Changes, transitions - and a good-bye

A lot happened in 2016, some of it good and some of it less than fun.

I’m sure that goes for most of us in regard to most years of our lives.

For me, 2016 entailed a lot of change and transitioning — most of it positive. I got married; I lost staff members/coworkers, I gained them, then I lost some again; my newspaper joined the Clovis newspaper to become one.

With the transition of the paper in November, as well as some heavy news both professionally and personally, the last two months of the year were a whirlwind for me. But I am beginning the new year on a happy note with many new beginnings and a couple of chapters ending.

One such chapter is this column — it’s time for me to say goodbye for a while. I have had a lot of fun writing it, and I have appreciated the support and compliments I have received from local readers. But the joining of the two papers has brought on changes that have added to my plate of responsibilities and has made it difficult for me to keep up with my column, which I feel has affected its writing quality. I have no doubt we can transition all of you into another columnist, who will entertain you on an even higher level.

I’m not sure which ones were your favorites as readers, but the ones I enjoyed writing most in 2016 were:

• Pastor Jim made our world better

• Nobody rocks it like Betty does

• Cherish the little moments

• So long, sweet Roxie

• I got the “I do” in Wookiee

• ARISE a worthwhile cause

• Cancer seems to strike the best people

I hope to be back to column writing one day, but for now, it’s time to pass the torch and let someone else have some fun with it and give myself more time for other things.

Let’s end this chapter on a high note by talking about some more of my 2016 favorites.

• My favorite local production in 2016 was “Mary Poppins” put on by Portales High School in April — and no, it’s not because I had family performing in it. It was a fantastic musical with a wonderful cast. You could tell a lot of effort was put into the production, and there was some fabulous talent, including the child actors, Cody Webster and Emily Crawford.

• As far as local events go, 2016 was no different in that I am still partial to the Peanut Valley Festival. I like walking around and looking at hand-crafted items. It’s a relaxed event that’s enjoyable to walk around. Plus, I’m a sucker for sword fighting.

• Another thing that didn’t change this past year was that my favorite photo op still remains children playing sports. There is nothing more adorable than the disorganized chaos of preschool-first grade sports, and I love taking photos of it.

• And one can never forget that most awkward moment of 2016 in which I naturally had to be that person who didn’t notice the toilet paper on the floor and walked out of the county courthouse with it stuck to my shoe during a murder trial. Several people looked at me and a woman pointed it out to me. Yep, I’m that girl. I’m sure there were several other “special moments” I had during the year, but those secrets are safe with me.

Know that I love ya, Portales peeps, and I am still here when you need me. Happy New Year.

Alisa Boswell is managing editor for the Portales office of The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at: [email protected]