Well, this is the latest I have ever released the annual favorites ("supply chain" issue), but after being accused of hating humanity from the few faithful out there, I figured I would wrap up and send. So, here you go...
But first, here's a very brief update on the family for the curious..
Grace... took some time off from school and spent the year in Bellingham, WA. She's now completing her last few classes in Dublin and is purposefully and grace-fully stepping into adulthood.
Emily... started her Sophomore year at Hope and already seems to be running things on the social front. She's a Women and Gender Studies and Communications double major with a minor in Art.
Phineas... is a freshmen at Glenbard West and has unexpectedly hit the 6' mark in height. He's working 10-20 hours at Blackberry each week – and somehow still managed to log 269 films in 2021 (his list here). Do the math.
Anna... continues to do a phenomenal job leading the Blackberry team (more on below). This said, she has been tapping into her intuitive leadership skills and started coaching individuals and corporate executives. And there is no doubt, she has talent here... consistently getting new referrals from just about anyone she coaches.
The Others... still rotate through on a weekly basis in one way or another. Mary Polly and Ben lived with us through the summer... and their parents, Taido and Alison, and brother (Simon) were regular live-ins roughly every other week until they moved to England permanently (sad face). Wilson, also a nephew, has lived with us most of the year and continues to do so as he moves his way up the Blackberry ladder (fairly quickly I might add). Ellie is still a frequent face around the house (and Blackberry of course), but is now living in the city). Generally speaking, we spent 2021 averaging 7-9 people in the house at any given time.
Blackberry – our "surprise" child... is now 9 years old and is actively looking for additional siblings. Speaking of surprises, we were thrilled when we received a call from Peter and Whitney (Anna's actual sibling and sister-n-law) this year asking to open a Blackberry in our home state/city of North Little Rock, Arkansas. We are anticipating it opening in early May of this year.
In addition, we are in a contract on a building in Glenview - in hopes of opening within the next 12ish months. We are also about to close on a new building in Lombard, which will become our commissary kitchen. Lastly, we are still actively looking elsewhere in the Chicago region, particularly Naperville at this time. Or, in your town? Eh?
Me... Well, I'm still very much learning how to be (and love)... me. Other than overseeing Blackberry's brand and growth, I've taken a considerable step in embracing various loves and obsessions... logging about 150 films myself (mostly with Phin), playing 70+ rounds of golf in 2021 and knocking about 5 strokes off my handicap, immersing myself in photography, design, and a little coding (i.e. this site) – all while getting my hand stuck in a variety of other ventures that I'll be happy to share in due time.
As per the norm, there are two playlists... one a bit more upbeat (Me) and another a bit more mellow-d (You). And yes... I get that you'd think it would be the other way around.
The playlist order is quite particular. Embrace it and please forget the concept of shuffling all together.
This year's title, For the Love Of... pays tribute to the various "love(s)" we contemplate, struggle through, and experience.
Note: Spotify and Apple Music links are located at the bottom of each playlist.
Enjoy!