The end of the year is a time of reflection. In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Discussions about inflation, crime, health care and the weather are ones most of us regularly have. I worried about these things ten years ago, and there is a good chance they will still be on my mind ten years from now. To keep life interesting, new issues are constantly being thrown into the mix, such as the increasing risk to cybersecurity and understanding where
artificial intelligence will take us.
WORLD NEWS
The Russia - Ukraine war continues, and the conflict in Israel - Gaza dominated the news this fall.
The Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla was a regal affair held at West Minister Abbey in London.
In Rome, Cardinal Francis was voted in as the 266th Pope after the death of Pope Benedict last December.
Joe Biden continued as US President; their next election is in November. Donald Trump plans to run for re-election if he can overcome his legal battles. Justin Trudeau remained in power in Canada. It seems unclear if an election will be called in 2024, as one isn't required until 2025. Only time will tell how things will shake out.
ENTERTAINMENT
I listened to music by Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Imagine Dragons, Ariana Grande, Adele and Lady Gaga. Harry won a Grammy for Album of the Year, and Taylor was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Miley Cyrus’ hit song “Flowers” encouraged women to love themselves more.
The Writers Guild of America was on strike for five months, causing production on many of our favourite shows to grind to a halt. Actors joined the picket lines in solidarity. Movies that wrapped before the strike premiered including Barbie and
Oppenheimer.
Real life is often stranger than fiction. I listened to a lot of true crime podcasts, and the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial in South Carolina was a train wreck I couldn't turn away from.
INFLATION
The cost of living fluctuates, but in 2021, it jumped to its highest in decades. I guess due to the pandemic, that was to be expected. It has come down since then, although it doesn't seem like it. Buying groceries, gas, and other necessities is stressful for many families.
HEALTH CARE
The World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency in May. People continue to be affected by COVID-19, but it has become a part of our existence. We carry on as generations before us did after disease outbreaks.
Wait times for appointments and procedures remain a concern. A shortage of doctors in certain specialties and paramedics waiting for hours with patients in hospital hallways are issues that must be addressed.
FASHION & BEAUTY
In fashion, cargo pants, denim wear, crochet clothing, sheer overlays, maxi skirts, gold jewelry and fanny packs were popular. The colours red and cobalt blue pushed out Barbie's hot pink. Rat tails and thin eyebrows were back. If today's generation knew how mine struggled to regrow our brows after our thin eyebrow phase, they would never go there.
WHAT WAS POPULAR
Items of desire included: AirPods,
Squishmallows, Lego, Barbies, Furbys, Troll Dolls, Ugg slippers, Crocs, Air Tags, and hair dryer brushes. I'm usually way behind the times, but I did get a hair dryer brush that I quite like.
SPORTS
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Connor Bedard, Conner McDavid, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James were names I often heard on sports news. Travis Kelce’s budding romance with Taylor Swift introduced NFL football to a new demographic. I even cheered Taylor’s boyfriend on a few times! We also made it to Regina for our annual Rider game.
Taylor Field, Mosaic Stadium, Regina
WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS
The smoke drift from Canada led to New York City experiencing the worst air quality in the world. Sorry about that.
Cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornados and fires affected people in many countries as they do annually.
THOSE WE LOST
Well-known personalities such as Lisa Marie Presley, Matthew Perry, Tina Turner, Bobby Hull, Jerry Springer, Bob Barker, and Ryan O’Neal passed away.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
I kept the grandkids whenever I could if daycare wasn't available, they were sick or when their parents were on vacation. Four of the kids are now involved in sports and other activities. The Hubs and I love watching them learn and grow in their athletic and artistic pursuits. We have come full circle and are back at rinks, gyms and ball diamonds. You look at those experiences differently when you're a grandparent because you know how it feels when that time is done.
Back at the ball diamonds.
Sadly, my sister-in-law and a dear friend lost their battles with cancer, and we saw many other families dealing with the grief this disease leaves in its wake. Our surviving elderly parents had ongoing health struggles as well.
Tending the multitude of shrubs and flowers in our yard gave me plenty to do all summer. It's a lot of work, but seeing everything mowed, weeded and watered is so satisfying. A mother wren residing in one of my birdhouses made it abundantly clear that she didn't want us in the backyard. The chirping carried on until her babies left the nest; it was so quiet after that we missed her.
We did lots of ice fishing and had a good summer. We got away on a weekend fishing trip to Cowan Lake and boated, camped and spent time at local lakes with family and friends. We live in an area with an abundance of lakes and wildlife, and the sunsets are breathtaking.
I continued learning on my writing journey. Participating in writer’s events like the CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) Conference in Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Writers Guild’s VWIR (Virtual Writer in Residence) sessions were excellent experiences.
In the fall, I was selected to receive a Heritage Saskatchewan Award for my Saskatchewan History Short Story Collection that is on my blog/podcast. The presentation ceremony and reception were held at Government House in Regina.
I posted stories about growing up on the farm, summer camp, and high school dances. I shared my thoughts on five years of writing, retirement, parenthood, underestimating people, and giving yourself credit for trying new things.
In January, my 2023 garden page will appear on the blog, and I have a farm story titled “Pass The Cream” coming out as well. A story about my hometown will appear in the January issue of More of Our Canada Magazine.
Creating handmade bath and body products, drink rimmers and spice blends for my small business is still something I enjoy. I was a vendor at five tradeshows and sold products at local businesses. I am adding soap and candles to my product line in 2024.
The only hardware store in town closed and the school is undergoing a major renovation.
As the year closes out, each of us has defining moments that stand out. These are unique; the people and events I mentioned are ones I noted, but your list will be tailored to your tastes.
I know I spend too much time on social media. It's hard not to bring yourself down when constantly comparing yourself to others. I think “rest, don't quit” is good advice in some circumstances if you are feeling overwhelmed.
In 2024, I hope to build in-person relationships and participate in learning opportunities.
RANDOM INFORMATION FROM 2023
- As of December 31, the world's estimated population will be 8.119 billion.
- The top baby names were Noah and Olivia.
- The global average temperature for July was the hottest ever recorded. A temperature of 53.3C was recorded in Death Valley on July 13.
- Sugar was the item of shortage.
- World Series - Texas Rangers
- Super Bowl - Kansas City Chiefs
- Stanley Cup - Vegas Golden Knights
- Grey Cup - Montreal Alouettes
- Music icons Elton John and Ozzie Osborne both retired from touring.
- Donald Trump became the first former US President to have his mug shot taken.
- The Canadian dollar averaged at $ .74 US $
- The coldest day was in Siberia on January 14 @ -62.4.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you have shown me by reading my blog, listening to the podcast version or shopping my small business; I genuinely appreciate it.
Happy New Year!
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