In 2015 I got to watch my only child transition from high-schooler into college student, and to grow closer to the adult they are destined to be.
In the Spring I took Tara and two friends to check out college campuses.April is time for Sakuracon in Seattle and Tara keeps me involved in the anime world.All Tara’s best ballet buddies showed up for graduation in June.Kumoricon is Vancouver’s animecon, and a tradition in our family.Clenching teeth through the pain of a first tattooTara in cosplay from the show Gravity Falls
Domestic and wild animals alike capture my interest. Particularly squirrels.
I fed my backyard squirrels from my hand.This black squirrel was in Vancouver, BCHunting in Victoria, BCLooking for a handout in Victoria, BC
I sketched this rhino as part of a scholarship lottery for Tara. We didn’t win, but we had a ton of fun drawing endangered species.A duck in the Rhododendron garden.My October-coloured cat.My chickens got as fat and saucy as possible.I see deer daily on my new piece of property in the country. In 2016 I plan to get some decent photos of the elk for you.
Ranting
Some things build inside me till I have to get it out, and that’s when I pull out my soapbox. Though my blog is typically the place where I simply catalog what I’m doing, it’s also a place to spill out my thoughts and emotions.
I made lots of new friends at the home of a luthier in Gig Harbour, Washington. There is nothing like having friends who can make music.
I’ve been saying that 2015 was my Year of the Friend. I relished opportunities to develop stronger friendships and I expect to reap great rewards as the happy memories pile up and we find more excuses to be together. Since you are here, you already know that bloggers make friends as good as anyone in real life. I have learned much from all of you, I have seen sights I couldn’t see any other way. And it’s not merely the dazzling shots of places around the world, but more the perspectives you give me of your lives. Bloggers don’t just post photos, but they comment on the world around them, and it’s in your personal convictions and your love of family and your delight in local traditions that makes me feel so close to you. Thank you, thank you. Or, wado, as we Cherokees say to one another. I truly hope your 2016 is the best yet.
You certainly packed a lot into one year Crystal – that is an amazing amount of activity, creativity, mothering, growing, deepening and homesteading! I have to go take a wee nap now 🙂 xoxo
I surprise myself every year when I review what has been going on the past 12 months. Though the years do fly by, a year is still a long time, and we can fit a lot into it.
A beautiful summary of your year, Crystal. Thank you for that, for following me, and for continuing to post interesting, quality blogs, with lots of beautiful photos. I look forward to sharing the New Year with you. –Curt
Thanks Jenny! I don’t know how I missed your comment till now. I am looking forward to everyone’s adventures in 2016 too. It’s so exciting not to just rely on my own experiences. There is never a dull day on Word Press because there is always someone doing something incredible and posting photos and telling the story.
Wonderful!! I’m so glad that you did a year in review, and I remember much of it. I simply cannot wait to meet you “for real” someday 🙂 Until that time, we’ll continue to grow our friendship through WP.
Much, much happiness, contentment, good health, and peace to you, my friend.
XOXO
I know! It’s getting to the point where there are a couple of bloggers that I’m beginning to get impatient that I have not met yet. Funny huh? I’ll just seize the opportunities when they come up, and in the meantime, as you say, continue to grow our relationship.
Life Is A Journey,
But My Best Wishes Are The Milestones
That Will Give You Hope
And Motivation To Move On.
Am Wishing You A Joyous New Year!
With warmth, love and blessings from MiddleMe to you and your readers.
Thanks Andrew! They are great memories. I actually surprised myself with how much I did manage to pack in to just 12 months. I imagine you find something similar when you review your year and see all that you saw, or thought about, or photographed.
That reminds me, I think you are the one who did a post on what people searched for that landed them on your blog? I’ve been meaning to go look for a new one. I’ve been too busy lately to keep up on blogs like usual, but that is one theme I’d like to see again. People can be so entertaining, and those search phrases are a good example.
Life Is A Journey,
But My Best Wishes Are The Milestones
That Will Give You Hope
And Motivation To Move On.
Am Wishing You A Joyous New Year!
