Last week, I started a look back at 2023 and realized it might have made the longest post in Hive history and had to cut 'er short. Year in Review posts only have so much shelf life so I am back with a renewed strategy to savor the year that was and the energy it will give me for the year ahead.
Last week, I resolved to spend time in nature, post more on @town-crier, and get back to Jiu Jitsu training. What's left? Read on.
Let there Be Music
After a few silly years, it was back to seeing live music even more in 2023. I had the bucket list chance to see Mike Patton perform live as Mr. Bungle last summer. Some of these old guys are going to start hanging up their skates soon so it is nice to use that as extra motivation to get out and see the big acts. It also dawned on me that my daughters are teenagers and never have attended a real concert before.
Just as good as seeing the big acts are seeing some of my buddies on stage with their bands and groups. Seems I get a chance to catch b y buddy D and his Bob Marley cover band every year. 2023 was no exception and I will be hopefully attending their yearly show Feb 3rd again!
There was also some campfire music again late this summer. That is the first real jams with people listening you get into when learning how to play guitar. The seasoned musicians know a pile of tunes and beginners have 1 or 2 and can play along with the others. Something primal about instruments beside the camp fire.
Though I didn't get on the big stage in the city last year, I did end up playing a little more guitar and having a blast at this cottage stage.
DEFINITELY more watching and playing of music for 2024.
There was ART!
It seemed to be the year of art for me and the gang in our small town this year. So many people used lockdown time to pursue other interests and learning with art having more visibility and perceived value in tougher times. We saw the opening of a few galleries in town and even became one at @town-crier as we decorate our walls with local art for sale for the artists.
We even have outdoor, winter interactive art pieces around town this month. Neat use of tourism dollars in a town that generally sleeps in the winter.
I took it for granted before but this is something a family can do without spending a whole lot of money. Not everyone has the disposable income to take the family to a movie, dinner or other event very often. Pretty cool to be able to create, enjoy and share art inclusively and there will definitely be more art in 2024.
Canoeing
For the first time in what feels like decades, I got out in a canoe again! When kids arrive, they become luggage when you are in canoe context. Canoe camping is out of the question for sane people and we slipped for so long into easy car camping for our outdoor trips. This year, the little ones are actually keen to paddle and are not so little any more. Successful canoe trips with them this summer have been encouragement for considering a canoe camping trip before they become uninterested in camping with parents anymore!
Opportunity knocked twice as I was also invited on a trip to the interior which has been going on since I was in college! These guys know their stuff and my canoe camping days from yester year came right back for a fantastic trip. something VERY special about being that connected and immersed in the wilderness. Then there is the exercise and the unique perspective making it to a place 99% of people would never consider themselves able to.
If I play my cards right, I should be able to do some more real canoeing 2024 in the summer.
There was GOLF!
Though not near enough. Only a couple rounds as we replaced that as a business expense when we opened out office.
There was plenty of business as there will be in 2024 but I resolve to golf more this year!
Charity
When you are dedicated to help small businesses as your own business, you get plenty of chances to help the community out with charitable causes as well. Here, we are delivering hundreds of presents for underprivileged local kids in time for Christmas. We also help with other charitably clubs and organizations and I don't even have to resolve to do more of that in 2024. Once you start, you realize how easy it is and how liberating it is to just help when you are in a town like this.
Travel!
More travel last summer than I can remember doing in recent memory. Perhaps not so much travel but equal amount of adventure for me and the family.
Gardening
So much travel made it challenging to garden and share that adventure. Perhaps a little more time spent closer to home will enable me to grow more, learn more, and share more in 2024.
BEER!
I will let the sun go down on 2024 celebrating the fact that there was PLENTY OF BEER! 52 weekends worth of it so here is a cake to celebrate #beersaturday and all the beer we can drink when Hive hits $10 and we all start hosting beer tours in our home countries!
I am honoured to curate for:
