Around this time last year, I posted a blog entitled, Giving Thanks. As I said last year, I can’t wait for one day of the year to give thanks, just like I can’t wait for New Year’s to make resolutions. But in this season of giving thanks, I have to stop and say a few words to the This and That With Calandra massive!

First of all, I am especially thankful for my family, my job and my health. This year, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through this blog, such as writing a weekly column for the online magazine, MortarNBrique, and being invited to participate in the 10th Annual Women’s Business Leadership Conference and sit on the Women’s Business Committee of the National Minority Business Council (read about it here). I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful friends this year, and become closer to others I met previously through social media. 2012 was a year of transformation for TTWC, as we ventured into the world of independent music, where I was allowed to act upon my love for music by writing about it more and starting the Independent Artist Spotlight. Many thanks to Ahmed Sirour and Jua Howard for gracing TTWC with interviews. These are the first of two talented musicians we will continue to highlight here at TTWC. And I am grateful to friends Mr. Fresh and K. Parker for hooking a Sistah up! Many thanks to all the great musicians I have met this year, who have exposed me to so much beautiful music in 2012.

My best friend and I formed SGF Events and hosted a few beauty events, most recently partnering with Ginger Ormond of Make Beauty Your Business to co- host our first of many “Cocktails and Class” beauty events in the Maryland area. Look for our next event on December 15, 2012 in Laurel, MD! We will also be announcing a new beauty business venture in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Every day, I wake up and thank God for the blessings of my life. And to my This and That With Calandra family – thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL of your support! Many thanks to the 152 subscribers to the TTWC page on Facebook, especially the last 20+ who joined our family over the past week alone.

Wishing you and your families and Happy Thanksgiving!