*under construction*


31 December 2011

Goodbye 2011

As I stand on the proverbial threshold with 2011 at my back and 2012 in front of me, I have to say that this has been the strangest year. I wanted to immediately say it was the fastest year I have experienced - but that would be incorrect. Fast doesn't describe it. It is more surreal -- a time warp. All of a sudden I am at the end of it.

When I was well, I measured the year in what all I accomplished, and I would feel so proud of all the projects completed, the beauty created in the gardens, my home, my work.... this year, I fell down on most of that if you use those terms. I certainly didn't blog as much as I wanted -- but please know that I wanted to, and I think of all the people that have touched my life through blogland.... all the beauty that was shared with me, all the inspiration that affected me
... and I thank you.

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This year, my measurement for the year is that I lived to see it. I am tougher than the cancer that is trying to take over my body. I am more than that. I am not defined by that. It is a whole new way of seeing things and I am still adjusting to my new reality.

I look so forward to a new year, and to be able to spend it with you. Thank you - each and every one of you for what you added to my world. I am eternally grateful and wish you all the best that life has to offer in this upcoming year - and always.

Happy, happy new year.
xo isa

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CREDITS
Swan photo - source unknown.

31 comments:

savvycityfarmer said...

I pray for abundant blessing to be yours and for your health to prosper.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

My prayers are with you Isa. You have a beautiful spirit, and have contributed so much beauty. Happy New Year.

a quiet life said...

May 2012 be the year cancer is erased from your life, wishing the gift of health next year, I will raise a toast to you~

Helen said...

Love you dear Isa ... wishing for you a positive, energetic and healthy 2012.

LaPouyette said...

Dear Isa,
Yes - the year passed by like....???...certainly too fast for me! My real luxury in life is - TIME!
A lot of things we may have lost we can get back one way or the other, but never any minute of our life time.

I'm aware of what you are going through, have to 'deal' with it to some extend as well and I would love to encourage you.

Writing is certainly not one of my talents, and writing in English makes it even more difficult, so, I'll use some 'quotes' to express myself:

"The rose is fairest when it is buckling new, and hope is brightest when it dawns from fears" (Walter Scott)
So...
..."Once you choose hope, anything is possible" (Christopher Reeve)

Winston Churchill said:
"If you're going through hell, keep going! And never, never, never give up!"

And I like to say "Keep in the sunlight"

All my very best wishes for you, may 2012 bring great improvement for your health, and hopefully you are strong enough to fight the cancer (I know that it easier said than done) but..please think positive, have a laughter as often you can to keep your mind healthy which will have a positive effect on your body.

Happy and healthy NEW YEAR!
Bonne année,
Ein gesundes Neues Jahr!
Warmest greetings,
Karin

P.S. sorry about my English!

pve design said...

Isa,
Wishing you a year ahead full of strength, joy and beauty. May you forge ahead with intensity and calm...
I shall keep you in my prayers for the best health.
pve

Sedef said...

Isa,

This is such a sweet and poignant note about an ending year. Even though I don't know you personally please know that I am praying for you (I have a 30 year old cousin was diagnosed this fall and will be taking her last chemo this week)
Keep up the positive attitude and as my cousin has adapted to be her motto "Fight like Hell"

I wish the new year will bring you lots of health, laughter and serenity...

Happy New Year,

Sedef

carla fox said...

May time slow down just a little, so that we may savor each moment as it comes. Here's to your recovery, and a better 2012.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Oh, Sister friend, you always offer up such strength...and eloquence...and vision.

May it all be yours in 2012. Beautifully wrapped in a F-Bomb the cancer package.

Yep. F-bomb the cancer. Planning on it for you. And everyone.

Lots of love, girl.

donna baker said...

Isa, I didn't know about the cancer but know the long road it takes. Now entering year twelve, free from the stage 4 cancer marathon. My take was that we're all in this together. Know that we are with you in spirit. I love it when you post anew and hope the new year will be a good one for you and yours. Some day I will get out there to see those runnunculas.

Velvet and Linen said...

Happy New Year, Isa.
My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way for a very Happy and HEALTHY 2012!!!

xo
Brooke

Millie said...

