Free At Last, Yes, Free At Last!!

And with apologies to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, I can say with deep feeling, " . . . thank God Almighty, I am free at last!"  Yes, as of 12:01 AM, Januay 1, I have begun a new life, and it feels wonderful in many ways and very strange in others.  For nearly 30 years I have worked with and been involved in the lives of some wonderful people, and now that phase of my life is over.  Right along with the new year comes my new life.  It involves a new location -- can't afford to stay in Southern California anymore -- and some new friends, finding a new church, getting to know my new neighbors, setting up relationships with a new bank, getting new license plates for our cars, a new driver's license, and on and on it goes.  2013 represents lots of newness in my life.

But actually, new beginnings never get old.  Those of us who read and review lots of romance writings know that authors are always bringing in new beginnings. For many it is the new location, a new job that takes one of the characters out of harms way or puts a bad love affair or marriage behind them.  For others it represents a second chance to find deep and authentic wholeness amid the ashes of a crashed relationship.  In all cases, it is the new beginning that we all sometimes covet.

Each year we have that opportunity--a chance to try once more to get a grip on life in a new and meaningful way, to do better with relationships, to re-connect with those who have wandered away or from whom we have become estranged.  It is a time for reordering priorities, getting a grip on what is really important and setting aside the trivia that tends to overwhelm when we are least looking.  And most of all, 2013 represents another new beginning in which we can take advantage of all that comes our way--all that is positive and character-building, all that makes us better people, all that stimulates us to never stop growing within ourselves and in our connections to others.

So, Happy 2013 to all my followers and all who stop by here on their wanderings on the Information Super-highway.  May your days be filled with that sense of life well lived, and may the blessings of a prosperous life be evident in as many ways as possible.

Out With the Old, In With the New . . . Important Stuff and Silly Stuff, too

Well, it's here . . . the New Year of 2011. And like every year that has come before, it is an opportunity to review, to reflect, to celebrate or mourn, memorable events and lots of silly stuff--the usual, it would seem.

Re: books I read, almost 600 books--I think I missed it by 10 or 12. No kidding, just love to read and actually there were some books I have read during the holidays that I failed to get into the Goodreads count. So I am sure I went over the 600 mark, now that I think about it.

Stuff to celebrate: Our 51st wedding anniversary and the 25th year at my job. So it would appear I really can stick to the plan. I also have another granddaughter that has become a teenager (UGH) and a grandson that got his MBA. A near miss: we were going on our first Mexico cruise until the Carnival ship burned and they cancelled our trip. We've planned a substitute trip that doesn't involve sailing. My hubby's successful heart surgery in the Spring--I've gotten used to him and can't imagine my life without him. So glad that, for now, he is still with us. And last, but not least, the University of Iowa football team won the Incite Bowl. Go Hawkeyes!!! (My hubby was born and raised in Iowa so I always root for them.)

Stuff to mourn: We have lost some interesting entertainment, literary, scientific, and sports figures this year. I always wonder if the young people will replace those people? There is no doubt that the priorities have changed in so many ways, our culture has become focused on different issues, and as a result the achievements of the succeeding generations will change. We have some very special people "in the wings" and my hope and prayer is that those talented young people will be willing to "step up to the plate" or to fill in the gaps left by the loss of some really special people.

Hopes for this year: Lose 60 pounds, all my family will remain well and with us, read some really special books, see my blog following grow, do a good job as a DIK (Desert Island Keepers) blogger, see my three youngest granddaughters do well in their school experience this year, pay off at least two bills, stay healthy, and manage a daily random act of kindness. I really don't believe in "resolutions" because I think they are so easy to set aside. But I do have these hopes for this year and have set them as my goals.

Special Thanks to all of you who stopped by and shared your thoughts and comments here this past year. I was my maiden year as a blogger and you made it a special experience.

To you all . . . Have a happy and prosperous 2011!

Perhaps you could share at least one or two of your personal goals for this coming year.