Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Hope for a great year

Looking back on all the lovely moments of the past year, is something I always love to do at this time ..... and looking ahead to more wonderful moments this year.

In January we had a wedding in the family ~ my nephew married his very sweet bride and they are now living and teaching in Japan.
We had a wonderful holiday in Fiji, enjoying glorious sunshine and having a relaxing time.
Our daughter graduated from University with a Fashion Degree and our Son left school and will be going to University to study Graphic Design.
Attending my Mothers birthday with all my dear Family.
So they have been a few of the highlights of our year and there have been so many wonderful moments.

The only sad time was when my dear old Dad died, but I have to look back on how lucky we were to have him for all that time and the special and loving Man that he was.
Thank you for all the happy memories and gifts you gave us.

This time of the year brings hope and opportunity for a great year ahead.
I have been buying this Victoriana Calender, for the past 5 years, and just love it for all the beautiful images and pretty things.
I saw the French Calender too, which has some wonderful photos, taken all around France.
So I can sit and dream in my kitchen and think of all the beautiful places in France.

This little diary I have been buying every year and they are always so pretty.
I love to keep a diary and have been doing this since I was about 16.
Do you have any little traditions that you enjoy doing and just seems to be part of your life?

How thankful I am, for my dear friends here.
I hope that your new Year is starting off well.
Everyday is an opportunity, so make it the best it can be!

Hugs
Carolyn

38 comments:

  1. Carolyn-I feel the same way. We have had just a few bumps in the road, but are very blessed. I am a journal keeper too! I have stacks of them :) It just helps me organize my thoughts and put things in perspective. I have loved getting to "know" you this year !~

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  2. Hi Susan,

    Many thanks for your visit and it has been great getting to know you.
    It is great to keep a journal and helps me to be more organized too.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. I have to admit that overall 2009 wasn't a bad year. Richard landed a great job after being laid off for close to a year and a half which made all the difference! Sadly we had to say goodbye to our Hannah girl.

    And most special was "meeting" you and getting to "know" you better!

    I'm not a journal person. I've tried but I don't keep it up, blogging is actually journaling for me :) Although I still have my diary from when I was younger!

    Here's to 2010!!

    ((Hugs))

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  4. I keep a journal that I write in every day of my life...and have been for years. I buy the pages to put in my organizer now and then archive them. We would never be able to remember the little things we see and do if I didn't have it written down. It helps to write about feelings some, too...just to get it out and on paper! I love your beautiful calender and diary. Blessings to you in this new year!

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  5. Thank you Marsha and it has been delightful getting to know you and seeing all what you are up to, and your lovely miniature world treasures.
    So glad that your husband has a job and sorry about Hannah girl.
    Wishing a wonderful 2010.

    Hi Diane,

    It is good to keep a journal, especially when you are trying to recall a date, or something.
    Best wishes to you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  6. Great post, I too am a journal keeper, all of my thoughts, music lyrics, and poems go there daily. It's very therapeutic as well. I adore your visits, and your blog looks beautiful!!! Love the music note background
    ♥ Teresa

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  7. Hi Carolyn,
    Happy New Year~
    YES, you have so many beautiful blessings!
    The fact that you have kept a journal for most of your life, is wonderful, gift to yourself and someday to those you love. It has probably helped you to write with ease!

    May you find joy in ALL things to include creating your beautiful bears!!

    Happy 2010!

    xox
    Constance

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  8. Hi Teresa,

    It is great to have you back again.
    I find it is lovely to jot everything down in a Journal for safe keeping.
    Thanks for you visit.

    Thank you so much Constance.
    I always love to visit your blog and to see what delightful things you are up to.
    Many thanks for your friendship.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  9. I hope that you have a great year too! Let's see that positive changes happen and it will be a fantastic year.

    x

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  10. You had a wonderful year and your dad is always with you, never more than a minute away.

    xoxo

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  11. It has certainly been a time of reflection these past few days. I know how you feel. I agree with you too Carolyn, having those things around us that are beautiful and remind us of our dreams are so important. Hoping the New Year is proving a great one! x Suzi

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  12. Thanks Victoria and wishing you the very best, for your year.
    I hope that all your dreams, goals and plans come true.

    Have been thinking of you so much Renee and may you and your family have a great year.

