Happiest of New Year wishes sent your way.
Hopes for goodness, and love and beautiful days.
And merriest feelings in your heart, all through the year.
With wishes and dreams a plenty.
And extra doses of "wishes come true."
I love the numbers 7 and 13.
Yay 2013, hello there, so nice to see you!
For some reason I like odd numbers.
Maybe because I see an odd number as an even number, with one extra back up.
Just in case.
Like, a bonus point or something 😉
I have lots of things on my mind this day…
Like.
Hopes I have for my own life.
Hopes I have for the world, the planet.
My family.
I have a menagerie of huge hopes, and little hopes too.
I have thoughts overflowing, about how I live my life, and want to continue to do so.
Things I don't like are silly life rules, that box us into proverbial cages.
Invented mind rules, which came from who knows where?
Such as…
Rules on how to live, and think and be.
A phrase that makes me cringe is, Aren't you a little old for that?
I don't like some of the rules society makes us buy into.
Like, the things we should do by a certain age.
Or the things we should have.
Or, how, it's too late for some things.
Or how we have to grow up.
Sure there is a place and time for being wacky, but squashing it always is too sad for me to consider.
How sad is that?
I can't buy into that.
I am not interested in those kinds of rules.
Those kind of societal rules squash hopes and dreams.
Let's not buy into them, what do ya say?
I like to wear two different socks.
And sit on the roof and sing.
I like to feel extra young.
And have huge wishes and visions, and hopes hopes hopes.
It is never too late to dream.
It is never too late to try something big, new and different.
It is never too late to love, or skip, or feel great and fabulous.
So much of this life is a state of mind.
A perception.
Peace and happiness in the soul was a main life goal I made for myself about 17 years ago.
And, it's a constant journey.
Sometimes it's easy, sometimes I have to remind myself.
See…
I never had goals like, I hope to have this much money in this much time.
Or live in a big mansion.
Or, drive an extra fancy car.
(Sure, I'd love to be a princess in a castle, who wouldn't? But I had hopes, which money just can't buy)
When I was growing up (about 19), and friends were beginning to look for grand material things in life, I was just hoping for a happy life with inner peace.
I wondered if they already had inner peace and self love?
When I asked, most friends said they hadn't thought about it.
I realized we all want different things from life, which is great.
For me though…
Inner peace finding, was my main goal.
With true joy in my heart.
In my step.
And, I found it.
And it was grand, grander than I could have imagined.
Sure, life is sometimes really tough, and you have to refind it.
Life rocks your boat, and things can get rattled.
But, it's always there for you, when you are ready.
Of course, it's nice to have lovely things.
Luxuries.
But, first and foremost…
The greatest wealth we can ever hold, comes from within.
It can't be bought.
It's there, always.
Our own happy.
A giddy wonderful place.
Right inside all of us.
If we want it…
Here's to hopes and dreams, and living outside the box.
Without invented mind rules.
Peace and goodness abound!!!
Thank you for a handful of fun great wonderful like minded years.
Here's to many more!
Love, Vanessa
Dearest Vanessa, I am older than you, but sometimes I think you have more things figured out. 🙂 Always inspiring to read your wise words. Love to you, Mr. Lovee and the cherubs and wishing you the happiest year imaginable! xoxox
{{ i am sitting on the roof
now
singing a song
about wearing 2 different socks !!!
Go Figure !!
what does this mean:
———-> “”Aren’t you a little old for that?””
good grief !!
happy new year, dear one !!
i have high hopes of popping in Here more often
but always know
i Do think about you & the magical jOy
you create & share
from your special corner of the Globe !!
never change
unless
you become
~~More You~~
yes
yes
Life rocks your boat
but that is just to remind you
sometimes it is Good to Hold On
for the ride…
or
something like that …
🖤 }}
They’re wrong, you never actually have to grow up. If only everyone knew that. All the best for the new year, Vanessa.
Happy New Year! Here’s to another year of you being uniquely you! It’s what keeps bringing us all back! . . . Well, that and a lovely, wacky addiction to a daily dose of whimsy . . . Put a little smacker on the noses of your furry kids, whilst wearing your unmatched socks and have a wonderful start to another year of this unpredictable journey through life! 🙂
Wise words lovely Vanessa, and so true. Happy New Year to you!
Ha! I like to wear two different earrings……the style in the 80’s but not so much now..maybe i’ll do it again and not care what other people think or care that i’m 45 and shouldn’t be doing that……
My favorite numbers are 23 and 5
Just came home to a flooded house over the weekend…our brand new two month old house…..yeah i’m going to have to refind innerpeace…….sigh…Hugs! deb
Happy New year! I’ve only ever wanted happiness, the trick is in figuring out what makes you happy (and also what makes you unhappy.) All those labels and being too old for something… I often wonder if it’s misplaced jealousy of someone else finding something that makes them happy while the onlooker hasn’t found anything yet. Here’s to finding our own happiness!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Vanessa.
“Aren’t you a little old for that?” is a very cringe-worthy and sad thing to ask someone, and I bet you and I won’t ever be guilty of doing so! I am still a young and often goofy gal at heart, and I plan to continue to be! Who wants to be an old fuddy duddy, anyway!
