Reflections of 2023 and #WOTY for 2024

I don't know how the Word of the Year works, but the years where I have chosen a word, the year has been in keeping with it.

Last year I chose Ikigai as my word after I read the book and liked the concept of "happiness of just being".  2023 wasn't an easy year but overall, it was a happy year. Here are some of my Ikigai happy moments:

I started my artwork again after a gap of several years thanks to my team who gave me a farewell present of art supplies and for time between jobs to relax and paint. I even got my son into artwork with me and was surprised what an awesome artist he is. I am in awe of his talent. 

My brother came to visit, and I met him after 12 years. It was nice seeing him again and we had a good time with him. I also got to visit my daughter twice so that was lovely. She lives in a beautiful part of the South Island of New Zealand.  

Even though I enjoyed my job, it was very stressful, and, in a way, it was a relief that the programme got cancelled. Felt bad for my absolutely fantastic team but happy that over the next couple of months all of us found new jobs. 

I restarted my yoga and qi gong practice and even though I haven't lost any weight, I feel more energetic. So, I hope that I can keep that going this year.

 So, in keeping with the Japanese theme, my word for 2024 is Wabi-Sabi - beauty in imperfection.  A nice reminder that not everything needs to be perfect, and that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. 

My art has clearly taught me that what initially may look terrible, could start to grow on you eventually and that what you may not like, others may find quite endearing. Evidenced by my painting above that I thought looked awful when I painted it, but it grew on me day by day. 

If you have a word or phrase for this year, please share in the comments. I look forward to how Wabi-Sabi will play out for me this year.

Wish you all a fabulous 2024.

Warm Regards




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Zoom and Zealous #atozchallenge #inthelockdown

A to Z Challenge

In The Lockdown - Zoom and some Zealous seagulls

Zealous seagulls waiting for a morsel

They kept moving closer to where I was sitting

Taken a couple of days before the lockdown was announced

The seagulls must be wondering where the people have gone

Or perhaps there are more fish in the sea!

How strange it is that it took a pandemic to bring together my relatives that are scattered all over the world through the wonderful world of Zoom.

Each Saturday night 10 families from five countries  "meet" up through Zoom for a 40 minute chat.  It's good to see everyone since I haven't met them for nearly 10 years (and some for even longer).

I think my mother enjoys this the most as she gets to see her children, nieces and nephews.  

How are you keeping touch with your families / relatives?

Today I leave you with My Heart Will Go Onfrom the movie Titanic, one of my favourite movies and one of my favourite songs. It's a reminder to reach out to those we love and care for especially at a time like this.

Far across the distance and spaces between us

You have come to show you go on

Near, far, wherever you are ...

My Heart Will Go On - youtube

Sadly the A to Z has come to an end. 

I truly enjoyed blogging this year and I have discovered new blogs that I've thoroghly enjoyed visiting.  I hope you enjoyed my posts.

Thank you to everyone who dropped by, read my posts, left a comment.

I will have to do a wrap up post with my thoughts on the challenge. 

My AtoZ 2020 posts

#Besafe

#Bestrong

#Bekind

#Stayhome

#Weshallovercome

Warm Regards


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Yes! and Yellow #atozchallenge #inthelockdown

A to Z Challenge

In The Lockdown - Yes! and a bit of Yellow

Bees in my garden

Insects are not my cup of tea 

and usually I will run a mile from bees.

But in the lockdown while walking through my garden,

 I found some bees buzzing and filmed them

I kind of lost a little fear of them.

If you aren't a threat to them, 

they pretty much leave you alone.

I am writing this a day before this post will be released. 

Today is April 28 2020 and today is the first day New Zealand has moved from a full lockdown (alert level 4) to alert level 3. 

NZ has contained the virus but our Prime Minister still alerts us that we need to be very vigilant so that it does not get out of control. 

Level 3 means that socialising isn't much different - we still stay home and largely within our household "bubbles". We can expand them a little if absolutely necessary. 

But the economy opens up a little - non contact trade can start and people can return to work but only if they can't work from home.

Schools open up for primary and secondary schools for children who can't be supervised at home. In New Zealand children under the age of 14 can't be left unsupervised. 

