Saturday, December 26, 2009

Reflections on a Wonderful Year



One year ago on December 31 2008, I published my first blog post for which I received my first comment from Nancy, my sister-in-law and inspiration from Fête et Fleur:

Castles, Crowns and Cottages is a place where old world charm is the muse for home decorating and gardening on a budget. Come inside and sit by the fire and let's chat about the possibilities!


She read this short post, gave me words of encouragement and set me on my way....

Then slowly, throughout the following months, the looking glass of self-reflection has been revealing itself



and the possibilities of creating another wonderful year will require that I sit down and carefully plan my next move.



With my Masters degree program coming to a close in the next month with the completion of my thesis



and graduation on the spring horizon



I am looking forward to completing a 17 year career as a college and graduate school student and beginning a new adventure as a creative writer, nestled in my own special writing space



where I can bring to life the world that has lived in my mind for years and has been resurrected through blogging.



No, the above painting is not my own work, but here is another unexpected revelation I have encountered in the looking glass of self examination:



to commit myself to practicing and improving my artistic skills.



But the decision did not come easily over night as I lay my head on soft pillows



but rather by looking at myself through you: family and friends who have been connected to me by blogging. Here is a list of just a handful of the people who have demonstrated the courage to look at themselves honestly, to take the plunge and just DO what they say they are going to do, those who never quit and those who have just discovered their own calling and are running with their dreams:

Ruben, my wonderful husband - Rattus Tales, Rattus Scribus
Marie, my beautiful and talented cousin - Dancing in Tattered Shoes
Nancy, a wonderful artist, soul and sister-in-law, Fête et Fleur
Bunny, a dear friend who has endured much this past year, but always finds the humor in it all - I'm just sayin'
Sherry, who helped me from the very beginning with my blog and has a heart of gold - Edie Marie's Attic
Patricia, a real-life angel from heaven disguised as an artist and mother of seven beautiful children - Woolytale Miniatures, Patita Dolls
The Dutchess, who has turned on the light of my imagination - The Dutchess, Hilltop Hall, A Tale Told by a Mouse
Bonnie, a dear friend and talented writer - Diamonds and Daisies
Jacqueline, a beautiful woman who loves the world of children - Once Upon a Fairyland
Karen Harvey Cox - an extraordinary artist with a generous heart - Scrapbook of Inspiration
Lulu, another generous and exquisite human being - Lulu Kellogg
Lili, a very considerate and kind friend - Lili M.
Tristan, a humorous, talented, and kind dear - Enchanted Revelry
Ulla, whose gracious gift of friendship was finally realized when she visited me during Thanksgiving break! - Ullabenulla
Spencer, the sweetest, most adorable lady you would ever want to meet - Bellemere Cottage
Amy, a poet and a writer who seeks only to lift others up - What a Wonderous Space This Fairytale Space
Keke, a woman whose blog has gone from great to fabulous; she has realized her calling - Théâtre du Boheme, In My Sepia Studio

AND TO MANY MORE OF YOU WHO HAVE MADE MY BLOGGING EXPERIENCE THE BEST!

Rather than make a link to each of these blogs, please scroll down to my blog list and visit these fine people as well as the other wonderful bloggers on my list. And when you have a moment, go look into the the mirror of self-reflection...you are all beautiful!



I leave you with this quote from Hamilton Wright Mabie:

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

This is a blessed season indeed, and may each day of the New Year be no different!

Bisous!! Anita

49 comments:

Presépio no Canal said...

Congratulations, dear one :)

I am so happy to find your blog and to meet you :)

You are a very special one, plenty of generosity, joy and love to give!

An angel from God!

Happy 2010 :) God will be with you, I know :)

Bisous, ma cherie!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Wishing you most hearty congratulations! I have so enjoyed your blog and do intend visiting often as I delight in entering this exciting and wonderful world of imagination and beauty! Cathy

claudie said...

Oh Anita, I just spotted your picture on Charlene's blog. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
This post is fab. You are fab. and I'm so glad I have you as my 2009 friend. Here's to 2010. I've also been blogging just a little over a year. It is amazing isn't it?
Sending you love through this screen.
Love Claudie
xoxoxox

Bunnym said...

I don't know if it's perimemi...but you brought tears to my eyes...you just have a way of expressing yourself that fills my heart and mind. Thank you ~

love,
bunny

Barb said...

What a beautiful post.
Girl, you have a gift from God. Just keep on using it. Maybe someday I will be reading a book that you have written. God Bless you.

Big hugs,
Barb

Marie said...

