What a year 2017 has been. I’m not one to wish time away, but quite frankly, I will be glad to usher in the New Year. I’m looking forward – not back.
In May I will become an “official” senior citizen and that absolutely astonishes me. Honestly –my hair is white now and I cannot run really fast for too long, but I can usually handle whatever is thrown at me. I can walk for miles, climb several flights of stairs or a steep hill without wheezing, and I still adore staying up late.
Over the next 365 days, I imagine that some awesome and some challenging events will assail me and my loved ones. My New Year’s resolution is to take myself less seriously. When people or situations get to be too bothersome, petty, threatening or whatever – I’ll just fluff out my tutu and keep dancing!
CHANGES IN OUR LIVES 
That’s the spirit! Nothing happens quite the way we planned it, so just don’t worry that things are ‘going wrong’, they are just ‘going different’.
2018 will be a better year!
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Way to go Joanna. I’m with you on that too. Weird it shows you posted this at 10:45pm. I didn’t know you lived in the future! Happy New Year to you too!
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I have my publish button set on the wrong time zone. I will fix it soon. Happy New Year!
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Right ON! Will be back in Merida next week. Looking forward to seeing you and Jorge.
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Can’t wait to see you again Jane. You are one of the people who inspire me.
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New Year’s Day is THE big event in Asian cultures more so than Christmas. For my family Christmas was the main do while New Year’s was just another day. A very Happy New Year to you Jorge and family
and may 2018 be good to you. Look forward to seeing you soon.
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Hi Sharon… a Happy New Year to you too. As you say, we will have many chances to see each other in the coming weeks… it seems there is always lots going on in Merida.
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Thanks for your post, Joanna! Keep dancing although your toes may hurt at times! Wishing you and your family all the best for 2018! xoxo
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You’re right, the toes do hurt sometimes (especially when others step on them) You are an artful dancer yourself, Alex… Happy writing!
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So well said my dear friend I think I will join you and fluff my tutu as well. Much love to you now and always , Nancy ________________________________
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Happy New Year Nancy… I am so pleased that I’ll get to see you more often… now that you are living in our neighbourhood
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May your 2018 be…. simply said…FANTASTIC! For you, Jorge and your family. Much love
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I hope so… and I hope it is for you as well. I am gradually winding down and once more settling into life here in Merida. I’ll soon be able to attend to personal correspondence, reviews and and other writing that I’ve been too scattered to get to. Thanks for understanding…
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Joanna, LOVE the dance metaphor. 🙂
Thank you for the new year’s motto to keep dancing, AND, “dance away” when it’s the healthiest option. (“I don’t need to tango with that anymore!”)
Spent the last few weeks hand-holding a friend through his passing. What a gift! And what a perspective it gives on what matters most.
Warmest wishes for the new year to you and all in your orbit.
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Dealing with your friend’s passing must have been challenging for you. We have so many conflicting emotions that affect us when a loved one becomes ill and dies. I wish you peace and perspective through this time…
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Thank you for your kindness and insight.
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Hey, is that one of your paintings? Thanks for sharing!
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You like it? Good… it is a detail of a sketch I made on the beach in Cancun and later colored with watercolor pencils.
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Cool.
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