I did not wear this dress to ring in the New Year, but it does reflect the sparkly mood I was in when the clock struck twelve. On New Year’s Eve I lived the dream and watched the ball drop, and the year turn, in my cozy house while snuggling up with my little family. To me there is nothing better. The older I get and the crazier the world becomes, the more deeply grateful I am for the roof over my head, my delicious and delightful family and good health all around. When I was twenty I wished for different things. Big swings, endless glamour, invites to all the “right” parties. Today the “right” party is the one where I’m surrounded by people I love. I find glamour in smaller objets, and my big swings look more like nuanced shifts. And I love it. Gather ye rosebuds indeed, but also take time to stop and smell them. This new year brings with it many challenges, because, well, I’m alive, which is totally great! It also bring with it the promise of renewal. My dreams for this coming year aren’t huge, except maybe that return-home trip to Tanzania I’m planning. Aside from long distance travel, I dream of peace and happiness, for continued good health and an abundance of joy. Maybe that is a tall order after all. Well, nothing much is gained by dreaming small. So here’s to a year filled with big swings, glamour and nuance, and many invites to all the “right” parties.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… This gold sequin mini dress at Revolve.