Celebrating the First Anniversary of this Blog

 

Celebrating the First Anniversary of this Blog:

 

Looking Back at a New Year’s Resolution

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

            This Sunday—January 19, 2014—will mark the first anniversary of this blog.  In recognition of those who helped me to initiate this blog, I am including below a re-print of the “Acknowledgements” which I linked to this blog in January of last year.  A repeat performance of “Thank you” seems appropriate at this time.  Certainly, as the past twelve months progressed, I added on other postings my thanks to Mary, my sister, and to Carole, my cousin—as well as to all my readers who have shared comments via this blog, e-mail, notes, telephone, or even face-to-face communication.  Hearing from people from Maine to Mexico, Canada to Kentucky, California to Florida, and other numerous points on the map is one of the special pleasures of writing this blog each week.  I continue to appreciate your interest in my postings and your words of encouragement for my “Wordwalk.” 

 

            Instead of a “footnote,” following the re-print of “Acknowledgements” will be a new “Booknote” concerning this date—January 15—in recent history.

 

 

Acknowledgements to All Who Helped Bring Forth My New Year’s Resolution

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

            With the flourish of activity on family members’ Facebook sites during the past several months, I was feeling a bit behind the times because I do not Facebook nor text.  Then, when I discovered that my uncle in California was texting with his sister (my aunt) who was spending the holiday in Oregon, I was feeling older than my years.  Thus, thanks to Uncle Jules and Aunt Kathy, I made a new year’s resolution to initiate a blog in January of 2013.  After preliminary help and encouragement from the Behind Our Eyes Writers’ Group (especially Abbie and Deon), as well as from Amy who is an instructor at the Hadley School for the Blind (Winnetka, Illinois), my friend and former reader Jenna assisted me in initiating this blog on January 19, 2013.  Jenna deserves a very special thanks for her time, patience, and computer savvy.  Next, Marc, an employee at GW Micro (the Indiana company that makes Window-Eyes, the speech software program which I use), showed me how to navigate the area for comments on the blog.  Not only do I appreciate Marc’s sharing his expertise, but I appreciate Window-Eyes—an amazing speech software that makes all that I have done and continue to do with computers pleasantly possible.

 

            Whenever I read a book, I enjoy reading the acknowledgements page and am frequently amazed how many people the author thanks.  Now, for the first time, on this blog, I can have an acknowledgements section to thank each of you who were important participants in turning my new year’s resolution into a reality.  Of course, with the

kick-off of this blog, you played a part in my feeling a bit younger at the onset of 2013.

           

            Finally, I forever thank my third Leader Dog, Zoe (an extraordinary black lab/golden retriever), who so expertly guides me on our many long walks when I can do errands, get some exercise, absorb Mother Nature’s city offerings, and clear my head to think creatively in order to craft ideas for this blog.

 

Many thanks!

 

* * * * *

 

            Keeping my 2013 new year’s resolution does bring a smile of satisfaction; however, having survived the Polar Vortex, I am now working toward a new year’s resolution for 2014.  Eventually, I will reveal this new major goal and hope that you also are focusing on a new goal for 2014.  Are you thinking of reading more nonfiction in the new year?  If so, please read the following book recommendation.

 

 

Booknote:  Highest Duty

 

 

            Today—January 15, 2014—is the fifth anniversary of “The Miracle on the Hudson.”  Listening this week to Captain Chesley (“Sully”) Sullenberger interviewed on Face the Nation and then on the CBS Evening News reminded me of Mr. Sullenberger’s highly interesting and admirable book highest Duty:  My Search for What Really Matters (copyright 2009).  Of the 84 books which I read during 2013, Mr. Sullenberger’s autobiography, written with Jeffery Zaslow, is one of the most memorable and inspirational. 

 

            Although Mr. Sullenberger first became interested in flying at age five, his first ride in a plane (a crop-duster) was in his home state of Texas, on June 3, 1967, when he was sixteen.  The 19 chapters and 340 pages focus not only on “The Miracle on the Hudson,” when he landed a jet expertly and safely on the Hudson River in New York City; but the book also focuses on his early years in Texas, his training at the United States Air Force Academy, his military service, his career as a commercial pilot, and some post-Flight 1549 activities.  Additionally, the book reveals more about his family life.  As a guide dog user for almost 24 years, I was impressed to read that Mr. and Mrs. Sullenberger raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind for many years; later, one of their two (adopted) daughters continued with this volunteer effort. 

 

            When you recall Captain Sullenberger’s amazing skills and demeanor that allowed him and his First Officer Jeff Skiles to save the lives of the 150 passengers and three other crew members, Do you remember that the temperature was 21 degrees, the wind chill was 11 degrees, and the water temperature was 36 degrees?  All of these facts and so much more richly fill this book written by one of our nation’s true heroes.

 

Happy Reading throughout 2014!

Alice

 

January 15, 2014, Wednesday

 

 

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