Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Thinking Back and Looking Forward

 




At the close of the year, we tend to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one.  I think this is especially true for me this December.  Although Sam and I had been growing in our ttwd/dd relationship for quite a long while, it wasn't until March, 2015, that I finally plucked up my courage and wrote my "First Hello" to one of you.  I was so nervous that I let the email just sit on the monitor for almost 4 hours before I pressed "Send."






It was a giant step for Ella.  I had been an avid reader online for so long, and now I wanted to be a participant.  All the stories and posts had real people behind them!  I was both amazed and petrified.  Most of you know that Meredith was my mentor at first.  Lots of good advice and encouragement.  She soon urged me to think about a blog.  She held my virtual hand all the way through that and answered a hundred questions.  But like a good mother bird, she finally just pushed me out of the nest.  She knew I was ready to fly even if I did not. 






     "Keep it honest," she said, and I think of that with every post.   

                                   Dear, wise Meredith.

The writing came easily enough, and I found that I enjoyed sharing our ttwd experiences.  More importantly, I appreciated the feedback that followed in the comments.  I learned so much that way.  I started to meet other bloggers and found they were not scary at all!  They were silly and funny and sweet and kind.  I was so surprised at how much personality shone through in each blogger's writing.  Some posts were poignant or sad, some confused or frustrated, some were romantic or sexy, and some were delightfully humorous.  So I have loved following the ups and downs of others' relationships, too.

A special mention needs to be made to the authors whose books I have so enjoyed reading this year.  The characters and stories you create bring me satisfaction and many smiles. 



So a big thank you to all of you that have made me feel welcome this year.  A salute to new friends.  I feel very fortunate and wish you happiness and health for 2016.

                           Happy New Year, my friends!
                                 Love, Ella


19 comments:

  1. Hi Ella, what a lovely post, I am so glad to have got yo know you in this world of ours. Happy New Year to you and Sam
    love Jan,xx

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    1. Hi Jan,
      Thank you so much. It was very special to be welcomed by you and others here. A very Happy New Year to you and John, too.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  2. beautiful sentiments. so glad to be getting to know you and look forward to getting to know you more. hugs

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    1. Happy New Year, Terps. Thank you for visiting today. I am glad for your wisdom every day, but I especially love hearing from you on Thursdays!

      Hugs,
      Ella

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  3. Such a lovely post Ella, I'm so glad you decided to blog. Wishing you, Sam and family a very Happy New Year. I hope 2016 brings wonderful things your way.

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. Roz, I always love to hear from you. Thanks for the good wishes, and a Happy New Year to you and Rick. I am looking forward to 2016 and time to get to know everyone better.

      Ella

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  4. E,
    Thank you for your kind words.
    You and Sam have been a wonderful addition to blogland.
    Happy New Year to you!
    Meredith

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  5. Thanks for everything, Meredith. Happy New Year to you and Jack. Your writing is always thoughtful and inspiring. I consider it a text with a special dose of personal caring.

    Ella

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  6. I feel like I'm always late to the party! I enjoy visiting you here! You have s great voice and a wonderful personality!
    Happy New Year!

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    1. Minelle, that is a very sweet comment. Thank you so much. I think of you in the same way. Glad your Scotsman is back at home taking care of you. A Happy New Year to you both!

      Hugs from Ella

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  7. Very glad you decided to join in blogging. I enjoy reading here.
    Wishing the best for next year,
    hugs from across the pond,
    DF

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    1. Thanks, DF. You are one who has made me feel welcome, and you are certainly one of the authors whose work I have enjoyed this year. I love when you come to visit. Sending good wishes to you as well.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  8. I'm so happy we got to know one another here. When we can share about TTWD and know we could never really do this in real life, we realize just how real and special these friendships are. I feel 2016 is going to be even better.

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    1. Me, too, PK. Thanks for your friendship. I feel like when I visit here with all of you, that I can truly be myself. What a wonderful feeling!

      So glad you are feeling better, PK.
      Ella

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  9. Happy New Year to you, Sam and your family Ella. So glad you joined blog land, love reading all your posts and comments. Hope 2016 brings lots of happiness your way.
    Hugs LIndy

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    1. Thanks, Lindy,
      I love visiting downunder, too. It is odd to find kindred spirits in other countries and even continents! Sending good wishes for the new year to you and yours.

      Hugs,
      Ella

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  10. As a non-blogger I have very much enjoyed your posts. Thank you for sharing so much. Happy New Year to you and Sam!

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  11. Thank you so much, Laurel. It is always wonderful to hear from readers. I learned so much by just reading. It really did begin to shape the relationship between Sam and I.

    Happy New Year to you as well. Please visit again soon.

    Ella

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  12. Very late to the party Ella but just had to pop in and say thanks for joining our community. Wishing you and yours an awesome 2016!

    Hugs and blessings...Cat

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