Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Savoring 2014

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 
to the Tuesday Slice of Life sponsored by
I love these words that Tara shared with us today:
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
― T.S. Eliot

The week between Christmas and New Year's is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  The hurry scurry "I'll never get it all done" feeling has passed because I never get it all done.  I'm trying to follow Jone's advice to let go of unrealistic expectations.  I am pausing to savor the last few days of the year - watching Call the Midwives Holiday Special, going to the movie with my husband, talking to my children on the phone, sitting in the dark looking at the Christmas tree lights, reading the newspaper, taking a nap in the middle of a busy day, sharing a meal with friends, listening to the audio book The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, visiting my new friends - Bei, Li, and their beautiful daughter,Vivian, and pausing at Slater Park for a beautiful Christmas Day sunset.  

Gift from my daughter, Sara
She has a matching one!
Honoring my OLW (One Little Word) for 2014 has led me to slow down, to be present, and to savor many precious moments.  Soon I'll choose a new word, but for now I'm savoring year's end for two more days.  My favorite definition for savor is #10 in my Random House College Dictionary (a high school graduation gift from BFF's mom & dad that I still use):  "to give oneself to the enjoyment of."

Monday evening I gave myself the enjoyment of revisiting the photos I've taken this past year.  I wanted to share one photo from each month.  It was delightful to savor the year by strolling (scrolling) through my photos, but deciding on one photo a month was challenging.  It was impossible for me to narrow the 137 photos I flagged to 12.  Forgive me if I fudged with a few extra! 
I pause to savor
earth's magnificent glory 
quiet peace descends

-Ramona Behnke
January 15, 2014 - Slater Park
February 9, 2014
March 11, 2014
March 22, 2014
March 27, 2014 - Slater Park
March 27, 2014 - Slater Park
April 21, 2014
April 28, 2014 - Slater Park
May 19, 2014
June 6, 2014 - Stewart Park
taken during son's visit to WA
July 13, 2014 - Homestead Park
July 20, 2014
August 4, 2014 - Ithaca Falls
taken while visiting daughter in NY
August 10, 2014
August 27, 2014
September 17, 2014
September 18, 2014
September 20, 2014
October 19, 2014
October 23, 2014
November 1, 2014
November 14, 2014
November 25, 2014
December 1, 2014 - Slater Park 
December 25, 2014 - Christmas Day sunset at Slater Park

10 comments:

  1. Lovely photos. I will say that I am partial to the August 4th photo d nice that is my birthday. What a great way to review the year. Hope you have a great 2015.

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  2. Beautiful pictures. I love the one with the deer. Thanks for sharing and allowing me to savor the beauty of nature.

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  3. Ramona, I savored the moments viewing your photo show of the earth in a kaleidoscope of color. I am looking forward to see what your OLW is for next year.

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  4. I love this idea - a photo from each month! I may have to do that if just for my self. What a great way to look at the past year. I love your photos - perfect!

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  5. I hope you sent some of these to Bonnie for her video! These are absolutely gorgeous. Of course, August 27 was a favorite for me since that is my birthday. How funny that you captured a photo on two commenters' birthday.

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  6. Ramona, I love this idea! Your photos really capture the beauty of each season. I had no idea there was such a stunning waterfall in Ithaca. And speaking of birthdays, March 22 is my youngest son's! Happy New Year!

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  7. That haiku is something to savor... and I couldn't say which image I love the most. Thanks for the beautiful year-end reflection. Happy 2015!

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  8. Oh I am savoring this post, Ramona. I keep working on letting go. Love this week between Christmas and New Year's Eve too. It's a time to start thinking about the coming year. Your photos are card worthy so Gorgeous. Happy New Year.

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  9. I savor those photographs of Slater Park, Ramona...and to my memories of meeting you at NCTE. Such fun! Happy New Year, my friend!

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  10. What a beautiful year in pictures and a wonderful way to savor your entire year! Beautifully done!

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