2017 Letter To Friends And Family – The Black and White Box

“A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
I have a pretty black and white box I bought for my husband’s 60th birthday celebration.  It was used to gather all  of the “60-Words of blessing” that folks sent.  Those now have been placed into an archive for someone, someday to deal with.

box

The black and white box has become our annual memory box.  A place where I gather the mementos we acquire throughout the year like:
  • programs from concerts
  • graduation invites and programs
  • wedding, death and baptism announcements
  • and other like events
During the holidays we open the box and review the people we have met, the occasions we celebrate, even the good-bye’s said.  These serve as precious reminders.  It gives us a place from which to launch gratitude for another year and to reflect on how we will go forward in the new year.
A Box Of News
This box, along with photos and our planners are the source for the news in our annual letters.  We have been sending out annual news since we were married 40 years ago.  I have copies of them all.  They are a compilation of adventures taken, goals met and joys shared. Behind many of those are days of long hours, fears pressing in and yes, sorrows walked through.   Last year was the first time I used THE STONEBRIDGE platform to share this.
There are times I look at what we have done, and am reluctant continue this tradition.  Social Media has made it possible to stay in touch with the many global friends we have, as well as family well beyond those we send cards and letters.  And frankly things seemed to have become a routine.  I am just fine with that.
Yet, there is something special about sharing news this time of year.  I know we enjoy the annual missives we get from others, whether via print or the Internet.   We add those to our “box” for our year end review.  We trust you enjoy ours as well.
Highlights from 2017

Last January, we both completed a course entitled “Five days to Your Best Year Ever”.  This, in conjunction with the Living Forward life plan exercise gave us clearer focus for the year individually and as a couple.  One of the things we instituted was a twice a month date night.  It is not that we never did things together, but this intentional activity got us out to some places and events we had always wanted to go.
A few things included:
It was amazing to be a part of these events.  The showings took us to the Historic Orpheium Theatre and The Murdock Theater, both local treasures.
Wait, There Is More!
We had an opportunity to hear Paul Bowman, a well known aviation photographer, speak at one of the many aviation events we attended.  These include the Experimental Aircraft Association, Women in Aviation International and the Kansas 99s.
I have added yet another Aviation connection by joining the Advocate Wing of Mission Aviation Fellowship.  In August I spent a week in Nampa, ID in conjunction with with a Rightmeier family picnic, at MAF Headquarters volunteering in the fabrication shop.  They asked me to consider becoming an advocate and this fall I completed the required training.
My time at HQ has also sent me off on another MAF adventure that I will write more about after I return.  At the time this posts, I am on the other side of world…..
An “Eclipse-Nic” Solar Event
I returned from my trip to Idaho to Kansas City where Dr. Dave met me for an “elipse-nic”.  Along with a few thousand others, we headed for the path of the solar eclipse, donned our official solar glasses and looked toward the sky.  We found a lovely small state park out in the country, a few miles west of final approach of Kansas City Airport.
School Days And Projects
Dr. Dave’s activities rotate between teaching geometry and projects.  In addition to the house rehabbing activities, he had the 1967 VW redone this year.  It had been 30 years since we did the last big face-lift and she was needing another nip and tuck.  The results are very boxnice.
With the VW off the streets for a few months, the Fiat 500 got some exercise this year.  She even won a trophy at the Valley Center car show.  She placed well among all the spectacular muscle cars and  definitely got the most smiles from the kids!
I encourage each of your to go back and review your year.  For most, Facebook is a great record.  Take time to reflect, be thankful, make adjustments then celebrate this special season.
What ONE thing from your year  stands out?  Please share in the comments below. 

I am a former air traffic controller, pilot, Aircoupe owner, married 42 years to a great guy. We live in a 125+ year old historic Victorian, enjoy cats, vintage anything, precious friends. My passion is Giving Lost Stories A Voice – Giving Found Materials Fresh Form and Purpose!

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