I am counting my blessings and feeling grateful for another day and another year.Β π ππ½ β€οΈ π
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

Well, it’s time to say goodbye to another year. 2017 was a year of learning, growing and chaos. Β It started off alright…until September and October arrived. π© I certainly do NOT wish to see a repeat of what happened this year happen in 2018.
As for the new year, I have one major wish: To have God watch over my family–especially my parents’ and brother’s health. Β β€οΈππ½π
One thing I will no longer worry about is going out of my way to communicate with someone, who doesn’t reciprocate the communication nor the friendship. Friendship is a two-way street, which means I don’t have time for clique-like or short-term friendships. ππ½Β π
Finally, in 2018, I will focus on myself. The last 2+ years have been really stressful and taxing–especially on me. As a result, I intend to take more time out for myself and will work on completing a few goals on my bucket list. ππ½π

Remembering actor, singer, songwriter, musician and former teen idol Rick ‘Ricky’ Nelson, who was killed in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1985. ππΊπ»π€πΈπ΅
Here a few of my favorite Ricky Nelson songs. β€οΈ

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Feliz Navidad a ti y a tu familia! π π½ππ
This is by far one of the best Christmas songs ever recorded. It’s even more meaningful this year since it marks the one year anniversary of singer George Michael’s death. π ππ π½
This song was first released in 1994. Well, 23 years later, it finally made it to Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10.
This video rarely receives air play, but I believe this version is paying homage to the 1960’s. I’m certain this song will continue playing around Christmas time for two or more decades. ππ€π΅ππ π½
Another favorite song of mine around this time of year.Β ππ π½π
I became familiar with this song as a child, when I first watched a rerun of the Christmas episode of The MonkeesΒ TV comedy series. The Christmas carol is a Spanish villancico (according to the Oxford Dictionary: a form of Spanish and Portuguese song with short stanzas and a refrain, originally a folk song, later used in sacred music) and I enjoy listening to it every Christmas. π΅ππ π½π
A classic Christmas song by one of my favorites: singer, songwriter, musician and actor Rick ‘Ricky’ Nelson. π πΊπ€πΈπ΅π
Here’s a classic Christmas tune by my favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney. ππ π½ππ€π΅ Enjoy! π