    Many thanks for your visit, Suzi and I hope that your year is starting off well and all your goals and wishes come true.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  13. Thank you for sharing your thought of the past year...so so sorry to hear about you lovely dad.
    I too would write all the time in a journal but not so much now that I blog. I do need my calendar date book for everyday organization. I would be lost without it. Sending you many blessings ....and thank you for the sweetness you always leave on my blog. xoxo

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  14. I love all you share
    Love you
    Jeanne

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  15. what a beautiful post, darling! every year, I can't wait to get my new Moleskine and fill it with new dates and things to remember :) I don't keep a diary, my blog is like a diary for me.
    have a sweet day, sweetest Carolyn, xoxo

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  16. Hi dear Carolyn,
    I so enjoyed reading about the happenings in your life and the wonderful things that have transpired in your family this past year. I love the Victoriana calendars too. I used to be such a good journal keeper and I have a big box of them, but now that the children are grown, I don't keep one very well. I do have a calendar that I write daily happenings in so that hubs and I can remember things we've done in the past weeks. He's always asking 'what day was it we did such and such, so it justs comes in handy for us forgetful old folks.lol
    The comment you left me was so lovely and I thank you for it my friend. I feel exactly the same way about you!!!
    hugs

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  17. Hmmm...I don't know that I have any traditions except for soaking in the tub with lots of bubbles, classical music, and a glass of wine:).

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  18. You have had some wonderful events in your life in 2009, Carolyn; kids to be so very proud of! Your dad will be there in your memory, just as my parents are.
    I have so enjoyed our blog friendship and look forward to 2010!
    I never started a journal when I was younger, I wish I had.

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  19. Hi Carolyn!

    Oh your blog is lovely!!!
    I´m so glad you wrote me a comment so I could find you..! I´ll definately be coming back :)

    Have a nice evening *hug*
    Mia

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  20. Thank you so much for visiting me Koralee. It is always great to hear from you and writing a blog is a great way to keep a journal.

    Many thanks Jeanne, and I love to visit you too.

    Thank you Susan, it is always wonderful to hear from you sweet friend.

    Thanks June, you are a special and lovely friend and it is wonderful to come and visit you and see all the beauty you have to share.
    I know what you mean about being a forgetful old person, I am the same.

    Sounds delightful Kim and something I like to do too.
    Thanks for your visit.

    Thanks Barbara and it is lovely to have found your blog and I enjoy your friendship and I love all the wonderful recipes you share.
    You must be such a great cook.

    Many thanks Mia, always great to find a new beautiful blog and I look forward to going back to visit you too. Enjoy your week.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  21. Have a wonderful New year dear Carolyn...I adore your new header, what a great photo...

    For me keeping my blog is like a journal...I share everything what inspires me...and I love it!

    Have a great week, love: Evi

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  22. Thank you Miss Eve ~ your blog journal is always so inspirational and I love all that you share here.

    Hoping that 2010 will be a wonderful year for you, dear friend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  23. I think that's wonderful, Carolyn!
    I love your diaries and wish that I would have kept up with one over the years! I just have my creative spark and "idea" journals... I'm constantly jotting ideas and doodles in my books. I have so many different styles, probably because I love to make them! :)
    I've never been much of a writer, I seem to have a hard time putting my thoughts on paper~ I truly admire all of the writers out there!
    Why don't you send me an email with your address... Hmmmm, I wonder why?!? :) I'd love to send you a little something~ just because!
    Happy 2010 to you, my dear, sweet friend, may it bring blessings in abundance to you and yours!
    oXOXO
    Christina

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  24. You really have had some life changing events this past year.
    It's been a delight getting to know you, and I can't wait to see what incredible changes are in store for us both this coming year!

    Big Texas hugs,
    Anne

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  25. Thank you so much Christina, for visiting me today and your kind words.
    I loved that your Creative spark is very much alive and wish you all the best with your creations.
    Have a wonderful 2010.

    Many thanks Anne, and it has been wonderful getting to know you and so many lovely people here.
    thanks for your friendship.
    Best wishes for great things for you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  26. Dearest Carolyn,
    Many Blessings to you in 2010!
    Oh how I wished I had kept some journals over the years when my children were young. A everyday Journal to record high lights, Low lights and all the in betweens.

    Think I'll start this year!

    I have enjoyed blogging this past year and getting to know you as a blogging friend.

    God richly bless you,
    d from homehaven

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  27. Carolyn, I love the same calendars too!! I haven't written a journal, but I am really intrigued by them. Maybe this year, you always inspire me to do something different!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  28. What beautiful journals. I used to buy one every year, but sadly in the past years I haven't really needed to use them anymore. Reading about your French Calendar has made me realize that I need to see more of France though. I think I'm done with bigger travels for the moment ;-)

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  29. Carolyn darling, I envy you for having your precious journal. Each year, for many years, I started one in January and gave up writing by February. What a shame. Darling, I do hope you had a wonderful time ringing in the New Year and that 2010 turns out to be the best year of your life, followed by many more.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  30. Carolyn:
    You are such a sweetie! Loved catching up on your blog just now. International Christmas seemed divine to me...minus the dishwasher breakdown of course. I love the 1910 calender too. The illustration is especially beautiful. How promising it must have looked to those women back then.

