Sunday, late morning, the weekend after Christmas. Oklahoma is enduring an ice bath and typically vicious winds. Handsome and I are wearing cozy things like flannel pajamas and eating fun snacks like popcorn, cheddar slices, crackers, and turkey. The farm is well stocked and in good repair, making it perfectly luxurious to just stay home and hibernate. We are playing the full Star Wars series for Klaus to watch in order, starting with Episode IV of course, so that he may grow up with the proper morals and one day be a good dog who chooses to use the force for good. Pacino is in the living room purring and telling himself what a good boy he already is. Christmas lights are still glowing all over the house because they are so pretty and I like that kind of thing.

Outside, the ice clings to every tree branch like winter’s own version of tinsel, and the wind is doing its best impression of a freight train. But inside? Inside, it’s all warm socks, holiday leftovers, and the kind of aimless snacking that only feels justified this time of year. Handsome and I have leaned fully into the hibernation lifestyle, wrapped in flannel pajamas with popcorn in one hand and turkey in the other. The farm feels like a cozy snow globe, undisturbed and glowing with Christmas lights that I refuse to take down just yet.

Our Sunday mission is both noble and necessary: a proper viewing of the Star Wars saga. Naturally, we started with Episode IV, because character arcs and surprise parentage are sacred. Klaus, wide-eyed and cozy on the couch, is taking notes like the padawan he is. It’s important that he understand the difference between a Jedi and a Sith—he’s got the potential to be a great dog, but even the best boys need guidance. Meanwhile, Pacino purrs with smug self-approval, already convinced he could run the galaxy with one paw tied behind his back.

In true holiday fashion, our marathon led us to a little online window shopping, and that’s how we discovered Theory Sabers. It’s not about swinging blades or sparring in the backyard—it’s all about the merch. From stylish collectibles to subtly geeky decor, it’s a treasure trove for anyone who believes their love for Star Wars deserves a spot on the shelf. A mug here, a lightsaber lamp there—next thing you know, you’ve built your own Jedi lounge without even trying. Honestly, it’s the kind of fandom indulgence that makes staying in feel like an event.

The end of 2015 is fast approaching. When I think back over the last twelve months I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Life has been full of surprises, mostly good ones, and no matter how stressful or scary the hours have been from time to time, the overarching mood of the days and weeks has been joy. My heart is overflowing with more than optimism; I truly feel excitement about the future.

My husband’s career is showing signs of deep relief and great leaps forward. The farm is growing and shrinking according to our mutual desires. Our oldest daughter is finding romance, adventure, and self-sufficiency in Colorado. Our youngest daughter is far from us in circumstance but so near to our hearts. I dream of her regularly and pray for her almost as constantly as I breathe. Other prayers have been answered in such stunning displays of grace; how could anyone ever doubt that this all important miracle is not on its way?

On the personal front, I learned so much this past year about health and fitness. I’m excited to train for my next marathon with this experience and knowledge and maybe fit more easily into my skinny jeans too.

I have started a little apron business that is not only profitable but really fun. The Oklahoma County Master Gardeners Association is a more permanent part of my life and schedule now (I am on the Social Media team), as is the Oklahoma Beekeepers’ Association (I’m the new state secretary). Lots of fun stuff coming around the bend in 2016 with both of these organizations.

Will 2016 be the year I draft a full piece of fiction? And stop blogging to do this? Or level up my blogging in order to sell more textiles and produce? What does SEO even mean? Will we sell the farm because of the new turnpike rumors? (If you haven’t heard, some sources predict the new Oklahoma turnpike could run exactly across our front pasture. Meh objects. He strenuously objects. We shall see.) If we stay, will be tackle a remodeling project or three? 

Hopefully we will visit our beloved French Quarter before long, and I will do everything in my power to get Handsome to a white sand beach before he self-destructs. In my wildest dreams, we also visit some place completely foreign to both of us. And of course I go see our girl in the Rockies too. She has her own cabin there, and a new puppy, and a healthy dose of True Love.

Will the Lazy W Honeymakers make a comeback? Will the hens continue to lay eggs even in frigid temperatures? What about squash bugs? This could be the year I use chemical pesticides. Please withhold judgement; there is a smart way to do this. Yes to growing and selling watermelons that rival Rush Springs.

I am pulling away from Book Club for now and forming my own reading list for the coming year. Don Quixote is probably still not on the list, sadly. But Infinite Jest? Maybe so. I would love to see you on Goodreads to trade titles and reviews this year.

So much gratitude for the life we have been living. So many endless possibilities for the future, both near and far.

Friends, I want to thank you again for stopping here. Thank you for reading, for offering encouragement and insight, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for sharing your life with us in myriad ways this past year. Thank you for helping me sort out my thoughts so often. You are a wonderful gift.

Now let’s do some relaxing and recharging. Let’s give so much thanks for a good, solid 2015 and start making grand plans for an even better 2016. Much love to you from the Lazy W!

“Write it on your heart that every day
is the best day in the year.”
~Benjamin Franklin
XOXOXOXO