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Wintergreen New Year's Eve Fireworks Display (12/31/2014)Spectators watch and brave temperatures in the upper teen's to watch the New Years Eve Fireworks Display at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA. A happy and most loving, healthful, prosperous New Year to you, dear followers of my humble attempts at prose.

We always talk about resolutions at this time of the year, setting goals for ourselves, etc. These are all well and good. We should set goals for ourselves for in doing so we set objects, or things that are measurable. For myself, I have set some financial goals for my business, but more importantly I want to get my weight down to about 185 lbs. I am almost there, but it’s always the last part of the journey that takes the longest. Lastly, I am trying to be more patient, and talk more softly. Since I am of Italian Descent, this is going to take a lot of work on my part. Like skiing, I have been working at this for years. And also like skiing, it has not come easy.

But enough about new year’s resolutions. How about taking a look back over what we have achieved over the past year.

For me, I came to the realization that I will probably never have another woman partner. Not because I have any ill feelings towards women, or at this stage of my life it’s more difficult to establish an intimate relationship; no, it's just that I like my life the way it is right now. I am independent and I come and go as I please. I am not anti-social by any means. I have a very dear woman friend. She and I meet up frequently. We know each other very well and she is a confidante. Will I even decide to have another partner? Anything is possible. If God dropped a woman in my lap (literally) and said “Be Partners”, I would consider it.

I took my business in a new direction last year --- I am now doing weddings. From a business perspective, it was a good choice. Along with other business practice changes, my photography business has improved. I improved my technical skills as well. My mentors are some of the best professional photographers in the county. I have not only learned much from them, but I am also so thankful for their friendship.

My skiing has improved significantly. Losing about 65 pounds and new ski boots let me do things which permitted me to advance my skiing skills.  My athletic stance is more forward, and because of such my turns are more fluid because I can turn the skis more easily. Again, I have some really great coaches.

I worked as golf starter and marshal last summer, and in doing so I learned how a golf course operates. Do I play golf? No. Would I try it? Maybe.  

Finally, I made several personal discoveries about myself, one of which I have talked about already. But I am going to keep the rest of them private. I will say they let me better see how I relate to the world and about who I really am.

I only wish good things for you this year. May you know happiness, may you have good health, and may you prosper.

Most important, may you always love.

Until next time,

Paul