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12/24
THE MOTTLEY CREW REVIEW
www.MottleyLawFirm.com | (804) 823-2011
HARMONY AND HUGS
CHERISHED MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS CHEER
I’m sure I’m not alone in looking at the calendar in disbelief, realizing we’re just a few weeks away from the end of another year. Time always has a way of moving quickly, but 2024 really flew by. It’s been a hectic year for many of us, but relief is finally on its way. You likely use the holiday season to pause, be with your family, and return to some sense of normalcy after a busy 12 months. Christmas has always been a special event for me, but it has become more meaningful to me as the years and decades of my life have unfolded. While every child gets excited over the prospect of receiving presents under the tree, I valued the importance of spending precious time with my family more as I was growing up. The gift of family grew in significance to me as I matured, got married, and helped raise our three exceptional children. I’ve always loved the holiday and reflected on the joy it’s brought me, but I’ll be enjoying this Christmas more than ever in real time. Our family is pretty spread out these days — with one daughter in California, another in South Carolina, and a very busy adult son here in Richmond. We’re pretty much “empty nesters” now. Except for a family vacation at the beach this past July, and a couple of other events here and there, Christmas will largely be the only time we spend together all year. That is bizarre and unusual for us. As I’ve written about in recent articles, Tricia and I do all we can to spend time with the kids throughout the year, but I recognize the days of being under one roof with them are behind us. Despite our differences in geography these days, spending Christmas together has been the constant string throughout the years. I’m blessed to have the gift of doing it again very soon. “I encourage you to give yourself a tremendous Christmas gift this year and take the time to relax and hold your loved ones close.” In addition to finally being with our kids again, Tricia and I look forward to continuing other Mottley family traditions. We always go to church on Christmas Eve and visit her folks after the services. The following day, we celebrate with my side of the family. Of course, a few traditions have changed over the years — including the fact that the kids now tend to
wake up on Christmas morning around 9 a.m. (or later) instead of at 5 a.m.! — but the bedrock of togetherness is still strong for us.
My wish for everyone in our society is to have a sense of peace and calm in this holiday season and, hopefully, some quality time with whomever you call family. I encourage you to give yourself a tremendous Christmas gift this year and take the time to relax and hold your loved ones close. Even if your family is separated by miles, that phone call or video chat will always brighten someone’s day. Well, that does it for 2024. I wish my clients and community members a safe, happy, and healthy December filled with memories that will bring you years of joy. May we never lose sight of the fact that the greatest gifts this time of year don’t come in a box — they come from the company we keep.
–Kevin Mottley
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Turn Your Passions Into Posts HOW TO START A BLOG IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS
So, the kids have finally flown the coop, and you’ve suddenly found yourself with a strange amount of quiet time and a mysterious surplus of energy. What to do? Why not start a blog? Blogging is a fantastic way to channel your newfound free time into something creative and fulfilling. Let’s dive into how you can kickstart this exciting new chapter as a blogger! Find Your Niche First things first: What do you want to write about? The beauty of blogging is that you can share anything that tickles your fancy. Are you a budding chef finding new ways to spice up the kitchen now that you’re only cooking for two? Or maybe you’re exploring the world, one empty nest adventure at a time. Whatever it is, your blog is a platform to share your passion and expertise. Name Your Digital Baby The next step is picking a name, arguably one of the most fun parts of blogging. Your blog’s name, or domain name, is how readers will find
and remember you. It’s your first impression, so make it catchy, relevant, and oh-so-you. Set Up Shop Your next step is to choose a host site. This is where your blog will live on the internet. Platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Squarespace offer user-friendly interfaces and the option to monetize your blog if you choose to turn your hobby into a side income. Next, you need a theme, like choosing the perfect outfit for your blog. Most blogging platforms come with various customizable themes, so you can ensure your blog looks just as good as it reads. Brainstorm and Begin With the setup out of the way, it’s time to create content. Brainstorm topics, plan posts, and start writing. Share stories, tips, and photos. Be authentic, and have fun with it! Don’t forget to connect with other bloggers. It’s a great way to build relationships and increase your blog’s visibility.
