Highlights and plans

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

 I hope everyone has had a lovely festive period and enjoyable New Year celebrations.

As I've been looking around blog land the past few days, I've noticed that many people in 2013 are focusing on being grateful and what is making them happy.  Some are posting once a week about four things that have/are making them happy.  Others are writing little notes about good things that happen and putting them in a jar to read at the end of the year.  Both of these ideas are lovely and my aim is to incorporate both of them into my life this year.

I suppose the end of the year and the beginning of a new one is a good time to look back and reflect, to look forward and plan.  There were three highlights in 2012 for me.  Our two month trip to Europe, turning 50 (yes it was a highlight) and our 25th wedding anniversary.

Traveling to Europe was fantastic...something I've always wanted to do and it didn't disappoint.  People ask me where was my favourite place or what was my favourite thing about our trip and I can honestly say that it was all good.  There were frustrating moments like when we received a parking fine in La Colle-sur-Loup and I had to wade my way through French bureaucracy, me with no French, them with no English.

 
There were scary moments, our first time driving in Paris,

finding ourselves on roads that were more like goat tracks than roads thanks to our GPS,

and some days when hubby and I were unwell,

Full of a head cold in Venice

  but we managed to get through those days without too much disruption to our plans.  I loved France, I loved Italy, although I found Rome overwhelming.  And I certainly loved Cornwall and Staffordshire.  A huge part of our experience was enjoying meeting people whether they were hosts at our accommodation or interacting with people in shops and restaurants.  But best of all was meeting Louise and Dave in Staffordshire, what a weekend we had with them!  We also were able to stay with relatives in Shrewsbury which was awesome.  Our favourite French person was Sami who was a night man at our accommodation in Paris.  We sat up at night for hours talking to him about language, politics and culture.

Turning 50, I guess that's a bit of a milestone and it's the best.  At 50 I know where I belong in the world, I'm  not the slightest bit bothered what other people think of me and I'm still young enough to have FUN!!  My kids think I'm crazy.

A 25th Wedding Anniversary...WOW!  Where have those years gone, the good, the stressful when I was sick with post natal depression and other bouts of depression, the raising of two beautiful girls who are now gorgeous young women.  I wouldn't change it for the world, perhaps I would give the depression a miss, but that in itself has shaped me to become (hopefully) a more compassionate and understanding person.

So what's ahead in 2013?  I wish for love, peace, happiness and good health.  I wish for the strength to cope with and support my family in what will possibly be a difficult year with my elderly Father's ailing health.

I plan for 2013 to be the year of walking the talk, to complete unfinished projects.   The hand pieced 20 year old quilt would be a good start.  Add to that the granny square rug for my bed,

and this painting.

This year I'd like to start hiking, become a better swimmer, improve my garden, learn more crochet skills, make all my own cards, sew something that actually fits me and paint, paint, paint.

I hope the year 2013 is a good one for you.  Let's all have a fabulous year together and last but not least, welcome to my new followers.  Thank you for taking an interest in my world.

Have a fabulous weekend,

Anne  xx