Friday, December 27, 2013

END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS ... A BRIGHTER 2014 ...

Hi, All.

Now that another Christmas has come and gone, we are now faced with the closing of yet another year. 2013 certainly has had many exciting moments ... ecstatic as well as devastating. Many of us have been published ... Congrats to all of you! And, sadly, many of us have lost treasured family members. Our hearts go out to all of you ...

Many of us have had health issues, accidents, and trauma, BUT through it all ... WE HAVE SURVIVED. With the grace of God and our treasured community we have stuck together and have been there for one another during our greatest triumphs and sadnesses.

I expect nothing less for 2014. As we enter into the unknown it is so comforting to know that I have all of you to face my hardships and ESPECIALLY my successes, because without you the joys are less than amazing.

As you look back over the year, PLEASE don't be hard on yourself if you haven't achieved your goals. Perhaps this was your year for growth. I've had many of them. When it's your time to reap your rewards it WILL happen. Never give up your heart's desire. Continue to write, to learn, to grow. Be the best you can. Keep your heart open, for a closed heart is a sad heart. Allow people into your lives. Don't hide behind your computer screen and dream of the "what ifs ..." That doesn't do any good and only prolongs your ability to soar.  The sky is the limit, but in reality it isn't ...  we have the universe too ... so don't give up.

May 2014 enlighten you. Enrich you. And most of all give you the ability to survive another year with as much love, health, respect, and kindness we all deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and BEGINNING My dearest friends!

Now on a much lighter and FUN note. Today, my co-Knight, David P. King is holding a very festive party at his lair. SO PLEASE, drop by there. You are sure to get a laugh and it will CERTAINLY put a smile on your face.... And he has a fun giveaway too!

ALL THE BEST ...

Your fellow blogger buddy,

Michael

39 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You certainly had a challenging year, but the last month was more than awesome I'm sure.
This year had some high moments along with a few disappointments. Guess 2012 was just hard to beat.

Morgan said...

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Julie Flanders said...

What a beautiful post. And I love the seagull picture to go with it.
Happy New Year to you, Michael! I wish you nothing but the best for 2014.

Tina said...

That was wonderful, very good for me to hear. I'm definitely making some changes in attitude - more positive, less whining. Whatever health issues may come, they'll be there, but I'll be focusing on other stuff. Right now I'm waiting for my first rejection letter...um, I mean, acceptance letter. Sent in a short story.
Happy New Year, Michael.
Tina @ Life is Good

Anonymous said...

Yes Michael we must look forward to the New Year with positivity, Have a wonderful and successful New year.
Yvonne.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, there are times of celebration and challenge. I'm glad you got through your challenges this year. Next year is going to be one of those years of challenge for me, but hopefully I'll be up to it. Happy New Year!.

Suzanne Furness said...

2013 was a challenging one for me but I am looking forward to the New Year with positivity. I wish you all the best, Michael. We are fortunate to be part of a great online community and the support is incredible. Blessings to you :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael .. you've had your moments for sure in this and previous years .. it's just good that we've come through and are able to pull through - it's great having fellow bloggers support us along the way.

I'm feeling 2014 will be a fun year ahead - lots of achievements .. and hope ahead .. incremental steps to success ...

You've got lots of projects on the go, you have loads of talent and if you really want to go south - then there's that objective too ... with thoughts as you celebrate this year's end and the happy future ahead .. cheers Hilary

Dianne K. Salerni said...

You did have a challenging year, but I love how you look at the growth that you gained from it. I DID see your LEGO scene over at David's. Awesome!

D.G. Hudson said...

You are a role model, Michael (along with Roland Y.) of how to combat adversity. Nothing seems to daunt you. I admire that. Wishing you a great 2014! Enjoy the last days of 2013, it's the quiet time before the revelry.
I saw the Lego scenes at David's - nice staging.

S.P. Bowers said...

Thanks Michael, your encouragement is much needed. I truly believe that no goal is failed as long as we are moving towards it. It's not always easy to remember that though.

