Monday, December 30, 2013

AND SO, FAREWELL TO 2013


Something very special happened to me in 2013 ...

As usual, I sewed - not a lot, but 2 shirts, 3 tops, and 5 dresses came out of the sewing cave.
The pink linen is my undoubted favourite...


I sang with my two choirs..


and worked as a docent at the Gallery ..


We flew to Canada to see our dear daughter, young master H, and the little bebe..


and a northern spring ..


the Garden of Neglect continued to bloom as and when it saw fit..


but it is not these things of which I speak.

2013 was the year when I found a new mindset, learned to tread more gently on the world, and in a way I do not fully understand, in the process let go of the excess weight I have hugged to my body for 20 years, with minimal dietary effort on my part.  
I am profoundly grateful that this has happened, and can only say that miracles sometimes touch our lives...


as I wish you, dear Blog Friends, much happiness, joy and peace in 2014..


Happy New Year from the Red Cardinal!!

XXX



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32 comments:

  1. greenthumbDecember 30, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    A very happy new year to you also.

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:29 PM

      May your garden continue to flourish in 2014, Greenthumb!

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  2. Michelle RidgwayDecember 30, 2013 at 11:58 PM

    Happy New Year to you Trish! I hope it is filled with treasures as yet undiscovered. Continued good health my friend xx

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:30 PM

      Thank you Michelle - I love the concept of undiscovered treasures! xx

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  3. JudithDecember 31, 2013 at 2:08 AM

    Just under 4 hours to go, Patricia! Enjoy the last moments of 2013 and all the best for 2014 ... J

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:31 PM

      And now it is January 1st - Happy Sewing in 2014, Judith!

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  4. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comDecember 31, 2013 at 2:33 AM

    Australia, is always the first (I think) to enter into the new year.
    Its been a wonderful 2013.. Looking forward to more great post and exchanges of all that we like.. Wishing you A wonderful happy New Year and keep up your good work.. if the photo of you in the lovely yellow dress,is anything to go off. You look very very slim Patricia.. you have conquered so much. Your grandchildren look so so sweet and petit bebe is growing fast.
    Sending best wishes and much love.. val x x x x

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      Thank you Val for your kind thoughts. Hope to find more things of interest to share in 2014. We are spending these few quiet days planning our next trip - to Europe! Hugs and love to you Val xxxx

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  5. RosemaryDecember 31, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    A very successful 2013 Patricia, and may 2014 be just as fruitful.
    Loosing weight is, I agree, all in the mind. Sometimes it clicks in, and if you take advantage of it you are well away. For some reason you can't make it happen, it just starts of its own accord along with the necessary motivation.
    Am I talking rubbish here???
    A happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year to you and yours.

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:34 PM

      No, not talking rubbish at all Rosemary, in fact you have hit it right on the head, so to speak. Something just clicked in for me, and life in this nest is the better for it. Looking at the clock, I think it is right on Midnight over there - so Happy New Year!!!!

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  6. KathyDecember 31, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    May 2014 be as kind and rewarding to you as has been the past year, dear Patricia.

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:35 PM

      Dear Perpetua, thank you, you are always a breath of fresh air and inspiration to me! Happy New Year my friend.

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  7. kristieinbcDecember 31, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    I love this post. Finding a new mindset and treading more gently on the world are amazing accomplishments. And congratulations on the weight loss! Happy New Year Patricia!

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:37 PM

      Thank you Kristie - I was not so sure after I'd written it whether it was a good idea or not! Anyway, surging ahead in 2014, and wishing you and your delightful family a happy and fulfilling New Year!

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  8. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    What a year with some amazingly lovely photos Patricia. Well done on your weight loss - it certainly makes you feel good - been there and done it BUT several pounds gone on this Christmas though. But hey ho that's what it's all about. Happy New Year to your and your family.
    Patricia xx

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:40 PM

      The journey of life continues, and health and fitness are integral to how we feel. At least we are both aware, and taking note. Last night's New Year party no doubt added a pound or so to me, too! Happy New year over there in Merry Olde England, Patricia. xx

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  9. VallypeeDecember 31, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    A lovely round up post with a great positive thought to close. I love your blog, Patricia and your photos are gorgeous! Have a lovely NYE and I look forward to being in touch next year! :-)

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 4:43 PM

      Good morning Val, and Happy New Year over there on the boat! I was reading your book yesterday and remarked to Mr C that it is exciting to be in contact with the author - who 'speaks' to me :-) Glad you enjoy the blog, as I do yours.

