I started this year with such high hopes. I felt like I was emotionally on track and really beginning to heal. Every December we reflect and we look forward. What will the new year bring? Who will come into our lives? Who will leave?

This year we added Statesville, NC as a new city and we are going back in March because it was a small, but mighty event. The main reason to go back? People shared with me that they live in a vegan food desert and that the festival brought vegan food close to them and they really appreciated it. How can you not go back? We are morphing things in 2026 to be Health & Fitness Expos. We want to attract more people and I don’t know anyone who isn’t interested in health and/or fitness. This blends well with our new partnership with The Vegan Squad.

Recap 2025

I knew in 2025 that I needed to change things up. I knew that the help I received in 2024 to even keep this going was only temporary. The changes involved me and what I could fit into my Highlander and that was all I was bringing to the events. In some cities we had core volunteers and in other cities, it was just me with volunteers from that city. Was it the easiest year? Not really, but we did it. I did it. It helped that the festivals leaned smaller (thank you economy) vendor wise and attendee wise. In many cities people came out and they shopped and supported. It’s all we can ask for.

I was able to go to Syracuse, NY and do a festival there. Thanks to the amazing community and the local boots on the ground (I’m looking at you Theresa) we had an incredible event. I fell in love with Syracuse and the incredible food they have access to.

I learned that people aren’t really interested in listening to educational speakers at our events. We will skip the speakers in all cities except Marietta, GA. We are considering adding a movie preview in some of the cities. I’ll share more about this next year, but Asheville on June 7 weekend is one of the cities we are working to make this happen.

Loss

In May I learned that Steven took his own life. If there was ever an upside down moment, that was it. I think about him every single day. Asking the universe why often. I was able to spend time with his mom on his birthday when I was in NY. It only added to the mystery. Please, get help before taking your own life. I promise you are never alone and the help can come from just about anywhere, you just have to reach out first. Those left behind to deal with the trauma is truly unlike anything else I’ve ever dealt with.

So, after May I had to pick myself up again and work through some deep emotional pain. I was a serious mess for over a month. I’m less of a mess now, but I’m not sure anyone who has lost someone to suicide ever truly heals from the loss. I didn’t handle death all that well to begin with; I am not a fan of endings.

It became more obvious as the year went on that everything would be smaller this year. Financially that’s a big hit. Thanks to Eric Lindstrom, he referred me to a group that offers grants to vegan businesses/nonprofits. It’s because of this connection that we can keep going and bringing these very important events to communities around the southeast.

I take the responsibility of helping so many small businesses very seriously. It’s the small business owner that works their fingers to the bone to keep their doors open and my hope and my wish from all of you and for all of you, is that you will continue to shop small. You’ll continue to attend our events and festivals to support us and them. You do make a difference. I promise you, you do.

Onward to 2026

So, 2026, I’m ready. At this point who knows what will be thrown my (our) way, but after the past few years, I know I can handle it.

My wish for all of you? Enjoy the presence of those you love more than the presents you will receive. Create more opportunities for experiences. Plan that trip. Eat that meal. Make new friends. Start new relationships and end the ones that are a drain on you. I feel every single one of us deserves to have an incredible year. Am I skeptical? Yup! I’m hopeful though. I hope you are too.

Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year! Sending you love and the biggest of hugs.