With warmth, love and blessings from MiddleMe to you and your readers.
You’re most welcome!!! Come and visit us at MiddleMe soon!
This is absolutely beautiful post. Loved all the pictures, especially of the hikings one. You know it why 🙂 Walking is just such a great fun. I really wish to go for a hike/walk with you once. I am actually motivated by your posts, and tells me to keep myself fit and keep doing what I love. Thank you sharing your year Crystal.
We motivate each other! I am constantly thinking when I read your posts, how joyful you are in each new experience. Even when you are cold, or scared of the height, or trying something new, you are filled with a childlike wonder and joy that is just the kind of spirit I want to emulate. I would *love* to hike with you and Ash one day. We’ll plan on it. Not sure when, but it must happen. 🙂
Conscious Engagement 
You certainly packed a lot into one year Crystal – that is an amazing amount of activity, creativity, mothering, growing, deepening and homesteading! I have to go take a wee nap now 🙂 xoxo
I surprise myself every year when I review what has been going on the past 12 months. Though the years do fly by, a year is still a long time, and we can fit a lot into it.
A beautiful summary of your year, Crystal. Thank you for that, for following me, and for continuing to post interesting, quality blogs, with lots of beautiful photos. I look forward to sharing the New Year with you. –Curt
Ditto to you, Curt! Thanks for the follow and thanks for your high-quality, engaging, thoughtful, joyful posts. Also, thanks for the book. 😉
My pleasure, indeed.
Great post. What a year it has been! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year!
Thanks Jenny! I don’t know how I missed your comment till now. I am looking forward to everyone’s adventures in 2016 too. It’s so exciting not to just rely on my own experiences. There is never a dull day on Word Press because there is always someone doing something incredible and posting photos and telling the story.
Wonderful!! I’m so glad that you did a year in review, and I remember much of it. I simply cannot wait to meet you “for real” someday 🙂 Until that time, we’ll continue to grow our friendship through WP.
Much, much happiness, contentment, good health, and peace to you, my friend.
XOXO
I know! It’s getting to the point where there are a couple of bloggers that I’m beginning to get impatient that I have not met yet. Funny huh? I’ll just seize the opportunities when they come up, and in the meantime, as you say, continue to grow our relationship.
Excellent post; marvellous drawing; hope 2016 is good
Life Is A Journey,
But My Best Wishes Are The Milestones
That Will Give You Hope
And Motivation To Move On.
Am Wishing You A Joyous New Year!
With warmth, love and blessings from MiddleMe to you and your readers.
Thank you, Kally
Some great posts and wonderful memories!
Thanks Andrew! They are great memories. I actually surprised myself with how much I did manage to pack in to just 12 months. I imagine you find something similar when you review your year and see all that you saw, or thought about, or photographed.
That reminds me, I think you are the one who did a post on what people searched for that landed them on your blog? I’ve been meaning to go look for a new one. I’ve been too busy lately to keep up on blogs like usual, but that is one theme I’d like to see again. People can be so entertaining, and those search phrases are a good example.
By coincidence I have one scheduled shortly.
I found it!
Life Is A Journey,
But My Best Wishes Are The Milestones
That Will Give You Hope
And Motivation To Move On.
Am Wishing You A Joyous New Year!
With warmth, love and blessings from MiddleMe to you and your readers.
Kally that is so beautiful and kind. Thank you for spreading the love. ❤ Happy New Year to you!
You’re most welcome!!! Come and visit us at MiddleMe soon!
This is absolutely beautiful post. Loved all the pictures, especially of the hikings one. You know it why 🙂 Walking is just such a great fun. I really wish to go for a hike/walk with you once. I am actually motivated by your posts, and tells me to keep myself fit and keep doing what I love. Thank you sharing your year Crystal.
Love
Aanchal
We motivate each other! I am constantly thinking when I read your posts, how joyful you are in each new experience. Even when you are cold, or scared of the height, or trying something new, you are filled with a childlike wonder and joy that is just the kind of spirit I want to emulate. I would *love* to hike with you and Ash one day. We’ll plan on it. Not sure when, but it must happen. 🙂