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Martine Trélaün's avatar

All the best in 2025, Hilary!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

You too, M! Onward and upward, but not it that means jumping out of a plane. :)

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Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

OK, I am way late to the party here... but wow that Nat King Cole song is GREAT! It's so melancholy-fabulous! And thank you for the Al Green! So wonderful. Here's to health and happiness in 2025! xo

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Thanks, Alisa! 💕

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Sanjiv Bhattacharya's avatar

Happy new year Hilary! It flies by all right, all us mid-lifers are on that train, but it makes the time we have more precious. Nothing wrong with a little melancholy!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Thanks, Sanj! Very true. Trying to to remember to slow down and watch the birds.

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Aizita Magana's avatar

"It’s the end and it’s the beginning. I think it’s okay to grieve a little for the way things were as long as we remember to remain open for what’s to come." A perfect new year sentiment. I love your substack - and you too! Thank you for always making old things new and important.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Love you back, Aizita. Sending a hug to you. xox

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Charles Flowers's avatar

Where would we be without a little melancholy to go with our coffee? Love the Al Green and Lyle Lovett duet, never would have imagined them together. My favorite duet of 2024 is Beyonce and Miley Cyrus, 2 Most Wanted. (The McConnell's and See's Candy duet looks delish and cavity-worthy, too!) Here's to a healthy, creative, and productive 2025 for all of us!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thanks for popping by and leaving a sweet comment, Charles. I'll listen to that Miley and Beyonce duet, it sounds excellent. Sending a hug to you and wishes for only good things in 2025. xo

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Jeffrey Sakson's avatar

Reading your blog was the best way I could think of to start the New Year!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thank you, Jeff. You're the best. Wishing you and the Carlos and the girls a year free from handymen and plumbers! Lol. Hope to see you soon. Sending a big hug and love your way.

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Heather Johnson's avatar

What a pleasure to read your writing this am!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thanks, Heather! You're the best. I'm so excited to meet up when you're in town. xo

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Margaret Bennett's avatar

Wishing you a HNY. Thanks for sharing NKC and the lady with her coffee. I’m also a breakfast fan. All the best for the year ahead.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Happy New Year, Margaret! Thanks for reading and your kind note. What's your favorite breakfast food? I'm always in search of new ideas to mix it up. Wishing you a year of good things.

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Jules's avatar

Happy New Year, Hilary! Thank you for the gift of your friendship, (and for the beautiful cook book!).

I understand your feelings - I am a very glass-half-full type, but I prefer to get through New Year as quickly and painlessly as possible, and many people say they are not keen on it, so it was wonderful waking up to an article from you this morning. We must be psychic. I felt very guilty when I read your segment about breakfast as I 100% agree, but for the past couple of days I have been skipping it to try to lose a little of the timber I have been putting on due to my writing schedule. My breakfasts are quite carb-heavy anyway so I thought it was a quick and easy way to reduce intake. I will get back on track if and when my new jeans get a little slacker! 😆

I hope you get to speak to the lady at the bakery someday. I know what you mean about not wanting to intrude but perhaps one day the opportunity will present itself.

Thanks for the music. Nat is gorgeous and I LOVE that duet with Lyle Lovett and Al Green! What a joy. To think Lyle was married to Julia Roberts at the time. That seems such a long time ago now.

All the very best to you, Jared and Noodle. 🤗

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Thanks so much for your sweet note and your friendship, Jules. You always make my day. I can relate to feeling the effects of those holiday carbs. It's been a real bacchanalia around here. Perhaps just a slice toast with your coffee in the AM would be a good way to to kick-start the day and your metabolism? I'm completely convinced that toast is life. I too hope that I get to speak to the woman at the bakery. I was watching her to make sure she was steady and if she stumbled, I was ready to rush over to help. I know that some people really enjoy being on their own and she might be one of those people, but perhaps she'd also like to make a bakery friend. I will keep you posted. So happy you enjoyed that duet with Lyle and Al. It's been a favorite for a long time. They managed to turn Willie Nelson's wistful song into a tune that makes you want to shake your tail feather. You know, I never was really that into Julia Roberts, but when she married Lyle, I became a bigger fan. Sending hugs, Jules and now I'm excited to read your latest post. xo

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Autumn Widdoes's avatar

Wishing you a happy new year, Hilary! Love your Substack and you writing. You are remarkable!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thanks, Autumn. I feel the same about you. I ordered a copy of the essay collection you're in and received a message that it shipped. Yay! Can't wait to read it. Some day you will have to sign the book for me. :)

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