Greetings from the past. The present and future meet at midnight on New Year's Eve and 2023 sounds futuristic for some reason, to me! As with the last few winter seasons, we don't know what to expect from the coming year. The one thing we do know is that it will likely bring with it elements of life that we haven't yet fully imagined.
But we're prepared, right? We've toughened our stance considerably since New Year 2019 and we're better positioned to stand our ground, roll with the punches and focus on health and happiness and positive thinking, making the world a little better and kinder for those around us.
This year has felt like a long one in many ways and it has zipped by in others. I've had the joy of my three sons and husband and me all home together in Sonoma County for the festive week. Last year several members of the family, including me were hit by Covid at Christmas and so I am super grateful that we were all in good shape to spend quality time together this late December.
Because of that experience, I've relaxed my expectations of the holidays and every single fun thing we've been able to enjoy, time spent together and with friends, baked goods exchanged with neighbors, small gatherings in the run up to Christmas, I have cherished.
Friends who have been sick or simply under the weather this holiday season I hold in my heart as I remember full well how dark those days can be. Those who have evaded the virus for so long have been hit these past few weeks and it's not fun or fair but life as we know it these days. I'm thankful whenever I hear of the recovery of loved ones who've been tucked up in bed listening to the rain fall on the roof and run down windows.
The rain in Sonoma County is a gift. No complaints.
We did lose another beautiful, old oak, one of my favorites, pictured here with Rosie and me. It split in half and fell, gracefully and unimaginably softly, sideways on the hillside. It filled me with sadness to see it (her, I decided) collapsed into the ground., like an enormous giant, at sleep.
Though, the morning after most of the tree was removed, the yard was flooded with light. I give thanks to the oak for her company and protection in the years we've been stewards of this property and I thank her once more for the light and space and hope she has graced us with.
Where there is darkness in winter, there is the promise of loveliness, of new growth and light in spring.
Stoke up the fire, or throw on another blanket, light the most cherished candles and toast the year that has past, the chime of midnight, the leap into the unknown.
I hope to post more frequently on a variety of subjects now that I have my new novel in circulation. There's a new story tugging at my sleeves . . .
Happy New Year friends,
With Love,
Frances xo
“Hope
Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering 'it will be happier'...”
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“May Light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your Hurts turn to Healing;
Your Heart embrace Feeling.
May Wounds become Wisdom;
Every Kindness a Prism.
May Laughter infect you;
Your Passion resurrect you.
May Goodness inspire
your Deepest Desires.
Through all that you Reach For,
May your arms Never Tire.”
D. Simone
“In the New Year, never forget to thank to your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future!”
Mehmet Murat Ildan
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.
So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.
Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.
Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
Neil Gaiman
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