Well, it’s a new year, and the question that begs to be asked is: “What are you looking forward to this year?” How would you answer such a question, and perhaps when you have some quiet time, ponder it.

At a recent program for the arts, I was seated next to someone whom I had campaigned for during our last election. I congratulated her on winning a seat to the city council, and she informed me that the very next day she was going to be ordained a deacon in the local Episcopal Church. I believe in and share this person’s passion to help people — folks of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I was proud she won the election, and proud of her fulfilling her faith desire.

The program ended, and I turned to offer her a bit of wisdom I’ve learned over the years. I suggested to her, that going forward, she find strength in her faith, but always be true to herself.

This past year was a challenge for some of us, and not too bad for some of us. That’s life, but we should always be there for each other. That’s how we improve as individuals, and help our communities improve. I believe we should look forward with hope, friendliness, and be open to new thoughts and ways of achieving solutions. Therefore…

I look forward to tasting more non-alcoholic beverages — wines, beers and spirits. Hopefully, the expected taste is retained without the alcohol. That would be good for many of us.

I anticipate making my first batch of homemade beer. If you never hear anything else about this endeavor, you’ll know it didn’t end well!

I want to continue trying to learn how to play my guitar. My fingers are not in favor of this idea because they are the body parts that end up hurting. Well, who’s in charge here?

I want to continue meeting strangers who just might become friends of mine.

I certainly wish to continue connecting with old friends, and especially to reconnect with those I’ve neglected for awhile.

I look forward to tasting more wines from different parts of the world. That goes for brews and spirits, too. There’s so much to learn from such sampling, and I have faith it will continue.

I want to get my hands on a bottle of Itasca Wine. It was developed by the University of Minnesota, and came on the market about a year ago. I will taste it this year!

I wish to keep reading new and thoughtful books.

I want to keep stretching — mentally, physically and spiritually — so I can experience the newness that each day provides.

Every new day is like a new door opening for us. May we greet that newness with the faith we’ll find goodness, but with the caution to always be true to ourselves.

Now! I’ll pour myself a glass of J.J. Müller Riesling, and I’ll enjoy its mineral sweetness.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!