Laura

Reflections, Recollections, Remembrance

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

Happy Friday!

(a post with a bit of yammering – youโ€™ve been warned!) ๐Ÿ˜†

Just like that, in the blink of an eye – a year has passed!

So, considering there is a daily prompt I havenโ€™t actually answered (even though itโ€™s from like a week ago!) – I decided to go ahead and do a look-back on what I had posted within that last week of December / first week of January last year to compare and contrast.

Traveling back in time!

It seems around this time last year I was starting to build some pretty decent habits around writing – mostly thanks due to the daily prompts (Wait, whaaatt!? Me? Actually saying something somewhat complimentary about the daily prompts?!) and aside from a break or (unplanned) hiatus here and there, Iโ€™ve been pretty consistent with writing this past year, overall.

Here is a snapshot of the photos I posted from about a year ago comprised over that time period:

They still seem so recent to me, and yetโ€ฆfar away

I remember the guidance I had received in November 2023 from someone who is very close to me and knows me quite well:

โ€œWrite. Just write. Start in anyway you can. Your writing will really help people,โ€ she had told me.

I had heard that plenty before.

โ€œYou should be a writer.โ€

Whatโ€™s the draft count at now? *hides*

Eeeehhhhโ€ฆ.yeah, but them creative gigs donโ€™t really pay, and this Catwoman has some bills and mouths to feed, so living in fairytales and lala land isnโ€™t going to keep the lights on.

Honestly? I still donโ€™t see it. But perhaps we arenโ€™t supposed to see those things about ourselves.

They are just supposed โ€œto be.โ€

Still one of my most favorite nature shots – Lake Wenatchee in WA state.

Another thing that may or may not be surprising to some – I had never entertained the thought of using AI images.

My blog was supposed to be about nature – the sky, the moon, the plants, the wildlife, dreams, insights, spirituality, mountains and hiking and all that good happy hippie shit.

I mean, it still kinda is – but with a dose of reality.

Itโ€™s still about the moon, the stars, the sky and all the nature – itโ€™s just evolved

When I ran out of โ€œnatureโ€ shots, yeah I couldโ€™ve just taken more and frequently do. But for everyday stuff – โ€œnatureโ€ doesnโ€™t always work, and miss me with a booorrrringg long wall of text that no one plans on reading.

(Speaking of walls of text – this is becoming more of a novella than Iโ€™d like.) ๐Ÿ˜†

I also never thought Iโ€™d be writing poetry, which I started to do more seriously in March. But I have someone very special to thank for that.

I was so intimidated by the thought of writing poetry. Definitely not a โ€œdanger zoneโ€ I ever thought Iโ€™d foray into

So far, Iโ€™ve related most of this post to creative endeavors and the blog because wellโ€ฆthatโ€™s how most of you know me.

The one thing about this past year I wouldnโ€™t have predicted, and wish I couldโ€™ve changed?

The jobs. The never-ending cycle of shifting from job to job this past year. Iโ€™ve probably had more this year alone than any other year.

Kevin gets all the credit for this one – my work is a circus, and Iโ€™m surrounded by clowns ๐Ÿคก ๐ŸŽช

Very frustrating, to say the least. However, I am extremely grateful that jobs have mostly been plentiful for me.

I have built some very wonderful long-lasting relationships through here, which I am wholly grateful for.

Soโ€ฆback to the original question:

Was it what I pictured a year ago?

Absolutely not.

Itโ€™s so much better. And will continue to be.

all words and images, unless otherwise stated

Happy weekend is upon us! Do you have any plans?

Thank you, as always, for reading.

88 comments

  2. A thoughtful and thought-provoking look back at the year, Laura! I love…love your writing style, its wholesome (but very careful and brilliant) word choices and sidebar personal notations…make me feel that you are allowing me to read your journal entries.. which is a remarkable gift! I am glad you share your writing, thoughts and photos. I enjoy reading what you have to share each time…. although I don’t always comment.
    Bless you. And Happy weekend!

