Out an' About

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” That quote from Forrest Gump is so apt for this post as, just like a box of Favorites, the year has been (though mostly good) a mixed one.

For the current WPC: Favourites theme, here’s a condensed pictorial look back at the year that was, at least in my world.

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January

The year started off in spectacular fashion at Yanakie. It’s not very often we return to the same camping spot twice within a few weeks but we so fell in love with this place that we did just that.

We also spent five nights in the beautiful King Valley, sampling all the region’s scenic and gourmet delights.

The travel bug hit early this year.

February

February was the start of my blog world becoming reality when I met Louise from The Year I Touched my toes and gregarious Deb from Deb’s World. It was instant connection, just as it was with fellow bloggers, Kate, Di and Hayley who I met later in the year.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There’s no end to the adventures we can have if we only seek them with our eyes open” Jawaharal Nehru

March

One of the best parts of camping is cooking and relaxing in the great outdoors. And we did plenty of that this year. Big skies, even bigger breakfasts, walking it off and chilling out in nature is what I love best.

Our time at Acheron on the Goulburn River was just an overnighter but sometimes that’s all you need to recharge and refuel.

April

I landed an amazing job and then got fired.

You wouldn’t think getting sacked from a job after only 18 days would qualify as a favourite moment but, looking back, there were lots of lessons in what happened.

I thought it would be my dream job but it proved to me that what I had been striving so hard for wasn’t meant to be.

And it set me on a new path.

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ” Charles Dickens

May

We spent some time in the beautiful Buckland Valley with the entire family.

A relaxing few days with some of the highlights being a climb to the Horn at the top of Mount Buffalo set the scene for more memories to be made.

June

A quiet month of inward contemplation but also one of moving forward.

Long walks with Harry, a renewed passion for my writing, my guitar and music kept me focused on what I love.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that drive us forward.

July

Our big road trip was the highlight of the year.

It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite photo from our long anticipated trip to the Red Centre. Our six weeks away, crossing into five states, and clocking up 9000 kilometres, was one of the most amazing holidays I’ve ever had.

This happy photo at Kings Canyon epitomises our time away.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” ~ Anonymous

August

The first year anniversary of my beautiful mum’s passing. She’s left me with a legacy to be strong, grateful and to live fully and embrace life.

So that’s what I’m doing.

“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” Fred DeWitt Van Amburgh

September

The season of Spring began in Melbourne and so did my 90 Day Change a Habit Challenge with Wendy from Brilliance Within.

My challenge was to meditate daily for 90 days.

I’m still doing it!

October

Sometimes the most fun is had right in our back yard.

This month, aside from a couple more camping trips to Yackandandah with friends and along the Campaspie River, Doug and I played tourists and enjoyed a day out exploring wine local wine cellars.

November

This month we enjoyed a peaceful camping weekend with friends at Lake Eppalock.

There’s something special about camping near water, whether it’s a river, lake or sea. We’ve camped near them all this year.

Lots of personal triumphs this month with both of my kids achieving big things.

I’m so proud of them.

December

Well, here we are in the last month of the year. Life cotinues with all of its ups and downs, dramas, challenges and moments of joy. I’ve met lots of new people along the way and life feels like a gift.

“We are each other’s opportunity. Because you exist, I can do a kind deed for you.” Avinash Do

I was especially excited this month to create my first music video in YouTube. I posted this song, in collaboration with Deb and Rob, in my last blog post, but since then I’ve added some pictures to the song so I thought I’d include the video here. Hope you enjoy it.

I feel a huge sense of expansion as we prepare to enter 2018. I hope you do too.

Life is full of mystery and surprise. Who knows what’s in that box of chocolates next year. All I know is that it’s all there to be enjoyed.

So don’t hold back.

Happy Christmas everyone, stay happy and healthy and I wish you exciting journeys in 2018.  

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