Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Roll Up, Roll Up, 2013 is here!

We kicked off 2013 with a trip to the Moscow Circus

Happy New Year!

I don't know about you, but for me 2012 came and went like a smoke ring in a stiff breeze. That tends to happen when you jam quite a few major life events into 12 short months. There has been a lot of change. A lot of newness. A lot of wonderful things. A lot more ups than downs this year. With so much going on though, I did get to the end of the year feeling very much like the clowns in the above photo - my head spinning from side to side with an incredulous and dazed look on my face.

A brief recap of the year gone by:

After 18 months in Sydney, we packed up our life to return to Tasmania.
We had "The Big Adventure" - the 3 month trip-of-a-lifetime caravan trek around the country.
We moved back to Tasmania.
The Kids changed Schools, our second child starting school for the first time.
The Pianoman bought into his own business - a dream of working for himself has been high on his agenda for a long time.
We added a menagerie of animals to our farm - the Chooks, a couple of Indian Runner Ducks and 2 pet Lambs.
We started raising sheep for the plate.
I started knitting again.
I learnt to crochet.
I'm learning to spin on a wheel (there's a very good reason I haven't posted my attempts!)
We started our rather substantial vegetable garden.
We enjoyed our 10 year anniversary trip to Vietnam.
I was pregnant (and spent most of the 9 months feeling rather ill and debilitated)
We started to renovate the house and I use the word 'renovate' very loosely.
We celebrated 6 more birthdays and our 11th Wedding Anniversary.
And finally, and obviously the most wonderful life-changing event was the birth of baby Flynn. Those kids bring so much joy and make me proud every day.

And here we are in 2013. I love new beginnings. If it's been a wonderful year then you can start the new year feeling positive about the year ahead and if it's been a not-so-good year then you can start the new year on a clean slate. There is no question that 2012 was a great year for our family where we are finally continuing on with living the dream we started 6 years ago when we bought this little patch of earth after years of dreaming, saving and searching - the dream being to raise a family and live a simple and more sustainable life in the country somewhere.

I have no resolutions this year. I'm just looking forward to 2013 being a year of consolidation. I do love change but even good change can be exhausting. I'm looking forward to being a little more like the Echidna in my Blog banner above and less like the clowns. The Twins will be starting Kindergarten this year, freeing up a few days a week just to myself (and Flynn). I'm looking forward to some more hours to potter in the garden. I'd like to do more knitting and crocheting and learn to sew. I'm mostly hoping to get some more sleep and to put more organisation into the chaos part of "Organised Chaos".

Whatever 2013 brings, and it is sure to bring some surprises and challenges along with some good things, I'll be mindful of the following quote by Buddha:

"Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a giant tree in the midst of them all"

In other words, I'll try to "roll with the punches". What about you? Any burning resolutions or dreams for this year? Are you a "roll with the punches" kinda person?

Hope 2013 is a wonderful one for everyone.

Mel xx



23 comments :

  1. Resting like a giant tree in the midst of my lot may not be easy but I shall give it a good try this year! Ride on that wave of happiness to wherever it takes you next, Mel. Happy New Year! x

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    1. Annie, I am in complete awe of how you have managed to get through this past year. You've shown amazing strength and courage and humour. I think there is a line missing from the end of the quote that should read "and if life really gives you lemons then feel free to jump up and down and scream at the world." Wishing you a much much happier and healthier 2013 x

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  2. Lovely quote! I think I'm always running very fast just to keep up with life - maybe this year I slow down a bit and actually enjoy life with my little family a bit more?
    Happy New Year to you & your family. x

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    1. It's a constant challenge for me too, this slowing down business. I'm going to try to accept the busyness but be more in the moment from now on . Happy New Year to you too x

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  3. Lovely quote - and hoping you have the most wonderful year ahead. Don't think you will be doing too much resting though? You always write such lovely posts, and I was surprised to read that you had a tiring pregnancy. You seem to coast along at great knots! Enjoy 2013 and all that it brings. cheers Wendy

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    1. Thanks Wendy! It really wasn't the greatest pregnancy. I'm sure I mentioned it here but I don't like to complain too much. There's not much sympathy for someone going back for number 5!!! I had morning sickness for 15 weeks and then a painful pelvis issue which meant I couldn't really walk without a lot of pain. Happy 2013 to you too!

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  4. Wow you had a jam packed 2012!! I like that quote. I want to live in the moment more and just enjoy being.

    Gillian x

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  5. I love the new picture at the top of the blog. Happy and Healthy and all thing wonderful to you in 2013. Love reading your blog and looking at your pictures. I love reading and learning about things happening in Australia.

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  6. What a year!!! Happy New Year to you and your family Mel. Looking forward to following your adventures this year. P.S. That hedgehog is HUGEEE! xo

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    1. Well I just had too google some images of Hedgehogs as any reference to Hedgehogs around here are the delicious chocolate brownie things that Grandma makes :-). The real Hedgehogs are teeny tiny!!! I had no idea they were so small. The Echidna walking across our driveway is actually more on the small side, a baby I thought. I've seen MUCH bigger around here. Happy 2013 to you too x

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  7. I love that quote! I'm definitely trying to be a more of a roll with the punches kinda gal. And I'm slowly getting there! Happy New Year - looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2013! :)

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  8. A lot has happened for you and your family this past year.
    I hope 2013 brings your more happiness and new experiences.
    x

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  9. Happy New Year to you too Mel! I love new beginnings too...so much potential. Rx

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  10. Happy New Year Mel.
    A lovely post reflecting on the past year. You have had a year full of wonderful adventures.
    A lovely quote by Buddha.
    xxxx

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  11. PS I love your new header of your amazing driveway.

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  12. your plan sounds perfect to me dear mel. oh my goodness what a year. i'm feeling a little tired just reading about it ;) i love your positive cheerful outlook, it's no wonder life smiles on you through everything. and is that your drive and your view? and is that a hedgehog i see!!? oh my! i really want to visit tasmania.
    sending happy new year wishes from california, all the best to you and yours in 2013!
    lori xxx

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  13. Hello Gorgeous Just catching up. Love the new header and up-to-date tag ☺. I can't believe you fitted all that into the year. Meeting you in March was a red letter day for me. Can't wait to meet little Flynn! J x

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  14. You really have had a great year haven't you! Here's hoping 2013 is even better x

    My new years resolution is to 'go with the flow' in 2013 ... not so different to yours.

    Love the quote ... a perfect motto to live by :D

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  15. Mel such an amazing year you've had, and I think fitting to end it with the birth of your sweet little baby bundle.
    I wish we had met when you lived in Sydney, you could have quietly whispered sweet Tasmanian nothings in my ear :-)
    Hope things are a little cooler own your way today.
    xxx

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    1. I know you'll be back down this way so let's try and catch up then :-) A cool change has come in today, thank goodness!

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  16. Just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your blog. I found you just before Christmas & have loved catching up on everything.
    Looking forward to reading in 2013 & I hope your all keeping safe xx

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Reannon. We're all safe here and I hope everyone else is too x

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