HAERR TRIPPIN'

MORE: 2026's Word of the Year

Every few years I adopt a word, a tangible visual that I can hold on to. In 2019, after surviving my neck fracture, it was GRATEFUL. In 2022, after carelessly breaking my foot, it was MINDFUL.

This year's choice is MORE. I want MORE of everything: time with family and friends, books read, creativity, adventures, and unforgettable memories made. I always say, "Life is the actual show, not the dress rehearsal!" Here's to MORE encores. What's your word?

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The Spine & Vine Bookstore in Temecula

This darling independent bookstore recently opened and I'm so glad we finally had the opportunity to explore it.

The owner, Melissa, began her bookselling career in a vintage VW Van named Dewey, that she'd drive to local events selling books and trinkets as her mobile store. She has even hosted book club meetups at wineries (Vine) and restaurants yet now focuses on her brick-and-mortar storefront. I wish I would have been able to see her in action with Dewey.

I am a fan of independent bookstores. I can't believe Temecula is so LITERARY that there are two of them in town. That, along with Barnes and Noble, makes this little town pretty special for bibliophiles!

Unlike sprawling B & N, Melissa's shop is quite cozy (and until signage gets installed, a little difficult to find- 41789 Nicole Lane Ste. B5).

Why open this place? "Bookstores have always been an escape and sanctuary for me, and I’ve dreamt about having my own for a very long time," Melissa said. "I’ve longed for a place I could take my kids to that’s not a commercial bookstore but an indie, a local spot where kids and families could gather and take their time looking through all the pages and colors and shapes of all the spines stacked in their favorite nooks and crannies."

What makes this store extra special to me is the fact that Melissa is married to my dear friend Lori Sue's nephew. What fun!

“Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper.

They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power.

They are, simply put, the best of places.”

– Jen Campbell

And what novel did I choose? My Fair Frauds by Jennifer Thorne and Lee Kelly. "This is a Gilded Age historical fiction novel about two female con artists, Alice and Cora, who team up in 1884 New York City to execute an elaborate revenge plot against the robber barons who ruined Alice's family. The story follows Alice, posing as a deposed duchess, and Cora, a magician's assistant, as they use their skills in a Pygmalion-style transformation to swindle the wealthy elite through high-society events, blending historical figures like Ward McAllister with a clever, fast-paced caper."

Life is better in a bookstore!

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New Year, Fantastic Book

One of my greatest joys is reading! With the weather frightful and the fire delightful, I spent a joyous day reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

I had intended to listen to this novel as an audiobook on my recent drive South but the queue was just too long. Instead, I ordered a hardback copy (my favorite reading material) to be awaiting me in Temecula. I haven't purchased a newly released book at a brick and mortar store in years. I am so incredibly pleased with this literary investment. Wow.

The book had me when I learned the protagonist's life story was told through a series of letters. I knew the author and I were kindred spirits when I read, "Imagine, the letters one has sent out into the world, the letters received back in turn, are like the pieces of a magnificent puzzle... Isn't there something wonderful in that, to think that a story of one's life is preserved in some way...".

This is a story of a woman's later-in-life journey interwind with those she loves. Tragedies are revealed. Love stories evolve. Relationships are mended. Hope is expressed. Lives are lived. All this, and so much more, is shared through the act of putting pen to paper.

If this is not cause for taking up the fine art of letter writing, I don't know what is! What an exceptional novel and what a perfect way to begin 2026. It's off to a fantastic start.

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JOYFUL January...

I'm a huge fan of South Lake Tahoe author, Kat Medina. Today's eblast from her struck a chord.

Kat invited us to the JOY Challenge and shared her own experience: "2026 is officially upon us so I wanted to invite you to join me in a simple challenge, one that trains your brain to notice more moments of joy, delight and awe. The challenge is easy. Each day, notice at least one thing that brings you joy. It could be big or small, but I love seeking out the unexpected delight that comes from a simple joy; something that typically slips by unnoticed due to its routine or unassuming nature (a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning, the sound of a loved one's laughter, your pet pawing at you for just one more chin scratch).

And just why would anyone add more to their daily to-do list? By intentionally noticing joy each day, you signal to your brain that this matters. Over time, that big, beautiful noggin of yours starts seeking out joy automatically, even in the mundane, frustrating, or difficult moments. The result? Your mood will improve, joy will increase, and the silver lining in your problems will become visible more quickly and clearly.

The first time I did this for 30 days, my joys started out big and obvious. As the weeks went on, I started to see joyful moments everywhere. And the really cool thing? It made me feel absolutely delighted, joyful and quick to experience awe and connectedness, regardless of whatever struggles I happened to be facing at the time.

