The Year in Review

     The year 2014 is nearing completion and as the soltice passes we take time to reflect on the year that was. We ask ourselves what lessons we have learned, what goals we accomplished and how can we continue to build upon our skills and relationships that sustain us. We give thanks and open up our homes and hearts to friends and family. The last days of December are indeed a very special time of the year.
     To me 2014 was a revolutionary experience. My connection to the earth has never been stronger. At the same time it was a year of tragedy and deep sorrow. The trying times in our lives often reshape us as individuals and these times have begun to strengthen my family and have reconnected many of us that had drifted apart. I hope to build upon these relationships over the next year, I think we will find that many of us are walking parallel paths through life and that once merged our pathways will show new direction and purpose.
     I continue to build knowledge and skills towards a regenerative lifestyle, one that will leave an abundant legacy for those who follow in my footsteps. As Bill Mollison has stated by the prime directive of permaculture, "The only logical decision is to take responsibility of our own existence and that of our children. Make it now." This simple idea serves as a guide to a resilient life. The act of taking back the responsibility for your life is absolutely liberating. With out this basic first step you will have great difficulty in providing a wholesome, caring upbringing for your children. It is essential that we provide them with the life skills and knowledge to carry this forward through the generations.
     The numbers of the new year are adding up to show great meaning in my life, my daughters birthday has the numbers 2 and 15 in it (February 15), also if you add the first two numbers and the last two you get my age (20+15=35). This may not mean anything, but I like the pattern that it presents and I believe that 2015 will be a pivotal year for us. We are moving into a new (to us) home early in the new year, so already there is much anticipation to see what new and exciting things we can do with this property. There are many great features of the landscape, and as we observe and interact with the home and the environment it will begin to show us the potential that it holds.
     I would like to thank my audience for taking the time to read and comment on my musings, I am often amazed by the warm response I get from all of you, this blog has become a great addition to my ongoing education and a fabulous resource of reflection and guidance when I start to feel discouraged. I wish you joyful and loving holiday season, and a new year filled with opportunity and health. See you in 2015!