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    • Thank you so much for your kind generosity, Suzette! ๐Ÿ˜Š That is really such a wonderful compliment and means a lot to me ๐Ÿ™ I appreciate that more than you know. I always enjoy your lovely poetry and beautiful flowing words, so much โœจ thank you again and many blessings your way! Have a great weekend ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐ŸŒน

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  3. Thanks for sharing your journey ๐Ÿ™‚ it is crazy how much things can change in a year. Iโ€™m glad you found your poetic voice, and your images are beautiful. Have a great 2025.

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    • And thank you so much for being a part of it! ๐Ÿ˜Š Youโ€™re very right, things often happen the way we least expect, sometimes for better (luckily!) appreciate your kind words too about the images ๐Ÿ™ I hope you have a wonderful 2025 as well! ๐Ÿ˜Š

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    • Thank you Ernie! Iโ€™m very thankful because itโ€™s even better than I couldโ€™ve imagined. ๐Ÿ™ appreciated, and so glad to have met you here as well โ˜•๏ธ โ˜•๏ธ โœŒ๏ธ have a peaceful weekend ๐Ÿ˜

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  5. Stunning selection of photographs, Laura! ๐Ÿ˜
    Thank you, for sharing your year of reflection and how your creative endeavours have evolved. May this year see your continued growthโ€ฆenjoy! โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’•

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    • Thank you so much Sara! Means a lot coming from a wonderful artist like you ๐Ÿ™ Continued growth is the goal, and hopefully we will have the best year possible with creative endeavors ๐Ÿคž thank you ๐Ÿค— so happy to have your presence here ๐Ÿ’•

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      • You are most welcome, Laura! Thank you, for your very kind wordsโ€ฆitโ€™s an honour to be part of this creative journey with likeminded creators.
        Let us enjoy the journey! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿค—

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  6. Thank you for sharing your journey.
    It’s great to meet you here. (Just wanted to let you know that I came to your site from Kevin’s site.)

    Your photography is excellent.
    Overall, when combined with poetry, your site is fantastic, my friend.

    Wishing you the best on your job.

    I hope you have a great weekend ahead.๐Ÿ˜Š

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    • Iโ€™m so glad you came over from Kevinโ€™s site! Thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š itโ€™s been a pleasure meeting you as well and I highly appreciate your positive words and energy ๐Ÿ™ and kindness about my photography and poetry โœจ really means a lot.
      And yes, I need lots of luck with that job ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿคž

      I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well! ๐Ÿ˜Š

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  7. Love your photographs Laura.
    They are stunning.
    Wonderful reflections of 2024.
    I am so happy to have connected with you here.
    Keep creating my friend in whatever way you feel.
    Wishing you the best of everything for 2025 ๐Ÿค—โค๏ธ๐ŸŒน๐Ÿฅฐ

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    • Thank you so much, lovely Maggie ๐Ÿ™ ๐Ÿฅฐ that means a lot and Iโ€™m so thankful to have connected with you here as well. Your beautiful spirit and equally wonderful writing are such an inspiration! โœจ Thank you for your always generous kindness โค๏ธ๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒ™

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  8. Great photos Laura and a great post! I’m really hoping to get to the allotment this weekend- haven’t done any serious gardening for about 3 weeks and I’m getting cabin fever! Of course, we had a little snow last night so…..I also need to get my next episode of the podcast edited and uploaded – honestly, if I’d known how much time that thing was gonna take I’d prob have never started one!! What you got planned? ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’โ„๏ธ

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    • Thank you so much, Sharon ๐Ÿ˜Š Iโ€™d love it if you get around to taking some pictures if you do get a chance to go, they always have such a great vibe – no pressure though! 3 weeks is a long time, but I understand how time can go by so quickly. Snow โ„๏ธ omg, Iโ€™d love to see it! The podcast does sound like it takes a good bit of time, Iโ€™ve always wanted to do one but havenโ€™t jumped in. I know you do YouTube too so thatโ€™s quite a bit as well! Iโ€™m off today and Saturday luckily, so going to relax and enjoy, clean some things around the house (so much fun ๐Ÿ™„) LOL and if I can get out and get a walk at least with maybe the camera. ๐Ÿ“ธ If I get lucky, maybe some writing ๐Ÿคฃ โœ๏ธ have a bit of cooler weather coming tomorrow so looking forward to that. 49 degrees here or probably about 10 where you are! ๐Ÿค—

