Every year, Tom and I send out a holiday card. When our kids were younger, our cards featured a family photo and a brief update blurb on the back. As our family evolved over the years, so did our cards. This is our 2025 version, along with the sentiment we included on the flip side . . .
Beauty Emergency!
We consider ourselves very lucky to live in a west-facing house built high on a hill, which brings us beautiful sunsets and “sky drama” nearly every day. We often run out to our front yard to take a photo of the sunset, or sit on our porch to watch a storm roll in. The poet Maggie Smith calls such events “beauty emergencies” — moments of sudden, fleeting magic; those things you have to look at now (quick!) before they’re gone.
In this challenging year, we have been embracing the many “beauty emergencies” we encounter in our lives. Noticing them . . . lightens the load and reminds us that life is, indeed, good. Open your eyes and notice! We wish you health, happiness, and many, many “beauty emergencies” in the new year!
Happy New Year to all of you. I know I’ve said this many, many times (but it’s heartfelt and I really mean it) . . . thank you so much for being here! I look forward to sharing stories and adventures and life’s ups and downs with you next year.
ONWARD!
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And . . . just a reminder. Please RSVP if you’re planning to join us for the Read With Us Zoom discussion NEXT TUESDAY (yeah – it comes up fast after the holidays). I’ll be sending out the Zoom invitations on Monday.
This is the perfect sentiment to end a crappy year with! Here’s hoping that 2026 brings us many more beauty emergencies than actual emergencies!
Oh, and I’m planning to join the Zoom next week, but I’ll be late — I’ll need to take Ruthie out for her last potty break and then put her to bed.
We loved the card Kym. The sky is gorgeous as are your words. More beauty emergencies for everyone, please!! And yes, I am planning to join in on Zoom next Tuesday. Looking forward to it. Happy New Year to you and Tom!
Looking forward to spending my time enjoying your posts! Happy New Year!
Yours was the best of the cards we received; thank you!
Lovely card! I’m reading The Antidote right now.
What a lovely sentiment for a holiday card. I look forward to following your posts in the new year. May many Beauty Emergencies find their way to your home and heart.
I am planning on joining as well (and like Sarah, I will have to take a bit of a potty break with Frankie) Unfortunately, I was reading The Antidote when life fell apart for me. I don’t have many thoughts about the book, but I am really eager to see everyone. I am hopeful that I can be a quiet participant and just soak up everyone else’s thoughts on the book.
May you have many more Beauty Emergencies in many, many more years to come. Happy New Year, Kym!
Very happy to hear you’ll be here because I love dropping by.
Oh! Meant to say, I loved your photo! Just last night I saw an “Everybody Loves Raymond” episode where Dorothy gives a wonderful speech (as only Dorothy/Doris Roberts can) about what it means to have a long marriage. You two illustrate that in your photo/card. (Not including all that “comedy rancor”, of course).
Happy New Year – may the year ahead bring unexpected beauty. I’m looking forward to talking to the group about The Antidote.
Absolutely one of the best holiday cards I have ever seen, Kym. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Happy New Year!! That sunset was definitely a beauty emergency!! I can join on Tuesday… I haven’t read the book, but I’ll join Kat in the bleachers.
Happy New Year! And yes please for RWU.
We loved the card and I truly appreciate you sharing your beauty emergencies with us! Happy New Year, my friend.