Ending

Well 2017, you were all over the place.  Accomplishments, failures, heartache, bits of joy.  I'll call you an artist though, as you've painted lines on my face, and drawn a few in the sand. 

There were thorns, there were roses, mountains to climb and clouds to ride.

Business wise, I broke all my records and exceeded my expectations.  I've gotta say, I'm very proud of that.  I earned it.

I pushed myself harder than ever this past year.  I purposely scheduled more shows knowing I'd be spread thin and I counted on the bottom line being worth it. I guess it was because I don't regret any of it and I'm ready to do it again.  I need to do it again.

Dead center of 2017 marked the spot my siblings and I uprooted our mother from the comforts of her deep woods home and moved her into a nursing home.  That day will haunt me for the rest of my life, even if it was what needed to be done.  She has long forgotten that morning but I remember it every day.

This year I felt myself mature a little more.  Funny that even at 55 years old, it's still easy to feel like a kid sometimes.  Not so much these days though.  Higher stakes and carrying more weight on your shoulders can lick the red right off your lollipop. 

That's my life.  Ups and downs.  Highs and lows.  Tears and celebrations.  Fire and ice.

But I've got this.

And since 2018 is less than five hours away, I guess I need to make some resolutions.  I usually skip this step when entering a new year, but hey, why not?

So here they are:

Blog more often.  This is my journal.  My record.  Proof that I'm not a robot.

Be closer to my family.  All of them.  

Pray more.  God knows I get lost sometimes.

Let the vultures feast on my worries.

Relax.  Breathe.  Sleep.

And dream.

So get on out of here, 2017.  You've had your time.  Shut the door because tonight it's cold outside.  Don't lock it though.  The next one will be along soon and I'll be fast asleep and won't hear it knocking.  

I'll greet it in the morning with a pot of coffee and a cherry red lollipop.