Marin residents share hopes, dreams for 2026

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a lot of great concerts over the years, from Paul McCartney at Candlestick Park in 2014 to Coldplay’s Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in 2016 to rockin’ local bands around Marin. But my first concert, when I was a kid, was a music festival for kids headlined by Baha Men of “Who Let the Dogs Out” fame. Pretty funny, huh? I won a pair of free tickets thanks to a giveaway by Radio Disney; I called the station again and again from the home phone in my childhood home in Greenbrae. I used up all my luck then, because I’ve never won a giveaway since.

With music on my mind, and the Grammys coming up, please share any musical memories. What was your first concert? What was a memorable show you went to? Who is your favorite musical artist and why? Whatever comes to mind, let me know.

Make us laugh or cry or at the least feel something. For example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.

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Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by Feb. 13 and look for it in the Feb. 24 lifestyles section and online.

Recently, we asked IJ readers to share their hopes and dreams for 2026. Here’s what they had to say.

Another year to learn and grow. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo

These dreams running Dipsea must stop. — Kermit R. Kubitz, Larkspur

I will finally retire. Then again. — Leslie Russo, Woodacre

My fervent prayer: Trump presidency ends. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley

Not seeing my name, obituary column. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael

Play it again, rinse and repeat! — John Johnson, Corte Madera

Stay healthy, stay engaged, be kind. — Adrienne Hoke, Novato

I am going camping this year. — Heike Dittrich Kruljac, Corte Madera

I will tackle my paper piles. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera

2026: Give America a qualified president. — Pamela Lunstead, Novato

Be alive, pain-free with faculties. — Lois Wise, Novato

Eat, pray and enjoy life more. — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael

Truth and compassion, up to us. — Phoebe Moyer, Greenbrae

Wresting the House, then resting ourselves. — Diane Cokely, San Anselmo

Do more to save planet Earth. — Jean Rose, San Rafael

Obtain stronger muscles on old bones. — Stefani Warcholski, Novato

My plan is putting off procrastinating. — John K. Neuenburg, San Rafael

Trump still president; all hope lost. — Gail Rolka, Novato

Much given away finds “you” multiply. — Karen Carlson, Novato

Be a wonderful grandma, survive cancer. — Martie W. Curtis, Novato

Continue living the life I love. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City

A Bay Area sports team championship. — David Leipsic, San Rafael

New golden retriever — Enzo! Let’s go! — Tom Collins, Santa Venetia

Make it to 2027 alive, healthy. — Dr. Hank Simmonds, Kentfield

We open minds before our mouths. — Dave Powell, Novato

New adventures await; safe havens, too! — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur

In 2026, I hope for grace. — Rose Magri, San Rafael

“Clean house” broadly, with divine help. — Gail Cassee, Mill Valley

Much-needed regime change in America. — Margarida da Silva, Novato

Become little more proficient in Italian. — Ann Woodward, Greenbrae

In 2026, magic and miracles abound. — Jennifer Blum, Mill Valley

Less drama, more kindness, everyone happier. — Diane Lynch, Tiburon

Finish 2024 resolution, start 2025 resolution. — Ann Carroll, San Anselmo

Get my kicks in 2026! — Charles H. Greene Jr., San Rafael

Midterm elections launch a course correction. — Patricia Garcia, Greenbrae

Deep breathing for all for stress. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael

Building skills for high school students. — Tom Eller, Woodacre

Need accomplished partner, enhance our communities. — Dart Cherk, Mill Valley

Adjust to having no garbage disposer. — Andi Fox, Terra Linda

Artwork, genuine creativity with loving family. — Frieda W. Zolan, San Rafael

Explore flora and fauna down under. — Madeline Kellner, Novato

Keeping old friends, making new friends. — Cece Jonsen, Novato

2026: second children’s picture book published! — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley

This one’s difficult, the country’s divided. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae

Meet the whatever of my life. — Mark Gainer, San Rafael

Plan healthy year, make more quilts! — Arlene Hansen, Novato

Day to day, no damage done. — Charles Rains, Novato

Staying healthy, losing weight and keep loving. — Pam Hyer, Novato

Walking a mile at age 99. — Sue Beittel, San Rafael

Dems win big in the midterms! — Kate Brouillet, Novato

Participate, protest, protect our threatened democracy. — David Curtis, Novato

Don’t rush, chew slowly, enjoy food. — Janet Lee Benjamin, Tiburon

Reversal of fortune back to normal. — Bill Higgins, Fairfax

Changing my paradigm, reaping the rewards. — Carole Bonhomme, Greenbrae

Be cautiously open to new ways. — Gabrielle Rilleau, Corte Madera

Concentrate on the positive. Serve community. — Sharon Eide, Novato

To drive, strive, thrive and survive! — Kent Royle, Santa Venetia

Eat, swim, paint and be merry. — Erin Royle, Santa Venetia

House gifted by grace in Inverness. — Spirit Lynn Wiseman, Fairfax

Film documentary: “Stupidity of Leaf Blowers.” — Mary Geving, Woodacre