We measure a year in months and milestones
Birthdays and other anniversaries
The goals achieved, honours received
And various victories.
These things we dream of, yearn for, live towards
The dates forecast in calendars
And marked off by celebrations
Of our lives.
I wish you all that and more.
But when I wish you a happy new year
I know there will also be struggles
And challenges, and dirty dishes
Because this is life.
And so I wish you:
**
Laughter
For when things turn out crazy
Faith
On days of loss or disappointment
Wisdom
In times of uncomfortable change
Delight
In the small things, not just the big ones
Gratitude
For the gifts you’ve had and will receive
Hope
For tomorrow and the morrow after
Health
To do the things you most enjoy
Peace
In the fact of your humanity.
**
From my family to you: our best wishes for the year ahead.
God bless.
Cynthia Reyes 
Happy New Year. Great pictures and reminders that each year encompasses the good, the bad, the happy, the sad–it’s one huge mixed bag.
Well noted. I need the reminders too! Happy New Year.
Beautiful wishes, Cynthia. I’m hoping the same for you and yours!
Thank you, Becky. Same here!
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy New Year, Cynthia!
You are right, we cannot order life à la carte. We get whatever the chef serves us, for better or worse. It is the whole experience we must embrace.
Thanks, dear Lavinia. You know well of what you speak. As do I. Though sometimes I need the reminders too.
Lovely, happy post. Happy New Year Cynthia to you and yours.
Thank you! Happy New Year.
Thanks my Sister….the same to you and yours.
Thank you, my dear.
May you have a splendid year, Cynthia
And you, Derrick! Thank you.
A beautiful post. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thank you, double. Hope your year is off to a good start.
A beautiful post and a beautiful to start the new year. Bless you.
And you, Paula. Bless you.
What a beautiful post Cynthia! You have such a gift for words. I hope you know how much you touch my heart and others. This post is the perfect start to my new year, like a personal guidepost, full of beauty, wisdom, and love. Since I don’t have those big joys or accomplishments, I will try to grow my faith on small acts of kindness, my blog, my photos, and the love and support of this WP community. Thank you and many blessings for the new year. ❤
I’m honoured, Brad. Thank you. You send such goodness into the world, and here you are, doing it again. A most uplighting and affirming response. Thanks again.
You’re most welcome and deserving Cynthia. I find it easier to be kind and supportive online than in person. 🙂
Happiest & Healthiest New Year Cynthia!
And to you! May the bluebirds of happiness visit you again!
Happy new year to you and your family!
And to you, Robin! Thank you.
Bring it on!
Yes, bring it on!
The same for you and your beautiful family!!!!
And to you and yours, Laurie. Thank you for being you. Your new book, Library Lost, will be a great success! There’s one prediction for the new year.
A-w-w-w, thanks! And it looks as though “Myrtle’s Game” is going to be a great success, too.
Such a lovely post Cynthia. The very best wishes for 2019.
And to you! Thank you.
Beautiful post, Cynthia. I so enjoyed your photos, too. Wishing you and your family peace and joy in the new year.
Thank you, Jill. I hope all goes well with your new book and your writing. Give us an update!
Lovely, Cynthia. Wishing you and yours the same!
Thanks, Bette. And for all the times you have retweeted my posts. I am trying to follow your example, albeit I have to remind myself to do so!
A wonderful piece and fabulous start to a new year, Cynthia! Wishing you much joy, love, and peace in 2019! 🙂
Lovely to hear from you, Natalie, and thank you. I offer you my best wishes.
Wishing you and your family a year that brings you all you need and much that you hope for. Thank you for all you share with us – thoughts, images, hopes, encouragement and kindness.
Oh, margaret – thanks for this kind and lovely reply. I look forward to seeing a book of yours in print before long!
Thank you Cynthia. I wish you and yours the same!
Thank you, Allen. I always look forward to your posts. Who was to know that nature has such delights, many of them hidden until we really look?
Such a wonderful composition, Cynthia. It gives me strength for whatever may lie ahead. In any year there are burdens and blessings, and hardly ever in equal measure. Sending love and hugs.
Well said, dear Gallivanta. Burdens and blessings, sometimes so closely intertwined one hardly knows where the one ends and the other begins. My best wishes, dear girl.
Good wishes for everyone, Cynthia. The very best for you and your family. –Curt
And to you, Curt. Are you still world-travelling?
Yes, Cynthia. It’s a bit more North America travel right now, but we may head off to Scotland/Ireland this fall, or possibly Australia. –Curt
Lovely, Happy New Year!
Happy new year!
Such beautiful words Cynthia. Wishing you every good thing in 2019.
Thank you for that lovely wish. Happy and healthy new year!
Very lovely family photos. A happy and healthy 2019 to each of you. 🙂
Thank you, Judy. Best wishes for 2019.
Lovely to see all your pictures and read such wise words. Wishing you and your family every happiness in 2019. xxx
And to you, Liz. Keep on creating. I’m enjoying them. Thank you.
Thank you for the good wishes, Cynthia! Many blessings and a Happy New Year to you and yours xx
Thank you, and wishing you the same! Keep capturing beautiful moments, scenes and people, and sharing them with us!
Thank you Cynthia! xx
Happy New Year, Cynthia!
And to you, Jessica! I wish you strong legs, (and you will know that’s) because you need them for your interesting journeys!
