Recap, Resolve
The year’s end is just hours away, and it can’t come soon enough for me. This has been a banner — make that bummer — year! It began with big plans: I was going to make real a new scheme for the Rancho’s garden. The problem was what I had stirring in my head caused me physical pain when I tried to achieve it and that slowed me down. By summer the pain had become continual and things had come to a standstill; I was diagnosed with a a slew of spinal issues. Seeking relief I went on medical leave, hoping rest and a treatment plan would help (it didn’t). In the fall I had surgery; it’s been only a sort-of success (the issues it was supposed to address have begun to return). Then, the ever-more-desperate gods of corporate America demanded a sacrifice and the day after Christmas The Times terminated me (it’s not as bad as it might be due to long-term insurance benefits). Still, it’s a truly crappy finale to a singularly crappy year.
You might think that this turn of events would cause me to despair, and to be honest it did for a moment. The worse was when I went to send my farewell message out to colleagues only to learn that an itchy IT person had already deleted my email account: That was bad. But I soon rebounded thanks to a good friend who sent it for me (after going through channels, natch). Once it had gone out I began to receive a ton of emails from people I hadn’t seen or heard from in ages … People I hadn’t worked with since the ’90s, when I began at The Times. Their messages were so kind and so complimentary I couldn’t help but feel uplifted, not to mention moved. These were tributes written by journalists of long-standing who’d been let go in other earlier purges, or who had retired, reaching out to say they’d found inspiration in my artwork, my design sensibility, my humor — in my silly desk accoutrements, even — and wishing me well.
I get the same warm feelings receiving comments and emails from readers of this blog. My posting of late can be spotty, but in spite of it you still come … and even if you don’t leave a comment I know you’ve been here; the numbers bear that out. Thank you.
I’m going into the new year with hopes of getting better physically, so I feel confident making the following resolutions: I will get out more … right now being a passenger leaves me with a simian gait, but I’m going to go further anyway. I will see more, and make more worth seeing. I will post more and I will post more often. I will promote the work of others and produce more work of my own worthy of promotion. I will work on the Rancho’s garden, even if it’s with hired hands … and I will hold a art class for children there (something I’ve wanted to do for awhile). Lastly, I will have a party and entertain long-neglected friends.
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This is my long-winded way of saying thanks for reading in 2012, and …
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
Rancho Reubidoux 
I see a BANNER year ahead for RR–you are a unique superstar and your work is poised for “greater” greatness! Heath, happiness, and success are at hand.
I think so, too! Between yours and David Keeps’ encouragement I can’t fail! Happy new year, Ruthie
Greetings from Redlands, and thanks so much for this most excellent blog. Spotty posting or no, you’re an inspiration. Have a healthy, happy and fulfilling 2013!
Thanksamillion, Luisa from far-off Redlands; awesome blog you’ve got too — I’ll see you in 2013!
Hi thank-you for sharing. I do know how you feel (spine related). I’ve had 3surgeries. And have worked for a company who turned when I got hurt. But you live and learn. Keep on writing…
I appreciate the advice, Paulette. Thanks and happy new year!
Wishing you better health in 2013. Sometimes it’s so good for a new year to come around. Love to you and Paul. xo
Thanks so much, Guida … Paul and I are wishing you and Danny the best in ’13!
I’m always both entertained and inspired when ever I visit. Here’s wishing you the power of healing, mentally and physically plus nothing but Best Wishes for you in 2013.
Thanks, Sam, for the good wishes and I hope you’re keeping warm up there — Happy ’13!
As I read your posting I could only understand all that you’ve been put thorough. And all the others above show that they do too. You’re very blessed in your friends if not in body. (At this time.) You may need more time in healing. Or further treatment. No matter which, you shall prevail. Good thing I don’t take the LA Times cause I’d have to cancel it!!
Can I hang out with you and your positive attitude? Maybe it might rub off and I might get something done as well. I would love to be a help if you do have the children’s class. I don’t think that there is anything better than turning kids on to art. Had lots of fun with that with the kids I’ve raised here. Let me know.
May the New Year bring happiness and success to all of us.
You’re exactly right, Vickie, I am blessed with friends … And, you can hang out with me and my positive attitude anytime. I’ve been wanting to do something with kids for awhile (my back will definitely need to be up-to-snuff for it). There’s just something about the look on a kid’s face as they discover or SEE something for the first time that is so gratifying … Though I’m sure you’ve seen that look on the faces of kids you’ve raised yourself. Wishing the best new year ever for you and Tom, and thanks for being a friend!
I whish you GOOD LUCK for 2013 !!!
Thanks so much; 2013’s just got to be great. As contrary as I am, 13 MUST be my lucky number!
Wow, I know a lot of people who are really looking forward to leaving 2012 behind but I must say your experiences “take the cake”…that being terminated thing must have felt like being kicked when you’re already laying on the floor with a broken leg. But as others have noted your plucky spirit shines through and we all know you’re going to be just fine, and lucky for us too since that means more of your projects and fabulous style ahead. Here’s to a stellar 2013!
Like I said, Loree: BUMMER year … But that’s all behind me now and 2013’s gotta be about pluck, cheek and showin’ ’em what’s what!
I love your resolutions! I am looking forward to see what you cook up (whatever it is is going to be so good) Happy New Year, Reuben! Out with the old, in with the new!
