1.1.15

A New Year dawning


Many of my lovely friends and readers will know that at the beginning of 2012, soon after moving into our new home - this little cottage from which I write - my beloved partner Andy tragically died. So many of you supported me in those lonely, heartbroken and dark times. Even though I may not have replied to every email or message, their presence helped me work my way through the excruciating period of grief which followed. Thank you seems hardly enough.

I cannot deny that it has been a long, solitary journey since then, despite finding odd fragments of joy. The constant battle to endure the loneliness, the worry of finances and trying as best I can to make some sort of business. For whom? Because life alone for me, is not a life at all. And so this poor blog has been often neglected. I have had little to write about, save work and more work. But now it is a New Year and a fresh beginning for me. And for another person.

Immeasurable joy has danced into my life and I have a reason for living again. A loved one to care for, to cook for and to hold. My bleak life has been transformed and I remember yet again the poem quoted to me in the early days, by a dear friend and soul sister. 

Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.

(Mary Oliver)


At the time, it seemed a horrendous mockery. Now I read it with a sense of blessedness and newly opened eyes. Welcome Joe; welcome to my life, my heart and my many dear friends, wherever in the world they may be.

43 comments:

June said...

I wish you both well, may the future bring happiness to you both.

Unknown said...

It lifts my heart to hear this news xx

Gerry Snape said...

What a blessing Mary Oliver is to so many....one of my special poets...happy new beginning!

Charlotte said...

Welcome Joe, Happy New Year to you both. xxx

scrapiana said...

Wonderful to hear that you've emerged from that terribly bleak time, Gretel. So many people were worried about you and rooting for you. May further blessings, love and all good things wrap around you in 2015. xx

Lyn said...

It was lovely to meet you this autumn at Hope and Elvis and I am glad you have a brand new clean new year to share with some one.
xxxxx

Jackie said...

I'm so happy for you. I often think about you . I can't believe it was 2012.

rossichka said...

Oh, I am so glad for you, dear Gretel! May 2015 be a reviving, smiling, lucky and inspiring New Year, full of love, health and new discoveries for you both!
Hugs!:)

lemonade kitty said...

I couldn't be happier for you, x

Alyson said...

So happy for you x :)

Val Reaves said...

I so love the things you create! And may 2015 be a blessing to you!
Val in Kansas

Wendy said...

Oh I am so, so happy for you! I think of you often Gretel, and worry that you are OK. I understand living alone and trying so hard and yet to be lonely. It is to wonderful that you now have someone special to share your life with! Welcome Joe, and I hope 2015 brings you both much happiness!

Wendy

Greenorchid said...


Wishing you both contentment in 2015... Cass x

Nancy said...

I'm so happy for you because you are a lovely person and have so much to give to people. There is never enough love in the world so we must share it and spread it as far as you are able. I count myself fortunate because my sweetie is doing a fine job battling his cancer and I am holding my own on mine. Things to be happy about today. Hugs to you and keep blogging I love your stories.

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

The best news for the new year.

Jean
x

Claire said...

Dear Gretel, how wonderful to read of your news......Welcome Joe.
I'm so happy for you, wishing you a wonderful 2015 and obviously it's already off to a great start.

From Oz with love.....Xx

Claire said...

Dear Gretel, how wonderful to read of your news......Welcome Joe.
I'm so happy for you, wishing you a wonderful 2015 and obviously it's already off to a great start.

From Oz with love.....Xx

Claire said...

Dear Gretel, how wonderful to read of your news......Welcome Joe.
I'm so happy for you, wishing you a wonderful 2015 and obviously it's already off to a great start.

From Oz with love.....Xx

Marianne said...

Blessings

the veg artist said...

This is such good news, Gretel. Have a wonderful New Year and new adventure!

DiAnn said...

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier'...” -Alfred Lord Tennyson

How wonderful that hope was right!

Frances said...

Ahh Gretel, what could be a better way to greet a New Year, than to be sharing its arrival with someone who loves and is loved in return.

Wishing you and Joe a very Happy 2015, and beyond, too.

xo

ellen said...

Dearest Gretel.
It has been so long since I have left a note here..I am very teary eyed right now. (please know that it is for JOY.) I hope that you know how much I have loved you and your dear Andy...and how much I know what a hard journey it has been.
But now, just now the tears are for happiness for you and your loved one Joe. I say welcome to Joe and to the immeasurable joy that has danced into your life Dearest Gretel.
Such good news..sending love, e.

Winkel's Crazy Ideas said...

So so very happy for you! I wish you both much happiness in 2015 and in years to come! Pam xx

Compostwoman said...

So happy for you :) With best wishes for 2015 xxx

Jee said...

So glad.

Minigranny said...

Wonderful news Gretel!

Lin said...

Oh. my. GOSH. If this isn't wonderful news!! Oh, Gretel, I am happy for you--that you can find light and happiness and love again. I wish you much sunshine in 2015 and beyond.

I love Mary Oliver. Damn, if she isn't always spot on.

Twiglet said...

Well Gretel - let's hope 2015 is a most wonderful year for you - what a positive start and such lovely news. x Jo

Jess said...

I can't tell you how deeply happy I am to hear this. You might not have guessed that you've been in my thoughts since that tragic time because I've not been posting as much as I used to on Blogger but I'm still here, cheering you on and wishing you the happiest of years in 2015! Happy new year to you Gretel, may it bring you all the joy and love that your heart can hold.
Jess xx

tana50 said...

Happy New Year to you and Joe, Gretel! Such a wonderful turn of events. May this year bring you much joy, laughter, good health, prosperity and love.
Tana

Disco Del said...

Wishing you both heaps of happiness in 2015 and beyond

sara said...

Fantastic news!

Unknown said...

What a fabulous post to read. So happy for you.

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

Wonderful news, blessings to you both. I wish you joy.

BumbleVee said...

has it been that long? .... where did the time go? ...

Best wishes Gretel to you and your Joe....

May 2015 be a great year for us all....

hugs, Vee
xxx

tut-tut said...

Happiness to you, Gretel!

the woolly dog said...

So pleased for you... welcome to your new friend, and we wish you a very happy new life. x

Unknown said...

This makes me smile :)
Wishing you both bliss xx

Celia Hart said...

I am smiling at this... may 2015 be filled with happiness for both you and Joe xx

TheKarltonIndex said...

Wonderful news. Wishing you both happiness, and laughter, and love.

Pam said...

What wonderful news. So happy for you. A new beginning.

Sarah said...

I am so so happy for you Gretal, I have only just read your post as I am picking up my old life again and your news has filled my heart with joy. Many many blessings to you both xxxx