Tara Tyler said...

you survived! and give so much inspiration! wishing you a wonderful year of fresh beginnings!!

River Fairchild said...

A happy New Year to you as well, Michael! I will keep your encouraging words close to me as I grope along in the dark and try harder to let the sun back into my life. Thank you for being an optimist willing to lift others' spirits up.

Unknown said...

I love your comment about not being hard on ourselves looking back over 2013. So true - we need to focus on the positives and the opportunities for 2014. Hope the new year brings you much happiness.

Yolanda Renée said...

The truth of your words ring clear! Thank you, it's so good to read and realize how open the future is!

Wishing you a most peaceful, health filled, prosperous New Year!
Love you Michael!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Just cling to hope for next year, right? It was an interesting year, that's for sure.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

What inspiring thoughts at the end of the year, Michael. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and wishing you all the best for 2014.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to you, as well Michael.

Jay Noel said...

You're exactly right. Let's not beat ourselves over some of the goals we might not have reached. There's plenty of time to do that in 2014! LOL.

Have a great New Year's!!!

Laura said...

Happy New Year my dear friend- and I hope it holds a lot of happiness for you.
Sending love
Laura xxx

DEZMOND said...

Hey, Michael, if you had told me you celebrate NEW YEAR all natural in the house I would've invited myself over a month ago :PPP
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Mine 2013 was quite horrid, so I'm hoping the next one won't be any worse :)

mooderino said...

2013 was a bit meh for me but I'm looking forward to better and brighter in the new year. Wishing the same for you.

mood
Moody Writing

Anonymous said...

Fantastic post. We have tragedies and fall short on our goals, but we need to remain positive. I'm looking forward to 2014. Happy New Year.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Happy New Year to you, Michael. I hope you have a safer year than last and all good things come to you.

Dana said...

Happy New Year, Michael! May we all be blessed this wonderful new year!

Crystal Collier said...

Aw, I missed the party! I guess that's what I get for spending time with my kidlets. =)

2014 is going to be the best, ever. Here's wishing you all the best!

Angela Brown said...

2013 was certainly an interesting year, if nothing else lol!! I look forward to what 2014 has to offer. Let the mysteries unfold :-)

Danette said...

"Onward and upward" as the saying goes, aye? It may have been a difficult year but the ebb and flow of life is full of such lows and hopefully this was a bottoming out. Let's hope!!! :)

Looking forward to another year of friendship with my blogging buddies! And I appreciate all the support you've offered my friend!!

mshatch said...

I am definitely looking forward to a brighter 2014 - Happy New year :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Happy New Year, Michael!

Mary Montague Sikes

Cathrina Constantine said...

Micheal, you are truly a gifted man with beautiful words. You write with an elegance that makes me want to read more. What a remarkable end of the year tribute to what was, and what is to come. Thank You.

dolorah said...

It has been quite the year hasn't it! I hope you are also completely healed. Best wishes for the coming year Michael.

......dhole

Misha Gerrick said...

What a thoughtful post! We definitely are lucky to belong to such a wonderful community.

God bless you this year. :-)

Crystal Collier said...

In my best Rapunzel voice: "BEST. YEAR. EVER!" Or at least it will be. Here's to new beginnings, growth and the power of healing!

JJ said...

Happy New Year!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

When things don't happen as quickly as I want them to, I assume God knows I'm still not ready. Things will happen when they are meant to. I have faith in that!

klahanie said...

Hi Michael,

And thus, we are now into the infancy of 2014. With child like wonder, we look to a year of smooth pathways with the occasional pothole. Your words, my friend, thoughtful and profound.

Welcome to 2014 and a new hope.

Gary :)

Susan Oloier said...

Happy New Year to you, Michael. May 2014 be a year of success, good health, and happiness for you. Keeping extra good thoughts and sending out positive energy for you, my friend. I am so lucky to know you.

shelly said...

Very nice post.

Hugs and chocolate!