Thursday, January 1, 2015

Goodbye 2014.....




I should have recognized the signs when the first ornament out of the box dropped and shattered into a million little pieces.  And then that 2nd sign when I sat on a treasured Lenox ornament and that too broke into several unglueable pieces, but no, I continued on as if this would be a wonderful holiday with friends and family celebrations.  However, the Grinch, in the form of the flu decided to make his ugly appearance the Saturday before Christmas.  I had not been feeling tip top and had missed a couple of Christmas gatherings prior to this, but Saturday the ugliness really appeared.  This ofcourse caused all the merriment to stop dead, no Christmas cards sent, no last minute gifts bought, no family Christmas eve dinner, no family Christmas day.  Moan, moan, moan.  Talk about a chin dragging time, this was an unscheduled, unplanned, not wanted event to end what has not been my best year to date.

Not to say my whole year was a drag, but I didn't fare well last winter with the absolute ridiculous winter vortex we found ouselves in.  I think I was one of many that found those long winter months rather depressing.  We did have a rather delightful summer, but I didn't have that zest I usually have in the spring, cleaning up, planting.  It became more of a chore than a pleasure.  I have vowed to hire a lawn care service to mow, trim and clean-up this summer so I can enjoy the pleasures of the garden and not worry about the lawn.

I am not making any New Year's Resolutions, because like most of us I fail miserably, and almost immediately.  This last year I found myself not being totally committed to anything I attempted.  I seem to have fallen off the follow-thru wagon.  I signed up for several classes, never completed them, had full intentions of doing a gratitude month in November, hardly broke the ice on that one, wanted to expand my family photography business....it limped along.  In other words, not a year to be proud of.  My word last year was "compelling".  I wanted to write more compelling blog posts, take more compelling pictures, but that too seem to fall by the wayside. Maybe my word for this year should be hope.  Hope that this will be a better and more fulfilling year.

I must admit that having a sweetie in a nursing home for 3 1/2 years with no good outcome is quite draining on the soul.  Living alone for these last 3 1/2 years has had it's advantages as well as dis-advantages.  I don't mind the solitude, in fact most of the time I embrace it.  But then when it comes to hauling out the garbage, changing an over-head light-bulb, dragging the Christmas decor from the basement, those are the disadvantages I am referring to.  Not to mention the lack of companionship, hugs, embraces, and hand-holding that are all part of being in a happy marriage.

OK I have gone on far too long, but I felt the need to write this, getting these negative thoughts out of my head.  Leaving on a positive note....we were blessed with a beautiful great-grandbaby, Matilda Mae who does bring me great joy, I have an abundance of friends that I cherish, a family that I adore, two kids (dogs) that give me such love, and a trip to Paris in the summer.  

I found this on Pinterest and thought it is a good list to live by in 2015.....

Hoping you have the best year of your life in 2015.  Happy New Year!!!



PS....notice I haven't changed my banner since Fall.  

 Until next time.....

27 comments:

  1. some very good things on that list. sounds like you've swept out the cobwebs here so you're free to do whatever you feel like doing from now on - no pressure. just whatever comes. :)

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  2. I am sorry you have been sick and missed celebrating Christmas but I am so glad you are better and back to blogging. I have missed both your words of wisdom and your beautiful photographs. May 2015 be a year filled with blessings for you sweet lady...

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  3. Christmas was derailed a bit here, too, as my little grandson had both croup and a double ear infection. We did celebrate before the year came to a close and we are excited about the birth of a little granddaughter a week before Christmas. That is such a beautiful photo of your little one. Blessings for a year of peace and joy.

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  4. Sorry you were sick over Christmas- it always seems to be worse during a holiday. Shake it off (I love that song.. LOL) and here's to a clean slate for the New Year. Blessings to you. Matilda Mae is A-dorable!!

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  5. Not feeling well . . . really feeling miserable and sickly too, is not fun!!
    And on top of the sick, it sounds like the "foo foo bird" flew around you creating all kinds of havoc!
    The good news, those things are in the past, grab on to the new year and wish yourself all the best.
    I know that is what I am going to wish for you!
    Being absent of the hugs, love, hand holding, visits with your mate and being the one to
    have to face all those variables and realities . . . would be the ultimate in stress.
    I am not sure how you "carry on" through it all . . .
    I wish I could be of more help . . .but I am here to listen and care . . .
    Happy New Year Deanna . . .
    Love, Lynne

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  6. Happy New Year, Deanna, and the very best to you in 2015!

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  7. I'm sorry to hear you were sick over Christmas ... that is a bummer ... I hope 2015 is a good year for you, Deanna. Your little granddaughter is a beauty and so is your photography, and a trip to Paris can't hurt. Don't be so hard on yourself ... just show up when you can - we all love to hear from you. xo

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  8. Ugh, so sorry you were sick...I noticed your absence and was hoping all was well. They say we appreciate lives peaks because of the valleys. Wishing you a year of peaks my friend!

