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Saturday, December 30, 2017

AN END AND A BEGINNING

Life is funny,
isn't it?
We are ending the year-
Some of us are happy to see it end-
Some of us feel sorrow.

There have been endings this year
for some of us.
I think of bj-Sweet Nothings
both lost husbands this past year-
and their sorrow still hangs heavy.
Many more of you lost family members-
too many to mention here.

However, to balance that
we have 
NEW BABIES & GRANDBABIES-
are just two that come to mind.
We have enjoyed wonderful
GIRLFRIEND PARTIES-
and too many more births and
GOOD TIMES
to mention.

 Some of us moved into 
NEW HOMES
and blogged about it-
Marty-AStroll Thru Life
and
Penny-Enjoying the Simple Things.

 Many of us 
STOPPED BLOGGING
and are immersed in
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
and other
SOCIAL MEDIA.

 I miss some of the
old blogging days
but life changes and 
we need to move forward.
We need to embrace new ideas and outlets-
no matter how hard it is for us.

I have laughed with you as
you told funny stories about your families 
and life in general.

I have cried with you at your losses
and prayed for you as you,
or family members,
struggled with cancer and/or
ill health.

Many challenges are ahead of us
in the upcoming year
but I have faith that there 
are many joys there, too.

I will be back to share more
about what is happening in
our lives
in  a few days.
BIG CHANGES 
going on here again.

 Here are just a few
bits and bobs of
CHRISTMAS-
just a sweet reminder that
the Holiday has come and gone.
Sweet Memories
from my daughter's home-
the last one we will celebrate there
as she prepares to move.
Onward we go----
I will wish you a 
VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Wishing you 
BLESSINGS & JOY
in 2018.

 Love to all of you-
new friends, old friends,
and those I have yet to meet.

at

64 comments:

  1. KathyDecember 30, 2017 at 7:25 AM

    Happy New Year, Diana! Thank you for your friendship this past year. I am so glad we "met". I hope 2018 is a wonderful year for you. Things change and not always for the better. But that's life. I'm looking forward to what 2018 brings.

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  2. AnonymousDecember 30, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    Happy New Year and may the Lord bless you. I enjoyed these beautiful Christmas pictures. xoxo

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  3. Pam KesslerDecember 30, 2017 at 7:37 AM

    Happy New Year! Can't wait to hear about your BIG changes. I hope it that's you've sold your house and coming to live with me in Ohio :)

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  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeDecember 30, 2017 at 7:37 AM

    2017 had a ton of changes for so many and not all of them seemed like Blessings. This post was a reminder of how life changed for some of our friends. We are loving our new home and being closer to family. I know you are planning a move soon too, so I will keep you in prayer that it is a smooth transition. Happy New Year and may it be filled with nothing but Love, Joy and Happiness.

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  5. LisaDecember 30, 2017 at 7:52 AM

    This was a great post Diana! I love your Christmas photos. These table looks so pretty and well done. I lost a family member this year and gained a family member. I think this year went by fast! It seems like summer was shorter.
    Happy Almost New Year!
    Lisa

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  6. AnonymousDecember 30, 2017 at 7:52 AM

    Happy New Year to you my friend, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know,,you make blogging a joyful experience showing us daily how to think of others first always with your caring and loving ways and you do it with a dash of your quirky self thrown in for good measure.I hope we share many more laughs together and we will always have you if the tears do come to helps us through them. Best wishes to you and your family,

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  7. Estelle'sDecember 30, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    Diana....this is all so beautiful...so beautiful! You must be the ultimate hostess! Wishing you a wonderful New Year.....happy and healthy! Looking forward to all the happennings for 2018!

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  8. DorisDecember 30, 2017 at 8:18 AM

    Happy New Year yo you! Beautiful pictures with this post....I love Christmas!

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  9. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 30, 2017 at 8:45 AM

    It has been a year of ups and downs. Losses and new life! Thank you for being a part of my world. Happy New Year Diana!

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  10. HIBISCUS HOUSEDecember 30, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    I just love you and the family! Thank you for sharing your life with us. Happy New Year my friend! xoxo Dolly

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  11. Mac n' JanetDecember 30, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    Happy New Year to you and your family too.

