What’s your opinion of 2021? If you’re like a lot of folks I’ve spoken with, you’re ready to let it go. Plus the fact that this can be a sad time of year for some might make you even more ready to leap into the new year.

I realize I am blessed beyond measure. And certainly, there have been bright spots this year like a quick escape to Assateague…

…popping up to NYC for my birthday…

…and, of course, hanging with new and old friends at THREE, live Hanson shows.

But there’s also been some wreckage, too…the stuff that doesn’t make it to Instagram. Like having my first-ever nosebleed that lasted over four hours and landed me in the ER on my anniversary, cancelling all our plans…

…and a bunch of other things I’m, frankly, not comfortable sharing from the last six months. That’s all I can say right now, but I’ve been rocked to my core. There’s a lot of anger, frustration, disappointment and confusion. And I truly understand how lucky I am that my husband’s here (he’s in the Navy), we’re both healthy, and have jobs/food/shelter/etc. because so, so many people don’t even have that.

Also, I’ve learned this year more than ever how Instagram is NOT reality (even though we’re team #nofilter here at Electra Lane), you need to check on those who seem like they’re okay because they just might be hanging on by a thread, and it’s possible to be simultaneously gutted and happy.

In short, this year has been physically, emotionally and mentally draining on so many levels, and requires quite a bit of reevaluation going forward. Just at the perfect time, the extraordinarily rare opportunity has come up for my husband to take some leave. And I’m joining him.

So, I’ll be back at the beginning of February. If you want a Holiday kit, you can still purchase them from January 3rd-16th and I’ll try to ship them within two business days (ELX subscribers, don’t forget to use your code!).

Speaking of that, I’ll have a new Electra Lane Extra newsletter in February sharing what’s on tap for the new year. I hope you’ll sign up to receive exclusive content and offers - and mainly a direct line between us since social media is becoming increasingly spotty.

Thank you , thank you for staying with Electra Lane/me over the past couple of years. We’ve seen incredible growth, and that couldn’t happen without each of you. Thank you. I really do appreciate you! I wish you the most wonderful holiday season and blessings in 2022. See you soon - JY