Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Welcoming the New Year...thoughts


A bright and shiny New Year is on the horizon.

Feeling very encouraged that we will see some significant improvements...
 the vaccines are here and are being doled out to the health care workers and the residents of long term care first and then they make their way down the ladder to those of us who wish to get the vaccine. 

Our Covid cases in BC are moving slowly downward.

I cannot help but feel optimistic...


Every year, for decades, I write in a day timer.
The Moleskine day timer for 2021 has been updated with birthdays.


I chose a new gel pen with a pretty peacock blue shade of ink.

The little things that can be mood shifters and change they way we see life
are so worth embracing...

Ideas for small Joys:

a new shade of lipstick
wearing a vintage piece of jewelry
mixing up your outfits, pairing different items
wearing a bright coloured pair of socks or tights
fresh flowers and foliage in a jug
a new blend of tea
experimenting with a new hairstyle
sampling a new fragrance
painting your nails
rearranging an area of your home
hanging your clothes in a different order, by colour or grouped by item
polish your leather shoes, boots and purses
buy a vintage accessory or piece of clothing that makes you smile
get rid of any clothes that are "ho-hum" ~ keep only what makes you feel great
invest in a new teacup and saucer or mug
read a new magazine, perhaps one from another country
sample an exotic variety of fruit
make a vinaigrette with a different type of oil and vinegar than you usually use
walk in a different area and explore
take a thermos of coffee or tea and sip it in a park or on a beach

The list of ideas could go on and on...


Maybe it is time to start a new collection?

I know people who collect smooth rocks from the beach...
some only collect pure white and others opt for dark black.
Put them in a bowl or a jar and enjoy looking at them.

“Always keep your eyes open. 
Keep watching. 
Because whatever you see can inspire you.”

~ Grace Coddington ~
 

How are you approaching 2021?
Are you feeling positive or negative?
Have you got goals or are you making New Year resolutions?

I'd love to hear your ideas of things that you do to lift your spirits.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Wishing you peace and joy in the New Year.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

26 comments:

sensitive poet said...

Best New Year greetings to you and your family!
I love the peacock ink from your pen, it's so assertive and optimistic - why not, indeed, write bold greetings with it?
Your suggestions for spirit-lifting activities are great! I think they will go a long way to relieving the burden of isolation.
During the worst months of the spring pandemic, I began writing letters to the editor, and as the pandemic worsens again this winter, I am signing petitions and again writing letters to the editor (one recently got published in the New York Times). Now that I am recently semi-retired, I have more time to think about civic and community involvement, but at a safe social distance. I am thinking about how that could be translated to more active involvement when the pandemic ends. But first, the vaccine!

Madame La-Bas said...

I am trying to approach the New Year with a positive spirit. Some members of my family are seriously ill. Over some things we have no control. I believe, like you, that the small daily joys sustain us in difficult times. Happy 2021!

Kristien62 said...

No resolutions for me. They only set me up for failure. Instead, I have two words, hope and acceptance. Hope that the virus will come to an end. And acceptance for life as it is. It’s been a very good year for me; a new grandchild, good health and and a year that went as well as could be expected. I’m much more stress free as a result of 2020 and I’m thankful I can bring that forward with me. Happy New Year.

Jeannine said...

I'm thinking about a word for the year, but have yet to make a decision (maybe DECIDE should be my word?!). I just bought a new sewing machine - my second. So I have plans to do more quilting, finishing unfinished projects, learning new things with my new machine. I often have trouble (just more recently) getting the comments to work, so I hope this comes through! Happy New Year!

beth b said...

How absolutely wonderful are your ideas for small joys!

I really enjoy your blog.

Greetings from northern Ohio! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I am feeling quite good about the New Year, we still have a hill to climb getting the virus under control and everyone vaccinated but...we will have a new administration to handle it, thank goodness!!!

Patricia said...

What a lovely list of happy ideas. I should copy it down somewhere...perhaps take up the idea of a beautiful journal. Your peacock blue pen looks so attractive. I am pleased to see that they are flattening the curve in BC and hope for the same across the other side of Canada. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Rosie said...

