Forever Chic Style

  A New Chapter "Cheers to the new year and another chance for us to get it right." - Oprah Winfrey The end of the year fast approaches.  It has been a roller coaster ride for everyone.  The virus, lockdowns, tragic deaths, national election, and other elements caused for a turbulent and unforgettable year.  One we will never forget.  Some say this is the worst year in our history surpassing the depression of the 1930's, September 11th and various Wars.   Perhaps this is so because our country and the entire world shut down at various points.  Even today, lock downs exist, virus is on the rise and vaccines are being administered.  We will never forget last Spring and Summer when eerie photos of empty streets filled the newswires, epic violence occurred and of course endless news about the benevolent virus. However, we continue onward.  We eagerly move forward to a fresh beginning.  We wash away 2020 and start anew with a clean slate...

  Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas one and all.  May you have a very festive day.   What a crazy year!  At the onset of the year 2020, we all had the best intentions, goals, and anticipation.   Of course, 2020 proved to be the opposite of anything we expected.  Completely 180 degrees of "What Now?"   There is no need to explain because we all have lived it.  What is for certain is that the year is finally ending. Thank goodness.  Some have stated this was the worse year in the history of our country.  Whether it was or is not, the end is in sight and a vaccine is beginning to be administered.  Hopefully, we each can reassess what is important in our lives, anticipate some sort of normalcy swooping back into our lives.  After all, we are social creatures and being isolated is not healthy for the mind or the body.  Spirit of Christmas - The Christmas Star Never stop believing in the future and unknown.  This season...

  What Brings You Joy? The Spirit of the Holidays It is the small things after all that brings a joyous glow to this holiday season.  This morning, my husband, lit up the living room mantle with some new lights for me to see.  The effect was beautiful, and it made my day sparkle.  Now more than ever, these cherished gestures are what we are longing for at the end of 2020.  And there are many for us to receive and for us to give to others.  We need to be present and aware of the beauty swirling around us.  What we know for certain is that everything in 2020 has been turned upside down. Yet, we continue, dust ourselves off and keep on moving with grace, a smile, and a positive attitude.  Like Cindy Lou Who in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas .  After all, why not?  No one can break our spirits and love for each other.  The holiday is here with new festivities.  We are constantly reminded that our lives are the best gift.  Of ...

  Magical Moments      I hope everyone is getting a chance to partake in the light festivals displayed in our neighborhoods or cities. Our neighborhood has gone crazy with lights and decorations.  It is a site to behold and the spirit of the holiday is upon us.  Yesterday, I walked during the day with several friends, wearing masks, in Bellevue, Washington, admiring the twinkling lights, and red drummer boy statutes displayed on the street.  We chatted the entire time. During the holidays at night the street turns into  Snowflake Lane with colored lights, music and falling snow.  Before Covid there was a spectacular parade. Of course, in 2020, the performers and floats are not there.  Nothing can stop the holiday display.  The show must go on.  You can watch from your car or be distanced from others on the street.  With the holiday, the festivities, the lights, outdoor walks, the temperatures have dropped.  We need t...

  Holiday Razzle Dazzle How are you all doing?  Hopefully, you are decorating your homes, going on walks, and enjoying the neighborhoods you live in.  The outside house décor is off the charts this year.  Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit.  In fact, I believe there is a bit of competition going on between the neighbors.   I envision you taking pleasure in the home festivities and decorations within your home.  Perhaps you are having a cup of hot chocolate, gathered in front of a fire after a long day of meetings, school or whatever you are doing.   The stories I am hearing from friends confirms the holiday extravaganza is indeed full sleigh ahead.  Today, I went on a 3-mile walk with a friend.  Her house was decorated to the nines with holiday cheer.  We grabbed a latte at a locale stand where her daughter worked.  By the way, the best latte ever.  The owner who stopped by told us her twelve-year-old da...

  Tis The Season to be Merry The jolliest time of the year is upon us.  Let the shopping and merriment commence.  Of course, this  HO HO HO holiday will be unlike seasons past and instead will include the necessary precautions.  However, we can still enjoy the festivities with a new spin.  Our plans will be the opposite of last year, yet the joy of giving will remain intact.  In a way, it reminds me of Cindy Lou Who from the story, cartoon, and movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) .   All the Who's down in Whoville were merrily singing on Christmas Day without ribbons, packages, boxes, and tags.  They were happy without the usual trappings of the holiday.  The Who's knew the importance of the holiday does not come from a store.  It comes from the heart.   The Grinch's heart grew three times this day.  The Grinch came down the mountain top and delivered the stolen gifts with a greater heart and an underst...

  The Bridge Thanksgiving is this week.  Celebrations might be different this year with a smaller group, yet spreading goodwill remains constant.   Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie and all the fixings will be set out on the table with a simple reminder.  We are thankful to live in this country.  We are thankful for our family and friends.  We are thankful for our existence.  We are thankful for our homes.   There is so much to be thankful in 2020.  Yes, there is.  Is it a tumultuous year?  Yes, absolutely one of extreme lifestyle change, tragedy for many and a shift for all to think about what is important in your own life.   What is important to you?  Is it being connected? Is it nature? Is it helping others or sharing yourself when needed?   I think this year is one of growth, challenge, perseverance, acceptance, and change.  We are crossing a bridge this season.  A bridge of hope...