I started this blog one year ago on my birthday and pledged to write it for one year. Now that the year is up, I find myself both relieved and proud that I did it but also somewhat reluctant to see it end. I so enjoyed the dialogue about things and people I featured and I especially appreciated the opportunity to highlight some unsung heroes, like the folks who quietly go about their day and don’t even know how special they are and how much better they make the world.
I write this final blog entry with my conviction intact that there is more good than bad in the world. I have sometimes battled technology and scheduling conflicts but I have never run out of material. I meet people every day, all over this country, who are inspiring in myriad ways. I am so honored to have shared so many of their stories with you, and to have shone a light on some of the people and things that bring me joy.
I do not want to imply that life is all rainbows and puppies. I have also written about loss and hardship in the past year, and some of the people I featured in this blog have since died. There are some things we cannot sugarcoat or spin into a positive. But I do think that we can find comfort and hope in the strength of our memories and in the way we honor those we lost. And we can find pride and strength in how we respond to life’s curveballs. It is during these hard times that I appreciate the good all the more.
I remain deeply grateful for all the joy in my own life and world. I treasure my family and friends and I have loved being able to articulate why they are so special to me over the past year. I am so encouraged and gratified by all of the good that surrounds us, and I hope that many of you will have a similar takeaway from this blog. Find the positives (with the understanding that some days require more active searching than others) and celebrate them. I also hope folks will keep the faith in dark times and know that good people are doing good things. Most of all, keep finding your own ways of throwing some good karma out into the universe. I won’t be blogging about it, but I will definitely be cheering you on.
Congratulations. I know this was a labor of love. I’m sure your readers will miss your postings.
Thanks for your support… and for getting me to switch from my initial goal of daily postings!
If you really are reluctant to stop, perhaps after a break you could resume posting occasionally, when the impulse strikes?
I suspect there will be some new venture after a hiatus… stay tuned! 🙂
Katya, I have so loved reading your posts. I’m sad that you won’t be continuing but am grateful to you for injecting a little more joy and optimism in my life over the last year with these wonderful stories and thoughts.
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the blog. 🙂
Katya,
Many thanks for a yeoman’s job -well done!!!You do have an interesting life and you have a knack for finding the good and the joy in each encounter!
We will miss your well-written observations from all walks of life…and speaking of walks…looks like you have a new “walking partner” We love our new dog and I know you will too-just look at that picture!!!
Please keep us “posted” …I agree with your friend Flora
Martina
Alas, this was just a puppy I met on one of our walks on the Greenway. But there will be a furry addition to the family at some point for sure! Thanks for your kind words…
Katya
It has been a joy to read you beautifully written stories. I have learned so much from them as I am sure others have. You bring out the best in your subjects and I am sure they feel honored that you chose to write about them.
Thank you! It is so gratifying to see how much folks enjoyed my posts!
Katya I love what Susanne said above and I so agree-you really do bring out the best in others. It is crazy that I am sitting here fighting back tears just writing this (!) but you are such an incredibly special and unique person and you add so much joy to this world and to our lives (our meaning Marc and the kids and all of your amazing family members and friends). We are infinitely lucky to know you and to consider you our dear friend.
Talk about being moved to tears!!!
Katya!
I truly have loved your blog! I laughed and I am sure I cried on some of your entries. I will miss reading them! Congrats on this endeavor! I am still your biggest fan😄
Amy
Amy, you are always such a cheerleader and it is great to have had you in my corner all these years!
Congratulations Katya for constantly reminding us that there is more good than bad in this confusing time in our country and the world. How you found the time to do it is amazing. I am proud of you!
Thanks Mom. 🙂 And I should have credited you too for telling me not to write it every day!
Congratulations, Katya! Like everything you do in life, you approached this with unwavering determination and zeal. Thanks for your many reminders that there is more good than bad in this world. Well done my friend. Now it’s time to get that puppy ;-).
lol – Are you and your mom in cahoots on the puppy thing?
Katya, first of all thank you for making me one of your subjects.
You’re keeping it real and raw. No sugar coating but at the same time smothering each of us with sweetness, passion and knowledge. Keep up with what you are doing. It might not be this blog but I know it will be relevant and important. Keep on doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome 😍
Thanks Sandra and right back at you!
What a feat! Thanks for taking us all along on the journey.
Thank you!
You are amazing! Can’t wait to see where you go next. Maybe you could blog once a month? These will be missed by many ❤️❤️
Thank you, Katya, for including me in your labor of love. I was so honored to share my story with you and your readers. More than that, I am so glad we met a few years ago and that we are still connected through our oc journey. Thank you for your friendship! Xoxo Julie
Thank YOU for sharing your experiences and contagious positive energy. You are the best example of all that is good in the world. Keep shining bright:)
Aw, thank you! So kind!
Thanks Katya. You are a joy in our lives.
Well done my friend! I cannot tell you how often your posts have reminded me to keep looking for the good, in people, in experiences, in life. It’s easy to forget sometimes. I have always been amazed at your ability to connect with people, and to draw them out, and being able to share their stories has been a gift to us all. You know, for someone who claims not to have layers, you are an excellent “peeler”! After all this disciplined writing, perhaps there is another book (novel?) in the offing?? Eagerly awaiting the next Katya adventure! (And secretly hoping there is some puppy love in it for you two, too!) Happy belated birthday!
Thank you so much, Juli. I will definitely keep writing!
It is hard to believe that a year has passed. I have enjoyed reading your blogs, and I will miss them. You have brought the lives of others into our lives and made us think more about those around us who are doing some good things in this sad world.
I do hope that this next year will be a good one for you and for all of us.
Thank you, Katya, for bringing us these wonderful stories of the good others do every day!
I am going to miss your blog. I enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces, and hearing your perspective on their stories. I have learned so much from and about you. Most importantly, you are one fine human!
Thank you for writing this beautiful and insightful blog. It reminds all of us to remain grateful, kind, empathetic and passionate in our quest to live fully…as you do, Katya.
With love & admiration always,
Susan
Katya, can you tell me how Andrew Allden is doing? Your story was very kind and he’s a good man. Thank you for any information.
Andrew is doing what he calls “clean up chemo” right now. He tolerated everything really well so far.