Ringing in the new

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★⋰⋱☆⋰⋱★ Happy 2013 everyone! ★⋰⋱☆⋰⋱★

Sorry for the tardy well wishing on my part. I feel as though I’ve been away from this blog for ages, yet it’s only been 13 days!

The time between Christmas and New Year sped by in a blur, leaving me shaking my head at how fast time flies by on whisper quiet wings, creating new memories of recently past events.

It has been bitter-sweet in my little part of the world. Some sad news from a dear friend, countered with happy events, have had me carried away on waves of varying emotions.

I’ve spent some much needed, quality, precious time with hubby.  Each day was ours to plan and spend together. No work, no markets, no commitments.
Relaxed. Calm. Enjoyable. 

And, just a few days ago, we celebrated (quietly) our 25^th wedding anniversary.

A quarter of a century. Imagine!
Boy, we’ve had our ups and downs. Thankfully, mostly ups. It’s been a helluva ride, but one I wouldn’t swap for quids. Some things were just meant to be, know what I mean?
Love you heaps, Tim. Let’s see what future journeys this weathered, yet still strong and sound, cart takes us on. ♥

maybe not silver, but it is sweet :)

We’ve also had some great catch up time with our son. Going for long drives, watching DVDs, walks, coffees, good conversations and just chillin’ on the couch. It’s been so nice. 
When he is busy with Uni, studies, friends and his band, it seems he’s like a resident ghost around home. A glimpse here and there. A meal after a last class before heading out to one of his gigs – he’s a drummer. Days when he’s not home at all. Then, a quick appearance from somewhere, before an equally sudden disappearance to elsewhere.

Just as it should be, for he’s an independent lad now and has his own life. But, it is lovely when we can all be together without distractions for longer than half an hour.

Even Jack loves it when “his clan” are all in the same room. He seems more content.

Usually, during the work/school year, he spends the late afternoons lying sphinx-like by the front window, waiting for the boys to come home.

waiting

So, it’s been a treasured time.

I’m hoping this will be a good year. Not that 2012 wasn’t. There was much to be thankful for. But, in our household, we had serious health scares, hindering hitches and frustrating glitches. General life stuff.

I don’t tend to make New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I don’t like to disappoint myself when I don’t hold up my end of a bargain with the Universe ;)

Each year inevitably has its share of good and bad. Yin and Yang. Light and Dark.

Life is uncertain. Change is natural. 

All I ask (hope) for is the strength of mind to accept, and the ability to handle, whatever comes my way. 
To be open to any possibilities that might present themselves and learn from experiences and challenges - they happen for a reason. 

To always be grateful for where I am and what I have. 
To accept with grace, good humour, calm and patience, whatever the Universe dishes out - for a Gemini who can be a whirling dervish at times, this is always a challenge :) 

And, on the good advice of dear old Henry David Thoreau, I would like to be able to continue to…

Over the past few years, I have been so inspired by people who have amazing, creative, beautiful, thought provoking, heartwarming blogs.
Some of you, I am now honoured to call friends, and my life is richer for knowing you – especially one in particular, who is like the sister I never had.

I don’t like to say “cyber” friends. The word cyber, from the term “cyborg” or “cybernetic organism”, makes me think of robots. And I know that you wonderful bloggers are far from that. You are living, breathing real people with real lives having real experiences. Relatable. 

So dear readers, here’s to a bright new year! 
Here's to taking all the new experiences, challenges, the highs and the lows and weaving them as we go, into the tapestries of our lives, creating luscious textures and intricate patterns – all perfectly imperfect, but beautiful all the same. As we all are.

I wish you all a healthy and spiritually prosperous 2013, filled with good energies, much happiness, love, laughter, renewed dreams, aspirations, and safe journeys.

Looking back, there seems to be a theme of hearts, light and rainbows here. Hmmmm.

Here's one more for you... ♥