It's a good thing you mean this metaphorically, Rona. There was no room for a passenger in the back.😅 In all seriousness, thank you. I'm grateful to be moving into the New Year with the support of a wise soul like you, not to mention first-class writer!
Somehow , you’ve managed to make three of my most dreaded things : long highway travel , car problems, and holiday season in general- less about the stress- inducing things that they are , and more about finding those glimmers of kindness and compassion that only you can coax out of hiding .
Glad I could tuck a little something warm under the wall of tension, Melody, and I so appreciate the comment. I can't overstate how close we came to bailing, and how anxious I was that we were disregarding an obvious cosmic effort to keep us home! Happy New Year to you.
Ditto Melody's comment re what "only you" are able to do. You tell the story with such calm coherence and objectivity that I wouldn't have been surprised if it had happened years ago. Superb narration, and had me rooting for you with each passing vehicle. Yikes. If you haven't returned yet, safe travels. And happy new year!
Thank you, Stew. I think one of my tools for self-preservation (or am I preserving those around me?) is to swing way over toward objectivity, faking gratitude until it returns in earnest. 😅
We were home again two days later. Similar levels of traffic on the return trip but no car trouble, so it felt easy by comparison. Looking forward to continuing the journey of connection with you in 2026.
You bring those moments alive, moments I have experienced in pretty much that same order. And you detail the sort of kindnesses I have experienced from people I didn’t know and will never see again. It’s uplifting to be reminded of human kindness, and of the simple joy of being with people we love in mundane moments. Thank you!
No doubt you and everyone else have experienced this and worse...and better! Part of what keeps me uplifted as we moved into 2026 is the certainty that the world is absolutely filled with kindness. So appreciative of your presence here, Darrell, and in our shared community. Happy new year!
OH MY! I was at the edge of my seat reading this, thinking you were describing the Belt Pkwy -- YIKES! Not that being on the side of the road in Maryland was any better, but I let out a sigh of relief as I read on to understand your location - LOL.
Yes, a fraught trip on many levels has a happy ending:)
That, Deborah, would have upped the ante considerably. Good heavens. Thankfully, we were closer to home. So close, in fact, that it would not have been out of the question to call you or another friend for a ride home. But we persevered. We persevere. It has become the metaphor for 2026 in my mind.
Thank you for reading and commenting, for understanding. I am so lucky to have people like you to share my days with.
Love this, Elizabeth. People show up as wonderful more often than not, at least for me. A lot of that has to do with how I show up, set the tone (or not, if I'm in a shitty mood). I love that you got taken care of. It's how we should all treat one another. I want to spend my life focusing on the good coming my way AND tell those stories instead of giving so much attention to the not as kind people who cross my path. They get too much attention, if you know what I mean. If the media stopped giving you know who so much attention, that would be such a good thing for all of humankind. I have a similar tire story from last year...but ended up having to buy 4 new tires, and it was okay, in the end because the young man who helped me went beyond normal expectations to make sure I got home safe. I was so inspired by him. My kinda guy. The next time I need tires, I'm driving to Vermont to get them...2 hours away, but worth it. Kindness goes a very, very long way. Now I want to read the story about why the person you loved hadn't spoken to you in 5 years (unless that's not appropriate!). xo
Telling the story of kindness has been a priority for me for some time, especially here. Sometimes I have to let the other emotions show up, because I'm human and I still feel things like anger and disappointment. But I'll be darned if goodness isn't always still waiting for me when I'm ready to find it again.
I don't think the estrangement story should hit the page just yet, but I love imagining that someday it will be so far in the past that there's no longer any risk of it being hurtful.
What I appreciate most about you, Nan, is your vibrance. It's refreshing and so very needed. Thank you!
We have to feel all the feelings and tell all the stories, but only when it's time. I've been learning that lesson, sometimes the hard way, but writing is teaching me when the timing is good. I've been trying to write something, and it's either not a story that ever needs to be told, or it needs to simmer for a lot longer, and I need to go through more of an evolution to get to a deeper understanding of what it means to me. Sorry, that's cryptic, but I think you get my meaning. So happy to be getting to know you better! xo
Well, if I hadn't read to the end I wouldn't have been able to cheer over the grand finale, which made the whole adventure worthwhile. The reunion happened and it went the way it should. You met kind souls along the way, which may be a metaphor for something. And you got a rip-roaring story out of it, told with zest and humor and just so Elizabeth!
Happy New Year, my friend. See you on the other side. ❤️
Thank you for staying with me, Ramona. I didn't want the less dramatic story to get overpowered by the big finish. And I didn't want the big finish to be more dramatic than it needed to be. Life is tricky, and the longer I live the more I understand that every single act of grace matters. I'm glad you're part of all that with me.
