Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A New Year

In light of world events, I feel a sense of profound gratitude for the simple joy of living in South Pasadena. My community is graced with fortune's many gifts. Our children are safe, the water is clean, food is abundant and freedom is something most of us don't even think about, much less take time to appreciate. Even the worst times here are marked by sunshine and beautiful flowers, with our souls more often dulled by boredom rather than sharpened by catastrophe. Our daily irritations can't compare to the horrors of war, and no economic crisis can compete with the chaos of violence. We are fortunate inheritors of a peaceful lifestyle most of us didn't even have to fight for. We are blessed with safe harbor and sweet dreams of bright futures.

So here's my most sincere wish for the new year: may it bring comfort and joy to those who suffer. May we see an end to so much senseless war and bloodshed. And as far as resolutions go... don't worry about a few extra pounds or a disorganized office. Instead, may we strive together as a world community to bring peace and prosperity within the reach of all families.

We'll take a cup of kindness yet.

Happy New Year, everybody.

23 comments:

Tash said...

Such a charming photo showing hope and love. Lovely wishes, too.
Wishing you and yours the very best in the New 2009.

Hilda said...

Amen.

Happy New Year, to you and your family, Laurie! Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous 2009.

Curly said...

I hope you don't mind me taking the easy route by copying and pasting this comment, it is by far the easiest method of getting my message to so many CDP photobloggers.
I am not sure that I can sustain South Shields Daily Photo much longer, it is so difficult to keep finding new material on a daily basis,
and after more than two years inspiration and motivation are becoming harder to find, so I may become less daily from time to time.
I hope you can find new hope and inspiration, and that a new start in 2009 brings everything that you desire.
The CDP photoblogging community has grown massively over the past year and I'd like to thank those who have visited South Shields Daily Photo, especially those who have been kind enough to leave a comment or two.
Best wishes for 2008

from

Curly

at

South Shields Daily Photo

Hope said...

Laurie...a beautiful post which echoes the feelings of so many of us. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year!

San Diego Farmgirl said...

What you said.

Dixie Jane said...

A New Year is in the offing. Let's all strive to make it happy. Times together, good health for all and always good friends and loved ones to see. You put it very beautifully, Laurie girl. Sending my love.

Anonymous said...

Lovely picture. Happy New Year.

dbdubya said...

Well said, Laurie. Well said.

What do you think the little girl in pink and her daddy are looking at?

Sharon said...

Very beautiful said!! Happy New Year to you and your family.

Cafe Observer said...

LA, Happy 1st Anniversary over on this side!!

Unknown said...

I raise my coffee mug to solute your New Year wish! Thank you for brilliant insights on life, appreciation for the community of South Pas and your refreshing gratitude for what we do have. God bless you.

Unknown said...

BONNE ANNEE Laurie!!!!
all the very best :)

Patrizzi Intergarlictica said...

It's hard sometimes to stay in the positive, for me. When Israel and Palestine news comes it just makes me ache. When so many here in our country flip out, too. Then, there is the realization that my own country promotes and supports a permanent war culture condition while providing only lip service to peace. Sorry. I really shouldn't bleg comment when I am fresh from reading headlines and Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize acceptance speech, and barred from getting to Buster's in South Pasadena by the torment of roses.

The best to you and all in 2009.

dcs said...

Laurie's nice picture reminded me of W. Eugene Smith's famous picture of his children walking off into the light. Into the sunrise would be appropriate for the new year. Since I think there's a rule about not putting links into these comments, try googling this to see the picture:
smith children walking picture

Julie said...

Wonderful image, Laurie. Peace and love to you and yours.

Judy Williams said...

Wow - so well said that I'm almost without words.

May the abundance of the human spirit rise up and give us peace and love in our hearts.

:~)

Mister Earl said...

Love and peace to all of you, everywhere.

Virginia said...

You and Jutilda said it beautifully. All I can add is a humble AMEN.
V

USelaine said...

A peaceful new year to you as well, dear Laurie. Thank you for all the kindness you give.

Laurie Allee said...

Happy New Year, everyone! I haven't written to you since last year! (Sorry, it's the same bad joke ... and I find a way to use it every year. Tomorrow I will surely tell my mom on the phone that I haven't talked to her since last year.)

Maybe you can tell I had a little champagne tonight.

Thank you for all your wonderful comments, and good wishes for the new year. Miss Havisham, I hear you and join you in your grief for the world events. All I can do is light the proverbial candle in the darkness, speak out, and believe that things will get better as long as caring people try in whatever way they can to make a difference. Melissa McEwan over at the blog Shakesville writes of being so overwhelmed in the face of so much crisis and pain in the world, of feeling like all she has is a little teaspoon to try to bail out an ocean of injustice. But if everyone picked up a teaspoon...

Happy, bountiful, peaceful, loving, beautiful new year, everyone. Thanks for making this blog such a joy to maintain.

Anonymous said...

Well said. I could not say as well in a thousand year.

Anonymous said...

lol,so nice

mcdhel said...

nice page honey...