Happy New Year 2022

On the first of January, it was a magical day. After the rain, the sky cleared up, and our entire apartment was glowing and sparkling as if magical fairies had just visited us. And when I was talking on the phone with my mom, for a few seconds, I caught sight of a beautiful, colorful hummingbird on the balcony. It took my breath away with excitement that this exceptional bird had visited us in the city on the twelfth floor.

At Naples Canal, I tried paddleboarding for the first time, and it was fantastic. Inside the canal, I encountered neighbors in a good mood on kayaks, boats, and gondolas. Everyone wished each other a Happy New Year, and I felt an even stronger connection to America. Meanwhile, Vuki and Eli were picking up trash on the beach. It's an activity we teach them when living by the sea, to help keep the environment clean. When I reached the shore, I helped them pick up trash with Mrs. Nancy, who writes children's books. She had moved from New York to Long Beach during the pandemic. Suddenly, a city girl became a beach girl. We talked, and she gave me a heart-shaped stone she found on the beach, wanting to give it to someone and bring joy through love. She hugged me, kissed me on the cheek. It was such a symbolic day full of love.

If they say, "As you start the New Year, so you'll spend it," then this year will be about deepening relationships, kindness, helping others, being open to building new friendships, and performing small and big acts that warm the heart. So, Happy New Year 2022!

Yours, Sweetest Dot.