entry into the New Year. I am ever hopeful it will be peaceful AND healthy. Slainte Kathy! All the very best for your 2026. x
It's so nice you got to spend Christmas time with your English family and Audrey and Steven. I loved all your Instagram videos. The one with you and Audrey dancing is so sweet and funny! :) You have always been so good at learning and creating digital content. I appreciate your posts on Instagram and your writings here.
Not related to your post, but I'm wondering if you have been watching Plur1bus? I know you like Vince Gilligan shows.
Hi DeDe, yes I'm going to watch the season finale of Pluribus tonight, I had to wait until the family left as we were watching other things. glad you like my reels, they are fun to make! Happy new year
Oh good. I really like this show. I know a lot of people are griping at how "slow" it's going, but that's what Vince Gilligan and his writers do. I also appreciate the dark humor and the beautiful and thoughtful cinephotography in his shows.
Yes, 2025 blowed! The only saving grace for us was all the great concerts we saw. Music is like a sonic shield that protects us from evil. Sure wish the Go-Go’s would have one last tour. I’ve loved your music ever since high school!
You said it, Kathy! Thanks for your candor (with which I imagine many of us can concur, at least me anyway), and for the sheep butt. That’s all I wanna see of 2025–the END! Onward and upward. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Kathy! May 2026 bring more happiness than sadness. I think the aging process forces us to contemplate our mortality more than we would like because our friends and family are also aging. But we don't have to let that define us! The mid-60s are the new mid-40s! 😁 Anyway, I have a birthday coming up on Saturday. I'm one year behind you so I am right there with you in navigating the process!
And it is wonderful to be able to spend time with family! ❤️
Happy Birthday Kathy!
Thanks for these thoughts, KV. I resist the starting-over vibe that the world tries to ram down my throat at the turn of the calendar to a new year. Quoting another of my favorite writers who, like you, helps me sift through all the experiences and feelings of this life to better understand it: "I've said for years...[life] is only a continuous circle. And we are always following the path and carrying joy and sorrow and grief and surprise. We cannot wait for things to calm down before we fully live. We just have to keep moving forward with what is true right now." -- Emily P. Freeman, The Soul Minimalist
I love this thanks for sharing it with me!
The Brickbreaker link cracked me up, semi-literally. While I never played any games on mine, it is any wonder it was rightly nicknamed CrackBerry back in the day...? At any rate, here's to more mutual excellence in motion, directionally speaking or otherwise, in 2026!!
THIS: "the filmy coating that heartache leaves on every surface of life."
I am happily bidding goodbye to the absolute worst, horrible hellhole year of my life. Worse than the year before when my Billy actually died because for most of that year, he was here, responding well to treatment, we had hope. That thing with feathers was completely absent from 2025.
It was a skin-shedding year -- a year of relearning who and what I am, my identity now that I'm not with the center of my universe for 49 years. What I've lost and what remains.
But I feel like I'm finally OK -- not all right, that's a long way off, if it ever gets here. And I'm not moving on -- that implies an ending and in a real sense, Billy and I will never end. I am, though, moving forward, not just because of, y'know, time, which moves us forward whether we want to or not. I'm looking forward, too.
Happy New Year KV! As always thanks for sharing and being real. 2025 was a doozy but seeing you at Belinda’s birthday fundraiser was a highlight for me. Cheers to 2026.
that was so fun!!
The whole New Year malarkey's a funny sod, isn’t it. An arbitrary position in our orbit around the sun, so random that the planet’s moved 67,000 miles by the time it’s marked here from when it was commemorated on the other side of the English Channel.
I think what I’m getting at is, passage of time is meaningless; enjoy right now.
But yeah, this last orbit does seem to have had more truly crappy moments than most, so hold on to the good ones when they're here and never miss a chance to appreciate a sheep! 🐑
Happy New Year, Kathy.
Rob 🐾X
arbitrary is right, all of it really! happy new year Rob!
When I turn 67 there was no craziness around 6,7. I just looked at it as a prime number and decided I was in the prime of my life. Even though there are many more years behind me than I had of me. Thanks for the post. It was enjoyable to read with lots of food for thought.
I am also in another prime! it's awesome
This is such a great perspective. If it helps at all, I felt about 2024 as you feel about 2025, and 2025 turned out to be better (for me, at least). So there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel!
yes I never lose hope, eternal optimist! happy new year
Tick, tick, tick. This is what I hear in my mind as Hogmanay approaches and 2026 first foots my door. I too will be 67, on the 27th January, I keep telling myself, that's still young(ish)... nowadays. Health has been been below par since October, unexpected losses throughout, fatigue hanging over me like a dense cloud. Even stopped alcohol months ago to see if that would help...nope. Still, husband has retired, so planning more trips, lucky enough to plan them. I'm so grateful for everything else that is in my life, considering how other folk are struggling. So, it will be lippy on, hair boufaunt, nails painted, squeezed into something that fits and toast the entry into the New Year. I am ever hopeful it will be peaceful AND healthy. Slainte Kathy! All the very best for your 2026. x
thank you Blanche, cheers to better health and lots of peace!
Ahhh the self shed…reminded me of Gnosticism so I’m pasting this YouTube for you and thank you for the sheep’s end. Needed it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdujCdblfck
thanks Cheryl, I look forward to watching the link you sent!
Happy New Year, Kathy!
It's so nice you got to spend Christmas time with your English family and Audrey and Steven. I loved all your Instagram videos. The one with you and Audrey dancing is so sweet and funny! :) You have always been so good at learning and creating digital content. I appreciate your posts on Instagram and your writings here.
Not related to your post, but I'm wondering if you have been watching Plur1bus? I know you like Vince Gilligan shows.
Also Happy soon to be birthday! :)
Hi DeDe, yes I'm going to watch the season finale of Pluribus tonight, I had to wait until the family left as we were watching other things. glad you like my reels, they are fun to make! Happy new year
Oh good. I really like this show. I know a lot of people are griping at how "slow" it's going, but that's what Vince Gilligan and his writers do. I also appreciate the dark humor and the beautiful and thoughtful cinephotography in his shows.
Great insights as always. Love your work and all you share. Having just turned 60, literally two days ago, keep teaching me what to expect. Stay well.
Yes, 2025 blowed! The only saving grace for us was all the great concerts we saw. Music is like a sonic shield that protects us from evil. Sure wish the Go-Go’s would have one last tour. I’ve loved your music ever since high school!
you never know! don't see it, but maybe
You said it, Kathy! Thanks for your candor (with which I imagine many of us can concur, at least me anyway), and for the sheep butt. That’s all I wanna see of 2025–the END! Onward and upward. Happy New Year!
agreeee!
All the yesses to this: The more people who die the more I want to not die. And find joy amidst the things that are hard.
Happy New Year, Kathy! May 2026 bring more happiness than sadness. I think the aging process forces us to contemplate our mortality more than we would like because our friends and family are also aging. But we don't have to let that define us! The mid-60s are the new mid-40s! 😁 Anyway, I have a birthday coming up on Saturday. I'm one year behind you so I am right there with you in navigating the process!
And it is wonderful to be able to spend time with family! ❤️