Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
We hope you enjoyed your Christmas break
My eldest daughter and I watched A Complete Unknown at the movies yesterday, a biopic about Bob Dylan’s life from 1961 to 1965. I was completely transfixed by Timothée Chalamet’s performance as this iconic musical genius. He sang all the songs live and perfectly embodied Dylan’s aloof, somewhat abrasive, yet undeniably brilliant persona.
Watching the film helped me understand why I nearly booed Bob Dylan off the stage when I saw him perform in 2011. I’ve always loved his music and poetry and was thrilled to see him live at an Australian festival. But the Bob I encountered that day was aloof and unengaging. He sat down, sang his set, and left without saying a single word to the audience. At the time, I felt disappointed and even a little betrayed.
After seeing this film, though, I can finally forgive him. Now I understand that’s just who Bob is—and I’m ready to dive back into his music with fresh appreciation!
That was a joy of the Christmas break for me. The others were speaking to family back home, exchanging wonderful gifts, playing games, and just relaxing. My younger sister gave us the wonderful news she is coming to visit in June! Our hearts are happy!
We hope you close out 2024 in a peaceful and joyful way with time to reflect on the year that was and how to make 2025 shine brighter.
This week on Facebook, we’re asking y’all to share your favorites for the year so come share away!
Happy New Year!
Caroline
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
The bird life at Bond Lake lately is crazy! Bird Watchers run…
The new Bend Bar on W Morgan St has a homely vibe with firepits and comfy loungeroom sitting areas.
Friday night live music at Macs Speed Shop. Order the smoked wings!
Baked camembert with pistachios, figs and honey. It made up for my terrible attempt at a pecan pie. I formerly declare that I cannot bake, and I give up.
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Another mixed use development will be coming to Raleigh on Saint Augustine's 105-acre property. A 99-year lease has been signed by a Florida developer. The hopes are it will help generate money for this struggling HBCU.
Young Hearts Distilling in Downtown Raleigh will throw one last bash on NYE before closing permanently.
Want to put that Christmas tree to good use? Drop off your live tree (sans decorations) at a local recycling center until Jan. 26, 2025. It will be turned into mulch for our trails and parks!
🖋 ON THE BLOG
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👍ON THE GRAM
LISTENING: Sabrina Carpenter’s Christmas album
READING: The Good Girl … nearly finished
WATCHING: Love Actually, Harry Potter 4, the death of Dereck on Grey’s Anatomy 😭😭
DOING: NYE firepit with friends, 2024 financials, racing to complete 2024 project goals.
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