This post of Dawn’s really struck a chord with me; I asked her if I could quote her sentiments and she kindly agreed. So here goes.

today, i want…

…peace to fill the lives of those i love. especially those who have struggled with challenges over the past year. and for the new year to bring fresh beginnings and hope to the places where there were shadows.

…for no one in my world to feel left behind, overlooked, forgotten, unimportant or alone.

…good health to be granted to all those i love. and to all those they love.

…joy, laughter, gratitude, compassion, love, good memories and a spirit of generosity to thrive in each of our lives.

…quiet moments in which to reflect and appreciate all that we have.

…to be the kind of person that each of the people i hold dear deserves to have in their lives, and to bless their lives as they have mine.

…to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year.

Thank you, Dawn, for letting me share those perfect sentiments!

In 2009, my life changed drastically. It was the first year with both parents gone, Dad having passed away 15 minutes before the New Year. Celebrated a friend’s wedding. Was diagnosed with cancer. Bought a condo. Sold my childhood home. Had the cancer treated with chemo and radiation and surgery. Relied on friends way more than I was comfortable with and believe you me…they helped me in SO many ways that it’s just amazing. Got closer to some folks, which is the absolute best thing to have come from this illness. Met a medium who told me some amazing things.

Really can’t think of any wants for myself…no, wait…I have one want. I’ve said before that this is a favorite quote of mine:

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” -George Eliot.

I want everyone I know to take this quote to heart. I’m a person who says what’s on my mind, and I’m also a person who tries to help friends solve problems. I’m just not very good at just listening to people vent about things without trying to help. I try to do my best, but I’m not very good at it. I want people would accept that about me, as I accept things about them.

That’s not very many wants, so surely, surely I could get this one wish?

And you know that phrase, “once in a blue moon”? Well…there’ll be a blue moon New Year’s Eve…so I’m hoping!

Here’s last Wednesday’s picture:

This is the shot it was cropped from:

my reflection in a Christmas ornament!

Sally got it right: “I think it/they are Christmas decorations – balls maybe”

Thanks for playing, it’s always fun coming up with something new! I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2010

So…

What is it?

Just another Manic Monday! Lisa, thank you so much for these! I enjoy your weekly questions and I’m glad you’ve continued on with them.

Were you considered popular in high school? Why or why not? Not overwhelmingly popular, but I had my share of friends and boyfriends. I’m still close friends with Pat, who I met in 9th grade and I still talk to my high school boyfriend, Calvin.

Did you have an enemy or bully when you were young? Nope. I’m kind of easy going, generally speaking (unless my redheaded temper gets riled) so I didn’t rile up people much.

If you could go on a road trip with any person (dead or alive) who would you go with and where would you go? My friend, Maureen! We have such fun on our drives to Jamestown NY and I think we’d get along on a trip of any length. She’s good at peeling grapefruit to snack on and is calm and cool and is content to talk or listen to books on tape or music…not demanding, low maintenance. And fun!

I’ll be blogging very sporadically after the new year but I’ll be available on facebook! Let me know if you want to “friend” me there, k?

How was your weekend? Long one, with Christmas! Mine was lovely, peaceful and filled with good friends, good food, good drink and good presents! What was one of your favorite presents? One of mine was The Beatles Rockband with microphone and guitar to come (it’s on back order everywhere).

Photohunt courtesy of TNChick:

Twelve days of Christmas

Hope you all had a great Christmas, if you celebrate it!

Here’s last Wednesday’s picture:

This is the shot it was cropped from:

moss on a tree

Emily thought she wasn’t first, but she was: “a mossy tree. But I’m not first.”

So…

What is it?