Five years ago, I had one of my more interesting and fun years—even thoughI ended up with a torn rotator cuff. If you are a long-time reader, you might remember this was the ‘Year of Yes.’ I accepted every invitation, whether it was to try a workout class, visit a new distillery, experience an activity I hadn’t before or meet a stranger for coffee—all in an effort to burst the thick bubble I keep around myself. I had safeguards in place just in case any of you readers were nutjobs, of course. And the year was fun. So, let’s try it again. Anyone want to play?

Here’s how it works. If you have a small company—perhaps you make candles, soap, candy or jewelry—and are looking for a way to get a bigger audience, then I want to help you. But I don’t just want to write about you, I want to first learn how you do what you do! And if you know me, this means I will likely make a mess of things, which will prove why you’re in the business and I am not. The most fun I’ve had so far was making fudge in St. Charles at Kilwins. I’m sure they would invite me back … pretty sure. And don’t worry, you don’t need a storefront, just a way for the readers to see your offerings.

Another of my favorite pastimes is showing the world how out of shape a 63-year-old can be, even with attempts to exercise. Are you the owner of an exercise studio? Got a new class that won’t turn me into a puddle of water? Let me know, and I will try it out. I often like to bring my daughter, Tess, so that while I am sucking up the oxygen, she can tell me how great the class was!

There is a laundry list of things I’ve always wanted to try and am afraid to do like ride a horse, weld and get cosmetic procedures. I want to take a long hike along the bluffs of the Mississippi River and also canoe in it. Most of the time, I can find someone to go with me, but is there anything you want to do that we could conquer together in my Year of Yes? Oh, and just to be clear, Town&Style isn’t paying. This Year of Yes is on those of us saying yes!

So, what do you think? Have ideas you would like me to try? A business I could visit for half a day while you do what you do? All you need to do is email me. Think of me as just your old aunt poking her nose in your business—but then writing a funny column about it. I already have soap-making and floral arranging lined up, so stay tuned!

One other thing … When I meet people, they often say “I feel like I know you and would love to chat.” Well, I am the world’s biggest chatter! Would people actually show up to chat with me? I’ve been writing this column for a long time and could use some feedback. And yes, I would pay for the coffee and, mostly likely, a scone or two.

Hope to hear from you. Peace my Peeps. phannum@townandstyle.com.