I don't know that I have the capacity of using words quite as beautifully as you do. You have had such extreme talent since you were a child. I've always told people how when you stepped onto a stage to perform, regardless of who you shared the stage with, the attention was always pulled toward you without your trying. There is a glow about you on stage that is also felt in your writing.
I pray you continue to use the gifts God has given you. They bless so many people I'm certain the blessings come right back to you.
May your new year be even better than this last and may you and your wonderful husband (my cousin), find happiness and peace in all you do.
Kisses and Hugs!
Elizabeth

"Create Beauty" said...

Hello, I have had a lovely visit here this evening! I found you from a comment on another blog and was intrigued by your blog name : ) It is so nice to 'meet' you! ~ Violet

The Dutchess said...

I would like to thank you for this wondeful post ...you are such a sweet and beautiful person...I will write a little mail later....

Hugs from all of us...would you believe Miss Moussie is still sleeping..these adventures in Nowhere must have been very exhausting..hope she will wake up before the fireworks in the garden at New Year...! Gustave is very busy..talking about a very BIG BANG!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...congratulations to a very special lady...What an adventure you are embarking upon!!! All the very very best to you sweet lady...Coming to visit you is like entering a Story Book...I love it all!!!! Much Peace and Blessings to you for the coming year...Love Dzintra♥x

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

merry christmas! i love the rococo vibe of these photos! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

You wonderful wonderful lady! I wish for you all the muses you need and all the comforts of your heart to write what fills you. Blessings for this New Coming Year. Blessings to you, my dear.

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Nita~ It is a honor for me to be included on this list. Knowing how you are , I know that if you could, this list would be huge.Meeting you through the blog land has been an incredible priviledge and joy. I have learned, laugh, cried( joy) by viisting you . I LOVE to come here and rest my heart... it is wonderful,grin..... I will talk to you soon my dear.Lovingly~

Tristan Robin said...

What a contemplative and generous post ... you always have the right words!

I'm so glad to have found you early in your blogging career - and hope to follow you for many many many more charming and enchanting posts!

Congrats on your anniversary!

Barb said...

Hi Anita,
Thanks for stopping by. Christmas was quiet but good. First time without the Grans, Jeff and Dorothy.
Darn that Military-hehe. I am so thankful that they were together because I know that is the exception to the rule.

Old town Glendale is the Az one not the Ca. one. I actually have been to old town Orange in Ca but that was a long time ago.

Have a wonderful week. Stay warm.

hugs,
Barb

"Create Beauty" said...

Hi Anita! Oh PLEASE tell me where your husband found the vintage print "A Penny a Bunch" ... I have been trying to find one for years! A friends mother has had one forever and I've always loved it. (If yours is the one I'm thinking of, I hope I have the title right) My grandmother (who had died long before I was born) was named Violet. And now my baby granddaughter has it as a middle name.

Your blog is delightful, and it shows me that you are also!!! Please do not be discouraged about your art abilities, God gives each one talents that differ from everyone elses! You have something special that is yours alone. An expression of delight!

I love your side bar saying "Life is short, wear a crown."!!! Our son gave me a pile of 'jewels' for Christmas, it was so funny to open each one. Giant 'emeralds' Huge purple 'amethysts' ... 'diamonds' ~ and three tiara's! Now to decide which one to wear while I clean up the house today : )

Thanks for coming by ~ and lets keep in touch!!! ~ Violet

Ulla said...

Anita,
This is such a beautiful post! Congratulations on your 1st year, you are a gift to Bloglandia! There is something beyond just being a New Year, the season perhaps, that makes us want to look within the magic mirror and reflect. You do so with such style, beauty and grace!
Loving blessings
Ulla

The Victorian Parlor said...

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!!! What a wonderful thing to have accomplished:). I also wanted to congratulate you on your one year anniversary for your blog! You have been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. I always enjoy visiting you and I am so glad that we have become blogging friends:).

Blessings to you in the New Year,

Kim

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Good Morning Anita! Your comments were so sweet! Thank you for all of your compliments! You probably did meet me through Sherry. We actually live very close to each other. The Ohio bloggers are trying to plan a get together in Feb so we will probably meet then, if all works out. It has snowed here again, although nothing like you had up north! Just a white dusting to brighten everything. You have a very special year ahead of you with all of your educational successes. What a satisfying feeling it must be! Happy New Year, my friend!~Patti

Unknown said...

