A Nod to 2017

2017 year has flown by.  So much happened for us, it could hardly be called boring.  Some was less than thrilling but always we found goodness in everything we experienced.

 

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A lot of bloggers and friends have been reflecting on the past year and their growth, whether or not to have resolutions and regrets, and reflecting on what the new year might have in store.

The only thing I can say about the past and the future from my own perspective is that they both interfere with my appreciation of the now.  As an empath I have often dwelt too much on things of the past, longing for happier and simpler times; and as the sign of Cancer, I have spent a lot of time dreaming of the future I will finally feel “at home” in, without fear, struggle and lack of confidence.  Again, such thoughts interfere with truly living in the now moment, for to quote a great song, “Tomorrow never comes…” As a quick nod to the past, I post this Elvis song, for it was always a favorite of my mother.

 

 

Have I grown over the past year? If I said no, how sad would that be for any of us? Since I truly believe we came to this life for the sole purpose of growth and adventure, how could we be satisfied to really pass an entire year without some sort of growth, understanding or change to a life well lived. While these times of change may not always be joyful or fun filled, all things must pass in order to reach our goals.

 

I have to say that this past year has been both painful and exhilarating for me, ending with one of the happiest moves I have made in years, landing me in a terrific city at a job that is wonderful.  I am surrounded by truly nice people and going to the clinic each day does not bring trepidation or anxiety and for this I am truly thankful.  My family is well, although some are having their share of health issues. We keep them in our prayers.  My children and grandchildren are great; and, Spirit willing, I will be able to spend more time with them in the coming months.

 

I thought I would share some highlights for us from this past year and you can decide for yourself if I “grew” any.  One thing that remains constant is my love of photographing nature, having new adventures and getting together with my family, friends and sharing stories with all my online friends. I have enjoyed all of you and your blog posts throughout 2017.  My wish is that we can all meet back here in another year saying it was the best yet!  Now on to the past year.

 

A carefree Merry Go Round ride when one of three attempts to get to Costa Rica ended in a trip to St Augustine

A drive down memory lane on a Baton Rouge trip

Up close personal encounters with Hawk

Appreciating the beauty in all things

Observing Nature’s drama

Visiting the far past of Florida’s sugar mills

Sharing in a son’s success

Capturing the tiny miracles of morning

Sharing with furry friends

Spending time together doing simple things

Exploring creatively

Being amused by the grandchildren, my little merman

Aren’t they amazing?

Learning new projects

Climbing the summit

And back down again

Being queen of the lizard kingdom

Visiting the butterfly gardens

Basking in her majesty’s glow

Doing my first photo shoot for a beautiful young couple

Seeing the greatness in metamorphosis

Breathless moments

Watching industrious homemakers

Spreading my wings

Feeling the sun on his face

Knowing the power of Light

Seeing God’s promise in all things

Understanding why the turtle crosses the road-and sometimes helping it!

So many sunsets..

And beer flights…

Buzzing through mornings

Visiting a plantation during an evacuation to Georgia

Taking time to observe soft beauty

Finding the often unnoticed living world

Seeing tiny doors for the first time!

Bees….

Passion….

Dance of Desire

Finding commonality in all things creative

 

 

Click on the photos for captions. Anyone who knows me knows there have been SO many moments captured and treasured and often you will find those in my poetry posts.  I look forward to sharing many wonderful adventures with all of you and hearing about yours.

 

And so I am wishing you a very Happy New Year in 2018 with highest hopes for joy, prosperity, vision and resolution for our world, its resources and all living on this magnificent blue and green rock we call home.

 

Aren’t they handsome?

 

And we hope to share new smiles with you soon!  Be safe as you celebrate.