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  12. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsDecember 30, 2017 at 9:12 AM

    Happy New Year to you!! I hope 2018 is just what you wish for. xo

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  13. DebbyDecember 30, 2017 at 9:13 AM

    A good summary for sure. You are the one that keeps us all in the loop. I'm hoping your daughter is moving closer to you. I'm hoping only good things coming your way.
    Hugs ❤️

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  14. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizDecember 30, 2017 at 9:51 AM

    Love to you Diana and best wishes for a blessed New Year!

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  15. Penny @ Penny's Vintage HomeDecember 30, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    Happy New Year my friend......hugs....

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  16. Kim December 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM

    Happy New Year, Diana...only the best in 2018! xo

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  17. NanaNor'sDecember 30, 2017 at 10:21 AM

    Dearest Diana, Your year in review was so good; I love your heart attitude my friend. I'm wondering where you daughter is moving too? She had a beautiful home and was close enough to you. I know you are still planning on moving and want to hear what's happening on that front. Blessings to you dear one for 2018, may His riches be poured out on you!
    Love, Noreen

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  18. LindaDecember 30, 2017 at 10:33 AM

    Happy New Year, Diana! Wishing all your changes for 2018 are good ones!

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  19. cards4ubylouise and other treasuresDecember 30, 2017 at 11:27 AM

    Blessings to you Diana, hoping 2018 is kind to you and yours with much happiness and good health.

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  20. AnonymousDecember 30, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    Happy New Year Diana..... I miss the old days of blogging.....the beginning of it, when we had parties and contests and exchanges. Now it just seems another way of selling. But a lot of entrpeneurs came out of it. :) God Bless

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  21. Chatty CroneDecember 30, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    Well you are sure right - some good things and some bad things happen on;t they - in every year. I hope your changes are good ones. John seems to be doing great. Happy New Year! sandie

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  22. ConnieDecember 30, 2017 at 12:23 PM

    Sweet post . . . life goes on and that always brings change. We have had good and bad changes this year, but so has everyone else . . . All in all, put your trust in the Lord and life is good:)
    Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with much more good than bad.
    Connie :)

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  23. SusieDecember 30, 2017 at 12:39 PM

    Diana, Thank you for the good wishes. I agree with you about how the end means different things to different people. I too wish all our blog family the best. I feel heartache for many. I know that change seems to be the way, but oh dear I love blogging and reading blogs and Instagram isn't enough and face book can be so darn mean at times. My dear new friend, I wish you and yours a healthy, happy new year. Hugs the children for me. xoxo,love you, Susie

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  24. VeeDecember 30, 2017 at 1:07 PM

    Aren’t we brave striking off into the unknown?! Course we can have the best Guide in the universe if we but ask...

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  25. JunkchiccottageDecember 30, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    This is so sweet Diana. The years seem to move forward too quickly. Not sure if it is because I am getting older or what!!!! I love blogging too and the wonderful friendships shared but blogging is taking a back seat to some of the newer social media spots like Instagram etc. Change is inevitable. Thank you for becoming such a great friend these past few years. I treasure every minute of our times spent together off and on the computer. You have a heart bigger than anyone I know. I have so enjoyed how you embrace friends here in blogland and have laughed, cried, prayed and shared stories with all of us. You're a keeper and I look so forward to sharing our friendship in the new year. Luv ya girlfriend.
    xoxo
    Kris

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  26. Billie JoDecember 30, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    Hello!
    Sweet thoughts on this eve of New Year's Eve.
    Your Christmas photos look lovely!
    Happy and blessed New Year!!

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  27. Red Rose AlleyDecember 30, 2017 at 1:21 PM

    I loved this post, Diana, and your very special words to go along with it. Change is definitely part of our lives, some are good and some not so good, but we try to deal with them all. I love your daughter's home and front porch. Now, you have to tell me why she's moving. I'm looking forward to hearing the BIG changes coming up for you too.

    I hope you have the happiest new year, and may this year be filled with so much joy. You are a gem, Diana, and I'm so thankful that you have shared this blog journey with me.

    love, ~Sheri

    ps....thank you very much for mentioning me up above. Francesca smiles all the time, and it warms my heart. I was looking at Jess the other day, and saw Francesca's smile haha. And thank you for your wonderful Christmas e-card!

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  28. BillDecember 30, 2017 at 1:53 PM

    A new beginning, a clean slate and away we go in 2018. New adventures await us all. Wishing you and your family a wonderful, happy and healthy 2018.

