So Long 23, Helloooo 24!
January 1, 2024Peek back, move on
Traditionally I make a Greek New Year’s bread called Vasilopita which is baked with a coin inside. As the new year arrives the bread is cut, a slice for each family member, friends and neighbors. Whoever is the finder of the buried coin is blessed with fortune during the year. I wish you all the best of luck and good fortune during 2024!
Recently I learned about the Pridrangar Lighthouse that stands 110 feet from the ocean’s surface. The name Pridrangar means “three rock pillars” which reflects the giant sea stacks upon which the lighthouse rests. It is located in Iceland, six miles off the southern coast and was constructed in 1939. Experienced mountaineers were recruited to scale the sea stack to build it. When life is challenging perhaps giving thought to how difficult it was to build the lighthouse will provide some ease in your load.
Today I pause for a short time to review my 2023. I am feeling all the emotions of living each day to the fullest. I think about the challenges I’ve taken on including planning the Sestercentennial (250 years) for my small Maine town, the new things I’ve learned like carving wooden spoons, the medical situations I’ve faced including carpal tunnel surgery, the collaborations I’ve been part of including stitching a 25 foot by 7 feet piece of art that will hang in a law firm in Philadelphia. I’ve been thrilled to publish a book after working with a poet friend for almost 2 years, to visit with friends that I haven’t seen in 50 years, and to travel to a country I’ve never been to. I am grateful for the small things in life including watching amazing sunrises from my front yard, paddling along silently as an eagle flies overhead, walking through the woods to look closely at tracks in the snow. I never lose sight of how fortunate I am which reminds me to have an open heart when sewing hundreds of dresses and pants for children in other countries or taking time to make cards for friends or going to lunch with an older friend once a month. As with many of you, I am feeling the tragedy of the shootings in Lewiston. The many young children, relatives and friends who have lost loved ones during a few minutes of a day. My heart breaks for people around the world who endure the daily terrors of war. I think about the environment and work to minimize my negative impact.
I am mindful of the importance of light, reaching as many as possible. My biggest question as a teacher: Is what I’m doing in the best interest of every learner? The question I ask today is: Am I contributing to help make the world a better place? As I consider my hopes and dreams for 2024 please know that I appreciate the work educators do every day in the classroom. You may have heard me say this during the pandemic and it still rings true today: Whatever you decide to do, is the right thing and enough. Thank you for continuing to spread your light. As we look up at the sky on a clear Maine night and see the same stars we are all connected.
Happy New Year – your words are always so heartfelt & inspiring! Cheers to 2024.
Thanks for another inspiring blog post! You are amazing! I love your art and poetry book, Catching Fireflies! Beautiful poetry and gorgeous art work!
I am loving life being a grandmother and volunteering with the Master Gardeners and as Chairman of the Dare to Dream Grant committee for the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center. I also dabble in all kinds of arts crafts, trying lots of new recipes, and gardening here at my house.
I did get to go to Hawaii in 2017 and have traveled to Michigan to help on my brother’s small farm and to Florida where he and his wife have another home near their son’s horse ranch. Someday, I will make it to Maine!
Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Joey
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Hi Argy,
Thank you for your thoughts, memories, and suggestions. I think it is a good idea to take a moment to reflect on the positives in your life, especially if you have a lot of challenges. I know that I personally have a lot of student behaviors that I deal with on a regular basis. I will keep the lighthouse in mind as I move forward with my first day back with students.
Happy New Year Evelyn
Thank you Holly! I hope that you’re doing well and enjoying each day! ~Argy
Thanks for your comment Joey! I am so happy to hear that your life is full and that you’re involved in so many wonderful things. We’d certainly welcome you anytime. I hope that you will plan a trip soon. Your contributions to education for so many years are appreciated! Happy New Year ~Argy
Thank you for your comment Evelyn! I am certain that your light shines brightly for all of your students. I hope that you have support in dealing with the challenges in your classroom. A community that you can feel comfortable reaching out to is so important. Please let me know if I can support your important work and thank you for being a teacher! Happy New Year ~Argy