Happy New Year to all of you! I hope that this will be a great year for us all. Now that the new year is upon us, I’d like to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the good things that happened for me in 2013.
The biggest things that happened for me involved music – the thing I love most. 🙂 For much of my life, I have considered myself to be primarily a singer. ( and I do still play the piano, occasionally ) I love to sing, and there isn’t much that brings me more joy in life than singing something I love in front of an appreciative audience. It’s a really good feeling. I sing simply because I enjoy it, and it makes me feel happy – I’ve never had any delusions about fame or fortune. This past year, however, I branched out and started writing lyrics with a new close friend, who writes music. We wrote 2 songs together so far, one of which is currently being re-mixed by another mutual friend. We got together several times each month to work on music, have long chats, and a few laughs. I also became a Member of SOCAN , which was pretty exciting. I look forward to a lot more songwriting this year, and being able to share the results with you all.
We continued going to Karaoke fairly regularly, as it really is good practice to keep the voice in tune, and help get over the nerves. Every time you go, you are faced with a new audience, and another opportunity to try different genres, and build your confidence. This is especially good for those of us that are innately shy. We brought a lot of new friends out with us to these fun nights last year, and had a lot of really amazing times, both singing and dancing. It is always a good crowd – supportive, down to earth, and fun-loving.
As always, we did a lot of hiking during the year – probably more than the previous ones. We still favour Francis Point, still go to Smuggler’s Cove once in a while, as well as the Skookumchuck, but we went on a new one this year: The Tetrahedron. This was very different than any of the other hikes we’ve been on up here – and I will write a post about it soon, with some pics.
On days when we didn’t have the time to go on long hikes, we went on a lot of walks at nearby Davis Bay.
Davis Bay Walk
It is always a pleasant walk – the scenery is gorgeous, and the people you meet always have a smile for you. We often follow our walk with a coffee and snack at Pier 17 across the way – we sit at a little Bistro Table overlooking the water – so relaxing. We have witnessed many a glorious sunset over Davis Bay, from that vantage point.
As of last year, my Husband and I now both have Kayaks. This was one of the best decisions we’ve made in the 5 years that we’ve been living up on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, hands down. As I have mentioned several times before, I have mainly been considered a “City Girl”, both by my friends, and myself, in the past. I have to tell you, though, there is something absolutely mind-blowingly amazing about being out in a kayak on a sunny Summer’s Day. Not only is there the obvious fact that you are getting fresh air, exercise, sunshine etc., but it is just the most incredibly peaceful and therapeutic thing, as well. It didn’t matter how bad my week had been, or how stressful – I simply could not wipe the smile off my face each time we paddled up the Inlet. The scenery was incredible – the wildlife abundant: we regularly saw Eagles, Seals, Salmon jumping out of the water, Sea Stars and Sea Cucumbers and so much more. We found some little beaches that are water-access only, where you can go and have your Lunch, and relax for a while before you continue on your journey. Some of these places even have places to camp, and portable washroom facilities. I have to say that the times we went out kayaking this past Summer were definitely some of the happiest times we had all year. ( and now that we have the Kayaks, this fun doesn’t cost a thing )
Sechelt Inlet Kayaking
We had a family member come for a nice visit in the Summer time, as well, and I went on a Road Trip with some good friends for a few days in September. There were many Dinner Parties, Barbecues, Fundraisers, nights of dancing and singing and visiting with friends and family …
So, once again, the year was filled with music, enjoying the great outdoors, and spending quality time with the people we love the most … not a bad year at all, if you ask me. 🙂
I wish you all a healthy, happy, joyful New Year in 2014 – may it be the year that your dreams come true !!!
