Exhale. The holiday rush is behind us. The election is history. We’re beginning a new year with its own celebrations and landmarks, challenges and achievements. To quote Robert Frost, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” So let’s relax and welcome the New Year — 365 fresh, unlived days, beginning now.  

A tiny book called, So Ecstasy Can Find You, completely fulfills the title's promise. It just arrived from Amazon, and once I began to read, it captivated my attention until I reached the back cover all too soon. Elizabeth Cunningham is a novelist and a poet; an artist who paints with insights. As my holiday gift to you, here are my favorite excerpts from her book.

What makes us bestow the title “Hero” on someone? When we think of John Glenn, it's easy to imagine that his credentials as an Astronaut, Senator, and Civil Rights Advocate qualify him. But for me, it's a little known, personal sacrifice that showed his true heroism. His act of valor took as much courage and conviction as orbiting the earth and serving in the senate. Here's the story of my brief, but memorable experience with John Glenn.

My granddaughter's discerning eye found a spelling mistake in last week's blog. Did you notice it too? After a pang of regret, it brought this to mind.

I love sweets. Until recently, when a sugar craving hit, I reached for chocolate, candy, or dessert. As much as I enjoy these sugary treats, there’s a bitter aftertaste — an internal voice chiding me for bad judgment and lack of willpower — but not any more. Raw honey is my new sweet reward. It satisfies two cravings: it tastes good; and it has health benefits. Let me share some of them.