    2009 was an intense year for me, especially with my husband's diabetes and kidney transplant... He's almost back to himself. I am still sort of floating however, but working to get my bearings back. The one constant in my life is early morning quiet by candle light, a cup of hot TEA and writing (been keeping journals for many years too).... This year I purpose to push to live outside the box. Make myself try things I would not ordinarily. Already, just reminding myself of that goal has helped me push past difficulties.

    So glad you enjoyed the little gift of my papers, and that the package finally arrived safely. I hope you find many happy uses for them all.

    Many blessings for the NEW YEAR!
    Rosalind

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  31. I used to keep a diary. But not anymore. Instead, I go outside now and write my feelings onto the sky. Because I think that the sky is smarter than me. It knows which feelings to keep, and which feelings to throw away in the rain...... :)

    I am thankful to have you as my friend. Success to you all throughout 2010! :)

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  32. Hi Carolyn,
    Thanks!!
    I think for the most part you had a wonderful year.
    I'm glad we became blog friends. My friend Joan is getting very excited for her trip to your beautiful area soon.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Rosemary

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  33. Hi Carolyn,

    Like you, I feel blessed and although I hit a few bumps along the way in 2009 I feel so fortunate.

    I don't actually keep a hand written journal, I guess blogging is my form of journaling.

    So happy that 2009 brought me so many wonderful blogging friends, you included...I just adore you and your wonderful sweet spirit!

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  34. Dearest Carolyn, I loved to read about your retrospection and to see the pretty calendar-pictures. Have you ever been to France? I was in Paris and at the Cote d' Azur in 1981 - and I think it is time to travel again to this fascinating country. But this year it will be Great Britain... and perhaps sometimes Asia (Japan e.g. must be very interesting, too!) / Australia / New Zealand ? (Last week I read a novel about Dutch settlers in New Zealand after the 2nd World-War - it was very interesting for me to read about your country!)
    Best wishes to you and your beloved ones for 2010! Hugs, Traude

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  35. My dear friend,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts about of past year. Your post was so beautiful!
    Your pictures are always so wonderful!

    Your dad is allways in your heart and someday will come the day, when we all see our darlings in heaven. That is, what I believe.

    I`m so happy, that you are my friend! Thank you for allways so friendly comments on my blog!

    I wish you so many happy and joyfull moments to that new year 2010!!

    Big hugs, Marge

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  36. Hi Carolyn,

    Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  37. Hello my dearest friend!

    A lot memory in the soul...

    A really wonderful moment...thanks for all emotions.
    Also you have a FABOULS year and for a diary...I've not a journal diary for my person...

    KISSES a lotttttttttttttttttt my dear!!!CIAO. NI

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  38. Hi Deanna,

    It has been great getting to know you too and thank you for all the wonderful things you share with us.
    Blessings.

    Margaret, I love to visit you and see all the beautiful things you make.
    I think it will be a good thing to try something different.

    Thank you for visiting Haute Shopper and I have enjoyed all the wonderful fashion and places you share with us.

    Dear Duchess,

    Always so great to hear from you and thank you for your visit.
    May 2010, be a wonderful year for you.

    Thank you sweet Roslind for your visit. So sorry to hear about your husbands ill health and so glad that he is almost back to himself.
    The gift of paper you sent me was exquisite and I will do a post soon and your handwriting, well that was amazing. Blessings for the New year.

    Charity, I have really enjoyed reading the writing that you share.
    All truly beautiful and I wish you all the best in the future and especially with your book.

    Thanks Rosemary, and if I can help out your friend Joan, while she is here in NZ, would be happy to.

    Hi Karyn,

    I have loved meeting you here and for your friendship and visiting your wonderful blog and all that you have to share with us.
    Thank you, sweet friend.

    Dear Traude,

    My husband took me to France and England, in 2007. Places that I have always wanted to go to.
    We loved France and hope to one day go back for another look.
    Thanks for you visit and it has been great visiting you, my friend from Austria.

    Dear Marge,

    It has been wonderful finding your beautiful blog and the friendship, I have enjoyed.
    You are always so sweet and share the most beautiful photos of your lovely home and City ~ many thanks.
    Best wishes for a wonderful 2010.

    Thank you Judy and wishing you a wonderful and happy year.

    Dear Ni,

    You are always a sweet friend and I love to visit you and have you come and see me. You always make me smile and I love all the beautiful things you make.
    Many blessings, to you dear friend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx