Dearest Wonderful Reader,

As I drew the 2024 card this evening, I was picturing in my mind each of my readers and subscribers: my friends. 

I chose the bonfire because it is a deeply important symbol to me. To me it means hope, perseverance, protection, and celebration. 

As a teenager we often spent nights at the beach around a bonfire like this one, sharing our lives together. Sometimes another group, or a lone wolf, would be attracted and sheepishly enter the circle of lit faces. We always received them. 

In moments without conversation the sparks would crackle and spring into the engulfing dark, shining spectacularly. 

Our lives are brief. Let’s live them spectacularly!

Thank you for visiting my bonfire. 

Arohanui, 

Ben Blain xoxo