2018 . . .

Can you believe that it's 2018?  Where did the year go?  All I can say is, bring it on!

The sun was shining today, and I think we may have even hit 32 degrees!  I don't dare venture out too far because I've had a really bad chest and head cold the past week. If I don't sleep...again...tonight, I will go to the doctor in the morning.  Although, I did have two wonderful friends make me feel better by bringing me homemade chicken noodle soup, rolls and hot artichoke dip...it was sooo good, nothing like good friends and chicken soup!

I always tend to get a little nostalgic on New Year's Day.   I think of the years gone by - all the blessings, all the trials, all the things that I'm glad I don't have to go through again, and all of the wonderful things I would love to experience just one more time.  I think of all the things that I want to accomplish in the new year, but especially, all the wonderful opportunities that I will have to make good changes in my life, and believe me there's lots of room for improvement!

The other day I was listening to, Music and the Spoken Word and the speaker/narrator said...

"It’s been said that happiness includes three things: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to . . .

First, happiness means loving, caring, and reaching out to others. Happiness and love are close companions—the love we receive and especially the love we give. It may not always be easy, and it may not always be returned or appreciated, but love changes our outlook and our heart."

Well, this photo says it all . . . three of my grandchildren and my sweet mom.  This photo was taken on Christmas morning, Isn't my mom cute all decked out in her candy-cane headband, her flashing bulb necklace and her Christmas stockings?!  There are definitely a few people to love in this photo.  Of course I have my one true love . . . my dear husband, three amazing children, their wonderful spouses and 7 other adorable grandchildren to love as well.  I am very blessed.

I have friends far and near who I love and cherish.  Just the other day I was sitting at the kitchen table, coughing and wiping my nose, basically feeling quite sorry for myself.  My husband came in with the mail and handed me a small envelope.  I almost cried (well I did shed a tear or two) when I saw the address.  It was from a dear friend in the UK.  It was the cutest little handmade felt snowman ornament, along with a beautiful card.  Of course she had no idea that I had been sick, or how much it brightened my day, but it truly made me feel better . . . I felt loved, bless her heart!!

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."

~Victor Hugo~

"Second, happiness finds something to do—something purposeful and meaningful. One person found that volunteering and giving back to the less fortunate always made him feel more fortunate and grateful. Another found that taking classes and continuing to learn makes her better able to help those around her. It’s not more busyness we seek but more meaningful ways to make a difference. . .

I really loved this one.   The photo above is a pencil drawing that I drew almost 45 years ago.  This is one of my passions.   I am especially drawn to, Native American portraits, they just have so much texture, depth and expression. 

To continue to grow and learn is something that I have felt I have needed for some time now.  I don't want to go back to college, or take some deep, daunting class on how do finances, but I do want to learn more about drawing or painting, something I love to do, but don't do often...almost never.  It might not make a difference for others around me, but it would bring out the best in me and hopefully make me a better person to be with.

"And finally, happiness has something to look forward to—no matter how small. Happy people are optimistic. They believe there’s always something good coming. It’s usually something simple and down to earth: getting together with good people, laughing with a friend, a sunrise or a sunset, the changing of the seasons and the sky. All these and more give us reasons to rejoice and look ahead . . . 

Anyone who reads my blog knows I have a passion for sunsets!  They remind me that there will always be a tomorrow and that there is always a silver lining, no matter how bad it seems at the time.  

So, love, do, and look forward, and you are sure to find a happy new year!

Hugs and Love,

Barb