On this New Year’s Eve I thought T.S. Eliot’s quote from his poem “Little Gidding” an appropriate title for this my last post of 2011. The section of the poem that is quoted on New Year’s Eve goes as follows:
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
– (Thanks T.S, and Beverley Solomon for sharing this fitting poem today!)
I also thought that a snap of the setting sun would be appropriate as we watch the sun set on yet another year. I took this photo on board the Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay ferry in British Columbia just as the ferry was approaching glorious Horseshoe Bay. The setting sun made the snow-capped mountain tops and clouds appear as if they were on fire. This is one of the last shots I took on my most recent western trip just before Christmas, and I’m grateful it turned out. I was perched in the very front of the ferry on the uppermost deck and it was extremely windy and cold! Here’s to luck and perseverance!
I’m sure the words of T.S. Eliot’s poem touch a chord with many this year. Today I am thinking about a number of good friends who lost dear ones and who are looking for a new beginning, a new voice in the midst of all the bitter endings. I am also thinking today of all the many blessings for which I am so very grateful. Tops on this list is the recovery of our dear Mum from unexpected kidney failure just before Christmas. Thank goodness this 81-year-old is a battler!! Love you Mum!
I am also grateful in this long year of ups and downs for a fresh start in the new year with a new job, and many great memories to keep me company. The highlight of my year, if not my life to date, is my recent trip across Canada to Tofino. I know how lucky I am to have been able to take this trip of all trips. I am also grateful for a week at home to finally edit, collect and post all the snaps I took while on the Via Rail train ride as well as the shots taken while in magical Tofino. I created a free gallery with an ongoing narrative for the train ride here, and another gallery with the Tofino snaps here. When you come up for air on New Year’s Day, check them out if you have time between the turkey, ham and Canadian Junior Hockey games!
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is always a time of reflection for me and I thought I’d share some of my reflections with you here while I wish you and yours the very best of 2012. This year I will remember to be grateful for the small blessings in life: a good cup of coffee, long walks with good friends, and the freedom to throw all cares to the wind now and again and hit the road for a new adventure, even if it is on a back country road just minutes away from home. I will also remember the big blessings; the most important ones: to hold onto my dear family and friends more tightly knowing that life is indeed precious and so very short. I will hug more often, smile more often and laugh always!
Hi, I’m Patti, wonderer, wanderer and photographer. During the week I’m a marketer in the publishing industry and on weekends I take to the road to explore this beautiful planet we live on. 
One of the very best New Years messages I have ever seen. Thanks Patti. Right back at you!
Thanks Peter! Hope to pop around on my next visit home – Have a great 2012!