Originally published January 1, 2014

It was already 9:00 a.m., and Holly Golightly, my dog, and I were still in bed.

Today is January 1st, I thought to myself.

It is the first day of a ka-zillion New Year’s resolutions made by a ka-zillion optimists.

And although I was trying hard to be one of the ka-zillion optimists, I wasn’t convinced I could keep my one and only New Year’s resolution: ‘To complete a 3-mile power walk every single day on the Promenade in White Rock.’

I have always enjoyed my walks along the ocean’s shore, and I never tire of the scenery.

However, I haven’t walked daily for over two or three months.

There was always an excuse for not walking: too tired, too hot, too cold, too much rain, too much snow, too dark, and so on.

But this year will be different – I just needed to think of an incentive to keep me walking daily for a whole year.

I fed Holly, then had some oatmeal and a coffee while watching the morning news.

The weatherman said it was bitterly cold across Canada, but it was 8 degrees Celsius here in Vancouver.

I quickly jumped into the shower, dressed, and headed out the door.

I was going to drive from my home in Langley to White Rock for the first of my 365 daily walks in 2014.

As I drove over the hump (hill) between East Beach and West Beach, I noticed crowds walking along the Promenade and Canada’s Longest Pier. 

There must have been several hundred people, certainly more than I’ve ever seen walking there.

And most of the parking lots were full – I had to park at the far end of West Beach.

Halfway through my walk, it started to rain, but I was determined to finish the 3 miles.

As I walked, I thought of ways to keep myself motivated for the remaining 364 days, but could come up with only one.

But that will be a secret I take to the grave.

I finished my walk and went into the Whitby Coffee House for a coffee.

I sat on one of the stools at the window and read the Peace Arch News.

Maybe I’ll send them another story to publish.

I think I’ll send them my story about someone’s Sad Eyes. 

Here’s a link to the story: Sad Eyes

Anyway, I hope you’ve made at least one New Year’s resolution, too!

Happy New Year (and good luck)!

Dedicated to new dreams

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

You and I
Followed the trace laid by
People of faith and pride
With hungry eyes

You and I
Could conquer the stars if we tried
Or simply live by simpler vows
And let the storm go by

You and I
Have written the book, line by line
The few things it took to survive
Was your loving heart and mine

Should you go
Remember these words, as they show
Just how much I care, don’t you know
I’ll always be there

(I’ll always be there)
There, when the world and its promise is failing
(I’ll always be there)
There, when the frost of its winter is cursing
(I’ll always be there)
There, when the tears in your eyes keep on asking
(I’ll always be there)
I’ll always be there

[Instrumental]

You and I
Have followed the trace laid by
People of faith and pride
With angry eyes gone blind

You and I
Will show them the light; we live by
So, never again will they try
To keep us apart

(I’ll always be there)
There, when the world and its promise is failing
(I’ll always be there)
There, when the frost of its winter is cursing
(I’ll always be there)
There when the tears in your eyes keep on asking me why
(asking me why)

(I’ll always be there)
There, when the world and its promise is failing
(I’ll always be there)
(I’ll always be there)
There when the tears in your eyes keep on asking me why
(asking me why)

(I’ll always be there)
There, when the frost of its winter is cursing
(I’ll always be there)
(I’ll always be there)
There, when your loving is such, you keep burning alive
I’ll always be there
(I’ll always be there)
I’ll always be there
(I’ll always be there)
I’ll always be there

Songwriters: Roch Voisine