The year seemed to go by at warp speed. It was both wonderful and deeply challenging for me. We learned how to live simply- scaling our lives down to the bare minimum. We learned to be mindful that we had everything we needed - we didn't need to accumulate.The only clothes I bought this year were a sweater in Beaumaris, Wales and a top in Quebec City. We didn't "stock up" on food or supplies - we bought as we needed.
We visited so many beautiful places and were blessed with extraordinarily beautiful weather along the way - an offset for some of the challenging times - like all the problems we had with those darn levelers. I spent more time by the ocean and outside in nature than I have in years. We saw family and friends and I got to talk with kids at schools and to do readings and other book promotion along the way.
The lessons and blessings of 2012 will continue to reveal themselves with time and distance. I know that I will look back on it as one of the best years of my life, packed with vivid memories of people and places. I am grateful that we were able to have this unique experience, and especially that RVPainter and I could spend so much time together, still learning and growing closer even after 30 years.
I said that I may stop blogging, but whenever I say that, I am moved to blog again! So we'll see! I hope actually, to be more of a blog visitor than a blog writer, so I hope to see you more often at your place.
Here is a photo I took of the little Buddha that has traveled with us this year, and our blooming Christmas cactus. I wish you all a beautiful and peaceful 2013 - Happy New Year!
It certainly was a busy year and lots of nice place visited. We had a plan - we put it into motion and we did it!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of us!
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful time in your new home. Happy New Year :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Annalisa, and same to you!
DeleteWhat an amazing adventure you've had. Wishing you many blessings and much peace in 2013.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna - wishing you the same :)
DeleteMelissa - don't say you'll quit blogging; say you'll take a blog, and (as you said) only blog when you WANT to. I think when blogging (like other things) becomes an obligation and then a burden, often the joy leaves. I'd be sad if I didn't find you here!
ReplyDeleteSo now you have uprooted yourself from the Southwest and replanted yourself in Florida! Welcome to the Southeast :) It really is a lovely place to live. I hope you enjoy it.
M.K. I probaby won't stop - I'll just be erratic! I'm glad to be back on the east coast, in the same time zone as my family - and people seem to like to come visit here, so I feel like I'll see lots of friends and family. Plus it's easy to zip up the coast to see them too.
DeleteHappy New Year!
So many blessings indeed - I was so fortunate to be able to do this, and then to be able to land softly here in Florida as well. You and I are on parallel paths - I'm glad you'll be writing - I look forward to reading your novel!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks for sharing the past year's adventures. I hope you don't totally give up on blogging. Even a once a month update would be great! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, thank you for being with me all year! I don't think I'll stop - just as you say, pop up once a month or so. Happy New Year to you too!
DeleteA very happy New Year to you and RV.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably already the new year where you are - hope yours is wonderful!
DeleteI really, really, really want to do this one day. I know I don't need much stuff, and I love travelling, so it seems perfect. Did you really take the van between Wales and Canada?
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your new lifestyle in 2013 :)
Rachel, it's a wonderful way to travel and to be in some of the most beautiful places in nature. We took a break in September to fly to England and Wales. That was wonderful too!
DeleteHappy New Year! Hope all works out for you.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year hun, hope 2013 is as wonderful as 2012 :)
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa .. it's been fun - either rushing with you and the RV, or just being on the sidelines reading your journey of life ..
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013 in your new condo for now .. and enjoy being settled ... cheers Hilary