Happy New Year!

Did anyone else just watch the Winter Classic? Wasn’t it just a fantastic salute to hockey? As I was watching the game (in my lucky Mike Palmateer jersey) I recalled a New Years Day back in high school when a game of shinny started the year off just right. It was a sunny, mild winter day and our whole family walked down from our farm to Lake Huron where we met up with “The Lake Valley Grove Gang” at The Turtle Pond for an impromptu game of hockey in the great outdoors. I remember pulling my goalie equipment along on a sleigh behind me. We played for hours and walked home dead tired and very happy. I haven’t thought about that day in a while but there’s something about New Years Day that forces one to reflect on days past while hoping for better days to come.

Today, as I sit here in my tiny Toronto apartment, surrounded by boxes as I prepare for the “great move west” I’m struck by how fast the days and years go by. This past year brought with it so many ups and downs that it would make a yo-yo envious. Yet I am left with an overwhelming feeling that I am terribly lucky to not only have survived but thrived. The photos above reminded me of that and I am filled with nothing but gratitude. For great friends who have walked beside me. For dear family who love me. For unexpected chances to improve my photography skills and have them appreciated. To get the chance to tell you stories here each week. I am truly blessed!

Thanks to each of you for traveling along with me on my Vagabond Adventures. May this new year bring you hope, joy, peace and love.

Happy New Year!