Hey there, 2021

,WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL YEAR.
Exceptionally crazy, that is!  For me a year of "yeah, everything's cancelled" wasn't so bad. Social distance was mere inconvenience, and actually gave me a good excuse to support my local Mossyrock businesses instead of the regular digs in Chehalis and Olympia. I think I can count on two hands the number of times I left the immediate area.  We scarcely go on vacations, except for a clam dig whenever they're on.  (Which reminds me...I feel like Fish and Wildlife owes me a refund on the licenses I bought but didn't use since they cancelled them all.  Crud muffins.  Consider it a donation for a good cause?)

My beloved Tumwater Farmer's Market had to quit the season, which was disappointing and sad.  All of my soap making and felting classes at the Eastside Urban Farm and Garden and the Capital Mall were cancelled.  It forced me to stay home and focus on my very lame web presence and the multiple exercises in flexibility on the farm this year.  I miss people and fun events, like everyone else.  But I didn't hoard and never ran out of toilet paper, so I have both a clean conscience and butt. Hooray!  lol

This month our pastor is encouraging us to fast and pray for the next year.   Here's a just a smakerel (who knew, that word is actually only a Pooh Bear thing.)  of what I've praying for!

• Opportunity -I feel like more than ever before I am longing for the words to say and the opportunities to love like Jesus when so many people are literally at the end of their rope!   I need the energy and time to meet these people and avenues to connect with them.  
• Peace -I am asking for peace on a personal level and of course, worldwide. It's hard to help people in crisis when we are in crisis ourselves; it's hard to be a healer when we are wounded.  I'm sure you've been there--when life is so FULL of challenges that you feel stretched to help anyone but your own self! 
• Courage - I often struggle with feeling weak, nervous, and insufficient.  I'm pretty good at writing, but having the right words to say at the right time in day-to-day life is more difficult for me.  Being in-tune to others needs and emotions is a gift that I have, but knowing how to help and what to say is another thing!