time for reflection

Here we are, the last day of 2014. A day where we reflect on the year and start thinking

about what we're going to do differently the next year, right? On the last day of the year, I like

to go back through my planner, photographs, and blog and review the year in my mind.

 My year was filled with ups and downs like everyone else...I went through five months

 of physical therapy for a rotator cuff tear, had my first root canal, and was diagnosed with

 and started treatment for primary lymphedema in my arm. But, of course, there was lots of

good stuff to balance that out ~ day trips, weekend getaways, meals out with friends,

thrifting and antiquing with friends and family, craft shows, book sales, dinners and 

holidays and celebrations.

I tried something new: ceramics.

 Two beautiful, healthy babies were born to two of my young friends (welcome

to the world, Landon and Emma!) and a pregnancy was announced by my cousin.

As wonderful as it is to celebrate new life, the unfortunate reality is that we also

experience the end of life. Two of my online friends lost their husbands, a friend lost 

her sister, and an acquaintance passed away in her sleep on Christmas day.

 Tim got a "new" car in March.

After a very snowy winter, we welcomed spring into our home by hosting Easter

dinner and having loved ones around our table.

I met a new blogging friend in May: Cathy from  My 1929 Charmer!  

That's her in the middle, Penny from At Home in English Valley on the left, and me

on the right.

One of my best friends, who has lived less than a mile away from me for many years,

moved almost 50 miles away in June. I'm happy for her because she got a new job -

which was a big promotion - and she moved into a darling townhouse - but I miss

having her close by.

 

In July, a piece I submitted to Reader's Digest was published in their column,

"Life in These United States". 

 Tim and I went on our first photography adventure together in July when we went

to photograph an abandoned barn and surrounding land.

I visited the Japanese Gardens (Rockford, IL) for the first time this summer.

 

 And we got the chance to visit two new-to-us places: Madison, Wisconsin for

our 30th anniversary in September...

 and Chenoa, Illinois for a mini family reunion in October.

(Back, L to R: my second cousin, Brenda; my mom; my sister, Laura; my aunt, Suzie;

and my great-uncle, Irvin. Front, L to R: me; my second cousin, Lisa, my second cousin,

Ann; my second cousin, Donald; and my second cousin, Greg.)

So here we are. December 31st. Are you doing anything tonight for New Year's Eve?

I was supposed to go to a friend's house tonight to celebrate with some friends, but

I have a full-blown cold. I'm a coughing, dripping, sneezing, congested mess. So I'll

leave you with this quote that I found in a magazine months ago and had on my phone:

 And one last very important thing ~ thank you for taking the time to read my blog,

for all your lovely comments, and most of all, for your friendship. You all are treasured.