Hullo and thank you, MM! I’m movin’ on …
With your talent, humor and intelligence, you will find a way to overcome all of this. It looks as if you are already on your way to a life that better suits you. Love to you and Paul.
Patty! Thanks for coming by … and thanks for your well-wishes … Coming from you, after your own difficult year, they mean a lot. Paul and I send our love and wish you the best for the new year!
I LOVE YOU, REUBEN! You’re my hero! XOXO
SUSAN, THANKS, LOVE YOU TOO! I saw someone on TV that reminded me of you and I couldn’t help but remember how much I needed you in that dank, sports-filled design cave at the P-E for those long 4 months **shudder** … I hope all’s well with you and Ben and the pooch, happy new year!
Once you get over the shock, you realize that retirement is not the end, it is only a new beginning. I know you will continue to be the inspiration for so many of us that you are.
Thanks, Sherrie, I appreciate the comment … My best to you in the new year!
Hi Reuben…sorry to hear about the job situation but somehow I don’t think it will keep you down. Have a great New Year and if you need helping hand and a strong back I am available to help at any time.
Wow, Marek, thanks for the kind offer and vote of confidence … Have a terrific new year!
My offer of a strong back and time to help is a sincere one. Just let me know if you need any help. We always marvel at what you bring to your home and to your blog. I would love to be a part of your experience.
Thanks so much! Do you live in Riverside? If you’d like, email me at my personal email and we’ll talk further: reubix@earthlink.net
Marek, What a nice human being you are….
I only allow the best here, Guida! 🙂
I agree, 2012 has been a bummer year for you. It’s been a roller coaster year for me as well. But let me tell you what you’ve given me and your readers. Every post you’ve sent has given me a smile, inspiration, and added something beautiful to my day. To accomplish all that you have, in spite of how you’ve felt, is an inspiration in itself. Thank You!!!
Carol, what a sweet and amazing message … I’m blown away and honored to have you, and every other reader, here. I hope your roller coaster ride’s at an end … Thanks so much! Reuben
Between when I was working with a kindergarten teacher and the kids I’ve dealt with that look of wonder when they “get” what you are trying to teach cannot be beat. The first time that I created it for a little girl was why I wanted to be a teacher. Didn’t work out in the way I thought it would but I’ve been blessed in being able to open that door for a child or two. Such a delight. When it’s right to do this just give me a call.
I know you know … You got it, Vickie! 😉
Let me know when the next Rancho work party is scheduled, and I’m there. I can’t wait to see what you do next with the blog, the Rancho — this is going to be so exciting! (I didn’t think it was possible to be MORE disappointed in the LA Times, but I was wrong — the bastards!) Here’s to more healing and recovery in 2013.
Thanks, Denise! I’m excited to see what I do next, too … as far as being terminated, I’m taking that as they’ve done me a favor … I hope to see you soon!
I think 2013 will be the best yet! Give Paul and the hounds and hug from us…
I’ll do that, Nancy, but only if you promise to give Jim and Dee-Dee the same — Happy new year!
Happy New Year Reuben. I hope 2013 is much better than 2012. Your talent will be missed at the LAT. Lucky for us, we took some of it to NY. Your painting (so far, the only thing on our walls) reminds us of the sun, energy and beauty of SoCal while we are immersed in an East Coast winter. Miss you and wish you well!
Thanks so much, Sue … I’m hoping you’re doing better in the aftermath of your procedure than I am … Happy new year to both you and Mike! I’m so happy you’ve got my painting to remind you of the sunniness here …
❤ to you and yours.
You bring warmth and inspiration to many of us!
Thank you!
Aw, thanks so much, Jenn … wishing you the best in ’13!
I’m just back from the mountains and trying to catch up on my emails. Ditto to what everyone is saying, especially Vickie… I would love to help out with the art classes when you have them… I would probably learn a thing or two as well. Don’t you just love the look of excitement when a grown kid finally gets it?! (BIG smile).
That EUREKA! smile on any face is always great! … Hope you had fun in the chilly mountain air, WF; see you soon!
Reuben, I’m just catching up with your posts. I know you’d never want people to feel sorry for you, so I’m just going to pitch some good vibes and hope and joy your way for 2013! Don’t fret about the job — you have so many talents and avenues to make a living (as opposed to your semi-cranky grammar-checker friend in Canada)… You’ve certainly inspired me a lot in the past year. Oh, and I bought one of those crocheted cactus things, and it arrived on Monday. Love it! Keep showing us all how to live, my dear!
Dave! Thanks for the encouragement and, no, a pity party was not my intention … I just needed to vent. Surely Canada could use a good grammar-checker, I’ll put in a good word for you … Didju see the WordPress stats post? I’ve got tons of readers up there … I’m so happy you bought one of the crochet cactus, email me a pic, I’d love to see you and it … Happy new year!
….I’ll have to learn to speak English this year!! speak and write without using translator!
Happy new year !!!!
I wish you good luck with learning English, Willow … and happy new year!
I love your work hunny I also have spinal issues that disabled me at age 54 I love crafting gardening old school items and own enough antiques I needed your visions to get me going through this spring salvaged creativity thank you so much look fwd to seeing your creative projects God bless your passion smile!!!
Hi, Nancy, we may be long-lost sisters in another life … okay, maybe THIS life! Thanks for your comment and compliments. Reuben