Happy NEW YEAR LOVES!
I can hardly believe that we find ourselves in a brand new year
with endless possibilities to make our lives richer and more meaningful!
Are you among those people that choose one word to be your inspiration
when starting anew?
I don't really think in those terms, but I do love goal setting....
so this year I think I will be focused on being, MINDFUL.......
I promised myself to be more "in the moment"....
not worry so much about the little things that ...just ARE.....
I have been going through periods where I find myself
not really interested in anything at all....
becoming bored with reading, cooking, homekeeping, fashion,
beauty, traveling, entertainment....etc.....
but then I shake off that way of thinking and try to
invent new ideas to create a beautiful life.
I did enjoy our holiday decorations for 2018, but also
am looking forward to packing it all away...neatly and in an organized fashion.
We did enjoy a holiday gathering one afternoon
at Legacy Hall over in Plano.
The people, the holiday music and the array of choices for delicious foods.....
The fun experience was that all four of us made
a different selection for lunch.
My choice proved to be the most delicious.
However, I am ready to be on a more clean food diet,
saying goodbye to the holiday food fare.
I received this beautiful journal which
is full of bountiful ideas on freshening up your living spaces
and gorgeous ideas for spring....it's just lovely to think about!
But first, we must cozy up our homes for a few months of winter......
I love changing out the garden flags to reflect the seasons...
both my garden flags will feature winter cardinals......
many of us feel that cardinals in winter represent
a loved one who is no longer here....in my case,,,,my parents.
I am using neutrals for home decor until we turn the calender to March...
soft and cozy with lots of winter whites and taupes...
My ideas are whirling about....
I plan on creating a new paper cone winter wreath,
creating a winter cocoa bar and tablescape,
and trying new recipes in brand new cookbooks...
warm golden breads and winter soups....cobblers too.
We had planned for our last celebration for
New Year's Eve as the California kids are
flying back in the morning.
I baked one of my best chocolate cakes for our
sweet ending.....
topped with a wee bit of BOURBON glaze!!!!
Mae Mobley will be enjoying her evenings by the fire
and napping in her favorite blankets.....
Please tell me what your plans are for the new year.....
Let's make a wish for us all...
practice kindness, and remember your prayers....
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all........
Happy New Year! Mindful is such a good word for this new year. I’ve never chosen a word before but it’s a great idea. My Country Diary has a section in the front to put predictions.....and I like to think of those as goals......and a section in the back for reflections.....
ReplyDeleteI will be doing some thinking as I finish out the 2018 Country Diary and open up the 2019 one. The one goal that is foremost in my mind is finishing the book I’m writing. It’s taken me theee years to do the first half - which was the hardest. The second half should be so much easier. Then guess what? I’m going to write a book about Louis Dean’s childhood. He says he was like Tom Sawyer and had a blast!
Thank you for sharing so many good recipes with all of us last year! Wishing good health and lots of energy for you and yours in this brand new year!
I just LOVE that idea Linda...I, for one, will be first in line to buy both books....I would just love it...you are a true inspiration for me....warm hugs for being such a dear and lovely person!
DeleteMy sugar cleanse has been active for 3 days and right now I would KILL for a slice of that chocolate cake!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not even kidding about that either...how bout a pic of it sliced????!!!! let me drool some more!
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES....MAY OUR WORLD FIND PEACE!!
I am following your footsteps Janey....I love baking but only for a taste....I wish you and those you love a great 2019!
DeleteHappy New Year! I like your idea of being more mindful. I too have felt like you this year, losing interest in all things that I like. Not sure why perhaps it is just a phase or maybe too many other things going on in life.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the case I am looking forward to 2019 and new adventures. I hope that you have a wonderful year!
Hi Elizabeth.....I pray that our New Year brings hope and happiness for us all.....Let's embrace all the wonderful things that life offers...warm hugs and blessings!
Deletehappiest of new years to you darling bean!
