Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

2009 has been an amazing year for me!! January started out with hopes and expectations but, like most new year's to do list of resolutions, it kind of fizzled out to ordinary day by day responsibilities until April! Until the day I started my first blog! Unknowingly, this blog began a whole new chapter in my life. The day I stepped out on a limb by faith...I mean who would take time to read my jumbling thoughts and find it interesting?

2009...Visits with Friends ~ A Spring visit to Biltmore. a summer trip with the girls to Chimney Rock and our chance encounter with Elfin the White Squirrel, Chimney Rock. Then onto Charlotte to see the Phantom of the Opera and adventure at the Latta Plantation.

2009...Family ~ Blessed with several visits with Kevin, Donna and the boys this year making precious memories. First, we celebrated Dawson's 9th birthday in Kentucky with snow and sledding. A summer visit to Shallotte which included miniature golfing and the awesome boat ride. Celebrating Jaden's and Keagan's birthday in August with parties and more parties plus a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. Then unexpected visits with them in October and December due to loss.

2009...Conferences ~ From Terre Haute to Nashville, Tn, conferences as different as can be but both spiritually uplifting, full of worship and the Word!

2009 ~ Connecting with old friends and new friends on social networking sites

2009 ~ Central Ky Photography Group - In August, another new chapter of my life and dream come true: joining a local photography group and enjoying my new Rebel camera. Through this group I feel I have grown so much in my skills as a would-be photographer.

2009 ~ Clarissa's Corner - Photography & More! I would never have guessed that I would now be selling my photographs as greeting cards and prints. Photography has always been a hobby but this year it has blossomed into a wondrous hopeful experience. Who knows what successes the coming year will bring to this venture?

The year has not been all joy, wonder and victory...there have been moments of grief as we mourn the passing of Aunt Dorothy, and Donna's Grandfather, and several close friends. It's the patchwork quilt of life...change, the ordinary, hope, new life, sorrow, death...what a wonderful life!

What does 2010 hold in store for us? Only the Lord knows and I am so glad we are trusting him to lead and guide us! My dad retired today so he will be adjusting to a new chapter in his life's story. Jeanette and I are scheduled to go on a cruise in April with some very good friends. I am sure there will be many more stories and pictures to share! Possibly having a start ANOTHER blog to share all the Adventures!!

May the Lord bless you and yours in the coming year! Happy New Year!! ~ C ~