Close the chapter of last year with a smile and reflection. Allow excitement and joy to bring in your new tomorrow. (Unknown source)
Back when I did more journal writing in notebooks instead of here on One Writer’s Journal, I used to always take time to write down the joys of the passing year on New Year’s Eve. It’s a great time to consider the good and sometimes the bad that filled out the year. Generally, each year brings some of both, but it’s good when the joys outshine the sorrows. And even when the sorrows came, they were balanced by the good.
This year we had some bumps and bruises as most families do. In March, my husband had a bad fall that resulted in a fractured arm that led to a hospital stay before it was surgically screwed back together. I had a book deadline zooming toward me. He had a long road back to being able to use his arm and hand. But his arm healed. I got my book written and sent off at almost the same time my 2025 release, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford, showed up.
Answered prayers for both. And before May sped by, we were both ready to celebrate with one of our granddaughters graduating from college with her teacher’s degree. Then not long after that, she and her long time best guy had a beautiful wedding. My son looks like a proud dad walking her down the aisle. She wanted to have an outdoor wedding but the rains came pouring down. But they had a back-up plan that didn’t involve umbrellas and all went well.
Great news came for one of my other granddaughters as she got accepted at a vet school and is on her way to achieving her goal of being a veterinarian. My other grandchildren are all beginning to spread their winds and fly toward their own goals. Many blessings to count.
A highlight of my writing year was my daughter going with me to the Columbus Book Festival. It was such an eye-opening experience to see the thousands of readers who showed up to meet the authors and carry home books. A real boost to see so many booklovers in one place.
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The year was good in many everyday ways too. Best days to enjoy as I walked miles on my farm with my dog, Frankie. My other dog, Marley, had to start staying in the yard as his joint problems have worsened until he struggles to stay on his feet on rough ground. Dogs do get old. I’m getting exercise now helping him up when he struggles to get his feet under him. Another of those bumps in life’s road. But he’s still mostly happy.
Another blessing is that I got to take more pictures of butterflies, sunrises, and other wonders of nature and share them here and on my Facebook page.
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler
The year does seem to have flown by. They say that when you start feeling the rush of the days that it means you’re getting old. And I guess I am. Everybody is. Even those precious little ones. But no matter your age, each day can bring its own beauty and blessings if only we look for them.
“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on.” — Hal Borland
What good things in 2025 can you celebrate as we move into 2026?
It doesn’t have to be a big thing. It can be a time of peace. A time of rest. A time of joy. As this year ends and the next begins, I wish you those good things and more.
Happy New Year!
The fireworks picture is thanks to one of my neighbors who lights up the sky each 4th of July. I can just watch the show from my backyard and get some great pictures.
Comments 10
This year flew by! A tough year in some ways. But Bob & I celebrated our 51st anniversary December 21. We lost his mom in July, but that gave us the opportunity to be with all the family, even his youngest brother from Washington State. A friend gave us a week at her condo in Cocoa Beach so we had an almost free vacation. And I was blessed to spend time with you, Ann, at the Kentucky conference. Loved talking with you again.
Author
It was fun seeing you at the Kentucky Writing Conference, Betty. So glad your writing is going well and that you are finding great stories to share with readers. Sorry about the loss of your mother-in-law. Never easy to say goodbye to your mother. I’m guessing she would have been glad that the family was able to be together to celebrate her life.
And how nice to have the gift of a nice vacation stay. Happy New Year. Thanks for sharing about your year.
Happy New Year. May it be filled with blessings beyond belief.
Author
What a sweet wish for my New Year, Sharon. Thank you and wishing the same back to you and yours.
Happy New Year!
Writing my own crochet patterns. Reading good books, watching old movies, and learning that I actually like coffee.
Author
I’ve never tried to learn to like coffee, Marti, but I’ve heard that many people can develop of taste for the brew. I’ll stick to tea. And wow, writing your own crochet patterns. That’s neat. My granddaughter has taken up crocheting and made several family members gifts.
Hope you have a blessed and busy New Year.
God has blessed me with quite a few new insurance clients this year and for next year!! My editing/proofing business is also going well, too!! Happy New Year to you and your family!!
Author
Good for you, Trudy. So glad that your business ventures are going well. I’m sure you are accomplished at both. Thanks for the New Year’s wishes. Send the same back to you.
I feel blessed this year that my husband and I just celebrated 40 years of marriage!.Also Tim is now in his 14th year of ministry 12 years in Kentucky and 2 years in Missouri! Our 2 sons Sean and Ben are doing well.I love being here in Kirksville where I can swim indoors and outdoors right down the street.I keep up on my exercising keeping my Parkinsons from advancing.iam very thankful for that! God bless you Ann, and hope you have a great 2026! Looking forward to more books!
Author
Congratulations on your 40 years together, Lynn. Wishing you many more. I hope you are able to keep your Parkinsons from worsening. My father-in-law had that and a lady in our church. It can be a very difficult disease. I’m sure your church is blessed by the two of you in their church.
Thanks for your kind wishes for my 2026. I’m hoping to get another book written and will see a new one come out in May. Love writing. Love hearing from readers too.