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  9. L โค VE The photos and the new AI additions are fab comic relief compounded with inspiration and uniqueness, Laura โค One of a kind and beyond genuine! Upgraded! I can relate so well from this side and need just one paying regular gig to pay the bills, keep the lights on, and feed this celiac (lol) and all her furbabies (hahaha). Stellar sister, as always! ๐Ÿ˜€

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    • My lovely, lovely dragon ๐Ÿ‰ sister! How I adore you and your sweet comments always ๐Ÿ™ you are always too kind to me and give me far too much credit โค๏ธ it is I who am blessed to have met your sweet soul. I pray you have all your wishes come true this year and always, you deserve them! โค๏ธ thank you for your beautiful magic โœจ

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  14. Happy weekend! I think life rarely turns out the way we imagine but at the end of the day we’re on the path we’re meant to be on even if it’s not exactly what we envisioned ๐Ÿ˜Š

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    • Thank you so much, Nancy ๐Ÿ’› really so appreciated ๐Ÿ™ I wish for you the same and so grateful for your kind words as well โœจ glad you liked the images ๐Ÿ˜Š

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      • Most welcome! ๐Ÿ˜Š May I ask what program or app you use for these images and how much artistic talent you need because I ain’t got a lick! ๐Ÿ‘…

        Well, I don’t care if it is 30ยบ; I need an iced cappy from Dunkin.๐Ÿง‹ I wonder if DoorDash will deliver 1 cup of coffee. ๐Ÿ˜‚

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      • Ooooh dunkin does sound good lol ๐Ÿ˜† and thank you! ๐Ÿ˜Š I use Microsoft Bing to generate my images! I had to play around with it to get a style I liked but I wouldnโ€™t say itโ€™s too bad. ๐Ÿ˜‰ best of luck and happy generating! โœจ

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  18. I think you’ve had a heck of a year, traveled quite the arc with your writing, branching out in several directions and finding new ways to frame your thoughts.

    I sink into your nature photographs, just love them so much. โค

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    • Thank you โค๏ธ nature photos are always my fav ๐Ÿ˜Š I enjoy them so much. ๐Ÿ™ so much gratitude for your kind words about my writing as well as the awesome connection we have here โค๏ธ

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  20. nice insights! about the clowns, you’re right , those naysayers shame themselves.
    also, the connection with nature is a wise solution. Poetry, photos, trecking, cooking and a good meal; those are good activities to nourish your body, mind and soul.
    About your experience of being lost in the woods, i understand very good, it happened to me , also . when i was in the Rocky mountains. (unforgettable).

    great fulfillment in all your challenges and desires!

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    • Thank you my friend for your always kind and thoughtful words ๐Ÿ™ so true, you are right about nourishing our mind, body, soul – such an important interconnection there!
      ๐Ÿ˜Š being lost in the woods can be a great (scary) but powerful feeling – may you have a great year ahead! โœจ ๐ŸŒ™

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  22. Laura, your year is like a delightful cocktail of clowns, creativity, and cosmic surprises. From poetry to job-hopping, youโ€™ve turned chaos into charm.
    Life may not be what you pictured, but hey, itโ€™s your masterpiece now.
    Happy weekendโ€”keep rocking it!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

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  24. The original suggestion is still the best one. Weโ€™re glad you keep writing, even through the twists and turns of life. Itโ€™s a little habit that returns so much in so many ways. Great photos too, Laura Laura.

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    • Thank you so much, Ted! Everyone here is the reason I still write sometimes, the encouragement means so much especially when the creative flow is clogged ๐Ÿ˜† lol ๐Ÿซถ always appreciated ๐Ÿ˜Š

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  27. The pictures are lovely and your poetry evokes feelings. Your yammering is fun to read as well ๐Ÿ˜€.
    Wishing this year goes even better than the last ๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ’ซ๐ŸคŽ๐ŸคŽ

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    • Thank you, Mary ๐Ÿ™ your comment gave me chills, in a good way ๐Ÿ˜Š and youโ€™re so right – mediocracy is never the goal! โค๏ธ appreciate you always

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  33. Thanks for sharing your journey this past year. Those pictures are gorgeous! I’m glad that you took the plunge into poetry, because you’ve written some wonderful ones that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

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