Reap the Rewards Finally, enjoy the benefits of blogging. Not only is it a fun and creative outlet, but it’s also an excellent way to keep your mind active, learn new skills, and possibly earn some extra cash. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding it is to see your thoughts and ideas resonate with others. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your digital pen and start your blogging journey today. Who knows where your words might take you!
WILLS, TRUSTS, AND TIDY FINANCES
A QUICK GUIDE TO ESTATE ESSENTIALS
In addition to signaling the end of the year, December is a time for connecting with family members and resetting ourselves for the next 12 months. One way to make the most of both opportunities is to discuss estate planning with our loved ones.
of course, you’ve already created them. If you have, did you save copies digitally in addition to paper form? Do you have a thorough understanding of what your medical directives, powers of attorney, and any other elements of your plan actually say and mean? Does everyone given a specific role in the plan fully understand
Although the passing of a loved one is never a comfortable topic, especially amid the fun and festivities of the holiday season, ensuring you and your family are well prepared with a will or trust is one of the most important things you can do to protect your assets and peace of mind. I’ve heard of many instances where someone hadn’t set up an effective estate plan before their passing, which inevitably led to inter-family chaos and — in a few extreme cases — legal confrontations among relatives. Here are two simple pointers to keep in mind when establishing an estate plan.
their obligations? Are your beneficiaries aware of — and comfortable with — the inheritances they will receive? These are just a few main areas to consider when devising your plan or encouraging someone else to begin the process. Helping Hands, Clearer Paths If you don’t have answers to the aforementioned questions, set a goal to make an appointment with an estate planning attorney early in the new year. If you’d like us to recommend someone, we know several attorneys to whom we routinely refer people. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help steer you and your family in the right direction.
Essential Estate Questions to Consider When considering the current state of your estate plan, it’s critical to determine whether your documents are up to date — assuming,
–Kevin Mottley
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Skiing is one of America’s favorite winter pastimes but can also be one of its most dangerous. If you’re unprepared for potential mishaps, your risks range from minor bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injuries. Before you shred your next mountain, take a moment to review these tips to stay safe on the slopes. Head-First Helmet Hacks Although it’s as sensible as a seatbelt, a helmet isn’t always people’s go-to accessory when preparing to whip down a trail — a potentially disastrous oversight for obvious reasons. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, wearing a helmet while skiing can reduce head injuries by as much as 50%. Naturally, a skiing helmet should be of an age-appropriate size and fit snugly on the wearer’s head without leaving any space. If you’re unsure whether your helmet is right for you — or whether the one your child likes is safest for them — consult with a local ski shop before your head learns the hard way. Also, everyone in your skiing group should remember that ski helmets may reduce the wearer’s ability to hear as clearly as usual. A Shield From the Sun Protecting yourself from a ski slope sunburn may not have been on your precaution list before, but it’s something to remember, as the sun’s reflection off the snow can damage your skin as much as a day at the beach. The National Ski Areas Association recommends wearing sun protection — and keeping a pair of sunglasses within reach — even when the skies appear cloudy. And here’s a related tip: If the sun appears earlier in the day, be aware that any snowmelt may turn into hidden ice before you’re done skiing. Pack for Unpredictability Planning for varying weather conditions is your best bet for ensuring an enjoyable time. This means packing everything from a headband and the aforementioned sunglasses to more obvious items, like gloves and goggles. Unpredictable skies lead to unpredictable slope conditions, so be prepared for as many variables as possible. By following a few simple steps, your time on your skis will be a memory to cherish rather than an event to regret. –Kevin Mottley SAFE SHREDDING SMART STRATEGIES TO SIDESTEP SKI INJURIES
SUDOKU
Inspired by TheModernProper.com
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 cup sliced celery • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken • 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture. 6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
www.MottleyLawFirm.com | (804) 823-2011
1
Timeless Traditions, Treasured Gifts
2
How to Start a Blog in Your Post- Parenting Years
Perfecting Your Estate Plan
3
Safe and Sound Skiing
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
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Samson and Cleo’s Tail-Wagging Tale
A PURR-FECT MATCH HOW A KITTEN HELPED SAMSON UNLEASH HIS INNER PUP
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make
deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone. They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since.
“It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said. Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco.
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
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