Wednesday, January 4, 2023

2022 Muses and a Little Meandering into 2023

 

We spent Christmas at home this year.





It was quiet, and it was peaceful.


And it was, for me, a time of reflection.


As we have gotten older, our Christmases have changed.  And this year brought more change.


The last few months of 2022 saw some family health issues for Donald's family, in addition to his folks moving from their home to a smaller place.


After a few trips to and from Alabama, he arrived back home a few days before Christmas to a wife with bronchitis.  


Boo.


Better now, but still coughing.


But better.


And getting better every day.


Well enough to start doing some serious planning for our next trip.


Yay!





Horizon (to Tristan Tzara) by Philippe Soupault

The whole town has come into my room
the trees have disappeared
and evening clings to my fingers
The houses are turning into ocean liners
the sound of the sea has just reached me up here
In two days we’ll arrive in the Congo
I’ve passed the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn
I know there are innumerable hills
Notre-Dame hides the Gaurisankar and the northern lights
night falls drop by drop
I await the hours

Give me that lemonade and the last cigarette
I’m going back to Paris

(translated by Rosmarie Waldrop)


Yes.  We're going back to Paris.  But not just Paris.


This trip is going to include visits to Honfleur, and Rouen, and Christmas markets along the Seine.  


A trip I've dreamed of.







And then a few days in Paris before returning home.


We have a year to dream and plan.







Life is good.


It's not always great, but it is good.


I am thankful for the life I'm living, and the man i love sharing this life with.


I think we're ready for maybe a Happier New Year with fewer challenges, but we will meet them as they come.


I'm not one for New Year resolutions, or even a one word resolution any longer (although maybe this year's word from me to me would be "chill.") 😊


But here's a list of gentle goals that does resonate -




These all seem doable; don't you think?


Wishing you all a good year.

May some dreams come true for you.




















4 comments:

Lesa said...

I like the way you look back a little, Kaye, and then meander into the new year. I like that list of goals. My goal for this year, as you know, is all about retirement. Get all the paperwork together, find a place to live, and move by the beginning of October. My niece gets married on October 7, and I want to be in my new place, and making it a home by then. It might not yet be everything I want, but I hope to settle in October.

Sending hugs & good wishes for your 2023!

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...


I'm so excited about your retirement, Lesa. You, my friend, are going to bloom. ❤

Sending hugs and good wishes back your way.

keizerfire said...

This whole post made my heart sigh with happiness. And I love your doll, where did you get her? She's just precious!

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...


Aw, thank you. ❤

The Eloise doll was a gift from years back. But there's a similar one available at Amazon, and I'm betting she would love coming to live with you! ( https://a.co/d/fFvXgwY)