"To Make An End is to Make a Beginning" T.S. Eliot

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas weekend. That's one holiday down and one to go! The birth of a new year is upon us once again. And just how did this past year go by so quickly? Funny how the sands of time sure seem to flow faster and faster as I get older. And, though I've stopped beating myself up by making unreasonable new year resolutions, I do enjoy looking back at where I've been and getting "back on track" in the months to come.

I've never heard of anyone saying from their deathbed, "I wish I'd spent more time at work." In the year ahead, remember in your rush to make ends meet that it's important to make time to do those things that bring joy into your soul. Spend some time letting your creative juices flow. How about flinging caution to the wind and trying something completely new that you haven't had the guts to tackle yet? Pick up a paint brush. Try out for a part in your local community theater. Let that piece of wood show you how to carve. Sing more songs - in your voice, not someone else's. Try saying, "I can't!" a lot less often and get out of your own way.

So, here's to what the future year brings for you with a quote from T.S. Eliot. "For last year's words belong to last year's language, And next year's words await another voice, And to make an end is to make a beginning."

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Daily through December 30 - "Student Art Show" Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Sunday, January 3, 2:00 p.m. - "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
• Thursday, January 7, 7:30 p.m. - Preview of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, others $12
• Friday, January 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Reception, Adult Student Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 7:30 p.m. - "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 8:00 p.m. - "Greater Tuna." Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $16.
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.