2021 was a year of growth, grit, God’s goodness, and heaps of grace. There were long & hard days, and weeks that flew by in a blink. There was a LOT of laughter and tears. And yet, I wouldn’t trade the lessons learned or memories made. It’s through the good, hard days that I’m constantly reminded that life is a great adventure.
At the end of each year, I like to reflect on my favorite memories and put together a photo collage. Usually, this collage makes it’s way to my Christmas card…but this year’s card was a bit more floral themed…no surprise there!
So, before we jump into the new year & new rhythms, I wanted to share the highlights of 2021 including favorite blooms, books, and adventures!!
Favorite Memory:
Any and all Aunt Emmie and Livi Adventures. My favorites included watching her explore the gardens and eat waaay to many tomatoes, baking goodies to deliver to family and friends, and laughing our way through the Pumpkin patch.
Favorite New Habit:
This fall I started going to the Nashotah Dog park with Posy pup. Little did I know that I would discover a new community of dog-lovers and adventure seekers. I’ve learned so much from ways to save $$ on dog supplies to the best harness for “enthusiastic” pups. The bonus is I get a nice walk and Posy is always tuckered out when we get home!
Favorite Adventure:
Nothing could beat my mom and I’s trip to Magnolia and Waco, TX in March. We literally went from a canceled trip to rebooking everything in 4 hours. It was an inspiring and so life-giving place to be!
Favorite Flower:
Be still my bloom-loving heart. 2021 was FOR SURE the year of the dahlias. I grew so many dahlia tubers from seed this year, thanks to Floret Farms. I planted their Discovering Dahlia and Bee’s Choice mix last February, and it was a delight to watch the seedlings grow over the season and then finally bloom!
Favorite Recipe Cookbook:
A few friends and I have been slowly cooking our way through Erin French’s “The Lost Kitchen”. After binge-watching the 1st Season on Magnolia Network I admit to being a fan-girl whole heartedly! This year the rhubarb skillet cake was my go-to recipe to bring. It was equally delicious with stewed apples in the fall. You can check out the recipe here…or better yet grab a copy of The Lost Kitchen;-)
Favorite Reads:
A Minute to Think by Juliet Fundt
Wintering by Katherin May
The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle
Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Discovering Dahlias by Erin Benzikien
I’ll be sharing my 2022 goals soon, they are still simmering a bit. This last week, while cozied up at our cottage, I read a quote that resonated deeply with me
Maybe we would be better served moving gently into January with grace, hop, and a steaming cup of tea.
Beth Kempton
My hope for you friend is that wherever you are reading this you find yourself savoring the first few days of the new year with a giant cup of tea and heaps of grace.