Happy new year to you, dear Vanessa!
Happy New Year to you too!! I hope all your wishes come true! Hugs!
Hear! Hear! Beautifully said, Miss V. I’m on a mission this year. My mission is TO BE ME! To find the happy in every day, the happy inside without all the outside stuff.
Here is to a beautiful, magical 2013 filled with lots of fun, whimsy, magic, silly, etc, etc, etc…
love & blessings
~*~
I am overjoyed to have found your blog. I have been following you for the last few months and it’s simply wonderful.
I adore the frivolity of the images and your way with words. I totally agree about the use of labels like ‘too old’ it’s just another way to judge.
I would rather concentrate on making my world and the world around me a more happy fun place! Might I say that you do just that with this blog.
Wishing you wonderful things but most of all wishing you everything that you wish for yourself in 2013
Love and sparkles
Lara xxx
Happy New Year, Vanessa! It certainly is a day to be introspective and my mind woke up reeling with thoughts this morning, too!! Wishing you a wonderful 2013 full of beautiful moments and lots of love….
~Allie
I know there are some very creative ladies who live in England and in Australia who will never grow up…one of them is Julie Arkell…oh! my! gosh! She is a jewel! When I viewed a paper mache doll making ‘party’ (which is posted on Denise Litchfield’s blog: http:/grrl+ dog.blogspot.com/ from July 2011) Julie and several other ladies made puppets and had tea, and puppets shows, made fabric flowers, bunting flags, and such, and I thought to myself, ‘this is why I never want to grow up’ I was giggling the whole way through the photos. (You can come to my blog and on my right side bar is the link to Denise’s blog ‘grrl+dog).
Julie Arkell has a book called: ‘Julie Arkell:Home’ which is in its third printing and collectors are already paying an arm and a leg for a copy of her book(I’m talking over $200 per book as the book just cannot be found anymore. I think it is available in Welsh/not English for the publishers price)…it is THAT full of magic and serendipity. And no, I haven’t found a copy of her book for myself yet either! Denise Litchfield’s blog has similar handmade paper mache’ dolls and animals and I adore her as well!
And OF COURSE THIS IS WHY I COME TO YOUR BLOG!!! As you, dear, sweet Vanessa have ALWAYS been a source of magical inspiration and joy for me!
XXOO with butterfly kisses
Miss Teresa
Happy New Year! Awww what a lovely thought, that inner peace and wealth. Still working on it. I suppose material things make an artist far more happy than they should. Art doesn’t count though, right? Art is the best kind of material object 🙂 Speaking of which, a couple of beautiful elfin creations arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Thank you so much lovely Vanessa 🙂 I am so utterly enchanted and filled with magic and delight. They’re settling in quite nicely, and Willa has already given them the grand tour!
I love what you wrote, it´s so true,that is what I feel too…
Have a great New Year!!! xo Christina
You summed everything up sooooo perfectly, dear Vanessa! 🙂 Thank you for sharing a wonderful years – and here’s a toast to a NEW and exciting year filled with promise and magic for all! Happy New Year!!!! xoxo Theresa
I had a friend once who asked me when I was going to start dressing like a grownup. That was a long time ago. I’m still dressing the same, only maybe even a bit more whimsical.
Happy New Year to you!
I’ve tried in the past to be what others wanted me to be. It never worked. I might be a little quirky to some people but now I don’t really care. I wear, buy, decorate with, & do what makes me happy. I believe in being young at heart no matter what age you are. You are never too old for anything! You inspire me to “be me” & just have fun with life! You really seem to enjoy life (except maybe when you take the wrong vitamins or rub the wrong plants)! :o)
I hope you will continue your blog for many years to come! I would miss coming here to see what’s new!
Here’s to a wonderful & blessed year ahead!
Happy New Year and compliments for all your wonderful photos!
Happy new year!!! Loving your posts (it was a hectic year end for me in estate planning so I missed your illness (so glad you are better) and the elves (again!)). Hope your new year is wonderful, peaceful and healthy!!! Sandy.
I’m so glad you spoke up about this. My family has always said that same thing to me: “Aren’t you a bit old for that?” (always tinged with shame and judgement) For years I let them squelch me with their wet blankets, but now that I am older I don’t care so much what people think or whether they approve of my choices. It’s so freeing to live a life outside of the status quo expectations of the world.
I love how you think…We are only as old as we feel. Some days I feel 10 years old, and actually sit on the floor with my art or whatever I am doing at the time. I am far from 10 years old and sometimes I am glad that I am not. Some of those memories should be lost…but I am glad of who I am now. I am proud of who I am.
Your never too old .
Thank you for your wondrous thoughts.
Happy New Year!! I love 3, 7, 13 & 17!! So I am hoping that this is a great year, being one of my lucky numbers! I love your art, good luck in the new year!!
Hi Miss Vanessa! I totally agree with you. Who says you have to do certain things because of what age you are. Just yesterday my friend (who is 51 and I am to be 50 in a few weeks) asked me if I thought it was crazy to start life over at our age. And I said ABSOLUTELY NOT! If you want to do change your life I don’t think it’s ever too late, just do it.
