Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Thursday:

• Wyoming neighborhood is honored with custom snowmen

• Taylor Swift supports tornado victims in Tennessee

• Japan hosts one of the most alluring hiking trails in the world

GETTING CRAFTY IN WYOMING SPARKS JOY

In Burlington, Wyoming, a magical winter wonderland comes to life thanks to Pauline Parker's love for snowmen. 

It’s a town dotted with nearly 400 unique snowmen, each lovingly crafted by Pauline, starting early in July. This snowy spectacle turns heads and warms hearts.

Pauline's mission? 

To make a snowman for every household in Burlington. And boy, did she deliver! 

Her creations outnumber the town's population of 314. From brown-eyed to blue-eyed frosty friends, there's a snowman for everyone, each reflecting the unique spirit of its family.

But the joy of these snowmen couldn't be contained just within Burlington. 

Soon, nearby towns like Otto and Emblem caught the snowman fever. These cheerful figures now surround Otto's baseball field, and in Emblem, population 10, Pauline recreated a family's photo with her snowy artistry.

The snowmen have become more than just decorations; they symbolize community spirit. 

Pauline has even involved the local school kids, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, in decking out the town for its annual holiday celebration. 

Her efforts have brought the community closer, turning neighbors into friends and friends into family.

And for an extra sprinkle of fun, Pauline has organized a snowman scavenger hunt throughout December. 

The challenge? Find different snowmen in Burlington, Emblem, and Otto. Complete the quest, and you're rewarded with a unique snowman treat.

So, if you ever find yourself in Wyoming during the winter months, detour to Burlington and experience the joy of Pauline's snowmen. 

It's a snowy paradise where every snowman has a story, and every resident shares a smile.

🪩 Taylor Swift donates $1m to communities in Tennessee affected by the tornadoes

🤝 200 nations agree to a COP28 deal that commits to lower carbon emissions

📦 The EU decides that gig workers for delivery companies and driving services deserve full employee status

📄 The leaders of Turkey and Greece agree to increased cooperation

🌋 This volcano in Hawaii is sacred to spiritual leaders in the area and a hotspot for astronomers

🐢 A couple of New England turtles were flown to Florida to escape the cold and were given festive nicknames

Japan, a land of breathtaking landscapes, has long been a paradise for hikers. 

The Michinoku Coastal Trail, a recent addition to Japan's epic hiking paths, is fast becoming a must-do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Stretching over 1,000 kilometers along Honshu's northeastern Pacific coast, this trail weaves through four prefectures and 29 municipalities. 

It's a path that offers picturesque views and immerses hikers in the rich culture and delicious cuisine of Japan's Tohoku region.

The trail's history is deep-rooted, with its name, "Michinoku," harkening back to an era when Tohoku was considered the remote end of Japan. Today, it is a symbol of resilience and revival, especially significant given the area's recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

It's more than just a hike; it's a journey through Japan's heartland, with opportunities to connect with nature and local communities.

For those who can only commit to part of the trail, there are shorter, guided options, like the nine-day tours offered by Walk Japan. 

These provide a concentrated experience of the trail's best parts, combining physical challenge with cultural immersion.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail is more than just a path through nature. 

It's a journey of discovery, resilience, and connection, offering a unique way to explore and understand the rich tapestry of Japan's Tohoku region.

So, when you said not a creature was stirring…

…that was a lie.

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

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