Soon, Emily P Freeman will open her linkup “What I Learned in December” and I thought I’d get a jump start today on the 29th, as I write this. I think if one doesn’t learn something in December, one might not be “learnable” – yes, I know that is not a word but it fits! So there, you just learned something – a new made up word! LEARNABLE!
I believe I learned quite a few things this past month, I will list them in my usual fashion and please be thinking about what YOU learned because it is mandatory you comment with something! Well, maybe not MANDATORY but it does make for some fun reading…here I go.
- December arrived WET. We had a little tease of cold air on the 3rd and 4th but overall, this has been an insanely warm month. I actually mowed the grass on the 13th because I had to not because I wanted to – it was long and super green. What did I learn? One doesn’t feel real Christmasy when it is 70 degrees out.
- My daughter and I made a road trip to South Florida on December 4th. No kids. No dogs. It was like heavenly. Easy. Quiet. We drove until we were tired and checked into a cheap, clean hotel – $49 for 5 hours sleep. Not bad! I learned a lot on this trip:
- Weddings are special – my sister got married. She & he said, “I do” in a lovely church wedding while the Righteous Brothers sang “Forever My Love” in the background.
- It’s never too late to learn something new. I went sharktooth hunting with my youngest son. We were on the beach at The Breakers, Palm Beach. I found my first shark’s tooth and a myriad of pretty shells. The best part? You can guess!
- One can feel very, very sad learning someone you knew 40 years ago had suddenly passed away. The man was my ex-husband’s best friend and it brought sorrow to my heart.
- It is possible, and even pleasant, to sit around a table with the father of my three children, and our kids and enjoy fellowship. The best part? The youngest (now 38) saying, “This is the first time I remember being with my ‘original’ family with no other people around.” We all laughed! Selah.
- Our dog, Sam, suffered depression and loneliness while I was gone – he sat in a chair glued to the window, for five days awaiting my return.
- It is always good to get home!
The practice run. My sis (left) with her family.
The “best part” mentioned in #2
- Anne of Green Gables is still a great series and especially when your granddaughter comes to watch it with you. What did I learn? VHS is really awful quality and I need to invest in the dvd’s!
- I learned I love writing Haiku poetry. Thank you, Wendy Speake!
- Small, cozy dinner parties are awesome. My hubs always gets to create the invite list for these small occasions and he totally rocked it! Had a fabulous time with D & A and D & J! Good food. Good fun. Good fellowship. And, even the political convo was bearable!
- Church Christmas programs are entertaining…and the “story” never gets old!
- I adore Christmas Eve candlelight service. Our daughter’s family church, The Cove, does a beautiful service.
- Christmas Day. What did I learn? Ms Lillet and I can have only one encounter. (You don’t have to know what this means.)
- I realized my oneword2015, which was WONDER, should have been BRAVE. Living life these past 12 months, for me, was brave. And, living BRAVE is rather WONDERful!
- As I sit here on December 29th, preparing my new planner and notebook, I realize I’m looking forward to a new year. I love Monday’s and a new year is like a whole bunch of them rolled out over 366 days (2016 is a Leap Year), crazy, huh?
What did YOU learn in December?
So sweet and personal – and some things you have shared, I can learn from!
Blessings on your 2016!
Michele – we are never beyond learning, are we sister?
Wow! What a great year! Shark tooth hunting?! Cool. I love Anne of Greene Gables, and the image of your dog broke my heart. So sorry about the loss of your friend, but it sounds like your “original” family is a huge blessing. Keep laughing and stay brave in 2016! Great post!
Karen, “stay brave” – yes, thank you, I believe I will!
What a busy month you’ve had!! So fun to read about your adventures. Happy New Year, friend!
Now, for a restful and cold January!
December’s are always so busy, but it’s so nice to relax on a December night , next to my fireplace with the lights and enjoy the stillness of the night. Its my quiet place to relax, my refuge with our Lord. Thank you honey for sharing.
I’ve enjoyed the lights in the living room often this season! Peaceful tranquility!
Thanks for your wonderful sharing and photos. I need to give more thought to the subject of what I learned in 2015 and you have opened that door for me. What ever it is, it leads me to the word for 2016. Trust.
TRUST…that’s a biggie, Ali! O! for grace to TRUST Him more! Wait ’til you hear what my oneword2016 is!
Ps
So sad to hear about Sam’ s depression!
😉
Yep, I’m ready to roll for Emily’s end of the year gathering, too, Susan! It was hard to choose which of the learnings to share, exactly what saved my life … for there were way too many gifts along the way …
Happy new year to you … I’m glad I ran into you at Holley’s this morning!
ME TOO! Returning the visit in a few…
What did I learn in Dec.? 1. That if you open yourself up to obedience in Christ, He will take you much farther than you would ever imagine. 2. Just when you think you know what you’re doing, it will change. 3. Change is the only constant. (Besides God’s character)
Happy New Year!
Yes, Lord. Here’s to 2016!!!
December sounds like it was a wonderful month for you. As I read your post, I was thinking about what I learned this month. The biggest lesson learned was to see how far the Lord had brought us since last December. He is so faithful & brings us through. May you & yours have a very happy new year!
Joanne, our God is ever so faithful! Thanks for coming by.
It sound like a busy and exciting month for you. We too, love Anne of Green Gable, and need to invest in some DVD’s.
I think it would be well worth the investment!
Great list!
Thanks for coming by, Emily!
Funny since brave WAS my word this year. I too adore candlelight services on Christmas Eve. I learned—the hard way—that one most keep a closer eye on ones car than one thinks. My car is shot…engine is shot. Luckily my uncle is willing to sell me a car of his. Oh haiku writing is my fave too. Learned I absolutely love it too!
Tara, perhaps we need a Haiku day or something!!! Glad about getting a new car.
Wow, you learned a lot in December! I enjoyed reading through this post. I learned a lot about book editing and publishing this month. It’s an exciting time to live in- when publishing a book is more accessible to anyone who wants to learn.
Dawn, I love self-publishing. Thank you for coming by today.
Love this post, Susan…so open, honest, and specific…thank you for sharing your heart…many New Years blessings to you ❤️
Beth, and what a blessing we both had in October IRL at ALLUME! YAY!
There is something special about December! I love the glow of Christmas and then the excitement of a new year. Warm weather doesn’t hurt either!
Very special indeed, Sarah.
I enjoyed reading all that you learned AND the adventures you’ve had!
Blessings!
Shirley, must come over to your Light Love Hope – I am drawn to that word, HOPE!
It sounds like a glorious month for you. Good for you for living Brave – may the lessons learned in 2015 make it even easier in 2016.
I pray so!