It’s that time of year when we start reflecting on the kind of year we’ve had and what we want for the coming one. I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. But I do create a picture board of intentions that I can look at and create the mindset for the life I want. 2015 is going out better than it came in so that is the mark of a successful year in my estimation. I’ve had a good year. A year of personal growth, healing, adventure, hope.
January – Things didn’t work out on the farm as I had hoped. I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to raise chickens or have the experience of working the land of my grandparents, but as it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. I was fortunate to house sit for a friend and I occupied a second story walk up in an old Victorian building. I’ll never forget the nights sitting wrapped in a blanket in the tower room, staring at the snow falling in the light of the old fashioned street lamps.
February – I moved into my camper in the middle of February when it was bitter cold. There was snow and more snow. I had no running water and my showers were taken at the gym. There were many times I heated water and washed my hair in a dishpan. It was quite the adventure and I found an inner strength I didn’t know I had.
March – More snow and cold. The Ohio River froze clear across. The wind chill dropped to -24 and my refrigerator stopped working. I lost a whole fridge/freezer full of food. Out of frustration, I went to a hotel for the weekend and took 15 bubble baths, listened to live music, and ordered in room service. After becoming a human again, I went back to TOW-Wanda. I bought a bike to have something to look forward to in the spring.
April – Spring in WV is amazing. I bought a kayak. I got running water back in the camper. I hauled TOW-Wanda down to Nashville to the Country Living Fair. I danced on the bar at Coyote Ugly! Owwwwoooooooo!
May – Yes…..amazing spring. Biking, kayaking, hiking, farmer’s market. I went to the Nelsonville Music Festival.
June/July – Drove to Colorado to spend time with my family. Lots of camping, biking, live music and visiting with friends and family. Celebrated my oldest daughter and husband’s 20th wedding anniversary with a huge party.
August – Took the grandkids on a camping trip through Colorado. Went to the Kelly Clarkson concert. Left for a meetup with the Sisters on the Fly in Deadwood, SD.
September – Drove back to WV. Kept busy visiting friends and family and catching up. Then took off for Myrtle Beach. Sat through five days with a total of 25″ of rain…like camping in a car wash! Stopped at the New River Gorge for Bridge Days and watched crazy people BASE jump off the bridge to the beach (or sometimes the river) below. Then back to Parkersburg.
October – Beautiful leaves in Indian summer. Cool weather returned. A lot of time was spent writing.
November – Most of the month was writing, then a quick trip to the Eastern Panhandle for Thanksgiving with family. The leaves were gone and there was snow on the northern exposure at the top of North Mountain.
December – My eldest got her Master’s from Miami University and I got to see her get her diploma. Mini family reunion with her father and family. Then flew to Colorado. I’ll leave tomorrow for the Western Slope to visit my brother and friends. I’ll end the year either soaking in a hot spring. Or walking the streets of Aspen watching fireworks off Ajax Mountain. Or toasting with friends. Or snowshoeing through the quiet winter night. I’ll know what’s right when the time comes.
Yes, 2015 was a busy, blessed year that included lots of live music, lots of love with friends and family, lots of camping and 25,000 miles on the truck, and lots of healing. Lots and lots of healing. Here’s to a Happy, Healthy 2016!
❤️
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.””
Mark 10:17-21 NIV