Holiday greetings! For the eighth time, I’m wrapping up my blogging year with a poem in the form of that classic work, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas! As ever, I hope you’ll enjoy!

’Twas a year of adjusting, of change and transition,
Requiring profession and life expedition:

Surveying the landscape as changes arose,
Feeling both joy and sadness, poetry and just prose...

Since Covid outbreaks were at last on the wane,
This year proved just right to go traveling again!

Straight away hit the coast to inspect statues old;
Egyptian in likeness – imposing and bold!

They might have been Khufu, Khafre or Cheops;
But in truth they were only some silent film props!

Several more times the ocean and coast strongly beckoned;
Hadn’t camped on a beach – but could try it, I reckoned!

Was invited to hang with friend Pam and her mother;
Grabbed my sleeping bag, tent, this and that and the other.

(Be it short trip or long, for all lacks to prevent,
I will wayyy overpack for most every event!)

Anyhoo, this sojourn was refreshing and sweet;
The Pacific as backdrop made all hard to beat!

To scan the horizon, on watch for sea life,
Always lessens my thoughts about stressors and strife.

‘Twas amazing to sleep by the beautiful sea!
(Though I’m still scraping sand off each extremity…)

Even so, no year could be all play and no work –
Since bills in one’s mailbox perpetually lurk.

This year I examined each financial factor
And thought I might cope as a background-y actor!

But upon settling onto this path I much like,
The writers and actors both commenced to strike…

So rather than working, I picked up a sign,
And joined with my fellows on the picket line.

To be clear and be honest, I’d still have to say:
Life wasn’t quite either all picket, no play.

I used this rare chance ’round the region to roam – 
And also played happily here around home!

’Twas delightful – about this, I’ll sure make no bones –
To renew my acquaintance with old Indy Jones!

With lifelong friend, Kelly, this moment I’d mark;
Years ago she was there when I first glimpsed the Ark!

Kelly and hubby Chris came down south for a screening,
Which added true charm and so much poignant meaning!

With outings so fun I filled many a day,
Due to fantastic friends – I’m quite lucky that way!

(Could go on hailing each with due homage and flattering –
With respect though, I’ll just offer up this small smattering!)

Toured with Sherry a Malibu mountain estate –
Which my mind and my spirit did both elevate!

Tasted wines – very decadent, yes, that is true – 
But admired cave art, so ‘twas instructive too!

Went hiking one day – by turns easy and tough;
Not spelunking per se but, for me, close enough!

And though hockey to me still remains the best game,
I’d not seen it live in four years (super lame…).

Friend Sherry (again!) fixed this with a sound scheme – 
We met up to cheer on the US women’s team!

We saw them face rivals from Canada way;
And ‘twas thrilling to watch as our girls won the day!

And with showbiz still caught in its labor strike grips,
I figured why not fit in several more trips?

Saw my family up north to my most great elation –
For one Sweet 16 and one cool graduation!

‘Tis my custom and pleasure (since naught can compare)
To summertime camp at the Lair of the Bear!

’Twas special as always to chill with my friends –
A yearly tradition I hope never ends!

While still at my job I could not be prolific,
I took even more drives along the Pacific!

Up to San Francisco, a visit I paid
To see new friends and old – right on back to first grade!

’Twas magic to make quite a moving renewal
Of a kinship with still one incomparable jewel:

Hit esteemed UC Berkeley where fine times I’d had
Being a student and working – and visiting Dad!

Was tight with my Glee Club friends back in that day;
(Must have studied then too – but for sure, I can’t say…).

When the word got around a reunion there’d be,
I jumped up and down with pure joy and – well – “glee”!

Met with tenors, sopranos and altos and basses,
After years, it was lovely to see all their faces!

We chatted away as if no time had passed;
My only complaint was it went by too fast…

Made my way farther north, checking out coastal groves;
Which brought youthful tableaux back to life by the droves!

Strolled many a forest of stately old trees,
Thought of family and friends – ah, such fond memories!

Drove to Florence which had been home to Mum and Dad,
And reflected on wonderful times that we’d had!

From there, traced our annual trip for the Bard
Down to Ashland – a stop that I found very hard.

With the folks all the pilgrimage details we’d hone;
But this time, alas, I would go it alone…

Because in this year with its goods, bads and worsts,
‘Twas what I now term as the “Year of the Firsts”.

It’s hard not to falter as I do remember
That I lost my Mum only just last December.

Through time, most of us have endured that first year,
Where we meet traditions without someone dear.

Of the clan I grew up with, I’m now all that’s left;
And I do grapple daily with feeling bereft…

Still, in balance, I aim to be grateful and glad –
And feel blessed in each case for the time that we had.

So that’s the landscape of my life this past year –
Full of change as is common, and nothing to fear.

And in looking for good – as is my firm belief –
I find I’m embracing this nature motif:

Like trees in a forest that wither and thrive,
So we gain and we lose – part of being alive.

Some trees are cut down thus to thwart their ascendance;
Yet may battle back to reclaim their resplendence:

And trees do decline, to our sadness and woe,
Yet leave richness behind so that new things may grow.

I savor each thought of my family most dear –
Lots of epic adventures I’ve recounted here!

I hope they’re of interest, these tales I divulge,
If not, well, your patience I beg to indulge.

I’d love if they sparked memories of your own –
Which you then passed along knowing you’re not alone!

So whether these days leave you bullish or bearish,
I wish for you all kinds of moments you’ll cherish!

And I’ll just exclaim like that poem of yore:
Happy Holidays to all – and a grand ’24!