2020 - In normal times, I would use this article to talk about what styles we have in the store for that NYE party. Or maybe what's on the horizon for early spring. Covid-19 is the enormously large elephant in the room right now, so I'd rather talk about 2020, but in a positive way. That's right... I said positive. Hear me out. I learned a lot about myself this year, and I'm sure you did too.  

Friendship and Family

Ever since Covid arrived, I've had so many friends and family consistently check in on me and on how business is... how are we doing... what can they do to help. They made purchases from across the country and across the world. They bought gift cards, sent letters of encouragement, and called out of the blue. They accepted my crying phone calls at 2am. Friends and family made this year bearable. The true value of friendship is one major lesson of the year. I will never ever take that for granted again.

Events

Wow. That's a big one. I had tickets to take my daughters to see Billie Eilish on March 16th. We have season tickets to the Nationals. I had other concerts canceled or rescheduled. Parties... I love parties. I love to host parties. We haven't in a few years because, well, life gets in the way. Never again. I'm going to have the party, go to the concert I want to, and exuberantly cheer on my Nationals when we can again. I really missed opening day this year.

Things

I love pretty things... sparkly things. I wouldn't say I'm materialistic, but I guess that's the best description. I'm not advocating buying something for the sake of buying something or buying something that hurts you financially. However, I did splurge on myself a few times over the last nine months and you know what, it made me happy. Life is short. Buy the shoes. Or the necklace... or whatever it is that is going to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Time

I lost people and I know many, many friends also lost loved ones. It was cancer, Covid-19, freak accidents. Cherish the time you do have with people because it might be it. I don't think that is as depressing as it sounds; I just mean that from here on out, I am going to appreciate the time I get with people I care about.

Strength

I discovered that I am stronger than I knew. I've done a lot of difficult things in my life, but nothing has been as hard as running a small business in a pandemic. I know it's not over and we still have a way to go until we get back to normal, but I'm proud of myself and my Kiskadee ladies for weathering the storm thus far. My staff has been my rock and I appreciate them too.Here's to an amazing 2021. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and we at Kiskadee wish you all a very Happy New Year! Cheers!