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  10. sandaDecember 31, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Congratulations to you on your achievements. Nice things happen to nice people! Wishing you all the best in 2014, Patricia. It has been a pleasure following along with you in 2013.

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    1. PatriciaDecember 31, 2013 at 9:34 PM

      Dear Sanda, thank you, you are very sweet. I love visits to your blog, and learn so much from you. I wish you a wonderful New Year, and happy blogging from Alabama!

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  11. Debra TurnerJanuary 1, 2014 at 6:46 PM

    Happy New Year, Patricia!

    What a pretty dress you made! I love natural fabrics like cotton and linen ... lots of synthetics (and no sleeves!) these days in store bought clothes, so how wonderful to make your dresses!

    It is extremely cold in New York at the moment, so it's a breath of fresh air visiting your blog to see such pretty flowers.

    Wishing you much success and inspiration in 2014.

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    1. Debra TurnerJanuary 1, 2014 at 6:48 PM

      And your grandsons are adorable. :)

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    2. PatriciaJanuary 2, 2014 at 1:43 AM

      Thank you Debra - on behalf of the dress and the grandsons :)
      We are having the worst heatwave for 20 years over the next 3 days - could do with a bit of that extreme cold over here! Of course the grandsons are housebound, surrounded by huge mounds of snow in Canada! Happy blogging for 2014 to you!!

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  12. DarlaJanuary 2, 2014 at 4:48 AM

    Enjoyed reading this round up of 2013. Here's hoping that 2014 is a wonderful year for you with lots of happy occasions.

    Darla

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    1. PatriciaJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:05 AM

      Thanks Darla, lots of happy occasions would be wonderful! Hope you have a great year too!!

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  13. The Silver BunnyJanuary 2, 2014 at 11:12 AM

    You look divine in that frock; which is beautiful too ! And your two babes are just heartthrobs ! I know exactly what you mean about the weightloss; you have to be "in the zone" and it has to be YOUR moment. I'm so glad you're feeling so good. Happy New Year to you and your family !xoxo

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    1. PatriciaJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:07 AM

      Thank you Silver Bunny, that was my best sewing effort for 2013. Those little boys will surely break hearts as they get older - they are pretty good at it already :) Am in danger of falling out of the zone right now, what with all the Christmas chocolate around this house... Happy New Year to you and yours too xoxox

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  14. Jenny WoolfJanuary 3, 2014 at 2:26 AM

    Isn't it wonderful how changes can sometimes happen without our really being aware of them. Something that drove us to certain patterns of behaviour alters and we are no longer compelled to dance to the tune of pressures we don't understand. I hope that 2014 is wonderful for you!

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  15. PatriciaJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:08 AM

    Thank Valerie - and another nice thing in 2013 is I got to meet you 'in real life'! Another fun step on the journey of blogging. Health and happiness to you also for 2014, and my goodness, you are sewing up a storm these days :))

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  16. PatriciaJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:11 AM

    You are right, Jenny, and the human mind is very intriguing - it seems to self-heal given a chance. I am more inclined to go with the flow these days. Thanks you for your good wishes, and I hope 2014 brings you much health and happiness too!

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  17. Shane PollardJanuary 3, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    Hello dear Patricia
    What a wonderful year you had!
    The long journey to Canada to play your your grandies I should think was the highlight!
    Congrats on on your lighter tread - oh how I wish I could say the same...but no. Any tips please email - URGENTLY!!
    I'm not huge per se, but it is creeping on.
    Hoping all your dreams are fulfilled this year.

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    1. PatriciaJanuary 3, 2014 at 6:57 PM

      Dear Shane, Here's to another good year in 2014. Alas, I have no diet tips - I don't understand it either! Therefore I need to be veeerrry careful over the holidays, not to upset what I have achieved. Plan to take an apple to the movies today. It is 42 deg C here today - insane!! Hope your dreams come true also :) x

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