It's about experiences, not things

I wasn't going to write an end of the year reflective post but then I was listening to public radio today and they were talking about experiences rather than things is what fills and fulfills our lives, it was a great reminder to the amazing year it was. Things are cool for a week or two until they aren't new anymore, but experiences become memories that do last a lifetime. They travel with you no matter where you are and they are so full of intellectual and heart felt thoughts and emotion. So on the last day of this year, 2013, I reflect and find my heart and mind filled with new experiences. Most of those experiences are from people near and dear to me. Family, friends, co-workers, fellow artists, poets, all these people have blessed this past year with amazing shared experiences.

I continue to be blessed to have my one true love and soul mate by my side for the last 29 years. Filled with many stories of heartache and trouble we have persevered and continue to grow stronger and learn from each other, every day. My kids will always be a focal point in my life and I'm glad for the baby steps taken this year to begin rebuilding the relationship with my son Phil. A momma's boy to the end I love every minute I spend with my mom. I need to work next year on strengthening my relationship with my sister who inspires me with her strength, kindness and hard work. We need to add to our many shared wonderful experiences.

Many great experiences shaped my life this past year and I want to highlight four individuals who weren't in my life last year, who have help enhance and make my life and me, better this year.

The greatest being my grandson, Brayden. This new life showed me how to appreciate more, love more and be a kinder more compassionate individual.

The next three new connections came through the conduit of photography. These three amazing individuals have taught me with their honesty, sensitivity and openness. Maybe not the same as their own, two of these fine people have given me a renewed sense of the spiritual which had been missing in my life for many years. I will never believe in the same way they do but they have opened my heart to new possibilities and what we share is more similar than different. Another has shown me a humor and wit that creates real teachable moments through her eyes. Life is serious but let's lighten up people, we are all in this together. All beautiful individuals who have had an impact on me and continue to do so through our continued dialog, yes often times through Facebook but people who I'm honored to call, friends.