What an absolutely lovely and heartfelt wish…thank you so much. Wishing you and your wonderful family all the best in this new year.
As is your reply, Karen. Thank you very much, and my best wishes to you.
Beautiful post… and wishing you a lovely and bright 2019, Cynthia.
Lovely to hear from you, Iris! Keep up the work with the beautiful poems.
Such a lovely post. Hope your New Year is beginning on a good note and that the rest of 2019 brings you all the things you wish for, Cynthia. ❤
What a lovely wish, dear Elizabeth. Thank you. I wish you health and strength and I hope to see the continued results of your creativity on your blog and Facebook. How’s the painting going, you talented artist you?
Other than a very messed up version of the Goblin King I did for a friend as a Christmas gift, I’ve done nothing. I feel as if I’m on stand by mode. Can’t imagine what I’m waiting for though. lol. Thank you, Cynthia. ❤
I hear you. I have long such periods myself. Something will trigger your painting again, and before you know it, you’ll be wielding a paintbrush on canvas!
What a gorgeous way to ring in the New Year – for you and for us, your readers. Thank you! ❤
You are most welcome, and I thank you for such a kind comment. Thanks also for your interesting posts.
Back atcha. 🙂
Happy new year, Cynthia. Lovely post with such good reminders.
Thanks, val. My best to you and also your lovely creative work.
Thanks. Sorry for delay in replying, haven’t been well.
Get better soon, Val. I’m sorry to hear.
Thanks, Cynthia. I’m getting better slowly.
My goodness–what a perfect post! You’re a rockstar, Cynthia! When I feel glum I’ll come back and re-read . . .
Ah, Kerry. You know how to make a person’s day, my friend. Thank you for sharing with us your creative work, and the thoughts you put into the world. You are an interesting, accomplished woman and I love your blog.
What a thoughtful and simply beautiful post, Cynthia. Wishing you all the very best for the new year and always. Very happy to have met you here in cyberspace. xx
Annette! Lovely to hear from you! And to read your kind comment. I look forward to reading your post in 2019. My best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for your wonderful and wise wishes Cynthia and hoping that the new year brings all good things to you all.
Thanks for your kind wish, Andrea. Same here. I look forward to more of your gorgeous writing too!
Each of these is something to both be grateful for in the past and present, and to hope for in the future. Thank you for your wonderfully kind thoughts; I wish them for you and your family as well. The best of everything to you …. Jeanne
Thank you, Jeanne , for your kind wishes. I look forward to reading about your adventures and ventures in 2019!
What beautiful pictures of you, your family, your friends, and your surrounds (Wow, gothic windows and pets looking out!). Best wishes to you and those you love, Cynthia! I’m in Houston volunteering with AllHands again. Home renovation fun! Will be looking forward to your posts this year. Spring coming up before we know it!
It’s lovely to hear from you, Beth. I’m so glad for your update! This sounds like such an interesting project and rewarding too. Have fun! Looking forward to a post when you come home.
Stunning picture and story…wish you in 2019 continued good health, prosperous and joy..
Thank you, Mihrank. I hope the music goes well, and that 2019 is off to a good start for you and your family.
Right back atcha! I hope 2019 brings joyous wonders your way!
Happy new year!
Cheers
MTM
Thanks, deat M T. Best wishes for your family and you, and for your writing too.
Oh such a delightful post dear Cynthia … wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year!
Thanks, Julie, and I’ll once again have to check in to see if you have a new post. They are always so uplifting, and your photography is luminous.
You rock! Visa versa 2UX2.
Ditto, kiddo!
Oh, Cynthia. Beautiful year, beautiful shots. Wishing you an abundance of blessings in 2019!
And to you and your family, K.
Hi Cynthia, So pleased to ‘meet’ you. Thank you for the beautiful photographs and ‘revelations’ about yourself and family – for your words and photos reveal so much that is good! Glad you liked my post. I’m an ancient, eclectic writer with a passion for words. Peace, love, family and friends are all. Have a healthy, happy 2019. Best wishes.Joy
And a passion for storytelling, I hasten to add. Thank you for visiting. I think it’s the first time I’ve shown pictures of my whole family here, because I usually respect their privacy, but I asked and they were fine, so it felt right.
Wonderful post to send your wishes for the new year , Cynthia . The photos well worked become artwork and are a good illustration of your wishes .
Thank you and happy to year to you and yours that we see on the pictures .
By the way I have just posted an entry inspired by one of the yours about the earthenware .
Love ❤
Michel
Merci, mon ami Michel. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
A beautiful New Year’s message from a beautiful family! 😊
What a kind thought, Annie. My best wishes and thanks.
Beautiful pictures Cynthia! Best wishes to you and your family this year!
Cynthia, hoping you’re having a magical start to the New Year. It’s lovely to see a glimpse of your celebrations and beautiful photos and thoughts for the year ahead. Warmest wishes to you and your family for 2019 and best of luck with your latest book! An exciting venture for you and your daughter. hugs xx
Thanks, Annika. Take good care of yourself, my friend!
This is such a wonderful post, Cynthia. Thank you so much! I hope this year has started well and will continue peacefully and healthily. I wish you and Lauren all the best with ‘Myrtle’s Game’. I received it in the post a few days ago; such an encouraging book!
I’m doubly grateful, Clare. Thank you for liking the post and thank you very much for getting the book! I’m honoured.
It is my pleasure, Cynthia.