An Ode to Amelioration

Siena,

Regardless of the date or the number or the ever-seeming monotony of the last year, YOU are powerful. It is easy to get lost in the everyday jumble of self-doubt, thoughtless creation, and uncertainty that has become common place in everyone's lives, but you have managed to continue to grow (it may seem with ease from the outside, but I know the courage it took to climb the mountains that you did).

Siena. A city beyond beauty and historic tradition. Full of the true Italian way of living: with living taking precedent. Embrace this of yourself. Take time to travel and be present, to read and nurture opinions, to write and foster personality.

Carey. Named for a woman so vibrant and daring that she lived all she could before she was 24. Seek that for yourself. Create opportunities. We don't know how many days we have left in the same space that we currently find ourselves.

Bjornerud. "Red Bear". Feel the strength of your norse ancestry and be bold in your way. You are of unmatched ambition and capabilities. Take pride in yourself and where you come from.

With every day that creeps further into the future of 2021, you have shown immeasurable gratitude for where you have come from, passion for yourself and your craft, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for you.

It is true that many days will not be easy, but challenging and heartbreaking. But the woman inside of you has weathered far worse and has more strength than you know. I am, finally, fully trusting of your vision and you mind. I am, finally, beginning to be aware of the what I am capable of and it feels so damn good. You are building a life for yourself that you truly enjoy. One full of creativity, curiosity, new experiences, and hard truths. That in itself is a lifelong goal and accomplishment. Whether it be as simple as knowing your own style, finding the perfect record for your collection, or writing the most vulnerable lyrics you have to express, this life is yours and 2021 will be no exception to this discovery.

Only good things will come to those who work hard and keep their eyes open. Your voice is resonating through your own body a d those around you. You have something to say, so say it!

This year I trust you will experiment more creatively in your art and develop your personal business skill to compliment your wild thinking mind.

There are ways that you could be smarter, better, more effective, though not to say that you're not those things already. Perhaps in your spending habits, your eating habits, and your exercise habits. Although we are one to say that if I die tomorrow I would like to know that I ate the cake today. I propose we think a little bit more about ow we use our time and our money. What truly makes us happy? And do that.

I often find it silly that an arbitrary day marks a rebirth when the old me was pretty damn good to begin with and maybe just needs a few adjustments here and there. Take it with stride and one step at a time. That's all that any of us can do.

Crepi il lupo,

Siena Bjornerud