Malls, playgrounds, gyms, libraries, theatres are still closed. We can move out of our houses for essential items or for walks etc but we need to remain local and maintain the 2 meter distance.

Restaurants and cafes can trade only for takeaways.

So Yes!  New Zealand has started on its path to economic recovery. 

Today I leave you with this song from the movie Prince of Egypt. When You Believe is a song of hope and miracles. We need them both. I pray that soon we will find a safe and effective vaccine, an effective treatment and cure. 

Many nights we've prayed

With no proof anyone could hear

In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood

Now we are not afraid

Although we know there's much to fear

We were moving mountains long before we knew we could.

There can be miracles when you believe

Though hope is frail it's hard to kill

Who knows what miracles you can achieve

When you believe, somehow you will

You will when you believe.

When You Believe - youtube

My AtoZ 2020 posts

#Besafe

#Bestrong

#Bekind

#Stayhome

#Weshallovercome

Warm Regards


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Xtra Mile and Xtra Cute #atozchallenge #inthelockdown

A to Z Challenge

In The Lockdown - Going the Xtra mile and Xtra cute

Xtra cute - My daughter's puppy observing a cat with a mask

If you were ever in doubt about wearing a mask,

The cat has spoken!

For many years now I've been donating to the foodbank at the local supermarkets. I can't remember when I started but it was a long long time ago.

Each week I put in a can or two of baked beans or canned fruit or some cereal. It's not a lot about $5 a week.  At Easter and Christmas I add some chocolates or biscuits - a little bit more especially for the kids.

The last 5 weeks while in lockdown I've been ordering online so haven't had a chance to donate directly to the foodbank especially at Easter. 

I guess when you really desire something, it somehow shows up. On our morning breakfast show the foodbanks were appealing for donations so I found a way to donate online in the lockdown.

If all of us who can afford to spare a couple of dollars donates to our foodbanks, a lot of people will be fed. We should go the xtra mile, even a small xtra mile will help others.

Today I leave you with the Beatles song, Help, a song I grew up with. It just seemed relevant in the current situation all over the world. Many lives have changed because of the pandemic. So many who have lost jobs never would have imagined that some months ago. So wherever we can help, we should.  

And now m life has changed in oh so many ways

My independence seems to vanish in the haze

But every now and then I feel so insecure

I know that I just need you like I've never done before

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down

And I do appreciate you being 'round

Help me get my feet back on the ground

Won't you please, please help me?

Help, The Beatles - youtube 

My AtoZ 2020 posts

#Besafe

#Bestrong

#Bekind

#Stayhome

#Weshallovercome

Warm Regards


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Wealth and Windmills #atozchallenge #inthelockdown

A to Z Challenge

In The Lockdown - What is the true Wealth and Windmill Watching

Windmills in the distance

I don't notice or observe them everyday

But in the lockdown it has been interesting to watch them turn

Somedays faster, somedays slower, somedays not at all.

"Health is wealth" is a quote we have often heard. And this pandemic has truly highlighted it.

What is wealth withouth health? Without health you cannot enjoy your wealth.

So take care of your health for it is truly the greatest wealth.

I have made some small changes while in the lockdown to improve my health.

Tea is now an immunity booster tea with ginger and basil. 

A few berries and celery added to smoothies. Berries I am told are also immunity boosters and celery helps to keep the blood pressure in check among other health benefits. 

Consistently exercising moderately has now become part of my daily routine.  I have found that even 15 minutes of moderate exercise everyday makes a difference.

And sunshine gives a positive boost. I spend a few minutes everyday outside in my garden soaking in the sun. Getting a dose of Vitamin D is also good for us and a change from indoors to outdoors is good for our mental health. 

Today I leave you with this song by Eric Clapton. Tears in Heaven was written and sung by him in memory of his 4 year old son who died in an accident.  It is a reminder of the grief of those left behind. 

Would you know my name

If I saw your in heaven?

Would it be the same

If I saw you in heaven?

Would you hold my hand

If I saw you in heaven?

Would you help me stand

If I saw you in heaven?

So stay healthy, stay home, save lives, stay safe, keep others safe.

Tears in Heaven - youtube

My AtoZ 2020 posts

#Besafe

#Bestrong

#Bekind

#Stayhome

#Weshallovercome

Warm Regards


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