December 31, 2018
New Years Eve.   



I am one step between an end and a beginning.  I am minding the gap and moving forward on this New Year’s Eve, 2018.  

It will be my 72nd beginning and I am thinking hard about how to do this one differently.  

I love the possibility of yet another chance. Of getting a free  pass to do things differently,  to try again .
To let go of the things that hurt us , and think about the hurt we might have caused and how to heal.  


To reconsider the brevity of our time, 
To recognize that we are all so much alike and acknowledge the sorrow, and pain in others and offer comfort we might need for ourselves.  

Maybe I will  take  more time to connect with stranger faces;  the acknowledgement of a smile, a kind word. 
I find walking to and from the Dartmouth gym, that if I just keep my eyes up and look at oncoming  and smile,  I usually will  get the same in return.  
 I believe these folks are not only surprised but pleased.  
And oh how it changes their faces.  Beautiful .  
I think we spend too much time looking down or away.    
Here is a resolution:  look up.  Look into someone’s eyes.  


Vermont  is still a place of small towns with general stores that double as  gathering and gossiping centers along with their post offices, deli’s, and homemade gift displays.  

 These self sustaining communities are still places where you will find generous support for local food shelves and of  Christmases made available to anyone who needs one.  
The recipients of such care are not strangers, they are our neighbors.  

Roberta, the angel elder who started this Christmas giving tradition,  knows just who to call if a family reaches out to her for help; food, fuel, Christmas.  
Santa’s small town band of community elves who step up to the plate, excited to be called into service.  

Truth be known,  it is an even greater pleasure for those “elves” because they are the magic makers.  They are the ones who keep the light on.   They are the thankful ones on Christmas morning knowing their generosity made a child smile.   

Happy New Year to one and all.  
ann



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