I took some much needed time to spend with my family in the days following Christmas so I have only been dropping in occasionally. Sadly, I read the news that fellow blogger Mary Smith’s cancer journey came to an end. I am so sad we lost Mary and as much as we all loved her, I am sure our feelings pale in comparison to those of her family. This community lost another strong, welcoming, and supportive member. It is a loss we will feel for years to come.
Since my family left, I have taken some time to reflect on the past year and think about my intentions for the year to come. I never make resolutions, but one thing I do try to do is find a focus or an intent for the coming year.
December also has some grief anniversaries for me of which I try to stay above a sense of sadness and focus on celebrating the lives that played such an important part of helping me develop into the person I would become. Hard nonetheless.
2021 had its ups and downs. I had moments of hope for the virus declining and we all know those hopes were dashed. I now know several people fully vaccinated and boosted who have contracted the virus. Sadly, it was to be expected as long as the virus had a place to mutate and spread. Guidances are changing again. Shorter quarantine times (which some doctors disagree with) and a move away from cloth masks to N95, KN95, or 3-ply surgical masks. Trying to stay one step ahead of (or at least in sync with) the virus becomes more and more challenging.
I am making some minor changes to my blog and I hope to move back to writing more from my heart which is how I started this journey. I won’t say I will not continue some of the weekly prompts and challenges, but when I do, I hope the content will be more based in actually saying something that gives readers a glimpse of who I am. I hope to continue the Thursday Throwback prompt with Lauren – at least until it has run its course.
This community has become such an important part of my life and I value you, dear readers and fellow writers more than you can imagine. As in any other community, I think our role is to add something to make it better – or at least no worse – than we found it. That is my goal.
I remain ever optimistic and hopeful for the future.
I was saddened by Mary’s passing too, Maggie. I hope you have a Happy New Year
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John, Mary’s passing has been hard to process. I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year as well.
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Mary’s death was expected but still a sad blow.
You’re right writing something that means something to us is important.
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It is hard to come to terms with the passing of someone who was so kind and generous. It is so easy for me to fall into lazy writing and I want to do better.
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She was both kind and generous. And so brave. I hope when my time comes, I can be as brave and pragmatic as she was.
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I have had similar thoughts, Sadje.
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❤️🤗
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Looking forward to whatever you decide to do in 2022, Maggie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you, Pete.
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Good post Maggie. Happy New Year to you and your family.
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Thank you, Di. I look forward to an engaging 2022. Happy New Year to you as well.
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Thank you!
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Happy New Year to you!
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Thank you, Jim. The best of the new year to you.
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A beautiful post Maggie , I really hope you will fulfill your hopes for the coming year love to you and yours for the new year 💜
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Willow, thank you. I look forward to a continued exchange in our community in 2022. The best and brightest of the new year to you and your family.
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Thank you so much dear friend, wishing you and yours all the best 💜
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May you and your family be blessed with contentment and good health for 2022 Maggie.
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So kind of you, Peter. I know we will have continued challenges, but I hope 2022 will be kinder. Sending you wishes for happiness and health in the new year.
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I hope you continue to share yourself in the blogging community. You are a gifted writer and a wonderful friend.
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I will be here, just hoping to infuse my posts with a little more of the authentic me.
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Happy New Year Maggie.
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Thank you, John. Happy New Year to you as well.
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I echo your desire to share more of your heart in the blog. It is a delicate walk between holding back and disclosing too much in a online forum. I will enjoy seeing how each of us tries it out in 2022.
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A new year filled with new opportunities.
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Happy New Year, Maggie! Here’s to good intentions and memorable times as we start another walk around the sun!
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It is so good to see you, Darren. I tried to send you a note through your contact form, but I got an error message. I am glad to see you are well. The best of 2022 to you!
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