And so 2018 begins

Today is the first day of 2018. Usually when I blog this time of year I look back with a summary of the past year. But today I am sharing just a small selection of my photos from 2017, as I doubt you really want to hear about what I have been up to, and anyways you can always go to my Index, or my Blog Archive list on the RHside there. So here are just a few pics from 2017....

 When I looked back to find some photos for this post, I realised we had had a very good year overall. I enjoyed scrolling back through memories of my year through my photos. Now we are retired we have had the chance to do some travel and for me, at least, to explore some arts and crafts that I have wanted to try.


 
I think these three quotes I found on the net sums it up...... 

 "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - CS Lewis

 "It’s so important to never stop playing ... to never stop learning or being inspired by new people and new challenges". Instagram.com/christicarterphoto/

"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life." - Amy Poehler, Harvard University from Sweetpeapath.blogspot 

I think the pinnacle of 2017 for me was being contracted to supply gifts featuring my photography for the visiting Setagya Sister City contingent and being awarded the "Colour Image of the Year", and runner-up "Photographer of the Year" at my photography group.

I wonder what 2018 will bring. For me I wish for the simple pleasures of time spent with family and friends making precious memories, and for good health and being able to enjoy my life in whatever direction it takes me. To be open to new ideas and experiences. To keep learning and being inspired. 

I will strive not to judge others, to be compassionate, and to be a good person. To be a good friend, wife, sister, mother and grandmother. To be there to help whoever needs me whenever I can. To be a good listener and to be shoulder to cry on when needed. 

With so much unrest and tragedy around the world, both natural disasters and man-made, I pray for peace, and hope that leaders and countries can sit down together calmly and peacefully to sort out their differences. There is always a better, more peaceful, way to resolve differences.

It was pointed out to me today by some friends from Europe that just because we might do things differently to those in other countries, doesn't mean we or they are right or wrong, it is just different. I don't think anyone has the right to push their beliefs on others, as long as human rights are not being violated and people can move about and think and speak freely and safely. 

And I hope we as individuals, and countries all around the world as a whole, can work together towards slowing down global warming. The future of our planet depends on it.

Finally, remember last year has gone, the past cannot be changed, and tomorrow is still waiting to be written. 

I wish you all a safe, healthy and happy 2018 and time spent making precious memories. 
Do you have plans, dreams or aspirations for the year ahead? Perhaps you would like to tell us about them in the comments.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week. 

I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

   
All Seasons
Mosaic Monday 

Our World Tuesday

Pictorial Tuesday 

Through My Lens 

Image-in-ing
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global
Travel Photo Thursday 

The Lovin' Life Team over at Deep Fried Fruit
Little Things Thursday 

Sky Watch Friday

Life in Reflection

 

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