Welcome, 2013.

With the new year, comes reflection…

On this past year, and what was good…

and not so good.

On this upcoming year, and what goals we want to strive towards…

and what habits we want to break.

As I reflect on the recent past, 

I feel immense gratitude for all the joy I have received from being surrounded by family and friends.

Christmas in NY with The Barnes family:

Celebrating Lucy's 4th Birthday...

Brian's mom was so sweet as to make Lucy 2 birthday cakes:  a ladybug...

and Hello Kitty.  So fun!

Cousin Kathleen modeling one of Lucy's new hats.

 Ice Skating...

Lucy's first time...

She had a bit of trouble standing up...imagine that!

Maybe it was the size 8 skate (the smallest they had. Lucy wears a 5)!

She was cold...

but had a great, first experience!  Thanks for taking her Uncle Timmy!

 Christmas Eve...

Lucy's goofy cousins...

and Aunt Bridget and Joe.

Lots of gift giving and opening!

The Barnes crew.

 

 

Chrismas Morning...

 

Lucy loved playing with Chewy, Aunt Bridget's new kitty.

Back home, Celebrating Lucy's 4th Birthday... 

My friend, Molly, and her sweet kids, wanted to take Lucy to Build a Bear for her birthday.

They had a great time!

Birthday morn...her  favorite gifts:   her ($2) butterfly wings and  ($5) harmonica!

My family came to celebrate with Lucy.

One of my favorite pix...how pretty are these girls?

Lucy's BFF -Abby- came  for cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday to you, dear Lucy.

 New Year's Eve...

My college friends Molly and Johanna, and their families, came to celebrate.

One of the most memorable NY eves in memory...

Dance Party USA on the Wii...

sooooo much fun!!

Sleepy Lucy...she stayed up until almost 11 for the dance party!

At the strike of 12, yes.. we got the pots and pans and marched thru the neighborhood.

(I am sure my new neighbors love me.)

With 2012- and all its memories- behind me,  I now reflect on 2013, and what do I hope for this next year? Many thoughts come to mind..

But one thing I have decided is this.... I am going to try to slow down a little.  In other words,  try to be more content in the moment. Be present.  Be patient.  I realize that I am always rushing, always thinking about what else or what more….for what?  I recently heard that patience is a sign of wisdom. Why not just slow down, and be mindful in the moment?

I found this quote on a blog I follow that sums it up well:

No one longs for what he or she already has,
 and yet the accumulated insight of those wise about the spiritual life,

suggest that the reason so many of us cannot see the red X that marks the spot

is because we are standing on it.

The treasure we seek requires no lengthy expedition, no expensive equipment,

no superior aptitude or special company.

All we lack is the willingness to imagine that we already have everything we need.

The only thing missing is our consent to be where we are.”

~Barbara Brown Taylor

What are your plans for 2013? 

Whatever they may be, I wish you great success.