Welcoming 2010

Why is it that the most beautiful sunsets are the ones after the storm?

You make it through the hail, the wind, the rain, the sleet, the snow -- or some combination. The clouds were dark. The wind was vicious. The day was gloomy. At times, survival didn't seem possible and, occasionally, it sees like the opposite might be preferred.

But then, almost as suddenly as the storm arrived, you make it to the evening. The clouds break. The rain vanishes.

In its wake, the world is clean. The dirt has been washed away by the torrential rains. The smog was sponged. Everything is glistens. And its calm.

And there it is.

Instead of seeing only foreboding skies and disheartening rain drops, you see a blue sky, a sparkling world, and a pure light. Golden, bright, beautiful light. Instead of the storm, you are left standing in awe of a colorful, majestic sunset.

That's how I see this year.

It was a stormy year, pestilent. But here I am, poised on the brink of a new day...a new year...a new decade.

And I see the sunset.

And its beautiful.

Absolutely gorgeous.