You go get 'em dear Sista of the Mysterious, you are an awesome chick with enormous reserves of strength & courage to draw on. We luvs ya girl, but you know that already. I fervently hope that this new year brings you many opportunities for plenty of laughter, love & leisure.
Millie xx

La Table De Nana said...

Cancer can and is cured all the time..With your zest for life..and words like Donna's:) you are on your way ..and I will add you to my prayers tonight.I have been taking a blessed statue to bed lately..Kids have furry friends..I have a statue:)
You have lived this year in grace and beauty.
This post is beautifully put.
God Bless You.
PS I love those words by Winston Churchill!

designchic said...

Wishing you all the best in the New Year...

Country French Antiques said...

Hello Isa,
I wish you happiness and health in 2012!
You truly are a remarkable spirit, full of beauty! May the forces of the universe be with you and yours.
Bises
Shawn

Country French Antiques said...

Dear Isa,
Wishing you a wonderful, healthy 2012!
You have such a beautiful soul. May the force of the universe be with you and yours.
Bises
Shawn

MODERN COUNTRY said...

This breaks my heart to read, I am so sorry that you have to battle this dreadful disease! I want to give you a hug, or something that could give you a little boost. (my English is horrible, hope you understand) I hope your new year will give you more strenght, although I feel you are already very strong. Keep up the good spirit, it WILL help you. I know !

Your comment made me so happy, thank you very much. Sending you a warm hug. Take good care.

Aina

Splendid Willow said...

Isa, sending you tons of warm thoughts and good energy.

If you lived closer I would have taken you out for coffee - often! I like you! And your attitude.

Now, let's have some cyber fun in 2012! I look forward to some joint fun!

Love to you and yours,

Mon

http://www.splendidwillow.com

The enchanted home said...

Found you through Marsha and so happy I did! What a touching, poignant and moving post. I send you a big hug sounds like 2011 was not an easy year for you, and saying cheers to good health, happiness and all lifes best in 2012!
Nice to "meet" you!

Deborah said...

Oh Isa, I had not realized that you had gone public with your cancer battle. I have been missing myself, as the end of August, my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer with mets to the entire spine and pelvis. Battle on, Cancer Warriors.
Sending you all my love on the wings of a desert sparrow, Deb

Acquired Objects said...

Happy New Year Isa and I pray you have many more to share with us. My thoughts are with you my friend.

XO
Debra

Bruce Barone said...

May peace and love be always with you.
xoxo
bruce

Interior Design Pro said...

Look back at 2011 and smile. And face 2012 with hope and make proper adjustments for the year ahead. Happy New Year!

Leah Moss said...

Isa! Sending you love and wishes for blessings in abundance for you. Thank you for your inspired posts, your sharing, and long distance friendship. You are so very thoughtful. A bright spot! xoxo Leah

miniaturista said...

Preciosa foto, el ballet me encanta
Un abrazo y feliz año
Maite

a quiet life said...

just thinking of you and praying for your wellness~

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Isa
Apologies for taking sooo long to pop over.. This year has been whooshing by for me.. [lame excuse]

Well I think that you have absolutely conquered last year!! With spirits high and still making time for friends whilst doing battle with the nasty C.. I'd say you beat that year with strength and integrity.

I so look forward to another year spent blogging and chatting... Love to you and family.. ciao xxx Julie

Nana D. said...

I've been playing catch up on the blogs I follow and just read your post. I've been following your blog for a while now, it's such a place of peace and beauty. I didn't know about your fight, but as a ten year survivor I can tell you that miracles happen. I hope things are going well for you, and send prayers and good wishes your way. Along with the Churchill quote someone else posted, this poem by Emily Dickenson were two of my favorite sayings while I was undergoing treatment. Blessings to you :)

Hope
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

A Magical Whimsy said...

Your blog is divine...and I will be thinking of you as you journey yet through another unknown realm of doors being opened into the next year. May peace be with you.
many thoughts go out to you for healing~
Teresa in California

Anonymous said...

This photo is just so amazing! How diaphanous, how decadent, how divine! Hope your new year is off to a dazzling start!
xo E + J

Tara Dillard said...

Thinking about you today.

Appreciative of all you put into my spirit.

Garden & Be WELL, XO Tara