I have been busy lately. I always am busy at this time of the year with many music events that I am either involved in, or go to see and enjoy. But, yesterday was Dec. 15th, my birthday 🎉 , and so I want to take a moment now to reflect back and to think of the year ahead.
Looking back it has been a wonderful year for me personally. I continue to be blessed with good health, and with family I love, who happen to love me back! 😊 I am blessed. I’m blessed because it is not my doing that has let me have such a good year. I put my trust and faith in God, and I am then (almost) free of worry and heartbreak. I still have my moments but they are temporary.
This year I saw the arrival of my newest grandchild, another beautiful little girl. 💖 That rounds out the list to 4, two boys and two girls. I am happy that hubby and I live close enough to be with them often, to experience special occasions with them, and to see the joy on those young faces!! This Thursday I am going to the twin boys first grade school holiday concert and I can’t wait to watch! We will be spending Christmas Eve and Day with the little granddaughters.
I know I speak of the grands first, but I also truly love the time together with our adult daughters and their husbands. As I said above, I love that we are still a big part of their lives. I admire the families they have created. I laugh when with them a lot. And, they make me very proud.
Yesterday, my birthday, I participated in two musical events. Tis the season for sure! 🎄 🎶. I enjoy being a part of groups that come together (with lots of rehearsing – ha) to bring music to others. Music is the international language. 🌎 Music lifts and brings people together. Performers feel like family. And, often, concert goers leave a musical event feeling connected with one another. 🎵 🎵
Looking back on this year, the only challenges for me have been those dealing with politics and sad, world events. We live in a place of such division, and so many disagreements. 😢 I realize I am “in” it and not standing by and watching. It’s hard for me to not feel, to not express myself, and to not try and pass along my point of view. For those who I have made mad, or who might even want to call me names 😬, I apologize. I say what I say – and I hope I at least say it with kind words. My intent is never to demean, or embarrass, someone.
The year ahead – my last of this decade (!??!?!?) – will be a continuation of the last one. I don’t expect any big differences. Well, I take that back. Hubby is officially retiring (for the second time) at the end of March. He will have more time to pursue what brings him contentment (and that is definitely staying active). We have an ailing dog that keeps us close to home, but the year ahead might free us of her constant care. Or, maybe not, we joke that Miss Daisy will outlive us all! 🐾 We love her. But just like a senior person, she is a lot of work, and needs constant checking, medicine, etc.
I plan to keep ringing handbells, tooting my flute, and dancing! I plan to keep reading. I look forward to my garden awaking in the spring. 💐 I think about what might be something new to peruse. I still quilt with a group of ladies each Monday. My participation offers me some creativity (I take the fabric squares and put them together in a hopefully pleasing design), and the quilts are gifts of love from us to those in need. I guess I have from now until New Year’s Eve to think of something else that might “float my boat” but also keep others above water. The possibilities are endless.
So, this birthday yesterday didn’t hurt. I sometimes can’t believe that I am here, at this age. I think how getting here went so quickly…. Until I start looking back on all the years of living, the people, the places, the events, the experiences. Timehop is an app, but it’s a daily trip down Memory Lane. I don’t go a day without checking in with it. It makes me smile. Pictures and videos. Priceless moments.
So, today is the first day of my new year. 🕰️ As Tim McGraw sings “live like you are dying!” Think about, and ENJOY, every day as it might be the last. I also have a little sign in my bathroom that say “Live your life and forget your age.” I do that pretty well.
Here’s to each day!!!
❤️ 🗓️ 🎉
Marla’s Musings 