As partly documented here, on this blog, 2019 was a year of struggles and challenges. For Bee Hive, myself – personally, and, I believe, for many others. And, while I am truly pooped from it all – and perhaps a little scarred; rather then kicking it in the rear on its way out, I would prefer to smudge out 2019 with gratitude. And hope. Because, there is always light. To lean into.

My muses, inspirations, and in 2019 – on some mornings – my motivating factors for getting out of bed in the morning – are Olive and Cash. When Bee Hive first opened – they were both very small. Olive was just turning four – Cash was one and a half. They have always loved the store – but they never quite had the staying power to be there for hours – just hanging out reading or whatever. Olive has, actually for the past few years – but never Cash. After half an hour – he’s ready to leave. This year, that changed. Cash has become just as voracious a reader as his sister, and now all he wants to do is be at the Bee Hive. At home, his new favorite game is Bee Hive – a phone rings and he answers “Hello, Bee Hive, this is Christian – how may I help you?” He answers people’s questions, and using the Bee Hive website – helps them order books. (I wonder if perhaps he is plotting a take-over?) Olive is now 12 and I am already planning her summer around her being at the store – getting to know the computer system, becoming comfortable around customers, and perhaps filling in here and there. She is literally a walking catalog of most of the books in the store and would be an amazing bookseller. It is the vision I’ve always had for Bee Hive. And, for Olive and Cash. For them to truly be apart of it. I feel that they will go on to do other beautiful things with their lives and I have no intention of forcing any sort of family business on them – but, for this moment in time – I am so grateful that they are filling the Bee Hive with their sweet enthusiasm and big, bold interest and truly love and appreciate it. And, that all that Olive wanted for Christmas was books. And, a Bee Hive gift certificate.

“Let’s give ourselves a big, fat break – and read a book in the new year. Read ourselves to safety. To sanity. To comfort. To freedom. To emotionally healthy kids. All of it is, literally, a book away…”

It took me a while to figure it out – because I tend to get attached to people – but kids grow up. I believe the first round of Santa Fe kids who grew up with the store since it opened eight years ago – have outgrown the Bee Hive. Sadly. I miss them. Of course. But – and again, it took me a while to figure this out – there is a whole new crew of kids! They are now coming to story times or our writing workshops. Or, coming by the store regularly to pick up the next book in their current series. And, this crew will be with us for a while. And then, gradually, they will stop coming. And I will miss them. And be sad. And then new faces will start coming! Thank goodness for the cycle of life. For better or for worse.

Books. Of course. God, I am so grateful for books. The stories that connect us. Validate us. Make us feel not so alone. Or weird. Or crazy. Or whatever. And the gorgeous books that we are so lucky to have being published now, are incredible tools. For our kids. For ourselves. Let’s give ourselves a big, fat break – and read. Read ourselves to safety. To sanity. To comfort. To freedom. To emotionally healthy kids. All of it is, literally, a book away…

I am so grateful for moments of In Real Life connection. It feels so valuable. I don’t care who it is with. A friend. My kids. A stranger. Just – connection. I want to connect – and not about the stupid weather. How are you? I mean, really, how are you? Cause, you know, life is hard, and connection is what gets us through. As always – I am grateful for the lovely customers who come in the store – I think we’ve gotten each other through some rough days. Perhaps, without even knowing it.

Santa Fe! I was driving through town, there was fresh snow and lots of happy holiday tourists, filling the streets. Loving our awesome restaurants. Spending money in our shops. Skiing on our super fun mountain. Just so delighted to be in this unique town. Because, I was reminded – it is a pretty great place. We are truly fortunate to live here. And we are truly fortunate to have the visitors who descend upon town during certain times of the year. We would not survive without them. And, they remind us. Of all that we have.

So, here’s to a fresh, shiny year.

A beautiful, brand new decade.

As always…I am hopeful.

But, mostly – I am grateful.