In Petoskey and the surrounding burgs, villages and towns, “Hell Week” is almost over, so Happy New Year, again, and again, and again to all who have enjoyed the ski hills, bars, shops, and scenery of the Little Traverse Bay region. The cacophony, replete with characters and plots, resonates through the woods and water awaking a sleeping creativity that will soon enjoin all to words and pages. What amazes me during this time is the resiliency of mind and spirit in the local folk and why I’m always anxious to include them in short story, novel and poem. People come to our area and enjoy, but I’m not sure everyone really grasps what we all prepare for and endure. There’s always that twenty-per cent that make difficulty a habit, and they are fodder for the antagonist. The alcohol that fuels the flames of idiocy entices many to new heights of low while guaranteeing them a prime spot somewhere in a paragraph. Alas, we do it every year and survive as do the many who enjoy the fruits of their labor without drama and incredulity, and to all thank you. Whew! Wait till next year…oh, and pass the scotch…