Rizz and Peach Fuzz December 2023

Looking back at and evaluating this almost-done year, the Oxford University Press, publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary, chose “rizz” as the 2023 word-of-the-year—internet slang for charisma with a sense of style and romantic attractiveness.  Looking forward to 2024, Pantone, the color chips company, has chosen Pantone 13-1023—aka “Peach fuzz”—as the 2024 color of the year.  The company describes the color as a "velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul" and says the color will help us deal with this "time of turmoil in many aspects of our lives."
 
Looking back at the year for Topsmead and the Friends of Topsmead, I would say it certainly has been a year filled with rizz.  The dynamic energy of the Friends’ programs attracted visitors and participants from in-state, out-of-state, and even a few from out-of-the-country. A successful bobolink and bluebird fledging season brought in the bird lovers.  Upgraded trails brought in the hikers.  With Betty Geci’s stylish Topsmead flower arrangements beautifying almost every room, the docent-led house tours ran on a full every-other-weekend schedule from May to mid-October.   The newly- invigorated donate-a-memorial-tree program has added young trees for the next generations. As for romance, Topsmead has become a go-to location for prom, engagement, and wedding photo shoots, and the butterfly garden romances our native pollinator species. 
 
In the few weeks that remain in 2023, we can take strength in knowing that on December 21 at 10:28pm the night will begin to shorten and the days will begin to lengthen.  So during December’s holiday celebrations, may we embrace light and peace and hope and hold them close for the coming year. 
 
Looking ahead to 2024, I predict that, like the Pantone color Peach fuzz, Topsmead will continue to “enrich the mind, body, and soul” of all who visit.
 
Margaret Hunt
Blogmistress