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Preparation and prevention. These two concepts have been at the forefront of my mind lately as Central Oregon has been slammed with a deluge of snow breaking records more than 25 years old. For anyone who follows TSLL on IG, you have been bombarded with images and videos from my snowy cottage these past few days, and for that I am apologetic in that for no other reason, I am truly amazed at what I am experiencing (and I have also been hunkering down in my house with countless snow days taking place with few places to go). 

Yes, I grew up in Wallowa County and we had snowfall similar to this during my childhood, but we lived in the country, not in town and I was a kid to be fair and not cognizant to all of the precautions that need to be in place should such a storm hit. Aside from my amazement, I am mesmerized and dazzled by the power of Mother Nature and feel this experience is offering a reminder that life, and what is around the corner, can truly amaze each one of us. Sometimes we really cannot predict the magic that will occur. But the key to recognizing these unexpected events as indeed magical and not either blockades or challenges is be prepared. The key take away I am trying to grasp and remember as I move forward is to be prepared to savor and not live in fear when such moments take place. Let me explain. 

From regularly shoveling the driveway (and having a shovel to do so), a garage to park my car and a home that has properly functioning heat and pipes that aren't frozen, and caring for the removal of the snow on my roof to prevent damage, knowing how to do what I can to prevent the potential negative effects puts the odds in my favor. However, I also know that there are unknowns that I cannot predict, rapidly warming temperatures that may cause flooding and a knowledge of the house I rent is minimal as I have only lived here for 18 months are just a few things that are out of my control. But the good news is, when we do what we can, when we educate ourselves, when (if we're a homeowner) we purchase or remodel a house so that it can keep us safe and warm no matter what Mother Nature brings, we can truly savor such unexpected moments that have the potential to offer amazing highs and beautiful gifts. 

The additional time at home gave me the ability to work away in TSLL office: catching up on email, planning the first few months of the year, having time to read more books AND finally creating TSLL Youtube channel! Yes, while I have exciting ideas for the future, right now there are five videos you can view on TSLL's Youtube Channel (each of the Afternoon Live interviews, an introduction to TSLL brand, a tour of my former house and one additional video to tempt your tastebuds). Click here (youtube.com/shannonables) to check them out and subscribe so that you don't miss a thing as I am eager to incorporate more videos into what is already becoming an exciting venture into sharing with you how to live your very own simply luxurious life. And while I chose to use this unexpected time provided by the snowstorms to dive into what I love, your choice will be unique to you. Maybe you begin to explore something you up until now haven't had time to. Maybe you will read an eye-opening book that will profoundly change your approach to the new year and create a better life due to your new attitude and perspective. Or maybe you will dive into the kitchen and bring your friends and family to the table for amazing meals that you didn't time previously to invest in. Just listen to what is speaking to you and follow where it leads.

The exciting aha gained from all of this is that life is full of magic.

But . . . 

We must stay open to the possibility of it happening, and we must live in such a way each day that enables us to see it and then savor it. 

A couple of posts this week that you will find in today's newsletter offer inspiration to help you build and then savor your new year all the more. From Monday's episode of the podcast to 11 Ways to Savor a Snow Day and on Wednesday entertaining the possibility of giving your life an annual appraisal so to ensure an even more fulfilling and enjoyable year ahead. And these are just a few. Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday? My thoughts and my picks from a very stylish red carpet are included below as well. I do hope you enjoy this week's issue. Until next week, I'll see you in the new year!