A DIVA LOOKS BACK: MY YEAR IN REVIEW

As a diva of a certain age, the arrival of each New Year's Day feels like a personal triumph. After all, I managed, once again, to outrun the guy with the scythe and hood to ring in another year full of hope and promise. Of course, the older one gets, the hope is for a full-nights sleep, and the promise is that the social security checks keep arriving on time. Therefore, I'm not concerned with making resolutions or grand plans for 2025. Instead, I thought I'd take a trot down memory lane and examine my 2024 successes!

For my first act, I took up regular exercise. To be prudent, I took a technical approach to finding the physical activity that would suit me. I googled, "Exercise for divas" and came upon a program that looked both dignified and sweat-free - chair yoga! Not only could I do Mountain Pose sitting down, but I could keep a side table with my hydrating rum punch within easy reach. I found the exercises weren't terribly difficult, particularly if you conserve precious energy by only doing one, maybe two reps. (That's short for repetitions for those of you, who like me, are new to the sport.) Certainly, I would have continued in my quest to the ultimate fitness, but it seems I am allergic. When I partake of the activity, I find my breathing accelerates and my face grows red. I consulted WebMD with my symptoms and was advised to get my affairs in order. Thus, my dream of becoming a Chair Yogini has been thwarted.

Am I doing it right? 

In my free time, I decided to learn another language! I signed up for DuoLingo to become fluent in Gen Z Slang. Let me practice on you, my dear readers: I shall be very demure, very mindful. I do desire to be boujee, but I hope that is not too cringe, because big yikes! Unfortunately, I don't have guap though I do have rizz, if I do say so myself.  Skibidi!  Do I sound authentic? I've been working on the accent.

My study guide

I also declared 2024 as the year of the classics! I began with an exemplary goal of reading 25 of the most famous books in literary history by December 31, 2024. It seemed very attainable until I realized, in late January, that I was still on the chapter of  David Copperfield entitled "I Am Born." I adjusted my expectations, which included adding some modern authors to the list. Some might not consider Danielle Steele or Nora Roberts to have written classics, but they are certainly famous. I proudly completed my task with time to spare, so ventured into a new category - spicy romance - for my continuing literary education. 

Jane Austin would approve.

Another accomplishment of 2024 is I became an artist! My Facebook ads kept prompting me to purchase a beginner's embroidery kit. Never one to ignore a sales pitch, I decided to begin my new journey as a needle-worker. The kit arrived with a plastic hoop and a simple stamped pattern on thin fabric. As instructed, I began with a basic stitch and, finding that easy enough, decided to use it throughout the project. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Am I right? I also often forgot to use the correct color of thread, but who says snow has to be white? Also, I found the drops of blood on the fabric from when I pricked my finger with the sharp needle added a certain noir to the piece. With my creative juices all abuzz, I am now planning on presenting my family and friends with my delightful embroidery artwork for Christmas! 

Personalizations by request

                               

Finally, in 2024, I was reminded of something I already knew - life is short. For that reason, I found myself humbled by the opportunity to spend more time with the people I love. When I look back on 2025, I hope I can say the same. Happy New Year, my friends.