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  29. SylviaDecember 30, 2017 at 2:43 PM

    Wishing you a very happy New Year, Diana. Yes, time marches on and good times and happy ones are there always. I felt sad reading your post, but I believe the New Year will bring many happy days to make new memories. I am so glad we met through blogging. You are very dear to me, thank you for always encouraging me and listening to me through emails. Looking forward to many more funny and encouraging blog post from you, my dear friend.
    Hugs, Sylvia

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  30. SandiDecember 30, 2017 at 2:56 PM

    Happy New Year, Diana. Congrats on selling your house!

    Love your Xmas decor!

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  31. Coloring Outside the LinesDecember 30, 2017 at 2:57 PM

    Happy New Year Diana!

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  32. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesDecember 30, 2017 at 3:16 PM

    Happy New Year, Diana! I pray it is a good one for you and your family!
    Life is always changing...I'm hoping for good changes this year! xoxo

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  33. Sissie's Shabby CottageDecember 30, 2017 at 4:20 PM

    Diana, your style of blogging is and will always be my favorite. We old school gals, many of which you mentioned in your post, are a special group of bloggers. We do it for fun and it is a creative outlet that gives us happiness and allows us to share both the good and the bad. I love what you said about crying and laughing and praying along with the rest of us...that truly strikes a cord with me because I feel the same. I wish you a very Happy New Year full of love and good health. I know that no matter where the New Year takes us that we will give it our best.
    Happy New Year.

    hugs,
    Sissie

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  34. DonnaDecember 30, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    Hi Diana
    hard to believe the year is drawing to a close. And yes, there are both good and bad times for so many. I'm always more than ready to see a new year begin, and have a bit of a break from the busyness of the holidays.
    I'm missing the "old days" of blogging too, but as you say, things change and we should at least try to keep up with them, I guess!:)
    Hope 2018 brings good things to you and your family!
    lots of love to you!

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  35. krishnaDecember 30, 2017 at 5:14 PM

    Happy new year dear.. waiting to see the big changes you are talking about..

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  36. Simply LKJDecember 30, 2017 at 5:37 PM

    It's been quite a year, hasn't it? 2017 brought about change for our family for sure! Some expected, some not, some good, some sad...but one thing remained, we serve a Mighty God who gave us nothing we couldn't handle without him by our side. I know we will face change in the coming year as well, but I personally am trying to face them with a much better attitude than this year because sometimes change is God's way of redirecting back to Him and His path for our lives. Anything He wants for us truly is far better than anything we could dream up! Ok, I am thinking this is going to turn in to a blog post of its own. Thanks for inspiring me to look inwards as always sweet friend.

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  37. CherylDecember 30, 2017 at 6:28 PM

    Happy New Year, Diana! God bless you, my friend.

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  38. TheresaDecember 30, 2017 at 6:37 PM

    We will move forward, some of us kicking and screaming. A new year ahead! I am going to try really hard to drag this year out as if in slow motion❤️ Have a blessed new year, I will pray for ALL who have had losses and sadness🙏🏼. I will keep those close in pray who have had sickness🙏🏼. I will rejoice with those who have great things happening. Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way.

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  39. Katie MansfieldDecember 30, 2017 at 6:50 PM

    Great post. Sweet, bj. I think of and pray for her often. I can't wait to hear of your changes.

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  40. ~Lavender Dreamer~December 30, 2017 at 7:01 PM

    We all get to know our favorite bloggers and care about each and every one of them. It's been a hard year for so many but as you mentioned there have been a lot of things to celebrate. I appreciate that you keep us in the loop on so many of these! Blessings to you my friend and Happy New Year! Hugs!

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  41. Debby RayDecember 30, 2017 at 7:14 PM

    It seems like 2018 will be a year of change for us too...at least if things continue to proceed. Yes, it has definitely been a year of blessings and sorrows but God has been there through it all. I don't know how anyone gets through life without Him. Looking forward to hearing what's on the horizon for you in 2018. I am glad to have gotten to "know" you this year! Happy New Year, my friend! ♥

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  42. Patti @ Pandoras BoxDecember 30, 2017 at 7:19 PM

    What a sweet post! Wishing you a wonderful 2018!!

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  43. Pom PomDecember 30, 2017 at 7:26 PM

    Blessings to you, dear Diana! Changes? I hope they are exciting changes!

