T

his really should not have been a surprise, going from running the air conditioner one day to turning on the heater the next.
It is 2020, after all. Rapid weather change is not the only shock to our lives this year as it is the first time that most of us have been looking to the holidays in the midst of a pandemic, devastating wildfires and hurricanes in various parts of our country. No matter the reason, the upcoming holiday season will look different for so many of us. I take comfort in knowing that Americans are resilient and that our community will find a way to make the best of it.
One of the best ways I have found to take my mind off my personal circumstances and gain perspective is to look for ways to help others. Through fundraising efforts and the generosity of people, many of our wonderful, local charitable organizations are able to feed and clothe the hungry every day of the year. This year, most have had to cancel large events and struggle to find alternatives. The Visalia Rescue Mission, Visalia Emergency Aid, Assistance League, Family Services, American Red Cross, FoodLink, United Way, Salvation Army, Kaweah Delta Foundation, SPCA and many area churches can still use our help via virtual events or online contributions, and my hope is that we do not let them down. Like most of you, I have a lot on my plate, so adding “make a contribution” to my shopping list will help keep this front and center.
When fall rolls around, one of the things I most look forward to is pomegranate season. Growing up, our neighbor had a tree and what a mess I would make breaking a pomegranate open, trying to getto the deep red (and often staining) juicy seeds. Inside, starting on page 18, you will find some of the most amazing recipes, generously provided by Bistro di Bufala. Guaranteed to leave you wanting more is “Pomegranate Surf and Turf Perfection,” including Bone-In Ribeye with Habañero Pomegranate Reduction.
As we look forward to this bizarre year of 2020 coming to an end, please join me in staying positive as we anticipate the arrival of 2021. There is still much to be thankful for, and staying focused on those things is so much better than constantly thinking about what we cannot do. Do it for yourself, or do it for your family and friends, because you never know when your one positive thought might change the trajectory of someone else’s day. We all can use a little boost from time to time.
The DMI Agency and Lifestyle Magazine staff wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we hope to see all of you next month healthy, safe and staying positive.