Good morning Leslie😊 your list of small joys is just what I need today ... a timely reminder. I’m trying hard to maintain my “Pollyanna frame of mind” amidst our new restrictions and steeply rising Covid numbers. Not spending time with family is definitely the hardest restriction to deal with ... I realise I haven’t commented here in a while, although I always read your posts and we “chat” on IG. Thank you so much for all your gentle and uplifting posts over the years ... you certainly bring joy into my life...
Wishing you a New Year filled with good health, happiness and family!
Take care and keep healthy!
Rosie xxx

Sheila said...

Happy New Year, Leslie! I hope you and Mr, HB have a lovely evening. I'm trying not to get my hopes up - just looking at next late summer or early fall and hoping we'll be able to gather again by then. I'm trying to be grateful for the friendships I have and for the little things.

For 2021, my resolution is what it is every year: meet or beat the number of books I read in the previous year. I think I'm over 40 but have yet to tally it up.

All the best to you for the coming year - it can only go up from here!

Cheers,
Sheila

Lorrie said...

I enjoyed your list of little delights. They can add a lot to lifting spirits. I'm retiring after this semester ends - the end of January, so I've begun thinking about what I will do next. Wishing you a wonderful new year, Leslie.

the veg artist said...

Happy New Year to you and your family Leslie. Thank you for all your posts and positivity over the past year. Blogland has made coping (enduring?) easier for many. It's a wonderful community. Looking forward now to how life improves for us all in 2021!

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

You have some excellent, easy, and uplifting ideas to start 2021. Our family is excited about our grand daughter born on the eve of New Years Eve. Her Mama and Dad will take her home to meet our 10 year old grand son today.

Have a wonder filled New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I like that you have become more involved since the pandemic hit...what a great way to channel some of your thoughts and energies. Be Well and Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am sorry to hear about your family health issues. It is a very difficult time to be going through these things during the pandemic. We only have control in how we react to everyday life. Wishing you strength and peace.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I asked my husband if he had any resolutions and he said none! Congratulations on the birth of your grandchild and I hope that you continue to enjoy good health. The lessening of stress is a bonus during this unsettled time. Best wishes for 2021.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your new sewing machine sounds like a great start to the New Year! Many projects await and what a creative hobby! Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Beth I hope that the New Year will bring you many Joyful moments. We need to be mindful and cultivate these small things in our daily round as they elevate our days.
Happy 2021 to you and yours.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes we have a hill to climb here too...the pandemic is not showing us that it is easing just yet. The vaccines will bring a sense of calm to many when we get to the herd immunity stage or as Dr. Bonnie Henry calls it "community immunity."
Happy New Year Adrienne

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh a beautiful journal sounds like a wonderful book to keep precious thoughts and ideas close...and perhaps a pretty ink shade to match?
Our Covid numbers were over 600 yesterday which is up from the 400's so we still have a lot of work to do.
Take care and stay safe Patricia

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I understand your dismay around seeing family...we too are missing seeing our grandchildren. The restrictions are in place so we can return to a healthier time once the vaccines are distributed to the majority of people. If we all can avoid Covid so much the better...
I enjoy seeing your IG posts! Cultivating small joys will see us through the days and weeks ahead!
Stay safe Rosie and Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We had a very quiet evening, we ate some tasty appetizers and I had a piece of chocolate! Hope that you and your husband had a pleasant evening.
The sun is out today so our walk will be enjoyable.
Books continue to be a tonic during the pandemic...I have a few on my TBR list and am always on the lookout for more good stories.
Take care Sheila

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh retirement will be wonderful Lorrie.
You will enjoy filling your days with creative pursuits, home keeping and gardening. Perhaps when things settle down you'll be able to travel again! Lots of things to look forward to doing!
Stay safe!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Happy New Year to you and yours!
Blogging,books and Instagram have helped me stay connected and ZOOM for seeing the kids and meetings! We do live in a technological time and I am grateful for these tools that allow us to "visit" and stay safe!
Take care

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Congratulations! A New Years Eve baby! How exciting.
Best wishes for a fabulous New Year!
Cheers

LadyJicky said...

Happy New Year , love from Australia.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Best wishes for 2021 Lady Jicky!