Happy New Year, everyone, and thank you as always for turning to my website and me for professional development, travel insights and more. I never take this wonderful international community for granted, and look forward to seeing many of you again (or for the first time!) at one of my 2019 conference presentations.

Here in Vancouver, we typically need to head to the mountains for snow! – Shelagh at Grouse Mountain
Here in Vancouver, we had to head up to one of our local mountains to experience a white Christmas. That’s all right, though; if you time it right, it’s barely a 30-minute drive. Down in the city, we had some rainy, windy days but finished 2018 with beautiful, clear blue skies as you’ll see in the photo at the top of this page.
I hope that you also enjoyed happy holidays, and that you’re looking forward to making the most of this new year in front of us.
I launched Exceptional EA in 2013, and have published weekday quotes from the outset. I first shared one of author Neil Gaiman’s New Year’s Wishes in January 2015. Mr. Gaiman doesn’t publish these every year, and so it’s a treat to be able to quote his latest, published December 31, 2018.
Do these wishes resonate for you? Time is increasingly precious as each year flies by, and I always like to make mine matter. Building on Mr. Gailman’s theme, I’ll continue to meet and talk with acquaintances new and old, and always have hugs for friends. I’m also continuing work on something new, a book I plan to release this year with hopes you’ll not only enjoy it but also learn from it. Smiles come naturally, so you’ll see plenty of those, as well. What are your wishes and plans for 2019?
A thought for your day and your year, with my good wishes …