With great anticipation I can hardly wait for the new year brewing. I am a January birthday...this is my favorite month coming up. I plan, set resolutions, look back and front and sideways...this year I'll be looking to Nowhere and even a new blog for me too...
I'm keeping Once Upon a Fairyland but I have another side...a little bit of wit and depth rolled into one...it will be called Auntie Jacquelines. It's a celebration of that old aunt wanna be that believes that some rules should be broken...it's in the works...
Here's to "US" my friend of the heart. Connected at the hip and heart and hands...My heart is telling me, I love you more each day. Hang in there with me, life is going to settle down...or get out of town!
Gretta is down eating cookies in my cupboard, I must go and get her out of THERE!

Unknown said...

Dear Anita,
You always create the most beautiful images for your posts! Congratulation on your first year of blogging and the many accomplishments that you have achieved this year. It is we who should reflect on the beauty, passion and sheer joy that you bring to all of us in every post.

I am so happy that I have met you Anita, you are joy.

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year.

Karen

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Congratulations on your one year Anniversary! And on your completing your thesis and graduating this year. Wonderful accomplishments all ...

I won't be posting until after new years, but I wanted to wish you a very happy, healthy, peaceful,successful, inspired year ... and to offer my thanks - you have inspired me, with this post, to pick up my paint brushes this year and complete a painting I have been thinking of for years ... a big undertaking, yes ... and sooo worth it ... so thank you, thank you thank you .... clearly, I found you for a reason,and I am glad that I did ...

Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year ...

desde my ventana said...

Anita, une double félicitation par ta graduation et par l'année que tu accomplis dans le monde blog.
Je suis remercié pour être parmi tes amies et te désire un grand succès dans ta nouvelle expérience.

Feliz año nuevo lleno de éxitos y felicidad para tí y tus seres más queridos.

Un abrazo,

DMV

Teacup Mosaics said...

Congratulations on your one year blog-i-versary. You add much beauty to blogland and am thrilled to visit every time.
Happy New Year!!!
Kelley
P.S. Your picture is lovely.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Sweet Anita....

I love seeing your lovely photo when I flip to your profile page.... :-)

Aren't you the dear one listing me among such notables! I'm touched. I am always amazed by the love and support offered in Bloglandia...... It's a wonderful community, isn't it? I'm so happy to have found you....you always light up my day...

YIKES....you're nearly finished with your Master's......isn't THAT thrilling. I'm so excited for you!

Wishing you the bestest in 2010!

Huggies and lovies,
S

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Congratulations on your first year of blogging! We just celebrated our 2nd year Dec. 23. I can't believe it's been that long, but I can say it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. You have such a wonderful, dreamy blog. I always know I'm going to be carried away to a beautiful place when I visit you. Thank you so much for all you put into your beautiful blog. Have a very happy new year! Twyla

Jennifer said...

I wish you many blessings in your next year of journey.

Cathy said...

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Yup, it is.

Please join me in my very first "Amour Valentine Swap". It's going to be easy, peezy and so much fun.

Just drop on over to my blog for the details, then send me an email if you'd like to participate. The more the merrier.

Thanks,

Cathy

KeKe said...

Aaw Anita,

First I just say, this post must have been hiding from me because I did not see it in my blogroll-anyhoo...

THANK YOU so much for the mention-You are truly an inspiration to me and have encouraged me to keep digging to find my true self. It came all at once in an explosion of thoughts, but, it arrived and for that I am thankful and you are partially responsible for it (my hubby too)-I don't know where I'd be without him ;)

I look forward to another wonderful year of blogging and continuing reading your blog as well as your artistic adventures, whever they may take you.

Congrats on almost being finished with school-I have about 1 1/2 years to go.....

Merci

and have a Blessed New Year~

Love & hugs,

KeKe

Bonnie said...

Dear Anita, I do wish you the most wonderful 2010. There is so much to look forward to this year.

Thank you so much for mentioning me in your post, you are inspiring and I look forward to writing more and more and perhaps I'll try illustrating too!

I love your photo! Bonnie

Happy New Year to you and Ruben!

Kirsten Steen said...

Another beautiful tribute to friends and bloggers! You are a precious gift to all you visit! And I thank you for gracing my blog with your presence. Am wishing you so much love and luck with the ending of your school endeavors and the beginning of your new writing adventures!
Here's to a most fabulous (and prolific) 2010!!
Happy New Year!!
Kirsten

Rita said...

My dearest Anita,
my most heartfelt congratulations on your first year of blogging. You've accomplished a lot coming into your readers' lives and filling them with so much love, joy, charm , poetry and magic. You're indeed special, unique and amazingly gifted and coming across your fabulous blog has been such a great blessing and a milestone in my life.
With lots of love my friend and my best wishes for a wonderful and blogful 2010.
bisous
rita

koralee said...

