Welcoming a New Year...

... and all the greatness it has to offer.

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    2016 was rough. We, as a whole, were dealt a rough hand filled with tragedies, losses, and moments of despair. Personally, there were some difficulties I faced as well, but thankfully nothing too serious or detrimental, so overall, I am thankful for all of the goodness around me; friends, family, health, wealth, and happiness. Still, I faced a few growing pains that I have learned I must be patient with. The older I get the more I learn about patience. And the more I learn about patience, the more I also learn about action. How after enough patience, enough waiting, listening, learning, watching... action can and should be taken.
   I feel like I have spent the last year coasting, waiting for things to take off, for my life to begin in a lot of ways. This year, with patience, and my desire to finally take a little more action, step by step, I'm hoping to make some changes. So, here's to being more creative and working harder to finding ways to do the things I love like write and film more, take improv to the next few levels, and travel to the places I've always wanted - and to see what more I can do with my love for Halloween. May not happen all at once, or even all this year, but if not now, when? I just feel it's vital now more than ever to go after the things that fulfill me. After all, a wise witch I always looked up to once uttered some of the best advice I've ever heard, and I think it's time to follow it; "Magic is really very simple, you just have to want something and let yourself have it."

Dear Debbie Reynolds,

   You were wonderful in every role, but your performance in, of all things, Halloweentown will always be a treasure to me. Everyone who knew my grandmother (who died long before I was born) told me you were the spitting image of her in that film, not only in looks, but in character. Your performance as Aggie Cromwell brought to life the things that I hold so dearly to my heart today; adventure, courage, tradition, and of course love. Not to mention a passion for my favorite holiday, Halloween, another thing you had in common with my grandmother Beverly, so I am told. I guess in a way I looked up to you as an actress and to your interpretation of Aggie the way a young girl might her grandmother, and why wouldn't I considering I grew up with you and not her. Funny, odd, I know. But these are the things I wanted to tell you my whole life, but I now accept that I won't get to. I wish you a peaceful transition knowing you are with your beloved wonderful daughter Carrie. The strong connection you share only proves you really were the amazing loving woman I believed you to be. And even though watching Halloweentown will never quite be the same, I look forward to the motherly encouragement you offer each year - you know, where my obsession for Halloween gets rather abnormal, and you kindly remind me that being normal really is in fact vastly overrated. Thank you for always reminding me to be myself. Rest in peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you.