“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”

–Walt Disney

About a week ago I woke up from a dream. It involved some sort of complicated story line that unfortunately I don’t remember—because I think it was probably a pretty fabulous story. Then again, maybe not. I do remember that in the dream I was trying unsuccessfully to get Google maps to work on a phone (which appeared to be covered in some thick yellowed plastic, like an old fashioned cellophane wrapper). I was not panicking or frustrated in the dream, merely trying to find my way.

I’m taking that as a metaphor of life.

Most of us struggle to find a path–or at least a clear set of directions–through the paths and by-ways of our lives.  And it’s best not to panic. Sometimes it’s even fun to meander, or take a brief tour into uncharted territory.

During this time of year, everywhere you turn, there are articles about New Year’s resolutions. Both ordinary people and celebrities give advice. Guess what? I don’t have any. My life is not your life, and who am I to presume to have answers?

In recent weeks, I’ve become somewhat overwhelmed by the many projects that I am working on—and that all seem to be due at the same time.  (Why DID I agree to write that book review, too? I guess I better read the book soon.) It’s hard to fit everything in, to be a good daughter, mother, wife, and friend—and to give equal time to physical and mental pursuits.

 So this is a reminder to myself—one step at a time. It will get done.

For over thirty years, my husband and I have celebrated New Year’s Eve with some dear friends.  Almost every year we’ve had Chinese food; sometimes take out, sometimes in a restaurant; sometimes with children, sometimes without.  When our children were small, we spent the night at our friends’ house, and then had brunch together the next morning. That started our tradition of New Year’s Day Cinnabons. (Yes, I’m a good baker, and I could bake my own cinnamon rolls, but that’s not the tradition! Remember how I like traditions?) 

So here is another reminder to myself—take time to remember and nourish (in both ways) friendships.

And here is probably the most important reminder—don’t forget to laugh every day, to have a bit of fun—and don’t forget to dream.  (OK. It’s also important to eat chocolate, but I don’t need a reminder for that, and you probably don’t either.)

I will do my part to give you a chuckle, as a New Year’s present. Here is one I just saw today. It’s from a collection of jokes sent in by scientists to the Guardian. I’m not a scientist, but I like it because it’s about books and typos—you have to admit, typos can be pretty funny.

A new monk shows up at a monastery where the monks spend their time making copies of ancient books. The new monk goes to the basement of the monastery saying he wants to make copies of the originals rather than of others’ copies so as to avoid duplicating errors they might have made. Several hours later the monks, wondering where their new friend is, find him crying in the basement. They ask him what is wrong and he says “the word is CELEBRATE, not CELIBATE!”

A Happy New Year to my family and friends—including those in the blogger world.  I hope you all find peace, love, and happiness in 2014.

Thanks for reading!

Merril/ Super Momma/Aspiring Queen of the Universe