By Shelley Bennett
With the hope and promise of a new year, comes the reflection upon the events of the last 365 days. Like most of you, I’ve seen the Top 10 Lists, 25 Most Embarrassing Moments in Sports, People’s Sexiest Man, and other attempts to capture the best and most memorable of 2021.
On Social Media you can watch 10-second videos cramming the best moments into one quick sound bite, Spotify tells you which song and genre of music got the most play, and Good Reads analyzes trends in the number of pages you’ve read.
I am drawn to the “Top 9” photo collages on Instagram. A square made up of nine smaller squares reminds me of the Brady Bunch intro, but instead, it is a visual synopsis of your year.
Your Top 9 makes a statement about what is important to you and provides the evidence for the rest of the world to see.
I’ve made a list of what would appear on my Top 9 of 2021:
1. Our community’s reaction to the Dixie Fire – it was heartwarming to see how many people found ways to help during this tragic event. From individuals to first responders to community groups, money and resources came pouring in to support the citizens who were displaced during the long evacuation period.
2. Community events making a comeback after a year’s hiatus – the crowds at the Main Cruise, various Chamber Mixers, the Lassen Co Fair, Dancing for a Brand New Me, etc. were at a capacity level. I think we all felt a little more grateful and appreciative to be attending these events.
3. Having two LHS football seasons in one calendar year. It is odd to refer to Football season ‘21, when there were actually two (2020-21 played in March/April 2021 and 2021-22 played August-November 2021.) I’m sure that it was physically and mentally taxing for players, coaches, and families as well.
4. The same goes for Field Hockey, golf, and X-Country. On a positive note, the JV Field Hockey team was able to capitalize on this and win the league title in the first field hockey season of 2021.
5. Hamilton – Attending this musical at the Pioneer Theatre with my daughter Sofia was one of the highlights of 2021. Everything about it (the sets, actors, storyline, lyrics, costumes) was amazing and it felt good to be back in a performing arts venue.
6. Jake’s 21st Birthday – he decided to take my dad fishing. So along, with Leo, my brother, and Landon, they all enjoyed a morning of fishing at Hat Creek. I don’t remember if they actually caught any fish, but that wasn’t the point.
7. School Dress-Up Days – I don’t know why, but school dress-up days have given me a sense of purpose this year. From Carol Baskin of the Tiger King to Cruella DeVille to the season Spring, I have enjoyed planning and constructing my costumes and sometimes persona to go along with it.
8. Teacher Lake Days – During the summer we met once a week at Lake Almanor to enjoy the water, kayaking, and company of our colleagues. I am so grateful to have the time we did last summer. It was a time of rejuvenation and memory-making. Something that I really needed. I don’t know what remains of the beach that we claimed as ours.
9. The last two weeks – Having my kids home for the holidays has been a blessing to me. We have stayed up late watching movies, eating snacks, baking more, and generally having a good time.
While the snow might have inhibited travel plans, it has brought us closer and I have cherished every moment. I just love to hear them talk to each other; tease a little and laugh, bring up stories from Christmases past, and be in the same room together.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
