holiday season 2007

Most of us use this time of year for reflection. We think about where we have been over the past year, and where we hope to go next year.

We find ourselves thinking about others, too. We give thanks for the great friends and family in our lives, and offer well-wishing thoughts of hope, love and prosperity. And we also consider those less fortunate than us. Perhaps we’ll make significant donations to a local charity, or donate our various skills in a volunteer effort to help those who need assistance.

I like to think about community. I feel that we are all in this together – not only friends, family, and business partners – but also that person you don’t know sitting across the room from you, the bad driver you try to avoid each morning, clerks who don’t speak clearly, and the guys who are trying to sell you something. We are all in the same boat, simply trying to get by the best way we know how.

This time of year, it’s easy to give a little extra. An extra smile, nod, or “hello.” An extra couple of seconds before blasting the horn. An extra moment of attention to understand. An extra minute to really listen. And all of that helps to make this one of the best times of the year.

We like to think we are good at all of that. But we are not perfect. So here at Sticks of Fire, we try to put an emphasis on what’s best for Community. We also want an emphasis on listening and conversation. We encourage you to not only read here, but let everyone know your thoughts, wishes, and ideas. Especially if you disagree with what you find here.

Listening, understanding, and conversing leads to community. When all of us join in on the conversation together throughout the entire year, we can show others why Tampa Bay is one of the best places to live in the world.

Welcome to the Holiday Season!