The Editor’s Desk

A New Type Of Resolution— More Of The Same!

by dean blinkhorn [dean@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Another New Year has come and gone and most of us have probably decided to do or not to do a whole list of things. There are the obvious ones, like weight-loss and tidying up some part(s) of your life. Maybe looking for a new job or finding a new partner are high on your list. Maybe the goals are more internal, like being on time or less stressed out.

Well, as we were putting this issue together, I loved how our various stories and departments you’ll see in the pages to come seemed to be taking this theme to heart.

Let’s start with the most obvious one, our Good Health column by Cammy Dennis. Of course, as a professional fitness person, she has to cover resolutions in her department this time, right? Probably. But I like that she goes well above the obvious with her emphasis on SMART goals. If you’re considering weight-loss or healthy living resolutions, be sure to read this one before ordering an expensive Peloton or subscribing to a mail-order meal plan.

The next two stories are quite different because they’re not about change, but about being incredibly consistent. Not surprisingly, these incremental changes can be smaller in appearance, but can lead to big results over time.

The Culture Vultures from Stone Creek have quietly supported our local arts scene to the tune of more than $50,000 over the years and I don’t see 2021 as being any different. Just the other day, I was at an arts premiere and the group was thanked in the opening remarks. The week prior, they were listed in the program of another arts organization. Rick Allen interviewed its current president, but what I love about the Culture Vulture’s efforts is how they’ve instituted change one ticket at a time. And in a year when our arts groups got hammered by COVID-19, I’m sure their administrations appreciate this highly active philanthropic group more than ever. So be your own “culture vulture” and buy a ticket today!

Lauren Monahan has made the pursuit of beauty her resolution for most of her life. James Blevins profiles the local contestant from Ocala Palms in a feature that recounts her many trips down the aisle and on the stage. We all could learn from her model of perseverance and dedication, especially at an age when most have taken off the crown or removed the tiara for a more “normal” life. Even better is that she dedicated her second career to her military dad. I’m sure he’s proud of you, Lauren!

So do I have a resolution in 2021? Aside from trying to be a little more kind and riding the bike as much as possible, not really. You see, my resolution was already answered. Let’s just say I’m glad to see the last year from the vantage point of the rearview mirror!

All the best,

Everyone who knows me well is aware that I love music of all kinds, so...

What’s Dean Playing?

Chris Botti, “Impressions”—The cool jazz trumpeter is tentatively coming to the Reilly on April 2, so brush up with his last official release from 2012. This disc features lots of guest stars and an eclectic track listing, including a sublime “What A Wonderful World” with guitarist Mark Knopfler.

AC/DC, “Power Up”—Another hard rock gem using the same three chords that have propelled the Australian band’s career. Need proof? Check out the powerful “Demon Fire.”

Chicago, “Chicago 16”—The David Foster documentary on Netflix made me want to hear this classic again. Sure, he trimmed the group’s wild hornplay, but top-shelf songs like “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and “Love Me Tomorrow” put Chicago back on the charts.