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  9. I'm so very sorry that the Grinch stole your Christmas because I know your whole year was a challenge. Having watched my mom with my step-dad, I understand how draining it is to deal with your sweeties' situation. It's hard, indeed. But good golly, Miss Molly! That Matilda Mae is delightful! I can just imagine the light and joy she brings to your family. So, here's to a better year ahead and to friends who love you. xo

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  10. I didn't notice the banner. All I saw was Miss Matilda. What a beauty! Hope the Grinch is on his way out and you have a better January and a much, much better 2015. Always enjoy when you post.

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  11. The bug , flu or whatever it's called has made it's rounds this season, sometimes twice. Glad you are feeling much better. Matilda is absolutely a beauty.
    Happy New Year
    betsy

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  12. Hi Deanna well what a year you have had ending in a non Christmas ""flu", yes, it is very good to talk and get it all off your chest. Well know, that year has gone and Ii think you have chosen a wonderful word for this year - HOPE - could not be better than that. Now I hope you have printed out that list and put it on your fridge as a reminder of all the positive things that can and will happen if you let them. I have really missed your writing and your fantastic photographs so dust off the cobwebs from your camera and get shooting! I do appreciate life still may not be easy. For you but keep looking at your gorgeous great grand daughter, and you will be fine. A Happy New Year to you and may 2015 be a healthy and peaceful year.

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  13. Dear Deanna, hope that the new year brings all the things on your list and that you feel happy and creative.
    I missed your posts and pictures.

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  14. I think you need to take it day by day and look for the positive in it. A trip to Paris will be very exciting something very worth look forward to. I pray that 2015 is kinder and gentler to you than 2014 has been. At least the weather has been considerably better this winter.

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  15. Deanna, I am sorry you have been sick. The flu is "widespread" here too and I'm hoping we can steer clear. I think it's a good idea to get our thoughts and woes down in writing. Now I hope you can look forward with Hope to a new year of new possibilities. Take your time and do what feels right and good for you. I love your exquisite photography and Matilda Mae is a beauty! And what a lovely name too. Blessings to you for 2015 and always.

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  16. Deanna that flu sounds horrible poor you. Your new addition to the family is a cutie, she will break hearts. Give yourself time to take a breath, rethink and don't be hard on your self...Here's to a splendid 2015

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  17. One more . . . Love seeing pictures of your great granddaughter . . .
    Precious eyes, expression . . .
    I like saying her name . . . Matilda Mae . . .

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  18. That miserable miser grinch who stole Christmas....bah. I'm sorry to hear it was not a stellar year Deanna and hope this new year brings happier tidings. Take it slow with no self imposed demands. It's ok to sit out for a bit. I do love what you found on Pinterest. And that baby of yours....cuteness overload. Xo

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  19. The flu was not a pleasant way to end your year, not good timing at all, but then there are things we have no control over....
    We also have had a hard year but one which still contained many blessings amongst the hard things. Love your quote here, sounds just the perfect way to start each new season or year.

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  20. Some years seem to only take and not give; no rhyme or reason. I hate to read that the flu kept you from your beautiful family, especially over the holiday. On the upside, it sounds like you are taking some good measures to free your burdens such to afford you more time to refuel and flourish.

    Happy New Year Deanna. Best wishes for a invigorating and rewarding 2015.

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  21. That's a great list. Wishing you all the best in the new year.

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  22. Hi Deanna ... so sorry to hear that you were down and out for the holiday ... there is some nasty bug visiting Chicagoland area!!! I know that I sound like a broken record when I keep asking people ... "did you wash your hands" two hundred times a day :~) Anyway ... so hope you are feeling better as you welcome in the new year!! Your great granddaughter is so adorable!!!!

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  23. What a gorgeous photo of Mathilda May! I hope you will soon be feeling like your usual cheerful self and will be seeing life in another light again. In the meantime, keep warm, drink fluids and know that sunnier days are getting ready to make themselves known to you!

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  24. It's good to vent and I hope it helped. So sorry you were sick for Christmas. Your great-granddaughter is beautiful, and certainly a huge blessing. The trip to Paris sounds amazing. Lots to look forward to. Hope it's a banner year for you.

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  25. My mom and you are living similar lives....except my dad is gone. But, the puppy part....where you go to bed early and have them with you and they get up with you....hiring a lawn service (my mom hired me and my hubby..lol...) and not having energy to do what was a pleasure and has become a chore. Know that you are not alone. So many like you....I hope you have family close who come help you change those light bulbs!

    You are also not alone on not fulfilling those resolutions. They just make me realize what a failure I am! lol You are such a wonderful, delightful person. We all enjoy coming here and reading your posts (even when they are down) and seeing the beautiful photographs you post. We'd all give you a hug if we could!!

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  26. I had the flu bug a few weeks prior to the holiday - it is not a nice one. I am glad to hear you are on the upswing though.
    Here's to a brand.spanking.new.year!
    {{{hugs}}} & love <3

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  27. just checking in on you as I have been for the most part, missing. Sorry your christmas was not an easy one. Makes it hard, but hope you are feeling much better by now. Maybe a trip to Florida??? Blessings to you in the New Year! Matilda Mae is just adorable.

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