Christmas Joy
A little in-house inventory of our blessings
Some Christmas time cheer at the inn
Merry Christmas, everyone! What a crazy kind of year this has been, with a whole host of curveballs thrown at us and everyone else the whole world over that no one ever saw coming. But there’s a light at the end of at least one or two of the convoluted tunnels the past 9 months have led us down, and this IS the Christmas season, and we DO have a bright and shiny new year coming soon with all the promise and hope that a new beginning always brings… In the spirit of the moment, we recently asked all our staff what is bringing them joy right now, or what they have been most grateful for lately. We got back such a sweet, fun, heart-warming response from everyone that we just had to share some of them. Read on, dear friends, and share our joy!
Angelica and her crew
Angelica, Housekeeper: It makes me so happy to have my family all together and all healthy – my four beautiful boys and my husband. Even my extended family has been staying safe and strong in the middle of everything going on.
Claudia, Breakfast Server: I just found out that we are going to be welcoming another baby to the family soon! I’m so excited to get to be a great-aunt, or as I like to say, a Super Great great-aunt!
Cotton working her charm to beg for food… or love… it’s hard to tell sometimes
Ella, mini Proprietress at 8 years old: This Christmas, I am thankful for our dog Cotton. She’s sweet, cuddly, soft, cute, and very funny. And I love her!
Guy, Proprietor: I know it sounds cheesy, but I get so much joy out of all the people I get to work with at the inn. I’m so glad that we haven’t had to close again yet this year and that I get to come spend time with everyone here every day. Of course, I’m also incredibly thankful for my family’s continued health; that and the promise of tomorrow keep me going.
Lyn & James being all cute and stuff.
James, Executive Chef: My wife Lyn, for sure. Why? Man, I can’t condense that all down into one or two little sentences. I just wake up, and the first thing I want to see is her smile.
Jesse’s darlings
Jesse, Front Desk: I am so grateful for my wife Laurel and our baby Alexandra - they are the 2 most beautiful girls in my life by far, and they both have been taking such good care of me during my recovery from recent back surgery.
A snapshot of grandmother Jo Ann’s joy
Jo Ann, General Manager Emeritus: This holiday season my husband Jan and I are so pleased that our eldest grandchild graduated from Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX. Ashlee received her Master of Education, Special Education degree on Friday, Dec. 11th. During her internship in Arkansas she worked at an Adult Vocational Rehab Center that provides services and support for their clients to obtain employment and foster independence. Currently she is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist who works with visually impaired individuals and teaches different strategies to navigate routes or their environments safely and independently with their cane or navigational tools. Since 2010 she has volunteered at the summer camp at Camp Quality Texas which serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences and companionship, at no cost. We couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments and her kindness in helping others!
Kurt, Front Desk: My Le Creuset! I was able to collect a few new and lightly used pieces during the fall, and they have been so much fun to get in the kitchen and play with. They have re-energized my cooking game, and every time I see them I just want to get in there and cook up something tasty and fun.
A recent sunset stroll with a friend through Mendocino
Laura, General Manager: So many beautiful little moments and connections have been filling my heart with joy lately. One thing in particular is that I’ve recently had the chance to connect with close friends over socially distanced walks out in nature. The beauty of the world and the beauty of dear friendships always lift my heart.
Lyn, Wine Hour Attendant: Who makes me happy this holiday season would definitely be my husband James! I can truly say he is my other half, and I feel safe and loved by him every day. (Yes, Lyn is married to Chef James, and they are too adorable for words!)
Marisol, Breakfast Server: It has been such an immense blessing getting to work here at the Brewery Gulch Inn this whole year. I always feel like I’m spending time with family when I’m here, both with my coworkers and with all the wonderful guests that come back every year or even multiple times a year. That’s the best thing of all – all these wonderful friendships.
Nothing like a big, healthy grandbaby to bring a little joy to Raquel’s heart
Raquel, Head Housekeeper: Probably the biggest thing that is bringing me joy right now are my 3 new grandbabies that were born this year – all healthy and happy! It was such a blessing to get to attend their baptisms here in Fort Bragg and hold them as well. Family is so important.
Rebecca & Jason at their wedding in February… 10 months later, and they’re still like a couple of newlyweds!
Rebecca, Front Desk: I am feeling very blessed this Christmas season. Although many have had a hard time and we have all faced difficult challenges this year, I was fortunate enough to be married about 6 weeks prior to the global pandemic. My husband Jason and I joined our families which include our 3 furry children, Marty, Winky and Maddie. I find so much joy every day with these amazing beings in my life. My husband is thoughtful, kind, hardworking and has a huge heart. Our dogs each have such incredible personalities and fill our lives with love and smiles. Merry Christmas to all and blessings for a better 2021!!!
Ella and Cotton running wild and free in Mendocino Bay - what a way to grow up!
Sarah, Proprietress: In all of the craziness going on, I have been beyond grateful that we get to raise Ella here on the coast. The community, the wealth of nature – everything is perfect.
And on that note, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, one and all!!!
Compiled by Laura Hockett