Months later, I realized that I had trained my brain to discover joy in unexpected places and value these daily micro-moments. As a result, I found myself more present and engaged, eager to find simple joys anywhere I could. If you feel even a little curious, I invite you to join me for Joyful January."

Denise here. I have accepted Kat's invitation. Won't you? I'd prefer to name it Joyful 2026 but we'll start with January. Baby steps!

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Way Back Wednesday: 1987

We always begin the New Year celebrating in a very special way. It was 39 years ago, January 1, 1987, that Steve and I became a little family. To commemorate this milestone, we sat for a photographer when our son was just two weeks old.

Big hair, small baby, what a combination yet what an occasion to document with photos.

"A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty."

It has been an amazing 39 years of familyhood. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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A Beach Morning with Our Boy!

Our older son is spending the holidays with his in-laws. Today, he joined us for a morning at the beach.

With a glorious 77° day at the seashore, we were ill-prepared to be that warm. We should have been in our swimsuits. We are so out of the SoCal Winter habit.

Coffees, a long walk, and lunch at our favorite al fresco spot, made this Mom truly content.

Even the coffee was happy. So dang fun!

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A New Tradition: Jolabokaflod

This is something I would like to start in our family. The Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or "Christmas Book Flood," was introduced to me by my Pennsylvania pen pal, Kim, when she sent me the very delightful Christmas in Wales.

My new holiday tradition is a unique and cherished cultural practice in Iceland, deeply rooted in the nation's love for literature and storytelling. In Iceland, ‘book flood’ is celebrated on Christmas Eve and revolves around giving and receiving new books, often accompanied by delicious treats. The night is spent in the company of loved ones, reading and sharing stories, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Iceland's love affair with books is deeply rooted in its culture and history. With a near 100% literacy rate, Icelanders don't just read – they immerse themselves in literature. This nation leads the world in terms of writers, books published, and books read per person. Imagine this: about 1 in 10 Icelanders will publish a book in their lifetime, and ⅓ of the Icelandic population reads books daily! That's impressive and reflects their deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling.

I embraced this Icelandic tradition this year and hopefully I'll get the entire family to do the same next year. What a truly wonderful idea. I've already chosen my book!

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A Pause for Art...

One of my favorite art galleries is passed often in our busy travels. On Tuesday, we decided we had time to stop and ogle art.

The Sebastopol Center for the Arts (SebArts) hosts an Annual Member Show, a dynamic exhibition featuring favorite works by its member artists. This showcase captures the creativity of the local arts community, displaying diverse personal pieces.

I invite you to take a pictorial stroll through the gallery with us. Did you find a favorite piece?

Diverse and interesting!

"To practice any art,

no matter how well or how badly,

is a way to make your soul grow."

~Kurt Vonnegut

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Merry Christmas!

Steve and I want to wish you the Happiest of Holidays. Here's to a 2026 that is unforgettable (in a good way).

“I like to compare the holiday season

with the way a child listens to a favorite story.

The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins,

the anticipation of familiar turns it takes,

the familiar moments of suspense,

and the familiar climax and ending.”

– Fred Rogers

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Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

I just finished an amazing debut novel written by my friend, Karen's niece. Jessica Guerrieri has created a work that, while difficult at times to read, was impossible to put down.

The story is about Leah O'Connor, a mother of three who feels lost in her life and struggles with alcoholism as an escape from the pressures of motherhood and a strained relationship with her mother-in-law. The book explores themes of motherhood, identity, female friendship, and addiction, following Leah as she unravels and must confront her choices and seek help from her sister-in-law, Amy, and the O'Connor family. It's a work of literary women's fiction, praised for its raw honesty and relatable portrayal of the struggles women face.

Jessica's says of her writing, "So no, I don’t think fiction is a lesser truth. I think it’s the bravest one. We tell stories not to escape life—but to survive it. To make something of the weight. To transform grief into something we can carry. Something we can even, someday, set down. And then, maybe, we hand it to someone else. Maybe they hear their truth in our voice. And maybe, for a moment, they feel a little less alone. Fiction doesn’t hide the truth—it metabolizes it into something we can stomach. Something that prepares us for what we’re meant to survive." Wow.

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Alpacas Are JOY

When I saw this on Facebook, I knew I had to go. "Join Old Lyfe Alpacas for our last Open House at our Washoe Valley location!" It was free, welcoming, and incredibly joyful.

Since it is said, "A picture is worth a thousand words", these images should adequately express how fun our day was. I took over 70 photos and I really wanted to share them all. I 🩷 Alpacas.