An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

December 31, 2011

The Last Sunset of 2011

This time last year my head was full of worries and trepidation. I was glad to see 2010 in the rear view mirror, but was not exactly looking forward to 2011.  Tonight you won't find me so anxious, I am not feeling philosophical and not full of introspection, because 2011 has worn down the sharp edges and left me numb.  Numb and apathetic, but not so much that I can't see some hint of brighter lights on the horizon. I just hope some lazy Mayan stone carver or an overdue solar storm doesn't ruin what little optimism I do have.

Last Sunset of 2011

17 comments:

  1. Dear friend, I wish you a very happy new year and best wishes for you and your family in 2012!!

    Jürgen

    Great last sunset of 2011!!

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  2. One day at a time with a smile. Best to you and yours for 2012.

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  3. Happy New Year!
    On a philosophical note, life has always been precarious and difficult so we must relish the dogs and the sunsets.
    All best wishes from Buster too!

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  4. Blessings to you in the New Year.

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  5. Les, You're not alone in your feelings. I believe many approach the New Year with relief rather than joy. Let's welcome 2012 with great hope.

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  6. On the subject of years, and other things, I have enjoyed this one by M. Moore:

    What Are Years?

    What is our innocence,
    what is our guilt? All are
    naked, none is safe. And whence
    is courage: the unanswered question,
    the resolute doubt,—
    dumbly calling, deafly listening—that
    in misfortune, even death,
    encourages others
    and in its defeat, stirs

    the soul to be strong? He
    sees deep and is glad, who
    accedes to mortality
    and in his imprisonment rises
    upon himself as
    the sea in a chasm, struggling to be
    free and unable to be,
    in its surrendering
    finds its continuing.

    So he who strongly feels,
    behaves. The very bird,
    grown taller as he sings, steels
    his form straight up. Though he is captive,
    his mighty singing
    says, satisfaction is a lowly
    thing, how pure a thing is joy.
    This is mortality,
    this is eternity.

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  7. Too much TV I think Les. I see tourism is expected at an all time high in the Mayan parts of the world. Not sure I want to go to Belize.

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  8. Oh, forgot...Happy New Year too, no matter how it ends!

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  9. Here's Best Wishes to you and yours for 2012! It's been my pleasure getting to "know" you through your wonderful blog in 2011.

    Michael

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  10. So glad to know that I'm not the only one too. For me 2011 was a rough one in so many ways, but 2012 does seem a bit brighter. I have to say that travels to CA and back always cheer me up though and that NYE at the beach was much missed this year.

    Here's to 2012 anyway!

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  11. What a way to go out a bang with outstanding photographic work.

    Nice post you even made power lines look appealing.

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  12. We're hoping the Mayans were wrong, too. The light at the end of the tunnel is still pretty dim but at least we can see it now. hang in there, Les; we're all in this together!

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  13. Dear Les, I had a very difficult 2011 and at its end felt like you did at its beginning. I am determined 2012 has to be better,in spite of the Mayans and the economists. Wishing you a happy, healthy and blessed new year! P.
    PS I look forward to more of your stunning photographs in 2012!

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  14. Hi Les, The last couple of years has been rough ones for me. My small family has never been so hard pressed.
    In the last week, I started thinking about the coming year and sorting out how I felt about things. I was surprised to find, that against all odds, that I feel optimistic. Optimistic that things can only get better! I cling to this idea like a life raft.
    Happy New Year!

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  15. Thank you everyone for the good wishes. Let's all try to keep a little optimism going ahead.

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  16. Here's too brighter horizons! Lovely image. I do hope 2012 will be better than 2011 for you.

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