Thank you for another year of inspiring blog posts.
Can’t wait to see what you do this year.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
I wish every happiness to you and yours in the upcoming year 🙂
<3 Very well said
Happy New Year, Vanessa. I’ve learned a long time ago, that you can’t listen to all these dumb “rules” people have about age. Never too old to start over, believe in magic, have hope about your life, etc.
Wishing you a wonderful and creative 2013!
Hi Vanessa – I just wanted to tell you that your tea party this past summer inspired a novel. It’s available now on Amazon Kindle if you like to read. I think you will enjoy the story.
http://www.amazon.com/Indian-Summer-ebook/dp/B00AWDB3TW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357255851&sr=1-1
C.L. Cloud aka (Stormy)
Happy, Happy New Year to You and your Mister, and your furkids too!
What a lovely and thoughtful post…
Here’s hoping we never grow up completely, never lose that sense of magic and wonder, never turn our heart’s desire into a longing for material things.
What’s that line form “Miracle on 34th Street”? Something about the “lovely intangibles” being the only thing in life that is worthwhile…
Indeed. 🙂
🖤 Carolee
Happy New Year gorgeous girl, and no, never grow up. How boring that would be!
Cheers!! Here’s to many too many more :o)
Lasting inner peace results in a happy life. Peace and Love are priceless comodities unatainable by big bank accounts, power or celebrity. They are unconditional gifts freely recieved and increased through giving them away.
Queenie and the Delicious wish you love and peace for 2013 and beyond!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie
Happy New Year, Vanessa! I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now…it is one of the places I turn to when I need some inspiration. I will be turning 50 in just a few weeks, and I will be keeping your lovely words in mind. Thank you!
Dear V. I think you just saved this days inner peace for this traveller. Having turned 40 last summer, the weight of growing up has been like a tombstone on my shoulders. It felt like a relief to read about your reaction against the demand of acting a certain way based on our linear age. These past days I have been convinced that I should try and change my ways, cut my hair, give away all my Harry Potter books or at least behave more composed, not sing or hum when shopping for groceries.
But now, I realised that life is so short….so thank you for posting this : D
Happy new year from someone who’s never stopped playing with dolls! 😉
Miss V, don’t change a thing !!! You are perfect as you are and just ignore whoever think they are too mature to put colours in their life and don’t see how unthoughtful and childish it is to judge you as they do.
The world is lead by adults who think that behaving like an adult is walking like a cowboy, being greedy and cold hearted. Most of the time, when I see and hear them, I feel sorry for them because they have completely missed the point of important things in life .
Keep on putting pinks and yellows in our lives. Keep on playing, enjoying nature and keep on spreading all this endless and powerful love !
Happy new year to you!
xxxx
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..*+.+*+..+*(just found some magic dust in my pocket)
Rules! haha! right above the comment box is an ad and it says never eat bananas!!!
the heck?
I will never grow up and that is a promise. I like to look at the world in wonderment!! Remember what Ferris said? if you don’t stop and look around every now and then?
Pozole tomorrow…you wanna come over?
Happy New Year to you Vanessa – here’s to a fun filled 2013! Sx
As I sat I had a dream,
It twirled and whirled full of steam.
It crossed and tossed,
And bounced around,
Suddenly giving off a shimmering sound.
I raised my hands into the air
Laughing softly without a care.
When suddenly from in my sight,
Appeared a moment in full flight.
I took it and lifted it
Then blew it a kiss.
As it flew and flew to a certain Miss.
She lives where the desert streams,
Flowing and growing the loveliest dreams.
I wanted to say in every way-
Happy New Year with you is everyday!
And then I sat and twiddeled my thumbs,
As the heavens roared like a thousand drums.
Suddenly full of colors galore
My dream seemed like an open door,
Into the magic where hearts soar.
And now and then just like this
I must say thank you to this Miss.
For making a life full of play,
While bringing the beauty into the day.
ANd where I sit and fancy this dream
This moment is really as it seems.
xo G.G. Pinkster
Happy New Year Miss V! 7 and 13 are my favorite numbers too! I say you are never too old to do things, I do all sorts of things that I might be considered too old for. It is important to have fun! I am in the Parrot Head Club here in town which is like a group for people who like Jimmy Buffett. We like to have a good time, but also do things to help the community. Almost everyone else in club is a lot older than me, but just like to have fun and not worry about what other people think. Sometimes they act younger than I do! It is the greatest.
I don’t know why New Year brings a lot of emotions. All these emotions are positive, full of hope, full of love, plans, excitement, etc. Most people see new Year as new hope for prosperity.
I really love this poem. This is so inspirational. Keep posting!
I am a photographer. I love all your photos. They are all lovely. Thanks for sharing it. You’re great!
Happy New Year to you.You seem to be the model to all young like you who is brilliant enough to produce a great work like this.Love it.
Very excellent poem! This free verse poem tells the personality of the writer for being simple yet adorable one. She is not particular of the material things instead what is important for her is her inner characteristics. I really, really like it. Very hopeful personality!
I remember my younger years. I also loved making poems and short stories that only my mother could read because she’s the only one allowed to do so.