We’re just a few weeks away from the end of 2023 — how did that happen so quickly? — and as the year winds down, now’s a good time to stop and reflect on the past year. What did it bring you? How was it different than others before it? What is something you’ll remember going forward, from the little moments to the big milestones? Or is it one you’re ready to put behind you as you head in 2024?
I’d love to know. So, for December, please share a story — just one — of what your year was like with the IJ.
Please make it a story, a personal story, with a beginning, middle and end — not six adjectives, not a cliche and not advice. Make us laugh or cry or at the very least feel something. For an example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.
If you want your story to run in the IJ, please:
• Write “Six-word story” in the subject line
• Send one story. Just one
• Include your full name and Marin town in the body of the email, no attachments
• Write your short story in the body of the email, no attachments
• Use proper punctuation and spelling
• Use sentence style in one line
• It should not rhyme
• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story
Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by Dec. 15 and look for it in the Dec. 26 lifestyles section and online.
Last month we asked IJ readers to share what they’re grateful for. Here’s what they had to say.
Woke up this morning, still breathing. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael
Turkey jumped fence. Thankful for ham. — Valerie Stilson, Novato
Mashed potatoes and turkey gravy; yum. — Pamela Lunstead, Novato
Mexican American gratefully born in America. — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael
Being part of a caring family. — Cece Jonsen, Novato
Silver Peso thankfully serves working people. — Kermit R. Kubitz, Larkspur
Thankfulness makes one more completely human. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo
I’m grateful for Earth Science Novato. — Paul Barrier, Novato
Family, friends, creation, all gifts — thankful. — Ann Carroll, San Anselmo
Diagnosed. Cured. Hair finally grew back! — Mary Denton, Larkspur
Thankful! Generous, supportive, fun life partner. — Evelyn Riebe, Mill Valley
Did it again. I woke up! — Helen Hayes, Ross
Grateful for family, friends, adopted country. — Margarida da Silva, Novato
Nash Rambler; seven adults; Syracuse; Florida. — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur
Love, 100 miles, in one hour! — Lyle Thomsen, Corte Madera
Family joy is alive and well. — Michael C. Vogel, Mill Valley
Gratefully blessed to be a blessing. — David Curtis, Novato
Grateful for close, enduring family ties. — Jim Koger, San Rafael
Definition of grateful — my three sons. — Kathleen Daly, Corte Madera
Beloved heart occupants: family, friends, life. — Therese Stawowy, San Rafael
Clean air, pure water, Barry Tompkins. — Chuck McDevitt, Corte Madera
Grateful to feel empathy and compassion. — Kay Noguchi, Terra Linda
Photography keeps mind and eyes occupied. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera
Decades of progressive MS; still walking. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley
Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Brent, Micky, Bill. — Brad Honsberger, San Rafael
Four grandkids, time flies, new hopes. — Jeff Brusati, San Rafael
Thankfulness forever with amazing spiritual growth. — Antoinette DeLucchi, San Rafael
Family, fun, food, overeat — yes — forgiven. — Davey Myles, Marinwood
My dad, Irving, was a gift. — Carol Hosmer-McConnell, San Rafael
Our family and the love shared. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City
Fifty years in Marin with Bonnie. — John Hanson, Novato
I am grateful for family, friends. — Marie Lazzari, Novato
Grateful for God, country, family, friends. — Angelo Capozzi, Tiburon
My heart is filled with gratitude. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae
Golden girl sleeps. Light shines on. — Joe Gray, Kentfield
Family, friends, freedom, fellowship and festivities. — David Leipsic, San Rafael
I live, I think, thanks Mom. — Hank Simmonds, Kentfield
Sewers and cheese graters are grateful. — Bruce Donals, Fairfax
Front door opens, China Camp welcomes. — Timothy Warden, San Rafael
Illness is weighty. Love is everything. — Tom Baldwin, Corte Madera
Terra Firma! I never looked back. — Merideth Lewis, Santa Venetia
He’s 94. We still have fun. — Mary Waetjen, San Anselmo
Neighbors who have stopped blowing leaves. — Mary Geving, Woodacre
I am grateful to be clean! — David Ammons, San Rafael
Loving mom, Dahway, lives next door. — Kathy Slaught, Larkspur
Democracy, freedom of speech and voting. — Katherine Ware, Belvedere
New cook, burnt turkey, Chinese takeout. — Sara Gordon, San Rafael
I am grateful for meeting you. — Lily Worch, Novato
Nature’s dazzling wonders and adventures embraced. — Lucille Herger, Novato
My gratitude list has 2,358 items. — Rev. George McLaird, Tiburon
Yearlong Korea service. Thankful for life. — Peter Hayward, Novato
Husband’s good taste in two women. — Mary Lou Hayward, Novato
Gratitude? Six words are not enough. — Leslie Stone, San Rafael
A crowded table filled with love. — Sharon Eide, Novato
Sounds of children playing gleefully outside. — Katheryn Horton, San Rafael
Love lost, if found please return. — Matt Raftery, Novato
Still rowing together, two happy years. — Barbara Rowe, Mill Valley
Grateful being alive to be grateful. — Stephen Redner, San Rafael
My husband, best friend, 50 years. — Kimberly Weichel, Tiburon
No seizure for five years, yeah. — Kathryn McMudie, Novato
Old, but healthy; in love, grateful. — Melinda Booth, Mill Valley
Grown children, all exceptional adults. Blessed. — Deb Johansen, Novato
I can walk, breathe and love. — Dave Powell, Novato
“Run for hunger.” Binge after. Pharisaic? — Jane Ure, Mill Valley
No pain when moving, thanks hips! — Diana Chiarabano, Tiburon
Gratitude includes the smallest of things. — Laura Miller, Novato
Staying grateful helps keep me afloat. — Gail Cassee, Mill Valley
Saved by grace, through faith. Hallelujah! — Gigi Bibeault, Terra Linda
Thankful for Marin’s glorious autumn beauty. — Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae
Will be grateful for donated kidney! — Carole Bonhomme, Greenbrae
Children, grandchildren living nearby — so wonderful! — Lucy MacSwain, San Rafael
Let’s all relax, savor our November! — Dart Cherk, Mill Valley
Second chances make all the difference. — Daniel R. Maloney, San Anselmo
Spending holidays with many different families. — Keith Granger, San Rafael
Lessons learned, adjustments made, opportunities ahead. — Ingrid Francis, Mill Valley
Seeing the best in all others. — Jim Williams, Novato
Mother Nature makes me feel grateful. — Janet Benjamin, Tiburon
Adi; de gustibus non est disputandum. — Ron Skellenger, Woodacre
Road trip, brother, sister, bond forever. — Elisa Charne, Novato
I’m grateful for world’s happiest marriage. — Ian Begg, Corte Madera
Escaped COVID death. Breathing freely, gratefully. — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley
I passed the DMV written test. — Pam Thomas, San Rafael
Another new day, I’m alive, blessed. — Ann Eller, Woodacre
Married 1964, 1984; No. 3, 2015, forever. — Pam Berkon, Novato
I appreciate Mother Nature each day. — Billie Forer, San Rafael
Clients thanking me for my work. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael
Hearty thanks for God is love. — Michael Ardito, Fairfax
