We’ll Take a Cup o’ Kindness Yet

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a new beginning.” – TS Eliot

Happy New Year from your Vagabond Photographer! Each new year offers us a chance to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come. Some years this task is easier than others! This past year was a bit of a blur. Author Katherine May would say that I was “wintering.” Taking a cue from the natural world that hibernates in tough weather, wintering involves resting when the body asks us to, and restoring. I’m not sure we are meant to “winter” for a whole year, but apparently I needed that. Leading me to wonder if I really accomplished anything at all.

Luckily, I did take a lot of photos and so a wander through my albums for 2025 gifted me with a reminder that 2025 was indeed a year of adventure and gratitude! Here’s a look at a colourful, cheerful 2025 through pictures.

We’ll start with my first winter in Bayfield. You could say it snowed. A LOT!

I really enjoyed spending time in my backyard. Even on the snowy days I had coffee with the birds in the morning. Nature brings with it a slowed heartbeat and a hit of endorphins for this farm girl! I enjoyed visiting my sister Jen’s place too to spend quality time with her managerie Ginger, Marcel and Purrl. And this year I loved volunteering at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines.

2025 was the year of the back road adventure. Nothing beats getting in your car and finding old barns and cars to photograph. Here’s what I found along the way.

If you are ever looking for a day trip, try exploring Ontario Barn Quilt Trails. I like to use their barn quilt images first, then will use their Google map locations to plan my drive. I usually find 70% of the barns listed so it does feel like a scavenger hunt.

I’m not sure why I like finding old trucks so much. Maybe it reminds me of our old trucks on the farm?

In a year when buying Canadian and exploring our own backyard became more important then ever, I took to the roads around Huron and Lambton Counties to enjoy the wonders of small towns, backroads, and shorelines. Our old license plate slogan comes to mind “yours to discover.”

I also found sunflower fields aplenty, and really enjoyed visiting our local lavender farm, Bayfield Lavender. All my senses were engaged: birds chirping, the peaceful scent of lavender in the air, colourful flowers to see…visit if you can next summer!

I was blessed this year with many dear friends visiting at the cottage. I can’t thank all of you enough for your love and laughter! I’m sorry I didn’t get a snap from every visit but know that your visit made my year!

I’m also grateful for a few trips away from the cottage this year. One back to “the Big Smoke” and one to lovely Ahmic Lake in the Muskoka’s. Thank you Moyra and John for the lovely visit!

This fall I really enjoyed a photo adventure back home in Lambton County. Thanks Jim! What a fun day!

A year in review wouldn’t be complete without participating in the annual Terry Fox Run, a cause near and dear to my heart! And this year I was blessed with the opportunity to preview a new Terry Fox documentary filled with never-seen-before footage from his Marathon of Hope, Run, Terry, Run at Roy Thompson Hall. Hearing the Toronto Symphony Orchestra play the score was brilliant. I can’t wait for this moving documentary to be released this coming spring. Thank you to my dear sister, Jen, for the gift of this unforgettable experience!

The word for 2025 is Grateful. Pulling together all of these photos the past few days gave me the chance to reflect on what is important. Friendship! Family! Thank you for being a part of my year! Here’s our family Christmas celebration, where we welcomed home Ellis, my new Great Nephew. You are a miracle and we are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Welcome 2026! May you bring more joy, love, and laughter than we can handle! And maybe a few more photos. Here’s a collection of my favourites from this past year. Happy New Year to one and all! Love, The Vagabond Photographer!