No. 013 Warm wishes, joyful moments, and all of the goodness to come.
Time for the final newsletter of 2022.
Hello!
Even when I was simply formatting this letter, I got a tear in my eye. No, it wasn’t from dust. It’s because I am a sap - in a good way I hope - and each December when it comes time to reflect on the past 12 months and look toward the next, I find myself overwhelmed trying to “define” this time in such a specific way. I hope that makes sense in some way or another.
If I’ve learned anything throughout 2022 (or even since 2020, really), it’s that I am learning more about myself than ever before. And while that is not the only lesson of the past few years, it’s the one that has had the most immediate impact. I am feeling proud of who I am, what I’ve accomplished so far, and even have a very vague idea about the future, which feels great.
From settling into my new job, strengthening friendships, creating new ones, gaining confidence driving my car, determining a “self care routine” that really works, and finally figuring out how easy it is to make online returns, this year has been one of growth in countless ways. Not to mention there was some tough stuff, but are you really living if there isn’t?
A quote I always keep top of mind, “I’ve never met an interesting person with an easy life.”
Nothing keeps me in check like that statement because it’s just too true. And while the appeal of “easy” is always lingering somewhere in my brain, I know that the most difficult aspects of life have made the best moments that much better and more joyful. I hope that’s true for you as well.
I scrolled through all of the photos I took during 2022 (yes, all of them) and noticed several themes: countless images of our meals at home and restaurants, flowers in our yard and in other’s yards throughout the seasons, images of nature nearby as well as plenty of sunsets featuring spectacular colors, plenty of photos of family, a lot more outfit pics than I remember taking, innumerable shots of Athens in her various favorite (sunny) spots, and countless photos featuring a happy, well-rounded year. And apparently Seth and I stand in the same pose for every photo we take together. Oops.
What I loved about that little scroll down memory lane (pun intended), was that it encouraged me to remember all of the good from 2022 and not just the particularly rough day here and there. A lot can happen in a year and I love how photos feature the best moments (however small or large they happened to be) during those 12 months.
2022 was a year of change, adjustment, and growth which sounds like the words we always use at the end of a year, but it’s true! 2020 was a blur due to the pandemic and other events, 2021 we were pushing through the pandemic, and 2022 was a year of re-adjustment, even more change, and getting organized. After the last few years, I’m feeling strong, capable, and ready for anything.
I am quite excited for 2023. Who knows what this next year will bring. I cannot wait to find out. :)
A Friday Buffet: Closing out 2022 with articles, recipes, and goodies to enjoy through the end of the year.
I always enjoy Cup of Jo’s holiday post with plenty of links to great pieces in several categories.
Balance is important so I think there can be wellness and martinis. ;) This article was from April, but it still rings true.
You know you’re an adult when the thought of receiving high-quality socks for the holidays is exciting.
22 holiday cookie recipes for whatever flavor you’re craving this weekend.
Crispy Cheesy Potato Stacks sound divine for any day of the year.
Defining decor of the past year and which trends will continue into the next.
Cecily Strong said farewell to SNL last week. She was hilarious!
Not every food feature of 2022 was great. I’m still anti-reservations, personally.
And since I actually have several stick of butter on the counter as I type, here’s the best way to soften butter for all of those cookies we will be baking from now until NYE. ;)
Just for fun (holiday) luxury: Fresh Hot French Fries Crystal Clutch by Judith Leiber. I may love it even more than the pancakes.
Sneaks (shoe) of the Week: Ugg Classic Ultra Mini because comfort is key while watching TV as we head into 2023.
You’re welcome for the rhyme. It was free!
Finally, an extra note of thanks to each of you for being here and for reading this little Buffet. I love writing to you each week and really appreciate this outlet of honesty and creativity.
See you in 2023!
*Cue the confetti and my favorite, Auld Lang Syne*
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
