When I think of the Winter Solstice, I think of places like Norway, pictured above, where they have hours of darkness and then the light comes slowly back into people’s lives. I am feeling that way today. It’s been the saddest year, with the sudden passing of my Dad in May. Everything has seemed so grey and been so hard and nothing feels the same. Many people in my orbit, dear friends, colleagues, industry members have also lost loved ones in a huge variety of ways, at different ages. Then I began to seriously think about my own health and consider our own time here on this planet. It’s been a time of reflection. This past week though I actually smiled a lot, saw friends, drank lots of sparkling wine, and felt a small lift. So thank you to my friends and of course to my amazing son who brightens every day with his being.

I hope this season brings joy and reflection to your lives as well. That and loads of sparkling wine.