Wednesday 30 December 2015

How Sad and Bad and Mad It Was ...

"How sad and bad and mad it was - but then, how it was sweet" ~ Robert Browning
Photo: taken on 30 January 2015
 
This year has zipped by; each year seems to go faster than the last. As the year draws to a close I find myself in reflective mood.  There have been  highlights and lowlights; happiness and sadness; worry and stress and moments of calm and serenity.  For me, this year, has been all about nature and observation of this village life that I lead.  It has been a year for writing everything down; my journal has been my constant companion, recording my thoughts and feelings - and trying to find the words I need when expressing myself on this weblog.  Then there is the visual element; taking photographs; these are the best reminder for me; I look through them and think 'ah yes, I remember that day - it was a good day'.

So what does 2016 have in store; I make no resolutions - except to enjoy every day as fully as I can.  I wish the same for you too.

Thank you to all those of you who have visited here in 2015 - you are the best!
"Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." ~ Charles Dickens  
Time for New Beginnings ~ Taylor Addison
This is a time for reflection as well as celebration. As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life, remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.  Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached. Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.  Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.  And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.  Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life.
Elaine
 
 






62 comments:

  1. And a very Happy New Year to you too Elaine.

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    1. And to you too Jessica may it be all that you wish for.

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  2. Thank you for this post, Elaine - the horses look cute! I wish you and your family a Happy New Year too. Britta

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    1. I wish all the best for you in 2016 Britta - peace and joy.

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  3. Thank you for all your visits to my blog too Elaine, I enjoyed your words and photographs over the year very much.
    Wish you all the best in 2016!
    Janneke

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    1. Thank you Janneke and thank you for all the lovely comments on my posts - they are much appreciated. All the best to you for 2016.

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  4. All the best for 2016, Elaine. Like you, I don't make any formal New Year Resolutions - they would probably never be fulfilled - but it's good to think ahead and have a general "plan of campaign" in your mind! For me, 2016 contains a big milestone: I am retiring from work. I wonder how that will turn out...?

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    1. The same to you Mark. My husband retired at the end of August he found it a bit of a struggle to adapt to life at home but is beginning to settle now - it will be better when he can get outdoors a bit more in the spring - the winter is always hard even for a seasoned veteran like myself.

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  5. Lovely post, and pictures. Thanks, and to you too. Flighty xx

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    1. Thank you Flighty hoping next year is a good one for you.

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  6. I don't make New Year's resolutions either, Elaine. I ponder what I should do differently. Then life goes on as usual and change occurs out of necessity. The HG already has his garden plan and time line committed to paper. We'll see how that goes. The year is ending very cold with plenty of snow on the round. At this early hour it 8F. Freezing is 32F. I look forward to more of your English village reflections and images in the coming year. My search for ancient relatives has taken me to England and Ireland so it is little wonder that I feel a bit of a kindred spirit. Thanks so much for visiting the Garden Spot and leaving your kind and thoughtful comments. Happy 2016.

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    1. It is always a pleasure visiting your blog Ann - thank you for all the positive and encouraging comments you leave here. Hope next year is a good one for you

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  7. Happy New year Elaine......I hope it holds all your dreams.
    Thank you for every one of your posts. They are always beautiful, the quality of the writing and your romantic images are good for the soul.

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    1. Happy new year to you too Cheryl - it has all gone quiet from you - hope everything is ok down in Kent and that you had a good Christmas. All the best for next year and may your garden flower profusely.

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  8. A lovely post (as ever) Elaine. I love the first line by Browning! Wishing you joy in 2016 and looking forward to more delightful posts.

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    1. Thank you Freda - wishing you joy in return for 2016.

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  9. Yes, Elaine, I love coming to visit your blog. All pink and beautiful pictures and thoughts - the things that make blogging so enjoyable to me. Keep it up and have a wonderful start to the new year.

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    1. Thank you Donna so kind of you to say so. Have a wonderful stress free year in 2016. I have just watched the Patti Smith Dvd - Dream of Life - you must get it - I know you will love it - let me know.

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  10. The best resolution to have. I will join you with having that one myself. What ever happens enjoy every day as fully as you can.
    A Happy New Year to you Elaine.

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    1. Thank you Annie - I wish you everything you wish for yourself in 2016 and May your vegetable garden flourish under your expert hands.

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    1. Thanks Amy all the best to you for next year.

