Here we are bringing another year to a close, it all goes by so fast.  But here we are, thinking about 2023 and what the new year might bring – and hopeful that interest rates, gas prices, living expenses, and grocery costs will hopefully come down, so that we can all be safe and sheltered and not stressed over finances. We sometimes need to be open to new ideas and new goals, and focus on the things that make us truly happy, enjoy our family and friends, laugh and love more, and not take little things so seriously.

I’m happy to be where I am in life, yet sad at the same time, so I wanted to take some time to reflect on that a bit. At 63y/o, life takes on new meaning and a renewed sense of gratitude.  Family, friends, and reaching out to others in need becomes more important. Our relationship with the Lord, our faith in His understanding and wisdom for our life, and how many years we have left on this earth, are all in the forefront of our minds. Appreciating the little things in life that bring us joy, such as the smile of our newborn grandson, a hug from our adult children, a warm and inviting fire in the fireplace, a nap on a comfy bed or in a favorite chair, a hot delicious meal, a cup of hot cocoa with our feet up watching a movie in our pajamas, or someone saying something funny that makes us laugh.  Oh, how these things mean so much in life.  It is not about “things.”  For me, material things are fleeting.  Life isn’t life, for me anyway, without healthy relationships and love, hugs and laughter, shared tears and consoling one another when needed, good conversation, good friends, and helping one another.

We need to stop and smell the roses. Find more joy and pleasure in the little things. Those little things are really the big things that mean the most. They are the things memories are made of. The smell of fresh cut grass, a flower that my Big Bear brings to me, or the smell of aged oak wood burning in the fireplace, all bring a sense of comfort and happy memories for me.

Or, as of recent, the sight of our 2 month old grandbaby boy, Samuel, giving me a great big smile when I see him for another day together. I hold him in my arms, and his eyes greet me with joy and excitement. His expressions make me laugh out loud! Even Bob’s snoring even gives me comfort, because I know he is here close by, loving and caring for us all, and I have another day with him in my life. Big Bear’s cooking is so appreciated too, as I hate to cook. Matthew’s outrageous laugh and humor gets me every time, and so do his hugs. He gives the best hugs ever.  Glen’s willingness to help when needed, and his incredible one-liners that stop us all in our tracks. 

Sarah’s role as a “Mother” now is so inspiring and beautiful to witness. She is such a good and loving mother, and so very attentive to Samuel’s every need. She was completely prepared to be a mother, and all the responsibility that comes with that role in life, It really is a joy to see her blossom into this wonderful, responsible mother to the most precious baby boy.

We’ve been enormously blessed in this life.  Bob and I have been married 30 years on January 15th, 2023, and for the both of us, family is and has been everything to us.  I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for him and my family’s love and support.  I’ve seen my art career take off in ways I could never have imagined 30 years ago.  It is humbling, and I am so grateful that I am able to do what I love – Painting, Quilting, Crafting, Writing, Blogging … these are the things that I do for myself, I enjoy them so much.  We all need something in our life that we love to do just for us.  I’ve been blessed to be able to do those things for many years, and I pray the same for each of you, to do the things in life that bring you personal joy. 

Bob and I grew up in Maryland, but North Carolina has become our home.  We’ve lived here almost 18 years, and our children have grown up here.  Moving here was the best decision we ever made. Now, we have made a move to the mountains and hope to break ground on our new home in the coming year.

I can’t take credit for any of this that we share in this life … It’s all God.  I give all the glory to our Father in Heaven, and the Lord Jesus.  Daily prayer and gratefulness, Faith.  Can’t live without Him in my life.  And I know that this life will lend itself to heartache, heartbreak, loss, pain, illness … it comes in different forms to each of us at one point or another in life.  These are the things of this world, and that is why we must make each day as kind to ourselves and others as possible.  Be grateful and have faith… even in the darkest of times, it is what gets us through.

To All my Friends:

Thank you for letting me share my life, family, pets, and art with you. Thank you for being my friend. Wishing you a blessed and very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy new year. 🎄

Love,