Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ta Dah...Happy New Year!




"Every end is a new beginning."
- Proverb 


As this year draws to a close - and a New Year begins - I am grateful for the grounding of memory, the gifts of hope and inspiration, and for so many expressions of interwoven love!

In 2011, we welcomed the birth of a new family member, Bristol. She has given to us, with such generosity and authenticity, her signature sweetness and the radiant gladness of her tiny heart. I am deeply grateful for her, and her constant reminder to pause often and take time to observe how light dances in places like the leaves that quiver in the treetops (She always seems to wordlessly say: "don't miss a thing... no matter how small..." ). I have often said that it is children who teach us the most (not the other way around).

At about this time last year, I began Simply Inspired. I made a promise to myself (and God) that I would do my best to follow my bliss by writing and trying to grow in my photography. Even though I knew nothing about starting a blog, I was divinely inspired by an article and photography published in Artful Blogging by Christina Martin of  Soul Aperture


"Each time I do my blog it's my way of saying,
Yes, the road has been bumpy, but I am still along for life and its inviting ride."
- Christina Martin
I have continued to love Christina's quote from that article, and to enjoy the bounty of her blog sharing and our growing friendship (thank you, Christina). 


With Simply Inspired I wanted to capture the simple inspiration that surrounds my everyday. My hope was to share with others, become dedicated to my heart's desire, and to make a consistent effort (and to also attentively set aside my irksome ego when it did it's best to point out my deficiency)Of course, as these things often go, I found each of you - a new community of friends and fellow writers, photographers and designers - who are also deeply dedicated and involved with the artfulness of sincere expression. I have learned from you, and I have also grown in elegant new ways because of you. I am grateful for the many gifts of support and encouragement I have received; my thanks to each of you for your beautiful comments, kindnesses and sharing...



I look forward to sharing and growing with you in the upcoming New Year - a new beginning. 
And, I thank you for the delightful "Ta Dah" of 2011!

Kindness, Gratitude, Grace & Blessings to each of you!

Happy New Year,

Karen
-xok. 




10 comments:

My Beautiful World said...

Lovely post. So nice to meet you just found your beautiful blog and so happy I did. I have enjoyed looking around and I'm now following you, if you find a spare minute hope you visit me sometime and follow back so nice to meet new friends. Sending you special wishes for a wonderful New Year I’m looking forward to keeping in touch in 2012.
Always Wendy

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen, I'm so grateful for you! For always inspiring me, for your kindness, your love! I cherish you in my heart and pray for that you and yours are always safe! much love my dear friend!!!

christina said...

thank you my friend, this is beautiful!
xoxo

christina said...

happy new year!
xoxo

Red Rose Alley said...

Thank you, Karen, that was lovely. I look forward to more of your wonderful posts this year. You are a dear blogging friend, and so glad to have met you.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Such a lovely post, Karen. Thank you so much for your friendship and for the very sweet comment you left on your last visit. Happy New Year, dear friend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Wendy Paula said...

Lovely heartfelt post Karen.
Every blessing to you for a wonderful new year.
Wendy x

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Darling Karen,

CONGRATULATIONS on one year of blogging! Hasn't it been so fun? January 1st was my fourth year anniversary. And it has been such a great shaping process for ideas in many areas of my life and my husband! I LOVE THAT PROVERB..every end is a new beginning. What a great way to think.

God bless us all as we grow to seek His will. But so many of His plans are evident and I often miss them. The things that can be understood are what I aim for this year and I wish YOU the best!

Thank you so much for visiting today and you lovely words...Anita

beth said...

it was a great year and with it, i found you. thank you for being you. happy new year !

Estelle Hayes said...

Oh Karen, I am so happy you are a part of this blog world and that I know you through it. I love that quote from Christina and I feel very much the same way. Blogging can be such a healthy creative outlet.

And I love what you wrote about Bristol. So true. If we are paying attention, children will teach us something new every day. They are truly magical.

About Me

My photo
I have always been inspired by my Grandfather's particular generosity and encouragement, along with his love for others and nature. His spirit lives on, and the influence is quietly with me as I write and share. This is my small offering that I pray will bless others and allow them to become Simply Inspired. warmly, karen -xok.

Each day provides its own gifts.

- Marcus Aurelius

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