Wow...congratulations..may all your dreams come true during the next year . I thank you for giving me such inspiration...your blog is so full of beauty. Your sweetness comes through your beautiful post. I can't wait to visit you this coming year. xoxoxo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

My dear Anita

What a beautiful post this is. Congratulations on everthing you have accomplished! I see you had stopped by and left such a sweet note on my blog.. You are such a dear person. I am so glad we met.
You have brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face.

Next time you stop in please meet Bebe the tea mouse.. just click the rose on the side bar and it will take you there..

I would have brought her to your tea, but she had another engagement.
Blessings dear one,
Penny

Rattus Scribus said...

Thank you my love for a wonderful post and your compliment.

I'm so excited about the completion of your masters and a new year of possibilities and growth in our dreams.

Love,
Ruben

P.S., The Pink Lady (yes the P.L.) blows you a kiss.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...how very exciting...nearly finished your Thesis...all the very best for it!!! Ringing in the New Year will be a quiet affair for us as we are off to see family the next day...then perhaps it will all be on!!! Enjoy your celebrations whatever you do wherever you are...here's Cheers to 2010...Dzintra♥x

desde my ventana said...

Merci pour ton commentaire Anita. Les images ne sont pas prises en Espagne, mais en Italie un pays que j'ai visité l'été passé et que j'aime bien.

Bonne année!!

DMV

savvycityfarmer said...

my dear soulmate ... FOREVER we will be on each others' "List" ... my heart beats with yours.

I still savour the sound of your voice that cherished day we spoke by phone

Happy New Year ...your sail is set!!!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita the pleasure is all mine!!! Thank you for coming over and making such a beautiful comment...how proud I feel, and honoured that you would put my blogs on your list...very very special♥ May all your dreams come true...Dzintra♥x

Debra@CommonGround said...

Wonderful heartfelt post and congratulations on your year of blogging and self-realization! Sending blessings for an amazing New Year!
Debra

Unknown said...

Dear Madame,

You have so many things to celebrate this year. Congratulations on your blogaversary, the upcoming completion of your thesis and your Spring graduation.

Have a wonderful and blessed 2010.

My Casa Bella said...

Congratulations Anita, on a year of blogging and your future career as a Creative Writer and boy are you talented. You are one of my Favorite Blogs. I skimmed through this post because I have to make some Hot Chocolate and come back to read it carefully. Enjoy your writing so much.
Arlene

Debbie said...

Hola Anita! your blog is a place I come to when I need calm ... your pictures and your words are soothing and comforting. Congratulations on one year of blogging! I love Ruben's blog as well. I wish I had instructors like him when I was in school! LOL!

Take Care my friendm,

Debbie (From Venting to Viggo)

Anonymous said...

Happy new year Anita! What a wonderful magical blog! I can't wait for more!

Michelle Rose Jorgensen

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Wow Anita...what a co-incidence, us with our burn marks and a Kitchen Aid...I love it!!! You must've made some amazing pies in that time...I am tracking down some gluten free recipes for pies and look forward to making those...It is a hot New Years Eve here in the Land Down Under...have a Blessed one whether it be a quiet one or whether you are out there raging...either way HAPPY NEW YEAR to you...I fell in love with your blog when I first saw it and I look forward to coming back and being enchanted time and time again...Dzintra♥x

Teacup Mosaics said...

Hi Anita!
Just had to stop by to say Happy 2010! I enjoyed visiting and looking forward to many more in the coming year.
Kelley

Presépio no Canal said...

Dear Friend,

2009 gave me the magic of our friendship ;-)
I just love our emails and blogger talks :)
Thank you for all!

Congratulations for your Masters!!! My Dear!

You are so very talent and a wonderful teacher!

One day, I want to read your thesis! Ok? I am sure it is very interesting!

Bisous, ma cherie, and a great year of 2010, to you and R. , full of joy :)

Your friend, Sandra

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and inspiring post. I know how hard you have worked to accomplish your goals. Congratulations to you my friend! I look forward to seeing where your writing will take you. You have written some of the most amazing posts here. It has been a pleasure to know you. You truly brighten our world.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

What an incredible post Anita! I am so proud of the accomplishments you have made, even if it is from afar. You are such an awesome girl (we are always girls at heart aren't we?) and incredible friend. I'm so blessed to know you dear one!

Mille bises! Sherry

deb famularo said...

Your music makes me want to get up and dance! Happy New Year my dear friend!!!!!!!!! love deb