Mother Nature decided to give us a taste of a wintery wonderland, although there are plenty of people out there saying there’s nothing wonderful about it. The Chicago area received anywhere between 5 to 8 inches. I keep looking out the window, my car piled high with snow, hoping the sun will come out and it will all melt away before I have to go out there and clean it up.
The way it snowed yesterday reminded me of how it snowed in November 2010 when we were stranded in Edinburgh, Scotland. Here’s the link to that post, http://bit.ly/ysBOhP (the beauty of blogging—collected memories), and here’s the link about what we DID get to enjoy while in Scotland-http://bit.ly/gOuoCz.
It’s amazing how much can happen and change in one year. I spent the winter of 2010-2011 in Germany, traveling to wonderful places, and seeing the bigger picture of life. My favorite was sampling the German Christmas markets in different towns. Here’s a glimpse at a few of the Christmas market booths-http://bit.ly/baJBsK. I also got the opportunity to record a German tradition in the town of Hattingen-http://bit.ly/eVvVp8.
In my 2010 Christmas post, http://bit.ly/vYWRaj, I talked about the changes in my life including my mother and I having the best relationship we ever had. Fast forward a year, and my mother is no longer in my life. If only I could have one more conversation with her, I’d tell her all the things I feel in my heart right now.
A little over a year ago, I finished my first revision of my 2008 National Novel Writing Month novel http://bit.ly/bP4ONG. This revision had transformed into many more revisions until it was published in 2011-http://bit.ly/vAZuqw.
I’ve always been one for change—except for this past year. But with bad things in life, good things do come out of it. I’ve learned who is important in my life—who cares for me—who was there for me in my time of need. I ended some friendships and rekindled some great friendships. I've also connected with my cousins, and can’t thank them enough for their support (life is full of surprises). I’m hoping for a happier future—a ‘life uninterrupted’.
How about you? What good and bad changes happened to you this last year?
Changes and hope,
Bea
The new year always makes me reflect on the changes in my life. I am sorry your mom is not with you anymore, but it sounds like you made peace with her and had a wonderful last year together.
ReplyDeleteAh, the snow. It is in the mid 70's here in Louisiana.
You mentioned in your post that this past year brought some rough times and you learned who you can count on (paraphrased). 2010 was a really bad year for me and I can attest to what you said. It is amazing how quickly you learn who your true and genuine friends are when you go through a rough time or a terrible ordeal. At least you can take one positive thing from a bad experience, you get to know for certain who you can trust and count on in our life.
Here is wishing you a much better 2012.
Just wanted to let you know that I just bought the kindle edition of Net Switch. My amazon account is in my husband, Daryl Gold's name (didn't know if you kept track or anything like that). I am looking forward to reading it. I love a good mystery/suspense story.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa, I did make peace with my mother. She knew that I loved her very much.
ReplyDelete*starts packing to move to Louisiana*
I guess in our older years we learned the importance of keeping those important people in our lives.
You bought, Net Switch!. How wonderful! Thank you so very much. I can't tell you how much that means to me. Again, thank you for your support. Enjoy!
Wow, that's a beautiful picture. I know snow is hazardous for many, but it's sooo pretty! I love when the trees are all covered like they are in your photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have become closer with your mom in your last year together. Speaking as a mom, I rest in knowing there are things my kids don't say to me, but that I know they feel deep within—just as I'm sure your mom knew even of the unspoken words you wish you could still say to her. It's a mom-thing. I also think it shows your own growth in how you're able to see good come from the bad. That's a very hard thing to do.
Glad to hear you've reconnected with your cousins. The bond of family can surprise us in the most unexpected times.
"Life uninterrupted.." I like that. I hope it's in the plan for you, Denise. :)
I crave warmer locations and fresh breeze. Perhaps just time aboard a good sailboat with ones I love. However, that is not very fair to the fact that I am already with the ones I love. Very good post!! ;D
ReplyDeleteWhew, we did get a hefty bit of snow here, didn't we? But still nothing like that 6 foot blizzard last winter. I for one, am not cut out for the weather of this city. Leaving in a week.
ReplyDeleteBarb, that picture was taken during a 2010 winter walk in Germany.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure my mom knows how I feel. Yes, it’s tough looking at the good from something bad.
Thanks much for stopping by, my friend.
WilyBCool, Thanks. It’s nice that you are with the ones you love. Good for you.
BFTS, I read the post about Lady Chicago. Great post by the way, but sad to see you go. Safe travels.
Being laid off in early April was not on my radar for 2011, that's for sure. However, "all things happen for a reason," the quote goes - and sometimes, sometimes that can be the case. Onward! :-)
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