ReplyDeleteI love your new pictures on the banner here. but then I always do! LOL! they're perfect for the season.
and the thought came to me as I read this beautiful heartfelt and honest post. . .
little do you and those like you realize the importance of your lives. and they ARE truly important.
we live in such stressful and sometimes now very dark times. it's just too much.
and it's not that you don't care. there are plenty of places to read all about the pain and suffering.
but that your posts are all about décor and cooking and home. THAT is the very thing that makes them SO IMPORTANT! it's a gift to us. we need that kind of loving light that emanates from homes like yours.
we need the talk of family and the beauty you share in the posts and photos here.
remember the phrase … "she keeps the home fires burning." well. that is you. and it's just as important
as any work you could choose these days. a sense of home and family is golden. and never to be lost.
it's because of YOU and those like you who care enough to share that beauty with those of us who might
not have it otherwise. I for one treasure it. and so thank you. thank you! and bless you darling bean. Happy New Year! xo
Happy New Year dear Tammy...what a blessing you are! I had been thinking of ending Estelle's....I sometimes think it's a trivial blog, not important to anyone, but then you have sent me encouragement to continue to bring a small amount of brightness to those who need it. I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart....I hope sometime you can come for tea and cakes....much love to you for a happy, healthy 2019!
DeleteHi Betsy,
ReplyDeleteI just read your previous comment -- please don't stop writing "Estelle's"! There are so many of us who would truly miss it, and you. :) Your blog is not trivial, by any means. But I think many of us who blog feel like this from time to time.
Your blog post really spoke to me, and I do think we must be a lot alike. My dad loved to watch the cardinals outside the window, and now my mom sees the cardinals as angels, and it helps her feel like he's still here. They are beautiful birds, and I love how the male and female take care of each other.
I, like you, must put away the holiday food and return to healthier eating. I had lost 13 pounds over the past nine months, and was so pleased. However, I think all the sweets and junk food have caused me to gain three of those pounds back. :(
Your chocolate cake looks delicious, Betsy! I pin so many of your recipes, so I hope you'll keep sharing. Best wishes to you for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year in 2019!!
Warm hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Oh Denise..you are a love! I feel the same about you...my sweet blogging friend. I shall keep on and it's all worth it if only one person takes their time to read and walk away with a smile and a bit of inspiration. I so appreciate your kind thoughts!
DeleteHappy New Year!! I agree, please do not stop this wonderful blog!! So many, like me, look forward to your post and you do bring beauty to us. It really spoke to my heart this time, I have been feeling the same way. I have tried to figure out why, for me, I think is because of loss this year. So I am taking your lead and will be more MINDFUL this year and find joy in grandbaby number 12, who will be here any time. I truly want you to find joy again in things that always brought you joy, but I must say, to know I am not the only one walking this path, helps me know I am not alone. I pray we both remain mindful with the New Year and renewed joy comes into our hearts!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy sweet friend Nancy....I will always remember reaching out to you, a total stranger, while living in Maine and feeling very lost...you were so, so kind to reach out to me across the miles and offer comfort and friendship....that was a huge blessing to me. If I can return a bit of joy back to you and those who need a bit of cheer, then how wonderful that can be! LOVE on the grandbabies Nancy and kiss your handsome husband....warm hugs for a new year!
DeleteNEVER stop writing your blog. I love reading it. I feel the same way about things lately, about losing interest. I think it's just me getting older.. Children older and doing their own thing as they should with their children. The world well, I can't take care of everyone and do not need to hear all of the worlds woes. It's always been, it's just that it's always plastered on my computer screen when I log on to check email etc. I only will focus on happy things. Plein air painting is something of interest, I think I will be trying my hand at that.
ReplyDeleteSo much to look forward to in the New Year
Happy New Year toy You and Yours
Betsy
Well Betsy....it does sound like we are experiencing the same feelings....I never even thought that others would say the same.....it's a good thing those feelings pass where we can appreciate each day and all the wonderful things we have been gifted....I hope you have a spring garden in mind, or perhaps hanging a new birdfeeder near a window.....I wish you much happiness in trying new interests and a happy and healthy new year!
DeleteMy dear Betsy! Please do not think your blog is trivial! I so look forward to your posts and your beautiful header photos. Your blog is just beautiful, and always puts a smile on my face. I, too, pin a lot of your recipes. I always look forward to seeing how you decorate your home for each holiday. I enjoy seeing all the photos of your children and grandchildren, as well as your weekend outings with your hubby. I, too, go through periods of time where I feel blue - particularly during the months of January and February. Winter time can be gloomy, even here in Texas. You have a beautiful heart, home and family. Thank you for sharing those with the rest of us. :)
ReplyDeleteHo Connie...I really don't feel my contribution to the blogging world is trivial...however, I am considering pulling back off social media. I am thrilled you enjoy my posts from time to time....so appreciated. I wish you a lovely and happy New Year!
Delete