Notable Things: Looking Back, Originality Is Overrated, Affordable Dinnerware, & 2024 Trends In Review

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As I write this, I’m gazing through the window as the sun’s golden glow melts the season’s first snow in coastal Maine. This past weekend, it felt like we were in a real life winter wonderland as heavy snowflakes blanketed the branches of pine trees.

We meandered along a trail we affectionately call the Christmas Tree Trail because it’s lined with pine trees from beginning to end and as far as the eye can see. A shimmering river with snow covered stones greeted us halfway and it’s in these serene moments that we can’t help but reflect on the life altering changes we made this year.

In February and March we were bathing with a cup and bucket and using a porta potty in an unfinished basement as the renovation of our Nebraska bathroom took place. In May we put an offer on a house in Maine that was not accepted. (And we were later so thankful it wasn’t because the location just wasn’t right for us.) In June we put in another offer on a house in our dream location which was accepted, we flew to Maine to see it for the first time, and we sold our house…all within 7 days. In July we packed up all our belongings and drove 3 days across the country to move in. August, September, and October was spent soaking in the ocean views and trekking across mountain paths. November was one of the most relaxing months we’ve ever had and December brought us magic in the form of snow.

Every year has highs and lows and this year was no exception, but the joy we felt this year was abundant and we couldn’t be more thankful for the life we’ve been given.

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