January 1, 2026
It was one of those things that you hear about from somebody else and then say to yourself, "Hey, what a neat idea! There's some humor in the family and a couple writers too, what a great way to gather some inspiration," and the next thing you know, you've got 57 quotes that range in levels from profound wisdom to ultimate ridiculousness.
My eldest daughter, Lily, started this thing back at the end of May, inspired by one of her friends who also keeps a quote book. The very first quote was made by Nana, when she said, "Shrek was killing it, man!" The context of which had something to do with cousin Jack playing a WWE wrestling game that involved Shrek and Nana recited it to my kiddos and the rest is history. The Quote Book, Hancock version 2.0 was born.
As the year progressed, the context wasn't always caught, but no matter. It made the ones towards the end that much more funnier. We decided that we would continue collecting throughout our travels and everyday lives, and at the end of the year, read them aloud. No context. No questions, just absurd quotes we picked up along the way. I have been sworn to secrecy but allowed to share a few to brighten or at least lighten your day.
"I have been staring off into space and the space just happened to be your eyeballs!"
"SMALL PROPANE TORCH!"
"I'm a potato fiend."
"It's like 100 dollars below freezing."
"Guys, I can't run. I'm in formal wear!"
I'm not going to share who said what, but the re-reading of these elicited such giggles that it was well worth its creation. Words are magical and can be woven into delightful little troves of interest and intrigue. This wasn't considered a "school" project at the time of its founding, but my teacher heart believes we could go further with it and create full-fledged stories with the inspiration with just one of these 57 quotes. Creative Writing 101.
I also think that some magic lies in creating your own traditions with your children. Tradition has its moments but it also gets boring sometimes. I think it's important to liven it up with your immediate family units; Father, Mother and Children. This past holiday season was different for my little unit but not in a bad way, just a different one. Something changed in me this past year, like, an inner switch flipped and it fueled the need for something different; something quieter, more stable and authentic, with no rushing or performing. Such a welcome change from the usual hustle and bustle.
The twins turned 13, so Santa retired. We opened all the gifts on Christmas Eve, woke up slow on Christmas Day and watched Stranger Things together Christmas night. We played games and laughed and enjoyed one another's company. Josh and I worked a lot too, but we had lots of rest in-between. No one was unhappy or cross and everything on the inside of the double-wide at the end of our drive was peaceful. It was a good end to a somewhat tumultuous year and it gave me new hope for this year newly begun.
We didn't make it to the rock today but we've got lots of prime views of Flat Creek right where we are and the cutest, snuggliest walking buddy anybody could ask for. Today was a good day and the first of, hopefully, many days ahead. Not sure what 2026 will bring, but completely sure what I will not be taking into it. Here's to finding the magic in these weird little lives we live.
Happy New Year.