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  44. DonnaDecember 30, 2017 at 7:54 PM

    Happy New Year, sweet Diana! Wishimg you the very best in 2018! Hugs! xoxo

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  45. Rose LDecember 30, 2017 at 8:19 PM

    Happiness and health and love to you and yours in the new year!

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  46. Linda @ Life and LindaDecember 30, 2017 at 8:40 PM

    Wonderful post Diana. There is always sorrow and then happiness. One passes and another is born. That is life and we must all meet our maker at one point in our lives. Losing a loved one takes it’s toll, but we must move forward. Looking forward to a bright new year. Many blessings to you. Xo

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  47. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 30, 2017 at 11:03 PM

    Looking forward to seeing where you'll end up Diana! You always manage to keep us guessing, don't you?

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  48. Blondie's JournalDecember 30, 2017 at 11:46 PM

    You are a bright star in the world of blogging. Enough said.

    Love and hugs,

    Jane x

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  49. Ryoma Sakamoto.JapanDecember 31, 2017 at 3:20 AM

    Last year was a great year for you, and I know you’ll have an even better one this year.
    Ryoma.

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  50. Karen thisoldhouse2.comDecember 31, 2017 at 4:35 AM

    Happy New Year Dear Diana - may it bring all good things....

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  51. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaDecember 31, 2017 at 7:58 AM

    You have been a huge part of my joy in 2017, reading your posts and chatting with you. Looking forward to sharing life with you in 2018! xoxo

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  52. PamDecember 31, 2017 at 8:26 AM

    Wonderful post. Happy New Year to you.

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  53. A Joyful CottageDecember 31, 2017 at 9:46 AM

    Happy New Year, Diana!

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  54. LindaDecember 31, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    And to you Diana...very nice meeting you this year...may we continue our friendship...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  55. Judy at GoldCountryCottageDecember 31, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Happy New Year to you and yours, Diana. Time does march on even though we would like it to "slow down" at times. Here is to a Happy, Healthy New Year to each and everyone and continued friendships, new and old..xxoJudy

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  56. Carla from The RiverDecember 31, 2017 at 2:37 PM

    Happy New Year my dear friend.
    Wishing you the best for 2018!
    We will have some changes, as our Sam will graduate from high school and will move on to college. I also have some big ideas for my flower business, I am excited to continue to work on that.
    Lots of love,
    Carla

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  57. This N ThatDecember 31, 2017 at 2:45 PM

    Lovely post Diana.You have pretty much said it all..I envy those who have the ability to say what they feel..I was never very good at that..Time marches on whether we like it or not..All the best to you and your beautiful family in 2018..BTW how's your hubby doing??

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  58. Celestina MarieDecember 31, 2017 at 3:09 PM

    Hi Diana, such a beautiful post my friend. Wishing you and your family the very best in 2018. I pray it will be a wonderful blessing to you all. Happy New Year!!!xoxo

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  59. MelanieDecember 31, 2017 at 6:56 PM

    Happy New Year, Diana...I'll be looking forward to hearing what's going on in your life for 2018!

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  60. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerDecember 31, 2017 at 7:09 PM

    Wishing you a happy, healthy and blessed New Year...I'm praying your changes are positive. Next year will be changes that came so unexpected and hope I'm up to the challenge.

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  61. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryDecember 31, 2017 at 9:04 PM

    Happy New Year dear friend. Beautiful post. Hoping that 2018 will bring everyone much happiness. Which daughter is moving?

    Lots of hugs,

    Mary

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  62. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeJanuary 1, 2018 at 7:01 AM

    Such a great post to end 2017 and begin 2018. Looking forward to a new year of blogging. Isn't it funny how you think, "How will I ever come up with posts for this next year??" and then you look back and go 'wow -- I managed to do it'! HAHA! Looking forward to hearing more from you this year! Happy New Year!

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  63. Busy Bee SuzJanuary 5, 2018 at 8:15 AM

    It's just crazy how fast the Christmas holiday sneaks up and then like a flash, it's gone again. Wishing you and yours a lovely new year; hoping 2018 is kind to us all. XOXO

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  64. Leena Milligan LanteigneJanuary 9, 2018 at 1:16 AM

    Hi Diana! Thank you so much for thinking of me! I cherish your kindness and friendship and look forward to another year of reading your blogs and trading emails! You always make me laugh, which is a big help these days! I pray and wish for this year to bring much health, happiness, joy and love to you and your beautiful family! Take care, dear friend! Hugs and love!

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