Extended Weekend Getaways-Sept. 2023

Up Close: From the Editor

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

In following the trail of life, have you noticed how many forks there are in the pathway? I, for one, have a terrible time making decisions. It seems everywhere I turn there is another one to be made.

At first thought, I like the roads to be perfectly straight and narrow. No winding curvers to hide what the future will bring or the hills and bumps to slow me down. But then, that could get pretty boring after a while. There have been many trips made alone on a deadline, not stopping for anything other than a gasoline fill up and bathroom break. The trip can get monotonous very quickly. I do admit some of my best decisions have been made on those roads, however.

When those forks come into play - either this way or that way - the decisions get tougher. I try to weigh the pros and cons for the end result. (My sister & things-to-do editor instructs to “make” a list.) I’ve tried that, but then I lose the lists or forget where I put them. My co-editor suggests taking one step at a time and if decisions get too tough, “put it off until tomorrow.” Another suggestion was to take a survey and go with the majority vote.

Last week I had what I thought was a very tough decision to make regarding plans for an upcoming special holiday issue. I tried all of the above and still wasn’t any closer to making a final decision while the clock kept ticking and more deadlines approached. When I shared my dilemma with a good friend and writer, she solved my problem in three short sentences.

1.“Kathy, go with what is best for YOU at this point.

2.“Announce your decision to all involved and go with the flow.

3.“Offer to take a different route the next time as better solutions are found.”

Thank you RG. (See and click on the photo below) I can now relax for Labor Day and share other trails in this issue. Enjoy!