Happy ongoing Persian New Year Norooz! The non-religious holiday kicks off several days of vacation from work, my writing included (click here for info on my novels-to-be-published). Similar to Easter, decorations reflect well-being and renewal. A traditional “haft seen” includes at least seven items whose Farsi name begins with an ‘s’. Here’s ours… On that happy note, this week two fellow bloggers featured me at their sites!

The people of Richmond, CA, came together in Marina Bay Park in Richmond on March 22, 2025, for a vibrant Norooz celebration featuring live music, traditional dance, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. ​

City officials celebrate Nowruz while addressing the impacts of recent tragedies in Los Angeles.

YouTube video by Michelle Franklin - Legends and Lectures

The more the merrier, so let’s celebrate together! Happy Persian New Year, a.k.a. Norooz, which is a non-religious holiday! And happy Spring, which here in Los Angeles is off to glorious start! Celebrations are my turn-of-the-page antidotes to hard times. I wish you a happy today and that all your tomorrows are filled with hope. Here’s a speech that explains Nowrooz, which I performed when I was a member of Toastmasters…

How do you stay joyful?