Thursday 1 January 2015

Happy New Year Everyone

Well, what a year that was!  There were certainly plenty of highs and lows. 

We had my son and daughter in law's amazing wedding.  Scarlett has been a source of delight and joy.  We have the excitement of two more babies in the VERY near future.  I was 'forced' out of my job, but now have a job that I enjoy that also gives me more time to do the things that I want to do.  My wonderful husband is still working hard to make all my dreams come true.  My parents have had a year of good health and are able to enjoy their growing family.  I love living on our barge and every day appreciate our beautiful surroundings.

will now admit that I spent a chunk of the year with the big black dog sitting beside me  (or in a state of depression for those that don't know that expression).    Depression can be a debilitating illness and it doesn't care who it takes in its grip (look at Robin Williams as an example).  I don't want you to feel sorry for me, I am just trying to raise awareness.  It is not a case of 'buck your ideas up', so please if you know anyone who is suffering, just a hug or taking time to listen can make all the difference.  I have suffered over the years quite a lot with depression, but this year it was different.  Although the black cloud was lurking, I was able to hold it at bay as I actually have a good life now.  I am able to count my blessings and recognise that there are many who are a lot worse off.  I love living on the barge, I adore my growing family and I have good friends around me.  This was the year that I was able to embrace the black dog without letting it suffocate me and that was a success in itself.

So, 2014 with its wonderful moments and its challenges is behind us and 2015 is shaping up to be a good one.  So I will leave you with a couple of photos that define my wonderful life and wish all of you a Happy, Contented and Successful New Year xxxx




14 comments:

  1. Glad you year had lots of great things to remember. And as always, you have taught me a new phrase. I'm always learning English expressions from you. I've never heard depression called a black dog, but it is a very apt expression. Bonnie is looking wonderful, with lots of room for living. You've both done an amazing job over the years and you are now getting to enjoy living aboard. Hope the new year brings you more joys and pleasures. - Margy

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  2. Thank You Margy and a Happy New Year to you and yours too. I think it was Winston Churchill who coined the phrase 'black dog' as he too suffered with depression. Xxx

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  3. Glad to hear you are managing to hold the old black dog at bay. Horrible creature isn't it? Nice to hear from you. Hope 2015 brings you much joy and deep content.

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  4. Another eventful year, one way and another. Wishing you a good year and good health.

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  5. Oh Fran, I know all about that black dog. His brother's been following me around for most of this year too. I'm so glad you can confront him though. Let's hope he vanishes in 2015 and you have a wonderful year with your growing family. Bonnie looks fantastic! What a home! Lots of love to you and Pete xxx

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  6. DC - thank you and I hope you have a very Happy New Year too xxxx

    Thrift Deluxe - thank you and a lovely New Year to you too xxx

    Val - let's hope we can both keep it away this year. Bonnie will look great when the paintwork is finished in the summer and the hull sandblasted and painted, can't wait for that. Lots of love to you too xxx

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  7. That damn black dog gets everywhere. Wishing you a Happy 2015 Fran xx

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  8. Hello Fran, That damn Black Dog recently paid me a visit. On and off for years on end he has popped out of his kennel during the 'festering season' removing any sense of enjoyment. This time I was able to verbalise my feelings the background of the why's resulted in me taking St John's Wort which helped enormously. I keep away from doctors and their prescription drugs which only mask & and cause other problems which they call side effects....
    So may the new light born at the winter solstice strengthen and renew us.

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  9. Wishing you sunshine, strength and laughter as you walk into 2015 Fran & may the black dog bugger off back to his kennel ;)

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  10. Happy new year and all the very best to you and yours for 2015. Good on you for standing up to that black dog.

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  11. Hi Fran, what a lovely collage of photos. You did have a busy year, didn't you :) Tell Pete, that we are a bit envious of your barge. He has done a beautiful job! I enjoy seeing all the progress and just think it would be a wonderful place to live. God bless you both and have a wonderful new year.
    P.S. postage or not your name is in the hat :)
    Connie xo

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  12. Happy New Year to you and yours Fran : )

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  13. Chickpea -lol but at least he is getting smaller on my part! Happy New Year xxx

    Mel - it is horrible when it stops you enjoying life, been there with that one. I have tried St Johns Wort in the past and it has been great. This time i managed to get through using cognitive behaviour techniques xxxx

    Jane - thank you, how lovely - sunshine, strength and laughter - that is a perfect wish for the new year xxxx

    Jo - thank you and a Happy New Year to you and yours xxx

    Connie - you are always welcome to visit! You can stay in the wheelhouse and wake up to the view! Happy New Year to you and yours too xxxx

    Jo - thank you and a Happy New Year to you also xxx

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  14. What a year you have had! I'm glad you have managed to keep the black dog at bay. Your house boat looks so lovely. Sarah x

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