Recent days have been filled with some of the worst moments of the year. Multiple acts of gun violence and extreme examples of deranged mental health and family tragedy have occupied the headlines, and my mind, along with the almost unbelievable responses to these situations by the emotional toddler who resides in what is left of the White House, have left me feeling tender and bruised.
In what is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year.
I know that things will get better. Soon, the days will begin to grow longer again and 2026 brings with it the promise of major life changes and opportunities. Greeting the new year in Rome will also make for a wonderful start.
While 2025 has been a challenge for so many, it has not been without bright spots. The items below are a few favorites which quickly come to mind as I reflect upon the previous 12 months.
Film: Sinners
Performance in a film: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another.
Album: The Life of a Showgirl
Television Series: Slow Horses
Concert: David Byrne at Proctor’s
Meal: Cabra, Chicago
Book: Buckeye – by Patrick Ryan
Y/A Book: The Secret Astronomers – by Jessica Walker
Novel in Verse: The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
Readers, you might notice that, instead of a typical Top 10 list of “Bests,” I’ve offered a list of 9 only items. My only explanation is that, as I prepare to hit “publish” on this post, 2025 still holds an additional 12 days.
I’m inclined to leave a little room in my life for exceptional things. There’s still time for something wonderful to happen.
DelSo 