Monday, April 14, 2008

An Astonishing Year

(Standing on the Savannah River front April 2008)
Since this time last year I've traveled to Switzerland, and visited Germany to see where my family came from. I spent two days in Italy, and a marvelous week in Canada meeting new friends and seeing the beautiful country to the north.
Twice I spend weekends in New Orleans, my favorite getaway city, and had a romantic tryst in another Louisiana town.
I've visited Colorado in the springtime, camped in Utah amidst autumn splendor, and had a beautiful snowy Christmas season in Salt Lake City.
And now a week in South Carolina and a day in Savannah Georgia as well.
Whew.
And that list doesn't even include all the day trips here within the state of Texas!


Add to that list all the places I've visited via cyberspace.
I've dropping in on spots around the globe and shared seasons and celebrations, creativity and capers unimagined before. Blogging is a very good thing!

I've gotten on with my hat making, novel writing, photography and exercising.

(I NEVER imagined I'd be belly dancing and doing Hatha yoga, not to mention Zumba. Last year at this time I didn't even know Zumba existed!)

My fifty third year was really something.
Today's my fifty fourth birthday and now I wonder:
What adventures will this next year hold?
I've got so much to be thankful for.
I woke up this morning to the sound of birdsong. My thoughts were of thanksgiving, and acknowledgment once again that my favorite three words are
"He is risen."
Without that, all this growing older would just be another day closer to death without future adventures.
Instead I am satisfied that each passing day brings me a day closer to being in a place better than any place I've ever visited here on earth.
I'm not expecting to go there soon, but it is wonderful to know that the trip is already booked and that I have reservations in heaven.
It is so good to know that heaven is the last of all the places that I will go to.
(Pictures from the vacations will be coming up later....we had a great time!)
(The white hat was made the day before we left for vacation. I was going for a bit of Southern plantation style with the classic black ribbon on Panama straw. It isn't a panama, but it was suited the mood just fine.)

15 comments:

Lovella ♥ said...

Happy Birthday Jill. You have had a year worthy of celebration.

I'm so glad you were able to celebrate properly with your man and your children. .

Have a very wonderful day. .
I wish I could take you to lunch .. I truly do.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JILL!!!!! I'm so glad your vacation, all together, was a wonderful experience with lots of great memories. I have to tell you, Jill, you absolutely beautiful and glamorous in the white hat with the black band. You and Laura resemble each other so much in some of the pictures. The four of you look like you are having fun! Glad you are home safe. Have a wonderful day today!!!! Love you, mom S.

Jane Carlstrom said...

Yay Jill, Happy Birthday. What a beautiful commentary today.

Also, this new hat is spectacular - so "simple" and so right for the time, place, and you look stunning in it. It is a wonderful brim and crown for you face shape.

Marrrrrr vvvv Lous

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jill!

Julie said...

a very blessed and Happy Birthday to you, Jill !!
You look gorgeous in your photos! Definitely fit to celebrate !! smile

I am thrilled to have been a part of your blogging year -- even meeting you in person ! so I will be on board enjoying the still-to-be-discovered adventures of your coming year !!

And I agree, Jill ! isn't it nice to know that when your earthly adventures come to an end we've only just begun for the best is yet to come ?

L&D said...

Happy Birthday, my blogging friend. I wish you a wonderful day and an even more glorious year ahead. It's been a pleasure knowing you.....and reading all about your comings and goings.

Marg said...

Happy Birthday Jill. Sounds like a wonderful year. We really need to share the wonderful things in life especially those that involve our family. Looks like a great vacation.

Isn't it awesome that our big flight plan is taken care of?

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Ya'll make a mighty winsome family!

Love the hat, as always. You look lovely and very happy.

And, Happy Birthday! What a well-traveled year you've had.

I love what you say about the future too....the final trip to the very best destination; reservations already made and ticket purchased!

Anonymous said...

Oh, man! I completely forgot that this was your birthday! Knowing what the future holds does make it easier to enjoy these birthdays. Isn’t it marvelous to have the assurance that our heavenly reservations are confirmed? What a trip that will be!

You and your family look so good and so happy together, and I really love that hat!

Thanks for taking me along on your travels these past several months! I’ve had a blast! So, where are we going next (after you complete the SC/GA trip, that is!)?

Happy Birthday!

Marie said...

It only gets better!

Happy Birthday, my friend!

Kate said...

So glad to have been part of your travels. More, I say. Happy, happy birthday. Kate Q:-)

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Happy, happy birthday, Jill! It sounds like you have had one heck of a year! Isn't that funny? MY final trip will be heaven also! I'm certain I'll see you there!

Marni said...

happy birthday to you!!! i was garage saling the other day and one place i was at had peacocks and were selling the feathers. i almost picked some up for you and i don't even know you!

Miss Janey said...

Happy Birthday! Good for you for expanding your world and continuing to grow. May your 54th year be even better.

Gertrud said...

Happy Birthday Jill! or as we would say in Sweden: Grattis pÄ födelsedagen!