Thank you, Nancy. The holidays are a challenge for so many. Heck, just being alive is a challenge, but also such a gift. I appreciate you reading and taking time to leave a comment. Happy New Year!
I will admit to loving my sexagenarian flare. It all turned out so much better than it might have. I'm still kind of shaking my head at the wonder of it all. Good wishes for the year ahead, Janice. Thank you! 🙏
Beautiful. Today, listening worked best for me. You sounded tired but thankful, a story now history, but definitely worth telling.
The tapestry of life is full of different threads. The underlying strength comes from interactions with those around us. I’m so glad that there was so much positivity between the negative bits.
Wishing you all the best for 2026. May there be threads of gold, silver, platinum and vibrant colours woven throughout this year. Take care dear Elizabeth. Hugs and best wishes.
Thanks, Beth, for your kind observations and heartfelt wishes. I've had the opportunity to take a nice break from most of the running about this holiday season, and it's been restorative. Diving into the New Year like 🙌 👍 🤜🤛 💪 !! Bring it!
A Christmas angel named Felix! And a journey with all the drama (yikes, what a drama) front-loaded, and blessed ease at the end. What an amazing tale, Elizabeth. A privilege to read it. 💛🌿
Not much fun in the moment, a blip in the grand scheme of things, and definitely an opportunity to look back on with gratitude. So, all in all, we're calling it a win. Thank you for your ongoing presence here, and Happy New Year!
Years (and years!) ago, my oldest brother played the part of the Odd Couple's Felix in a high school play. Uptight and fastidious, with his unforgettable nasal histrionics, that character was the only Felix I'd ever come across. Thank goodness I have a better role model now!
Thanks, Amy. It was a low-caliber ordeal compared to some of what goes on in the world and turned out to be a remarkable opportunity to see how amazing people can be. So, lucky us!
I was with you all the way on this heart-in-throat ride that brought you to a place of genuine comfort and joy. Happy New Year, Elizabeth!
It's a good thing you mean this metaphorically, Rona. There was no room for a passenger in the back.😅 In all seriousness, thank you. I'm grateful to be moving into the New Year with the support of a wise soul like you, not to mention first-class writer!
Somehow , you’ve managed to make three of my most dreaded things : long highway travel , car problems, and holiday season in general- less about the stress- inducing things that they are , and more about finding those glimmers of kindness and compassion that only you can coax out of hiding .
Glad I could tuck a little something warm under the wall of tension, Melody, and I so appreciate the comment. I can't overstate how close we came to bailing, and how anxious I was that we were disregarding an obvious cosmic effort to keep us home! Happy New Year to you.
Ditto Melody's comment re what "only you" are able to do. You tell the story with such calm coherence and objectivity that I wouldn't have been surprised if it had happened years ago. Superb narration, and had me rooting for you with each passing vehicle. Yikes. If you haven't returned yet, safe travels. And happy new year!
Thank you, Stew. I think one of my tools for self-preservation (or am I preserving those around me?) is to swing way over toward objectivity, faking gratitude until it returns in earnest. 😅
We were home again two days later. Similar levels of traffic on the return trip but no car trouble, so it felt easy by comparison. Looking forward to continuing the journey of connection with you in 2026.
You bring those moments alive, moments I have experienced in pretty much that same order. And you detail the sort of kindnesses I have experienced from people I didn’t know and will never see again. It’s uplifting to be reminded of human kindness, and of the simple joy of being with people we love in mundane moments. Thank you!
No doubt you and everyone else have experienced this and worse...and better! Part of what keeps me uplifted as we moved into 2026 is the certainty that the world is absolutely filled with kindness. So appreciative of your presence here, Darrell, and in our shared community. Happy new year!
OH MY! I was at the edge of my seat reading this, thinking you were describing the Belt Pkwy -- YIKES! Not that being on the side of the road in Maryland was any better, but I let out a sigh of relief as I read on to understand your location - LOL.
Yes, a fraught trip on many levels has a happy ending:)
That, Deborah, would have upped the ante considerably. Good heavens. Thankfully, we were closer to home. So close, in fact, that it would not have been out of the question to call you or another friend for a ride home. But we persevered. We persevere. It has become the metaphor for 2026 in my mind.
Thank you for reading and commenting, for understanding. I am so lucky to have people like you to share my days with.
