Year out, year in; begin again?

157 Replies

Have you ever tried to sum up your blogging year

in a photo?

Like this ~

2017 ~ Flowers and Friends, Wabi Sabi, and slightly out of focus!

Or in  a poem?

Like this ~where I play upon the titles from this year’s blog posts, plus the title from my first blog post in 2012.

 

T.i.c.k. t.o.c.k.

at my desk ~  on the road,

delving
into past and present:
Gandhi Jayanti;
chelonian tales with a difference;
t.i.c.k. t.o.c.k.

floral interlude

t.o.c.k.t.i.c.k.t.i.c.k.t.o.c.k.

from my desk
the great debate,
year out, year in,
begin again?

gallivanting and roses,

on the road, at my desk,

t.i.c.k.t.o.c.k.t.o.c.k.t.i.c.k

t.o.c.k….

 

Do any of the titles stand out for you? Or prompt you to remember a post of mine which you particularly enjoyed?

And, without researching, can you guess which title/words belong to 2012?

Would you like to have a go at a blog title poem?  Feel free to add it in the comments. I would love to read it.

As this year ends, and as I prepare for the next, I want to thank you for your wonderful  readership, support, and comments (and emails and visit ) in 2017.   As usual, and as is the case for most of us, this year has had its share of the good and not so good times; you’ve been with me every step of the way, and I love you for it.  Blessings and bon courage for whatever 2018 holds for you.

Aroha nui

Amanda Anne aka Gallivanta.

#loveyourshell

© silkannthreades

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157 thoughts on “Year out, year in; begin again?”

  3. Brenda Davis Harsham

    Amanda Anne, what beautiful flowers. Now I’m imagining celebrating Christmas with flowers from my own garden. Nope, can’t wrap my mind around it. One year I brought in thyme at summer’s end, and I made a wreath. That was as close as I will get, unless I move somewhere splendid like New Zealand. I did watch a bit of the Hobbit, and I marveled over the mountains yet again.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Brenda, even I, with my long residence in the southern hemisphere, find Christmas with sun and summer flowers a little unsettling. Some people opt for a Christmas dinner/celebration in our mid-winter but I haven’t followed that path, yet. As for thyme wreaths, they are lovely. I made a very small one for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary 10 years ago. That was probably the last time I had enough thyme in the garden to do such a thing. Hope your power stays on and you keep cozy. Sending warm thoughts.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Long live your thyme and oregano. You must have very happy bees. 🙂 There won’t be a thyme wreath this year but my parents will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this Feb. That, to me, is super WOW! No doubt to them, too.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      And I have enjoyed trying out more of your 1917 recipe finds. Suddenly had a thought…..the testers in the test kitchen of 1917 probably wouldn’t have imagined someone like you testing their recipes in a home kitchen in 2017. I expect those early testers would be pleased to see our modern kitchens

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      1. Sheryl

        I bet you’re right. Until you mentioned it, I hadn’t thought about the photos in quite that way, but it makes me feel good that that I’m able to share some of the recipes those women tested a hundred year ago.

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  6. Eileen

    I have been so self-centered for several months that I didn’t realize that I wasn’t getting posts from people I follow lately. I have about 900 older posts that I haven’t read during the challenges of care giving at home and writing my own posts as my way to stay in touch with my own inner challenges. I guess word press thought I was dead? I love your flower arrangements. The twenty degree temps have finally finished off the yellow and deep purple pansies outside my french doors. I will miss them. I don’t get much light in the apartment because of the porch and the woods behind us, so my indoor violets don’t bloom much, (also because I have neglected feeding them and some need re-potting!) So, your photos of flowers are a lovely gift right now. Thank you. You are so faithful about reading and commenting on my posts, I can’t imagine how you have time since you have so many followers and others you follow. Thank you for all the support you have given me this year particularly. I need to come outside myself more. There is nothing like either physical or emotional pain for making us self-centered. It’s time for me to work on that. Blessings…..

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Blessings to you, Eileen. The caregiver’s role which you described so well in a recent post is incredibly demanding. It requires constant giving of oneself, so I would say that anytime devoted to self is not self centered but self loving and/or self preserving. I am glad you enjoyed the flowers. They have been a way for me to keep my balance in this rocky world.

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Aww, thank you. Your remark about hearing my voice, made me wonder what it was like for the children of the Empire when they heard the King and Queen speak for the first time..https://youtu.be/3JyC6qw2D_s We are so used to politicians and leaders speaking these days (in fact often times they talk too much) yet the recorded voice was once something rare and very special! Hard to imagine that was so. 😉 Oh, I hope that doesn’t sound as though I am equating my voice to that of a King or Queen. 😀

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  8. Pingback: Thursday Thoughts – The Magic of One Photo | Leya

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Jean. The same to you. I may try your Salisbury Steak in the New Year. We had ‘nursery’ food for Christmas dinner. I made a shepherd’s pie with leftover roast lamb. One of my favourite comfort dishes.

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  11. Michele LaFollette

    Amanda, I plan to make the time to read back, as I only recently “met” you. I like your outlook and so I’m sure there will be many posts I like. I did enjoy “The Great Debate”. Very relatable. I found myself hoping you’d invest your time in what you love! I am doing more of that as I get older! Readers know of my love for the color pink, but I also love purple (hence my lavender photo and post). So, I also love your many references to the color purple. It was truly a pleasure to hear your voice in the old New Zealand poem, too…quite enchanting. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in supporting my new journey into blogging. Hugs and Kia Ora!
    Love, M

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Michele, Kia Ora, thank you for your kind words. I am hoping to respond to the blogger’s award you gave me some weeks ago. It may take me a while though. In the meantime, I have taken a much closer look at your header photo and I have realised that you have a card carousel. Oh my, what a delight! I have card carousel envy. Sending every good wish for 2018.

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      1. Michele LaFollette

        I just saw this! Really on top of things, here! My daughter goes back to school this weekend then I’ll have more time. Yes, I love old-fashioned cards. Love ribbon and wrap, too. Best wishes to you, too!

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  13. Mél@nie

    I’ve been thinking it over, and it’s impossible to sum up my blogging year in one photo… why? – as you know, we’ve travelled from May to the beginning of October to: Sicily, French-Catalan coast, Andorra, California(SF & Lake Tahoe), Big Island, Hawaii and Romania… but I’ll sum it up in one poem – “A Friend” by Gertrude Tooley Buckingham – I’m sure you’ll read my mind… 🙂

    “Just what is a friend; do you ask of me?
    I think it is one who will ever be
    Loyal and loving, what e’er may betide;
    One who will always stand close by our side
    With faith and trust and a fond, cheery smile
    Of understanding for us all the while;
    One who is ready to give us a hand
    As we struggle on through the shifting sands
    Of time: an honest, sincere friend is one
    Who will share our sorrows, our joys, our fun;
    And we know in him we can ever trust
    Till the time our bodies return to dust!”
    * * *
    1000 MERCI pour tes posts et bonne fin d’année! Merry holidays, health, joy, peace and love… ❤ HHH = huge heartfelt hugs, Mélanie Bedos

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Yes, you have had a very full year; one photo would not do it justice. A poem, however, is an excellent way to sum up a year or a special time. Your poem reminded me of one which I like very much. Actually it is a Friendship Blessing from the Anam Ċara by John O’Donohue

      A Friendship Blessing
      May you be blessed with good friends.
      May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.
      May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where
      there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness.
      May this change you.
      May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you.
      May you be brought in to the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging.
      May you treasure your friends.
      May you be good to them and may you be there for them;
      may they bring you all the blessing, challenges, truth,
      and light that you need for your journey.
      May you never be isolated.
      May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your anam ċara.

      Friendship and New Year Blessings to you, from Lady G. 🙂 🙂

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      1. Mél@nie

        1000 MERCI pour tout, Madame… I’m deeply grateful for all my “anam caras” = soul friends(soul-mates), and you’re one of them, since we’ve been on same wavelength for quite awhile… ❤

        I do believe that TRUE friendship is an act of recognition and belonging – the bonding of 2 souls… even though soul is supposed to be an intangible element that radiates all around the physical body – the equivalent of an ‘aura’. Once 2 souls have joined, they will always recognise each other. Whenever we feel a deep connection with another person in a heartfelt and trusting way, our "auras" will flow and fly together… O’Donoghue's lines are very nicel and they've reminded me an Irish saying:“A person without an 'anam cara' is like a body without a head.” 🙂
        * * *
        Joyeux Noël dans la joie et la paix… poutous! 🙂

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        2. Mél@nie

          @headless… there’s a funny Romanian saying:”if you’re headless or when your head is missing, it’s gonna rain in your throat…” – ad-hoc translation!!! 😀

      2. Eileen

        Wow! Love that, though it makes me a little uneasy about how good a friend I am. I help people see the humor even in the hard things and to laugh at themselves, but I am not good always at going where they are with them. One of the most healing experiences I ever had was when I was hurting badly about one of my handicapped grandchildren and as I expressed that pain, tears ran down my friend’s face.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          I suspect we all need different types of friends and friends with different qualities. An anam cara is the ideal but friendships don’t all have to be of the deepest, truest soul. Every friendship has its own value.

  15. Born To Organize

    I’m so happy to see a picture of you and to know your name. Amanda Ann! It’s beautiful and so are you.

    I don’t think I’ve been following along since 2012. I wish I could remember when we were first acquainted or how, but I don’t suppose it matters. Here we are. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and sending hope and cheer for the coming year.

    xo Alys

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Alys. I hope there will be quietness and peace for you after the exhaustion of flu and fire. Unfortunately, the dry conditions and wind here were perfect conditions for a scrub fire on the outskirts of the city today; I hope we don’t have a repeat of the fires we had earlier this year. All the very best, Amanda + Anne + Gallivanta. 😀 😀

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  16. Wendy L. Macdonald

    Lovely sweet peas and turtle. 🙂 Your blog title poem was intriguing, and I was way too inspired and curious not to give it a go. Here are the titles of my first blog posts of 2017 placed in order to create a “poem.” I omitted one section of a title because it threw the whole thing off.
    The pen of a ready writer
    I heard the Lord call my name
    Real love covers–not counts–wrongs
    Catch me when I fall
    God uses our brokenness
    When we abide in Him.
    🙂
    Blessings for 2018 & Merry Christmas ~ Wendy

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Wendy, you’re a gem and a poet. And I know why your blog titles fall happily into poetic form. It is because everything you write is a paen to your faith and your Creator. Blessings to you and your family, Wendy.

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  17. Boomdeeadda

    Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and be well ! Each passing year brings new friends to my life and for this I feel blessed. Sweet peas are one of my favourite garden flowers. They’re an annual here and such a treat over our short but awesome summer months. It’s about quality not quantity I like to think 😀 Cheers dear

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Boomdee, the sweet peas, along with all my other plants, have been shriveled by the run of hot days we’ve had recently. So I am glad I enjoyed them when they were at their best. Have a lovely festive season and happy travels in the New Year.

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  18. Lavinia Ross

    Thank you so much for being here, and sharing your life with readers. I have met many wonderful people through your blog, too! Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas season filled with joy and wonder. 🙂

    My blog post titles are all the same – just the month and year changes. 🙂

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      And thank you for being a faithful reader, Lavinia. Your blog titles are very orderly, and easy to navigate. 🙂 I like that, though I don’t seem to be able to impose that sort of order on my own blog titles. All the very best to you for Christmas and the New Year, with extra pats for the Salmon Brook Farm cats.

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Jo, and the same to you. I have just been enjoying your latest walk/climb. The header is a needlework piece which my mother did about 70 years ago, and which now hangs in my house. Thought a change of header for the New Year would be a good idea.

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  21. Mrs. P

    Darn! I’ve replied to this post twice and I’m not seeing it get posted. It’s a lovely post! I haven’t the energy to write it a third time but I did want to let you know that I read it…and did respond! ☹️

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Absolutely you responded. The comments on my posts are all moderated, and I am behind with moderation because I have been away. But full answer coming soon.

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  22. Tiny

    Wat a nice way of summing up a blogging year! And in your Wabi Sabi picture hides a familiar figure…a malachite toad. He lives in my house too 🙂 Dylan and I wish you a Happy Festive Season and many blessings for the new year!

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  23. Mrs. P

    What an awesome post! ❤️

    I have to admit that I have been a terrible blogger this year…and a sporadic follower as well. Since I set my sight on traveling, I found I was so busy that I hardly had time to document it. By the time I had space to write about it, the news was stale so I left the adventures to my memories and photos. I’d have to say that a picture that would sum up my blogging year would be most like a bin ball that bounced around wildly, only to get stuck in one of the flippers. And, I don’t own that sort of picture.

    As far as post titles, none stood out in particular but I have to say that I have enjoyed your readings, hearing your voice and seeing your face.

    I wish you many happy times and memories for the new year. I hope to be a better blogger next year, though my emphasis in the new year will be on finishing the Love Shack. I’ve gone to a shorter work week so that I can get it done before the end of next year!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Mrs P I am impressed by your goals and your ability to stick to them. Maybe next year your representative blog photo will be one of the completed Love Shack.
      Here’s to building and blogging and all good things in 2018. 🙂 🙂 And thank you for enjoying my blog posts.

      Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you Andrea. I have enjoyed doing the poetry and prose readings although my aim of improving my spoken fluency hasn’t yet been achieved. 😀 I guess it takes a while to teach an older dog new tricks! Thank you for listening. I really appreciate that.

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  26. shoreacres

    I’m not sure I’ve ever seen sweet peas. They grow here, but I can’t think of a single friend who gardens, sp that probably explains why I’ve never seen them. There are several species of native peas that appear in spring and summer, though: yellow, salmon, lavender, and coral. They’re all lovely.

    When I thought about which photo might best portray my year, I decided it would be the “selfie” I took of my shadow falling across the leaf-covered creek in Kansas. Each leaf surely signifies a person, an event, a photo, or a post that have fallen into the year. There’s no question that you’re one of the most colorful and vibrant that’s appeared!

    Like you, I have things I’d meant to complete in this past year, and didn’t. But another year awaits, ready to be filled.

    I like your new avatar, and that your name is now known. Many years ago, I wrote about the woman who brought about my own move from anonymity — a Cuban blogger named Yoani Sanchez. I hadn’t read these words of hers for a while, but they certainly ring true: ” “Once you experience the flavor of saying what you think, of publishing it and signing it with your name, well, there’s no turning back. One of the first things we have to do, a great way to begin to change, is to be more honest about saying what we think.”

    It’s another post I might rewrite and bring back. You can find it here.
    Isn’t it interesting that both of us moved toward more openness after five years?

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you for introducing me to Yoani Sanchez. She is a brave person. I doubt I would have the courage to use my own name if I were in similar circumstances. After all, it has taken me this long to even stamp my name on my blog, in a very peaceful, non-threatening environment.

      Glad you like my new avatar. I remember the ‘selfie’ photo, and how pleased you were with it at the time.

      As for the sweet peas, they have lost their lustre and perfume, partly because their season is ending, and partly because of the big dry we are experiencing. We are longing for rain. And I am longing for the winds to die down, so I can be relieved of the haze of allergens which is swirling around me. Signing off in a daze of supposedly non-drowsy antihistamines! Amanda. ps Have a lovely Christmas.

      Reply ↓
      1. shoreacres

        A Merry Christmas to you, too. I hope you receive some rain as a gift, and an end to the wind. This is the time of year when the Ashe juniper send their pollen flying, and it’s never pleasant when the north winds send it our way.

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Steve has sent me an article on ‘cedar fever’. In the light of that article, I will moderate my complaints about the allergens here. 🙂

        2. Gallivanta Post author

          Yikes! That article actually makes me feel a little more kindly towards the allergy makers here. Maybe I have it easy here , after all. 🙂

        3. Gallivanta Post author

          Feeling a bit better today, Steve, so either the pollen has subsided or the pills are more effective, or both. And thank you ever so much for keeping my name confidential for such a long period. I am still going to keep Gallivanta as a pen name for a while because I am fond of it.

  27. jaggh53163

    Amanda Anne – What a creative way to sum up your blogging year… and I love your new Gravitar. The best of everything to you and your family in the coming year. Judith Anne Guion

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      1. jaggh53163

        Amanda, Please cal me Judy. That is the name I use, always, but I wanted to include the Anne. You don’t see it spelled like that usually. I’m glad we share the name. 🙂

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  28. Sheila

    I love your poem – each line made me smile while remembering a different post. Thank you for all your floral interludes and inspiring thoughts about the world. Wishing you a wonderful new year!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Sheila, and thank you for being a dedicated reader. With the busy lives we lead, it always feels very special when people drop by to read and/or leave a comment. I wish I could invite you all in for a cup of tea or coffee or….. 🙂 All the best for 2018.

      Reply ↓
      1. Sheila

        That’s funny, I’m having some tea now so in a way we could be having our tea together even though we’re in different countries. If I’m ever in your neighborhood, I just might have to stop by for a garden tour in real time. 🙂

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        1. Gallivanta Post author

          A garden tour would be fun. But not this December for sure. It’s so dry and hot, everything is woebegone. 😦 I think this is the first summer I have failed to keep the grass green.

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      And the same to you and your family, and all the lovely creatures who entertain us via your blog photos. The sweet peas are indeed incredibly fragrant. 🙂

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  30. Liz

    What a fascinating approach to a year in blogging. I frequently find the titles of my posts to be the hardest to write. Perhaps one year I should have a mind to an end of year poem like this and see how it influences my choices! 🙂

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Cynthia, you are an astute reader! And you are a creative poet, so it would be fun to read a blog title poem by you. I imagine there might be a lot of purple featuring in its lines.

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  32. restlessjo

    What a wonderfully original approach! 🙂 🙂 But then you are! I’ll have to scan through my year and see if anything comes to mind. Floral interlude seems to ring a bell, and I love your sweet peas. It’s always a pleasure to have you around, Ann, and the warmth you bring with you. Gallivanting and roses must have been your first post?

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I should have known with your detective-like ability to navigate towns, and walks, and figure out timetables, that you would be the first to figure out my first post; it is indeed Gallivanting and Roses. And I still like it, simple as it is. Hope it’s not all slushy, wet snowy mess for you at the moment. Sending you some summer warmth for Christmas.

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  33. Kate Johnston

    Love the little poem of blog titles. I found 2017 to be a very strange year, with a lot of swift change that I have yet to catch up on. Enjoy the winding down of your year and I hope 2018 greets you with peace, joy, and good health. 🙂

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Kate. The poem was fun to put together; a little nonsensical, but fun. 2017 was certainly swift. I am trying to make these remaining days of 2017 last as long as possible. I am helped by the long summer-lit evenings. Joy, peace, and good happenings to you and your family.

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  34. Steve Schwartzman

    And a happy winding down of the year to you from Eve and me. We certainly enjoyed our second visit, which I have trouble believing took place almost a year ago already.

    Am I right that this is the first post in which you’ve revealed your first name?

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Yes, I have trouble believing your visit was almost a year ago. Such a lot has happened since, including massive changes on the earthquake damaged/obliterated coastal highway. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/96876343/massive-effort-underway-to-have-kaikura-coastal-highway-open-before-christmas

      And, you are right; this is the first time I have used my first name in a post. A bold, new step for me, but I think it is perhaps time to claim my digital space. Who knows, one day, my data may be an alternative currency or as valuable as bitcoin. Dream on! Every good wish for 2018.

      Reply ↓
      1. Steve Schwartzman

        May your name and data indeed become as valuable as bitcoin—but less volatile. And let’s hope you get your Christmas present of a reopened coastal highway. I noticed in the video that some of the local fauna have caused the work crews that will seal the road bed to un-seal the road bed. (I couldn’t get away with that in American English, in which roads get paved.)

        The video that automatically played after the one about the road said that visits to NZ have increased so much that some residents are calling for the imposition of a tourist tax to raise money to upgrade stressed infrastructure. The video focused on Queenstown. I remember how crowded the stores were and how hard it was to find a place to park our car there.

        Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          As the highway north reopened I chose to be contrary and travel south for the weekend. Only as far as Timaru. The road was busy but mostly with our NZ trucks and trade vehicles. So should we really be placing a levy on tourists when we use the infrastructure so heavily ourselves? The new Government wants to charge a tourist levy and is working out how to do this in an easy and practical way. Perhaps it will come about next year. But, really, the biggest threat to our infrastructure isn’t tourists, it’s earthquakes!

  36. Leya

    I am so glad to be your blog friend, and will always be. I have always felt that we connect – and if I ever get the chance to go to NZ again, I hope to meet you over a cup! Life is short, has its ups and downs and is filled with lovely people – if you let them in. Through blogging we find some of those precious ones. And you shine.
    Hope you will have a great year, 2018.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Awww… so kind, Ann Christine. In one of my earliest posts I wrote about penfriends and internet friends, and wondered how long internet friendships would last. Well, I am learning the answer to the latter; internet friendships are long lasting. I do hope we meet one day. My mother wrote to her penfriend for nearly 30 years before they finally met. I probably don’t have 30 years to spare, so let’s hope our meeting is sooner rather than later. https://silkannthreades.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/small-words-on-long-journeys/

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  37. KerryCan

    I’m glad you had such a good year of blogging, and that you are still hanging in there and writing regularly! It’s always a delight to see a new post in my reader–your view of the work is not like anyone else’s. My blogging year was “off”–too many stressful times to really maintain my Pollyanna persona!

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Ah yes, Pollyanna, our mutual friend; she’ll bounce back again, eventually. In the meantime, weave well, and rest, and rejoice, whenever you can. 🙂 🙂

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  38. utesmile

    It is hard to sum up the blog in one photo or poem, I couldn’t do it. Your photo is so you! I love your photos and arrangements you make. Thank you for being here, and sending the best wishes for you for 2018!

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  39. Clare Pooley

    I remember being very pleased to see your first post of the year as I had missed you! I loved the tick tock slowing down theme! I also enjoyed the mend or not mend clothes post and of course your excellent review of Cynthia’s book!
    Sweet peas are always a hit with me and they remind me that summer will return eventually xx

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  40. Clanmother

    I treasure our connection, which is now reach out to over 5 years. You have inspired me to open new doors and embrace the beauty of living in the moment. Here’s to another great year coming in 2018.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      And to welcome 2018, a special quote, which I am sure you know well

      “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

      “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

      And he replied:

      “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”

      And here is the story of the remarkable woman who wrote these words

      http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsehistory/2013/12/10/the-gate-of-the-year-minnie-louise-haskins-1875-1957/

      Thank you for inspiring me!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Sally. I hadn’t thought of the photo as a still life so I am now looking at it in a new light; a light of contentment. When I was taking the photo my main concern was trying to get the sweet peas in the most favourable light before the day ended. I don’t know if you ever look at Facebook but I was very happy to gift this properly thought out still life photo to writer and artist Juliet Batten. https://www.facebook.com/JulietBattenBooks/photos/a.371277862980806.1073741826.371273379647921/1358038587638057/?type=3&theater

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Since you cannot grow sweet peas I am glad to be able share mine with you. Most of the white ones in the vase are mine. The purple and pink sweet peas,and some of the white ones, were a gift from a friend. Despite the dry weather, they have had a glorious season.

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  44. Joanne Jamis Cain

    Today is my six year blogging anniversary! I’m getting ready to put a post up later. My sisters made me a book of my first three years of blogs and the second three years is on its way. You said you’ve been blogging since 2012 and I remember when you sent me a beautiful bookmark. Congratulations on another wonderful year!

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    1. Gallivanta Post author

      Thank you, Joanne, and congratulations; congratulations not just for your blog but also for the amazing way you have managed so many different aspects of your very busy life, and still come out smiling and with wisdom and grace. And, as I mentioned on your blog, I love, love, the gifts from your sisters.

      Reply ↓
  45. Mary Mageau

    Thank you for this beautiful post, Gallivanta. Yes, this closing year has been a good one and we are sad to see it close. Yet next year there will always be more sweetpeas for the home.

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I really find it very hard to believe we are at the end of another year. I haven’t done half the things I thought I would do but one thing I was glad to get going again was my blogging. And I was also pleased with the number of books I managed to read. All the best for 2018. I bet you’ll be travelling for some of it! 😀

      Reply ↓
  47. Mél@nie

    hey there from here! 🙂 I’ve loved all your posts and “yourshell”, too… ❤
    * * *
    @"have you ever tried to sum up your blogging year in a photo?…" – not yet, but your question-suggestion sounds really awesome, chère Amanda – avec French accent, of course… bonne santé, tons of inspiration & pensées affectueueses… ❤

    Reply ↓
  48. Su Leslie

    Beautiful photo, and (having only recently learned about wabi sabi) a lovely summary.
    I have been very glad to come along on your 2017 journey and to have you on mine.
    I am very taken with your blog title poem, but it makes me realise that at least some of your posts are not coming up in my feed. If you suddenly find an abundance of Su in your comments, you’ll know why 🙂 Meantime, I feel an urge to try my hand at poetry.
    Meri Kirihimete

    Reply ↓
    1. Gallivanta Post author

      I miss many posts Su. I am not sure where the problem lies. Maybe my feed gets lazy! But it’s been lovely to be in your company, too. Meri Kirimete and, feeder/reader willing, may our journey continue in 2018. 🙂

      Reply ↓
        1. Gallivanta Post author

          Many thanks for the link, Juliet. I hope many more people will enjoy your story. I have almost finished your book but I am making the last few pages last as long as possible. 🙂

    1. Gallivanta Post author

      They are a balm to me, too, but for a polar opposite reason; their sweet tenderness is keeping me cool in the middle of a heatwave. Sending you some summer heat and warm blessings. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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