Monday, January 1, 2018

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


9 comments:

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

That photo of your mother is priceless. What an adorable sweet face. So great that your grandkids came and loved on her too.

Your post was very sweet and insightful. As I pondered the three things for happiness I realized that it is the same for me as well. There are very few things I need except those three things.

Your drawings are amazing. I wonder if there are tutorials on Youtube that would help you learn something.

Much love and blessings for you in the New Year.

Marsha said...

Barb,
Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Hope it doesn't last too long and that you are feeling better, soon!
I really like the quote you posted from the narrator from the Music and the Spoken Word. I read it at least 4 times, letting it soak in.
What a treasured photo of you mother and grandchildren.
Aren't surprises just the greatest. No matter how we are feeling, a surprise from a dear friend or family member always lift the spirit.
Wow, your pencil drawing is amazing. You definitely need to pursue your talents in this area, and not just once-in-awhile. Make it a habit, regularly..........!
I too, love sunsets....anything in the sky.....sunsets, sunrises, clouds, rainbows....hmmmm, they just bring on the happiness!
Take Care, My Friend - Marsha

Anonymous said...

Barb, you are so talented! I love that drawing! Your mom is adorable as are the grands! Oh feel better sweet friend! Your soup and such sound like just the right medicine!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Barb, I sure hope you are feeling better soon! It's wonderful to have sweet friends to fix soup and I love the cute little snowman ornament that was sent to you.
I've read that quote before and I love it. Love sunsets too, as you know. We've had some special ones lately but I seem to never have my camera with me when I need it.
Wishing you and yours a New Year filled with many blessings, good health and happiness!
xx Cheryl

Marie Rayner said...

What a lovely post Barb. (I also love your music! Some of my favourites!) What a sweet photo of your mom and family. I miss my mom and wish I was not so far away. My sister told me yesterday that I need to be making plans to go home soon. I am really hoping I can earn some money to do that and that my health will allow me. I am glad that you are feeling better and that you enjoyed your little surprise. Thank you so much for all of your generous thoughts that you share with us all and the sweet spirit I feel whenever I "Visit" you! Love and hugs, xoxo

Sue said...

I can't seem to find the right words to tell you how much this post has blessed me Barb, You are truly gifted in how to express your thoughts as well as in artwork, please do take the time to draw, oh how I would love to be able to paint, draw! I look forward you sharing.

Your family is so lovely! Wishing you much continued happiness in this new Year.
Blessings,
Sue

Saimi said...

Happy New Year Barb, sorry to hear you've been feeling bad. I certainly hope all that is behind you and your much better!! What a wonderful post full of love, inspiration and talent! What an amazing artist you are. Your mom is adorable and so is the cute handmade ornament and beautiful card. Your are truly loved Barb and don't ever forget it.
Hugs and love,
Saimi

Cindy said...

I've always loved your sunset pictures! (Instagram!) And that drawing of the Native American is just beautiful. You are very talented. Happy New Year! I hope you're feeling better every day.

LeAnn said...

Oh my dear friend; I purely loved this one. You are such a good writer and I felt this post deeply. I loved the photo of our dear grandchildren with your adorable Mom. I always enjoyed the times that I was with your Mom years ago. We are both blessed with wonderful children, and grandchildren. You will add some greats someday not that far away.
I do hope you get to paint. I love native american too so I will look forward to seeing some works of art from you this year.
Thanks for sharing all of the thoughts on this one; I loved it. I want to love, do and look forward too.
Sending loving New Year's thoughts your way and lots love love and hugs too for the both of you!

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