December 27, 2016
3:08 p.m.

Well, 2016 is winding down, and it seems like it is in a huge rush to reap as many more precious souls as it can before it is finally all over.

Carrie Fisher. Probably my first female hero, Princess Leia was an inspiration because she was a leader of a rebellion and a total bad-ass. She was witty, gritty and smart as a whip, and that tiny little thing stood up for herself and her people with everyone, up to and including Darth Vader. Carrie brought this character to life and inspired many of the young women in my youth to be strong and brave and stand on our own two feet, rather than waiting to be rescued by a "Prince Charming."

Later in life, Carrie Fisher became quite a wonderful writer. Her wit was unique and truthful.

We lost her this morning, and I am profoundly sad. She will certainly be missed.

On Christmas day, we lost the very talented George Michael. "Careless Whisper" left me in tears the first time I heard it. I'm listening now, but I'm tougher now than I was then, so I can still see my screen. So sad to lose such a talented man at age 53. He will be missed.

I cannot neglect to mention the passing of my brother's beloved dog, who went to pup Heaven yesterday. I'm so sorry, family of Loki. He was a good boy.

This has been a rough year. I've been trying to count the numerous blessings that surely came to pass this year, and at this moment, I remember the birth of my beautiful granddaughter, who joined the family in March. I continue to be blessed with parents and siblings who doing are well, children and grandchildren who are doing well, and I am so thankful for all that. I have many people in my life to love, and that can never be a bad thing.

But I will add that it has been tough. We have dealt with displacement, unemployment, poor health and a few other hardships this year that I hope will all soon be resolved.

We have watched a decline in this country due to poor judgment and downright ignorance on the part of many of the people in power who have failed to do their jobs. We have dealt with disorder in the police departments across the country. We have watched people cause destruction and death in the name of peace. We have watched as our country would once again rally to rape the land and waterways of the Natives in the name of the Almighty dollar. We have elected an incompetent spoiled baby to lead our Nation, and those who should know better have responded not with peaceful protests but with rioting, looting and destruction. (To those who DID protest peacefully: I commend you. Thank you.)

I can only hang my head in shame. I have never felt so disappointed.

I'm afraid to be hopeful for the coming year, but honestly, hope is all I have left!

So to end this little rant, I would ask that we all spend more time getting involved in the process of bringing pride back to this country. It's too important to ignore; we all have a responsibility to our offspring, and their offspring, to get things back on the right track. Clean up the waterways. Fight for renewable clean energy. Recycle. Do your part, however small; it all adds up.

We have four more days. I pray that they are all quietly peaceful--boring even.

May 2017 come in with peace and prosperity for all and make up for 2016 a little bit. We need a break!

I really mean it when I say this to all of you: Happy New Year!!