The Year That Was

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.

And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.

Welcome my dear tea friends! So good of you to join me today.  I hold you all in the highest regard for your kindness and patience over the last year. I so appreciate your kind words of encouragement and support and celebritory wishes on all occasions, especially my birthday.


My dear friend and co host of Teapots and Tea Things,  Wanda Lee, has decided to change her course, and for the present will no longer be hosting her blogs. How we will miss her!! At the present I feel I can not carry on with our meme on my own.  Wanda truly was the brains and beauty of our Tuesday tea party.  My heart overflows with gratitude. In the future, I hope to be present in blogland at times, and contribute to other's memes.  I enjoy each one of your blogs and the wonderful things you share.  Regretfully, I have not had the time to communicate that to you, personally, over the last several months due to my schedule.


Where has 2011 gone?  This year has flown by faster than I would have thought possible and with more highs and lows than I could have imagined.  Bear with me as I give you a brief look at the year that was 2011.  I invite you to select the most comfortable chair and a piping hot cup of tea and settle in for a wee moment.


As 2010 ended, I was enjoying my part time career, as a new doula, supporting moms-to-be before their labour, during their birth and transition into family life.  In January, an opportunity presented itself for full time position with a family who had welcomed twins into their lives. I already had become very attached to this wee lass and laddie and so I took on the role of caregiver, on a routine schedule. Days were very active and fulfilling. I realised that it takes more energy out of you in your fifties than your 20's.  I loved it and still spend my week days with these two toddlers, blessed by their joy of life and new adventures every day.


Being with my little twins, who are now toddlers, brought back many memories of raising my own three children.  Perhaps, this brought greater importance to my own adult children's lives and their journeys'. Both of my sons chose a bride and planned their weddings and married, in 2011.  I could not be happier in their choices and feel so blessed that my family has grown to include two resilient, gifted, loving women, who have strong family values.


The first wedding was in May on the west coast of Vancouver Island and the other in Toronto in September.  Bias aside, two wonderfully unique weddings perfect for the each couple that gave them their personal touch. I hope to share pictures soon.


May daughter continued her studies in Halifax, but not under dear Wanda Lee's wing, any longer.
My youngest took on her first apartment in August, with a friend. My husband and I took the road trip with her and spent a harried week helping her set up housekeeping.


One would hope that such a full and funfilled year would be enough.  But my sweety of 33 years and I had our own challenges with declining business in 2010 and we felt convicted to sell our home.  After more than ten months on the real estate market, almost daily showings, we did not see an offer.  Business has improved and in October, we took our house off the market.  We were not sure what lesson(s) God wanted us to learn but as we stayed faithful to him, He stayed faithful to us.  That in itself was a great lesson.


I am still in the process of unpacking boxes that were in storage at the realator's advice.  Many teacups are still snuggled in their wrappings, awaiting to see the light of day and a friendly teapot.  I will be delighted to see each one and find it a new home, in my dining room.  Hopefully to use them in the near future and possibly share them with you once again. As well, there are a few new treasures I have yet to share with you.  I know they will be worth the wait.




I am looking forward to the coming year with its opportunities to grow and experience the life God would have me live.


Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)



The warmest of wishes for a beau-tea-ful year!

Warmly,

Pam