Thursday, January 1, 2009

Goodbye '08. Hello '09.

Last night we made our annual visit to Meditation Mount to say goodbye to the old year. I have to say, it wasn't very meditative up there with a two year old and a three year old, but it was was very beautiful. Reflection will have to be for another time. 2008 was kind of a bummer year, with the cancer diagnosis and all. But 2009 will be better, I predict. Rainer will hopefully end his rougher phases of chemo around March or April and switch to the maintenance phase, which will be much much easier, or so we hear. That is something to look forward to. Meanwhile, he continues to inspire me with his toughness and his zest for life.





I worked hard the last few days to get the house ready for New Year's. Christmas is all put away (although I can't resist the burst of color from this little jar of candy canes--is that so very wrong?), and I'm enjoying the "clean" feel of January. I have in mind all sorts or little "resolutions" or improvements I want to start in the new year. Those sorts of lists have fallen out of favor lately, I've noticed, but this time of year seems perfect for a fresh start, so why not list them out? Even if one doesn't "keep" the resolutions, I think the list is useful just to clarify one's thoughts. Maybe I'll post mine on the blog.

Happy New Year to you all! And thanks so much for stopping by the blog.

17 comments:

Jessica said...

The photos of your boys are so beautiful! We took our annual hike in the woods this morning to welcome the new year...traditions like that are so wonderful. My best for your new year!

Di said...

I hope 2009 is full of joy and good health for your family!!

Anonymous said...

I hope this new year brings you all your heart desires
lisa x

Sarah and Jack said...

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Shannon said...

Happy new year to you and your beautiful family!

Celia said...

Oh well, I had so many bad moments through this 2008 that for me it was a relief to see it go. 2009 will be hard too, so hard I bet but I still have a lack of hope so that's what makes the next year exciting and "pink" to me and less black and grey.
At least, we'll ask for health for all of us, just that and the rest we can take care of it, can't we? lol...
The best wishes for you and all your family!
Rainer is the best of the reasons to come here and to fight for the damn cancer beating us all!

Babiebluz said...

I truly enjoy reading your blog, all the cute yet simple things that make your life so full of life, its very inspiring! May 2009 be divine for you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your sweet and simple life with us here. I have so enjoyed reading about your darling boys (and older kiddos, too). May 2009 be everything you hope it will be!

driftwood said...

love that you have a traditional new year visit, and wishing you and all your family all the best wishes for a great 2009, and hope that it brings you much health, happiness and friendship. xx

Tia said...

I totally agree that making the list is as important as keeping it. I have been reading for awhile now and love your blog!

Anonymous said...

I have plans on making my list this evening. I'm feeling very cleansed and looking forward to this New Year. Can't wait to peek in on your magical word. Also, What children's book is in the background of your lovely candy cane shot? It looks lovely!

Elfin Goddess said...

Dear Mary Beth,
I hope you had a beautiful C'mas season and that the new year has begun well for you and your family! I pray that lil Rainer will be well this year and look forward to all your warm, inspiring posts that help me get to "doing" rather than just planning :) Taking off from your idea of a nature table, Im inspired to create a little happiness altar filled with little items that remind me daily of who I am, why Im so grateful to have the life I do, and of all the goals and plans I want to work towards this year. Cheerio! Avril

Gretchen said...

Happy new year to you! I enjoy keeping up with your blog. All the best to your little guys.

stephanie said...

I LOVE the 4th picture down- little Rainer looks so very serious! Melts the heart :) Happy new year to you and your lovely family.

Mary Beth said...

Thanks for such nice comments everyone.
Kristi--the book is "Winter" by Eva-Maria Ott-Heidmann. They sell it at Nova Naturals.

Gift of Green said...

Happy New Year, Mary Beth! Here's to a ferris wheel kind of year for you and your family rather than the roller coaster ride variety in 2009. All the best.

ames said...

Happy New Year to you too! May it be full of joy and lacking in angst.