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  12. Happy new year, Elaine let's hope 2016 brings more smiles and happiness than anything else.

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  13. Wishing you a very Happy new year too Elaine. I always break my new year resolutions I don't know why I make them, they are usually the same as the year before too! Sarah x

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    1. Thanks Sarah - it is best not to make them isn't then no one is disappointed. Happy new year to you.

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  14. Wishing you a joyful and lovely 2016. <3

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    1. Thank you Sarah - I wish the same for you too.

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  15. Beautifully put Elaine,Happy New Year to you and yours.I must resolve to get back to blogging regularly!!.

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    1. Thank you Angela - happy new year to you too. Yes, you must - make it a new year resolution.

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  16. Another lovely post from you Elaine ~ I thoroughly appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you put into your writing and photos. Much wisdom and light :) I wish you and yours are most wonderful 2016 and know that you will experience with gratitude each and every minute. Thanks also for visiting my blog and leaving your thoughtful comments.... thoughtfulness seems to be a theme so it must describe one of your wonderful characteristics.

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    1. Thank you Glo - so kind of you. Wishing you the same for next year.

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  17. I loved that picture of the horses....and what an apt quote!
    My MIL once told me that time speeds by the older you get, and oh my, how quickly it flashes by me these days. This is a good time for reflecting, I much prefer New Year for that very reason. Here's to more moments of calm and serenity for us all, the world seems to become more disturbing each year, but for every negative, there's a plus.
    How lovely that you are so close to nature, it is reflected in your beautiful posts! I always love visiting here, sometimes I save your posts so I can read them at my leisure, it's always a treat for sure. No pressure eh gal?????lol!
    You make me wish I kept a journal, but then I suppose a blog is, in a way. All the very best to you and yours, hoping 2016 brings all that you wish for.xxx

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    1. Dear Dina
      I have so enjoyed visiting you and laughing or sympathising with you and your escapades. Wishing you a joyous and stress-free new year.

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  18. I celebrate you, Elaine - your words and your photos. It's been a pleasure to get to know you through your blog. May we continue our blog friendship into the new year. Happy 2016!

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    1. Thank you Barb - I wish the same for you too.

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  19. Happy New Year Elaine ...... may it be everything you wish it to be. Much love. XXXX

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  20. Poor frozen ponies!!

    2016 - a blank page upon which you may write many words and we will happily read them.

    All the best for the New Year, Elaine.

    Ms Soup

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    1. All the best for the new year to you too Ms. Soup.

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  21. I've enjoyed all your beautiful photos over the past year. I look forward to another year of tales and views in 2016. Very best wishes, Cro x

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    1. Thanks Cro best wishes to you and thanks for your pleasurable posts.

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  22. I love the horses in their snowy field! Happy New Year to you, Elaine!

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  23. I have enjoyed finding your blog this year and look forward to reading along with you in 2016. I don't make resolutions either like you just want to live life to the full! A Happy New Year to you :)

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    1. I have enjoyed making your acquaintance this year best wishes to you for next year - let's hope it's a good one for us both.

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  24. Lovely! Have a very Happy New Year, Elaine:)

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  25. No resolutions here either Elaine but there are one or two wishes floating about. I hope that the new year treats you most kindly xxx

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  26. Happy New year old bean , hoping 2016 will be a cracker xxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks old bean happy new year to you too.

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  27. I always enjoy visiting your blog and today's visit was good as usual, so thank you.

    Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year ... looking forward to reading your first post of 2016.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan. I wish the same for you too.

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  28. I always enjoy my rambles with you Elaine! Thank you so much for each new bit of wisdom you add to my day.

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    1. Thank you Jayne - happy new year to you.

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    1. Wishing you the very best for the new year Tammy.

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  30. Dear Elaine - it is always a joy to visit your blog and read your thoughts and reflections enhanced by your artistic photos.
    I suspect that many people will be happy to say goodbye to 2015, I think of those poor souls who have been washed out of their homes several times at the end of the year, and those who continue to suffer on the migration trail - may 2016 be kinder to them all,
    My hope is that you and your husband enjoy a happy, and healthy New Year, and that we see many more of your inspirational posts♡

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    1. Thank you Rosemary for your kind words - wishing you joy in your future adventures.

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  31. True words and thanks for all the beauty!
    I very like the first photo.
    Happy New Year :-)

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    1. Thank you Mascha I wish the same for you.

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