I awoke this morning in a new year and in my new life. Finally, 2010 has ended. I hope to revisit it as little as possible. Meanwhile, I have no idea what will happen in 2011 and really do not worry about it very much. Whatever may occur, I'll survive it through faith and through the help of the great friends I have. I suppose if there were any new year's resolution, it would be happiness and I am close to that already. Basic needs have taken the place of wants, though it helps up here if one's wants are as simple as beautiful scenery and crisp mountain air. God seems to supply those in abundance in these Black Hills.

New Year's Day has always been one (for me) to kind of look back over all the other first days of January and see what's changed, if anything. For a long time, I've wondered whether life has any defining moments, any particular points - not necessarily standing out at the time - where a single decision would have changed the course of an individual future. Again and again, I return to a January 1st of some 20 years ago, when there was a tiny house and a Ford pickup and a few possessions, back before the charge, both literally and figuratively, toward outward affluence and the false self-image brought by corporate culture.

Recalling that day, it seemed a simple life. This morning I realize I have that again, a tiny place out in the country and a truck and not much else. Twenty years ago, there was no need for me to take any abuse from others. I enjoyed life. Coincidentally, that is exactly where I reside right now. Does God let anyone start over from a past moment with the hopefully gained wisdom of all the experiences from then to now? Perhaps.

If you had the opportunity, would you do that?

Happy New Year to all my friends. May 2011 bring you peace, happiness and the joy of having true friends.