THE END OF A DECADE

December 2019

Dear Family and Friends,

As I get ready to step into this new year, fueled by the gratitude reminder of Thanksgiving, and full of anticipation for holiday festivities yet to come,  I am reflecting and readying for the renewal that comes not only with the ending of this year, but with the ending of this decade.

Time is a powerful thing.

I’ve always found value in marking the chapters within it, giving me something tangible to revisit when I am seeking to remember...the good stuff, and the not-so-good stuff.

Ten years ago, at this very time, our family was weeks away from losing my brother, James, to cancer; a few months later we celebrated Austin as he graduated from UW LaCrosse ( and we became official ‘empty nesters’); seven years ago in September, we rejoiced at Molly and Lukas’ big, beautiful wedding in Chicago; five years ago in August, we partied on a pontoon boat in the middle of Presque Isle Lake as Kristin and Michael said, ‘I do’; also five years ago in October, after a long illness, we lost my Step-Mother, Janet; four years ago in July, we welcomed Tasso Thomas Yant into the world and our lives were forever changed as Tom and I became grandparents for the first time; two years ago, we welcomed our second grandson, little Leo James Yant into our family; twenty months ago we cheered when sweet Tommy Boyd Gannon-2, our third grandson, joined the crew; a little over one year ago on Thanksgiving, we cried (tears of joy) when Britt and Chad told us they went to the Dane County Courthouse and secretly became Mr. and Mrs. Peak; and just a couple months ago, we mourned when Phoebe lost her lovely Mom so unexpectedly.

Looking back over the memories of this past decade, I could never have predicted all the blessings that have unfolded for me. And, looking ahead, I have no idea what the next ten years will bring. But, what I have learned is that my job is to just show up. Fully. Completely. With my whole heart.

I wish you all the very best in 2020 and beyond.
Love, Linda 

HELLO 2019

“The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written...”

2018 was a very good year for my family.

We are ending this year with everyone in good health-although my Mom had some AFib issues this fall. But, she will be eighty-seven in a few months and Dad will turn eighty-six, so I guess a few  issues now and then are to be expected.  I feel very blessed to still have them both in my life.

All my kids are gainfully employed! Brittany is working for Strand Engineering, and Chad at FastSigns; Kristin is teaching Art to middle schoolers in Milton, and Michael started a new job managing the restaurants/food services on the Madison campus of the University of Wisconsin; Molly remains at Plan B Advertising in downtown Chicago, and Lukas recently began a new job with AbbVie; Austin continues to build his Real Estate business, and is beginning the process of also taking over Gannon Construction, while Phoebe works for Sedgwick CMS.

Tom is easing into retirement. Although he still goes into the office most everyday, he is there mostly because it is routine. (Don’t tell him I said that). He usually manages to head north to the cabin about mid week, however.

I am still creating funky fiber art Spirit Dolls, (with Kristin's help), although at a much more relaxed pace. I am selling them in our Etsy store, rhinestonegypsy.etsy.com 

Tom and I managed to take a lovely little winter trip to Venice Beach, Florida, last February. On February 14th, we fortuitously wandered onto the beach at sunset, and happened upon the annual Valentine's 'Wedding Vow Renewal' Ceremony! There were over 100 people participating, dressed in all kinds of wild attire-hippies galore! So, we joined them and renewed our vows as the sun was setting and 70's music played in the background! Big fun!  We also took a cross country road trip to Colorado in September for Austin’s best friend’s wedding in Breckinridge. (I've always referred to Nick as my second son). I love the mountains and adored absolutely everything about Breckinridge! And, we survived the long car ride still liking each other (mostly) too!

Tom and I spent a lot of time at the cabin this year, often with family and friends, showing off our north woods paradise. It never gets old.

At our Thanksgiving gathering, Britt and Chad surprised (and shocked) us all with the announcement that they went and got married! Everyone is thrilled, of course!

And, last but not least, we welcomed two new babies into our family this year! Leonides James Yant was born in January, and Thomas Boyd Gannon II arrived early in May!

Oh, how we love our three little grand boys!

We certainly had a big year. A year to celebrate.
And, today, we embrace a new year. With it comes new challenges, new opportunities, new blessings, new adventures, and new memories to be made. 

In the words of Neil Gaiman, "May the coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.  I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art...write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And, I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."

Happy New Year!