Well, hello there!
Wow. What a year it's been for me. I can't say it's been all good; financially it's been a little nerve-wracking. But on the whole it's been a pretty good time.
Everything IS bigger in Texas ..
I've enjoyed my DRH critters so very much ...
Sycamores in the sun ...
There is such simple, profound beauty here in the woods.
A banner year for butterflies.
I've learned my capacity for joy is boundless and that the tiniest thing can give me happy goosebumps.
My grandmother and a few of my aunts & uncles.
This year, through the magic of social networking (ugh. I hate the way that sounds!) I have found immense pleasure in getting to know my family (the children & grandchildren of these folks) in far-flung places like California, Utah and even Abilene. (Yes, that's in Texas but it's waaaay out there.)
Little Girl
And Chicken Love. Good grief. Who knew a little fluff ball-teenager-full grown parcel of poultry could give me so much pleasure. Or make me worry when they're sick, or cry when they meet an unfortunate and early demise.
Zuni
I think the older you get, the bigger your heart gets and the greater your ability to love. Either that or I am just nuts. (No, we are not taking a vote.)
My 'maters!
I so enjoyed my little garden. It was like Christmas everyday going to to see what new things had grown from the tiny seeds I had planted and nutured. It's just magic!
In Crockett
And as much as I relish and proclaim my hermit nature, I have enjoyed getting to know my community a little better. Appreciating the pretty old houses in Near Big Town ..
Somewhere around DRH
And the not-so-pretty ones that really intrigue me. Who lived and loved and grew up here?
Hannah & Maggie
Of course the kids and grandkids were amazing this year. Hannah has been a Texas girl for over a year now and seems to adore all things DRH.
Precious Trey
And Trey went from a precious bundle of joy to a drooling, smiling machine to a precious two-legged little man. I don't think he could be more loved.
Jared, Hannah & Mikey
Hooch, Trey & Ashley
It's been so awesome watching my kids with their families. Makes me think maybe I didn't do such a bad job afterall. (And no, we are not taking a vote on this one either.)
Sunset in DRH after a storm
It's been a scary, crazy year full of changes and upheavel and lots of sadness in the world. And there are those, I know, who suffered terrible losses and grief. I try to remember them in my prayers. But mostly I am just so grateful .. grateful for my life here with Dave & Mom, Maggie, Sassy, the chickens, dragonflies, box turtles and, yes, even the bobcats. It's not a life that everyone would find so appealing. But I am mighty glad God saw fit to plant me here.
Happy New Year, dear hermit. I pray that you will find lots to love, plenty of health, oodles of happiness and bushels of joy in 2010. Just remember to say thank you to The One who gives it all. Happy New Year!
Davey & Me!