Love this, Elizabeth. People show up as wonderful more often than not, at least for me. A lot of that has to do with how I show up, set the tone (or not, if I'm in a shitty mood). I love that you got taken care of. It's how we should all treat one another. I want to spend my life focusing on the good coming my way AND tell those stories instead of giving so much attention to the not as kind people who cross my path. They get too much attention, if you know what I mean. If the media stopped giving you know who so much attention, that would be such a good thing for all of humankind. I have a similar tire story from last year...but ended up having to buy 4 new tires, and it was okay, in the end because the young man who helped me went beyond normal expectations to make sure I got home safe. I was so inspired by him. My kinda guy. The next time I need tires, I'm driving to Vermont to get them...2 hours away, but worth it. Kindness goes a very, very long way. Now I want to read the story about why the person you loved hadn't spoken to you in 5 years (unless that's not appropriate!). xo
Telling the story of kindness has been a priority for me for some time, especially here. Sometimes I have to let the other emotions show up, because I'm human and I still feel things like anger and disappointment. But I'll be darned if goodness isn't always still waiting for me when I'm ready to find it again.
I don't think the estrangement story should hit the page just yet, but I love imagining that someday it will be so far in the past that there's no longer any risk of it being hurtful.
What I appreciate most about you, Nan, is your vibrance. It's refreshing and so very needed. Thank you!
We have to feel all the feelings and tell all the stories, but only when it's time. I've been learning that lesson, sometimes the hard way, but writing is teaching me when the timing is good. I've been trying to write something, and it's either not a story that ever needs to be told, or it needs to simmer for a lot longer, and I need to go through more of an evolution to get to a deeper understanding of what it means to me. Sorry, that's cryptic, but I think you get my meaning. So happy to be getting to know you better! xo
Well, if I hadn't read to the end I wouldn't have been able to cheer over the grand finale, which made the whole adventure worthwhile. The reunion happened and it went the way it should. You met kind souls along the way, which may be a metaphor for something. And you got a rip-roaring story out of it, told with zest and humor and just so Elizabeth!
Happy New Year, my friend. See you on the other side. ❤️
Thank you for staying with me, Ramona. I didn't want the less dramatic story to get overpowered by the big finish. And I didn't want the big finish to be more dramatic than it needed to be. Life is tricky, and the longer I live the more I understand that every single act of grace matters. I'm glad you're part of all that with me.
Like all your posts, this is a gift to harried travelers and hosts alike. Thank you!
Thank you, Nancy. The holidays are a challenge for so many. Heck, just being alive is a challenge, but also such a gift. I appreciate you reading and taking time to leave a comment. Happy New Year!
My heart is so happy to read this ending. And really liked the flying platinum hair part. Whew. Happy happy happy 2026, my fine brave friend. ~J ♡☆
I will admit to loving my sexagenarian flare. It all turned out so much better than it might have. I'm still kind of shaking my head at the wonder of it all. Good wishes for the year ahead, Janice. Thank you! 🙏
Beautiful. Today, listening worked best for me. You sounded tired but thankful, a story now history, but definitely worth telling.
The tapestry of life is full of different threads. The underlying strength comes from interactions with those around us. I’m so glad that there was so much positivity between the negative bits.
Wishing you all the best for 2026. May there be threads of gold, silver, platinum and vibrant colours woven throughout this year. Take care dear Elizabeth. Hugs and best wishes.
Thanks, Beth, for your kind observations and heartfelt wishes. I've had the opportunity to take a nice break from most of the running about this holiday season, and it's been restorative. Diving into the New Year like 🙌 👍 🤜🤛 💪 !! Bring it!
A Christmas angel named Felix! And a journey with all the drama (yikes, what a drama) front-loaded, and blessed ease at the end. What an amazing tale, Elizabeth. A privilege to read it. 💛🌿
Not much fun in the moment, a blip in the grand scheme of things, and definitely an opportunity to look back on with gratitude. So, all in all, we're calling it a win. Thank you for your ongoing presence here, and Happy New Year!
In a world full of shrugs, be a Felix. I love this story ❤️
Years (and years!) ago, my oldest brother played the part of the Odd Couple's Felix in a high school play. Uptight and fastidious, with his unforgettable nasal histrionics, that character was the only Felix I'd ever come across. Thank goodness I have a better role model now!
I'm so glad you made it -- and glad that the tire store waited that extra ten minutes. What a stressful start to the adventure though!
Thanks, Amy. It was a low-caliber ordeal compared to some of what goes on in the world and turned out to be a remarkable opportunity to see how amazing people can be. So, lucky us!
Car tires. Proof that motorcars are not yet perfected.
A real eye-opener. Progress literally rolled to a stop. 😅
Flop to a stop?
Stopped rocking the roll.