Lisa Lillibridge/Dakota 1966

I thought I would write part two of Farewell 2021 being nostalgic and looking back over my year.

I started sorting my photos, many of those memories were truly delightful. I met two brilliant & handsome 18-month-old boys (Cru, my great-nephew, and Roger, the grandson of dear friends). I also saw The Rolling Stones for the very first time.

Other memories of 2021…well, let’s just say they weren’t ALL delightful. I learned a helluva lot though.

This morning, I watched a TEDtalk Choices that can Change your Life by Caroline Myss. This got me thinking about the nature of choice, the power of language, integrity, and how I can observe my own behavior in new ways. Caroline’s TEDtalk won’t land the same for everyone, being reminded of the POWER OF CHOICE was what I needed to hear today.

“I will not pass my suffering on, but my wisdom.” —Caroline Myss

wisdom NOT woe, check…

Today, I’m making a choice to spend more time thinking about and planning my future than dwelling on my past…especially childhood bullshit. I’m 55-years-old, good grief it’s time.

I want to look forward with an expansive, heart-swelling sense of the endless possibilities that exist in the universe. This is my goal, aspirational I know and I will slip up often. Ted Lasso’s advice just might help me stay on track.

“You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. It’s got a 10-second memory.

Be a goldfish!”

—TED LASSO

In 2022 want to be more like a goldfish than an elephant.

Thank you Judith for sharing this TEDtalk. ❤️

Thank you, Caroline Myss, and the writers at Ted Lasso.

Wow, I guess the TEDs really spoke to me today.

When looking through my photos of 2021 they didn’t reflect the heaviness of the world I was often feeling. I noticed that I captured the creativity, playfulness, people, and extraordinary beauty I was experiencing on a daily basis. What sparked and amused me helped me manage all of the stuff I couldn’t photograph.

This year we’ve all been greatly affected by the pandemic, the January 6th attack on our democracy and all of the events and circumstances our family, friends (and the world) have been through. Today on the first day of 2022 I see one zig zaggy path forward for me…a motto I will need to remind myself of frequently.

Life is absurd. Enjoy the ride.

This is one of my favorite photographs this year was taken at Halverson’s on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont in April. Willa had just dyed her hair…just imagine a world without color?

I don’t see this guitar in any shape or form except when I preview this page. Instead of wasting more time when I want to take a walk and a dip, I’m leaving this ghost guitar drawing.

sparked, amused & embracing the absurd: