The first day of the New Year is a cold and rainy event in Elizabeth City. The little town is quiet this morning-as far as I know, I could be the only one awake from the looks around. Street lamps may burn all day today.
Will and Jenny attended a fancy affair last night. They came home not long after the sound of fireworks proclaimed the new year. Lyla had been asleep a while and I was on the third series of Downton Abbey when the sky “cracked and snapped”- and light cascaded down in all sorts of hues.
I do not ponder “resolutions”. As it turns out, I often do poorly at keeping them and then there is a sense of failure and shame that I ate cookies within two weeks or cut my own hair in January. I do not wander about aimlessly, however. Instead, I self reflect, about daily. I do think about things that I would like to happen-but I am older now and realise that the most wonderful things I have ever known, were not my own plans. In light of this, I just expect things to work out-or pass. Living with an open heart is far from reckless behavior but in fact, takes a lot of self-discipline-and courage too, at first. I do not think it is irresponsible to practice our best behavior and expect the best.
I have found that I need less “things” than I used to. “Time is better than money” rings true for me. I would as soon watch a redbird in a young peach tree than most things. I would rather cook a pot of beans for my sons and talk while they simmer, than eat “high on the hog” because I worked a second job. Strolling with Lyla is a better way to get around, than driving a new car-for me. When it gets down to it-a cold glass of water is desired above champagne, when you work in a garden.
Of course, I am expecting to live abundantly in the new year. I am waiting for blessings ” beyond my wildest expectations” to unfold quite naturally . What I do while I wait, will make all the difference.
Already, the new year has been kind to me. Christopher Robin is home safe and sound! He sashayed across the rabbit patch like he had been away watching blue jays quarrel for an hour. He was hungry, but showed no signs of wear and tear, otherwise. I thought of all the prayers that had been lifted on behalf of this cat. Words of comfort and well wishes flooded in -and I felt humbled by it.
There is a lot of beauty in this world. Whatever we look for in the new year, we are going to find, or so it often seems. From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone abundance, peace and love-and “The Greatest of these is Love.”
I am so glad 2017 has started out with the arrival of Christopher Robin. Bringing so much joy to you. Brings a smile to me. Blessings to you and your Lovely Rabbit Patch.
I love your post, too. But I got so excited about Christopher Robin, I forgot to say so! I’m so happy for you. Silly cats. Maybe they have the right idea about New Year’s resolutions. 🙂
Yes ma’am. Skunk disappeared during that time, too. Isn’t that crazy? I was starting to think he was gone for good. But, he came back and has been laying on the floor asleep. So sweet. Love these kitties.
What a great way to start the new year with the arrival of Christopher Robin!!! I can just picture him sashaying across the yard on his way to the house.
I grinned when you said you felt guilty about cookie eating and cutting your own hair. I have apologized countless times to the beautician for cutting my bangs. (I just got to the point I could not take it anymore).
Blessings upon blessings to you, my friend!
So thankful that Christopher Robin is home! I couldn’t imagine if Wylie was missing…..
Oh how I love Downton Abbey! I started watching about in the middle of the series. I gave myself the complete series and am just waiting for some cold/snowy days to start watching from the beginning!
Ohhhhhhhhhh! I am so happy to hear that Christopher Robin is back home safe and sound! I never stopped praying for him each night. Thank you for letting us know such wonderful news! A great way to start 2017. Happy New Year!!!
I am so sorry to have missed some of your posts but was away with family. I had no idea your cat was missing and am glad for his safe return. I wish you and yours all the best for this coming year. I have loved getting to know you!
Same here, give a good hug to Christopher robin on my behalf and a good scolding for going away from mum. Love, love, loved your post. I am the same don’t really believe in resolutions. but i love the line “In light of this, I just expect things to work out-or pass” and the end is just so perfect.
Thank you for directing me to this newest post! (I typically don’t see them in my email until the day afterwards). In addition to being completely in line with what I am already feeling about the New Year, I found out that Christopher Robin is home safe and sound! I was actually rather worried….. Great news!!!!
Happy New Year! I’m so happy to hear that Christopher Robbin is home safe! I too try to live with an open heart and open mind. There is a vulnerability in living that way, but I find the world sweeter and people kinder through my rose colored glasses. Wishing you all the best in 2017. I’ve fallen in love with the Rabbit Patch and your voice!
I also find my perspective of life changes as I age. You have voiced many of my thoughts in this post, a lovely post indeed. I let life bring me what it may and I deal with each good or bad event as it enters my life. So glad Christopher Robbin returned home. My favorite thing in life is to sit and watch nature and enjoy photographing all its wonders.
I cannot begin to tell you the feeling which rushed into my heart when I read that dear Christopher Robin is back home.
He will never know of the heartache he caused by having a ‘holiday’; nor will he understand why everyone was sending prayers, heaven bound, asking for him to be returned to you safely and unharmed.
Thank you Lord for answering our prayers adn delivering Christopher Robin back to the Rabbitpatch safe and sound.
Rabbit … I don’t know him (C.Robin) but I love him, for he is your cat, and your friend. You love him, and so I love him.
May God bless and keep you both safe. I love having you in my life Rabbit. You, are a blessing.
Sending squidges ~ Cobs. x
your beautiful heart moves me-I like you, love the pets of those dear to me, just because-it is the same with people too, really. I am just thankful that we met. xoxoxo
Oh your darling Christoper Robin is back home where he belongs. What a delight! Lovely way of counting your blessings. By the way I am a fan of Downton Abbey!
Yeah Christopher Robin has come home !! a sure sign that all will be well for 2017, if you take pleasure in nature you are sure to be bestowed in blessings in abundance, wishing you peace, happiness & love x
That is what I think! It was a sweet way to start the year! and I am expecting a beautiful year-You know I hope that for you too! thank you for your sweet comments.
This post made the happy: the good news about Christopher Robin, the laugh I got from learning that at some point you resolved not to cut your own hair and then did so in January, your thought that living with an open heart is not reckless and takes courage, your wishes for your readers to have abundance, peace and love in the new year. I hope your new year fills your open heart with happiness every day.
I guess I am just going to cry everytime I read your touching words, Thank you and I sure hope the new year is especially sweet for you. You are so dear to me.
“…the most wonderful things I have ever known were not my own plans.”
Couldn’t agree more.
Glad to hear the naughty kitten has come home “wagging his tail behind him.”
Your writing is beautiful and full of abundance. No new year resolutions for me either. Happy new year to you and I wish you continued peace, love and joy in the simple things. xo
rabbitpatchdiarycom 
I am so glad 2017 has started out with the arrival of Christopher Robin. Bringing so much joy to you. Brings a smile to me. Blessings to you and your Lovely Rabbit Patch.
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thank you! I knew you would be happy!
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Your life sounds perfect.
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It works for me-tho I have to remind myself sometimes. thank you!
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Woooooo hooooooo for Christopher Robin!!!!
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I knew you would be happy! You were such a blessing during that dreadful time!! xoxoxo
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I love your post, too. But I got so excited about Christopher Robin, I forgot to say so! I’m so happy for you. Silly cats. Maybe they have the right idea about New Year’s resolutions. 🙂
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awwh-you are always so sweet to hear from-I knew you would be so happy about Christopher Robin!
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Yes ma’am. Skunk disappeared during that time, too. Isn’t that crazy? I was starting to think he was gone for good. But, he came back and has been laying on the floor asleep. So sweet. Love these kitties.
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What a great way to start the new year with the arrival of Christopher Robin!!! I can just picture him sashaying across the yard on his way to the house.
I grinned when you said you felt guilty about cookie eating and cutting your own hair. I have apologized countless times to the beautician for cutting my bangs. (I just got to the point I could not take it anymore).
Blessings upon blessings to you, my friend!
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haha! thank you! I hope your year is just beautiful! xoxox
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So thankful that Christopher Robin is home! I couldn’t imagine if Wylie was missing…..
Oh how I love Downton Abbey! I started watching about in the middle of the series. I gave myself the complete series and am just waiting for some cold/snowy days to start watching from the beginning!
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I love it too-enjoy the first chance you get!
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Ohhhhhhhhhh! I am so happy to hear that Christopher Robin is back home safe and sound! I never stopped praying for him each night. Thank you for letting us know such wonderful news! A great way to start 2017. Happy New Year!!!
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you are such a sweet hearted person! I am so thankful we met! thank you! Happy new year to you too!
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I am so sorry to have missed some of your posts but was away with family. I had no idea your cat was missing and am glad for his safe return. I wish you and yours all the best for this coming year. I have loved getting to know you!
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Same here, give a good hug to Christopher robin on my behalf and a good scolding for going away from mum. Love, love, loved your post. I am the same don’t really believe in resolutions. but i love the line “In light of this, I just expect things to work out-or pass” and the end is just so perfect.
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welcome back-I am glad to have met you-I hope your new year is just beautiful!
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Thank you for directing me to this newest post! (I typically don’t see them in my email until the day afterwards). In addition to being completely in line with what I am already feeling about the New Year, I found out that Christopher Robin is home safe and sound! I was actually rather worried….. Great news!!!!
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thank you-I knew you would be glad and I hope this new year is especially beautiful for you!
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Happy New Year! I’m so happy to hear that Christopher Robbin is home safe! I too try to live with an open heart and open mind. There is a vulnerability in living that way, but I find the world sweeter and people kinder through my rose colored glasses. Wishing you all the best in 2017. I’ve fallen in love with the Rabbit Patch and your voice!
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I also find my perspective of life changes as I age. You have voiced many of my thoughts in this post, a lovely post indeed. I let life bring me what it may and I deal with each good or bad event as it enters my life. So glad Christopher Robbin returned home. My favorite thing in life is to sit and watch nature and enjoy photographing all its wonders.
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I cannot begin to tell you the feeling which rushed into my heart when I read that dear Christopher Robin is back home.
He will never know of the heartache he caused by having a ‘holiday’; nor will he understand why everyone was sending prayers, heaven bound, asking for him to be returned to you safely and unharmed.
Thank you Lord for answering our prayers adn delivering Christopher Robin back to the Rabbitpatch safe and sound.
Rabbit … I don’t know him (C.Robin) but I love him, for he is your cat, and your friend. You love him, and so I love him.
May God bless and keep you both safe. I love having you in my life Rabbit. You, are a blessing.
Sending squidges ~ Cobs. x
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your beautiful heart moves me-I like you, love the pets of those dear to me, just because-it is the same with people too, really. I am just thankful that we met. xoxoxo
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Me too, Rabbit. x
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Wishing you a blessed year. 😊
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you too-every day of it!
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Oh your darling Christoper Robin is back home where he belongs. What a delight! Lovely way of counting your blessings. By the way I am a fan of Downton Abbey!
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thank you!
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Yeah Christopher Robin has come home !! a sure sign that all will be well for 2017, if you take pleasure in nature you are sure to be bestowed in blessings in abundance, wishing you peace, happiness & love x
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That is what I think! It was a sweet way to start the year! and I am expecting a beautiful year-You know I hope that for you too! thank you for your sweet comments.
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This post made the happy: the good news about Christopher Robin, the laugh I got from learning that at some point you resolved not to cut your own hair and then did so in January, your thought that living with an open heart is not reckless and takes courage, your wishes for your readers to have abundance, peace and love in the new year. I hope your new year fills your open heart with happiness every day.
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I guess I am just going to cry everytime I read your touching words, Thank you and I sure hope the new year is especially sweet for you. You are so dear to me.
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“…the most wonderful things I have ever known were not my own plans.”
Couldn’t agree more.
Glad to hear the naughty kitten has come home “wagging his tail behind him.”
Peace to you, in this new year and always.
Paz
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thank you darling-I am glad that hateful cat is back too-worried me like a curse-but oh how I love him!!
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Your writing is beautiful and full of abundance. No new year resolutions for me either. Happy new year to you and I wish you continued peace, love and joy in the simple things. xo
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thank you- I am so behind! Please know I appreciate your comment though I am slow! It still means the world to me!
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That’s quite ok. I’m behind too, in so many things. But thank you!
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