The year that I came back to the Word Press fold after a years absence….
The year that I “retired from gypsy life”….
The year that I made short trips the norm…
A week spent revelling in the glorious colours of autumn at Tenterfield
2 weeks “fly-in, fly-out” to the outback and exploring the fascinating culture and scenery of Broken Hill.
The year that I challenged myself with more art…
The year the garden was changed (with Jack’s help) from a shady, sub tropical green landscape…
The year that I watched the transition of the garden through the seasons, enjoying creating a cottage garden…
The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives. – Gertrude Jekyll
So on this final day of 2018 I wish all the virtual friends I have made through the fascinating world of blogging a happy and healthy 2019 when your dreams become reality and friendships flourish.
A big “thank you” to Leya, Tina, Patti and Amy for picking up the mantel of the photo challenge and providing us all with “Lens-artist photo challenge” a platform to share our photos and thoughts. I’m looking forward to the themes you challenge us with next year.
Living in Paradise... 
I love these photos that showcase your year so beautifully. Autumn in Tenterfield is truly beautiful I agree. It was so many years ago I saw that but I have never forgotten that sudden burst of rich colour after driving through hours through the Border Ranges. Your art work is an inspiration.
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Tenterfield is so different to the Gold Coast I loved it. The year I took off from blogging was to find time to do more art work. But I missed the community spirit and the interaction with people from all over the world, so it was good to be back again, but not doing so many posts now
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Yes, I feel the same about blogging. I had a long break in 2017 but missed the sense of community. I’m intending to slow down the number of posts I make in 2019. I think I’ll do less challenges and mostly blog in a block of posts that look at a particular idea or place.
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I think I got burn out because I did a lot of challenges plus my travel thing, blogging almost every day. No time for anything else So now I only do 1 to 2 a week
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Yes, I know the feeling. Blogging can take over your life if you do challenges all the time. I got like that through 2018 and have been pulling back ever since 🙂
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A great post you packed a wonderful year into this one and created a Happy New Year greeting.
Your art work is inspiring.
It is a real joy to have friends and you Pauline have so many because of your caring and sharing ways.
I am so pleased you share your friends with me because you attract the nicest people.
36 years ago I was first attracted to your beauty but I have learned since that your beauty is far more than superficial Happy New Year Sweet Heart..
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Thanks jack for your lovely words of encouragement
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I had no idea that you had been gone; perhaps because I was not here yet.
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I meant to just have a few weeks break from blogging in 2017. But the year just wizzed by, as years do…. I’d been blogging for about 8 years….
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Because I have been doing this only for a bit more than a year, I do not remember the schedules of other writers. Some take time off, and I do not notice, just because I do not expect them to be there daily.
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I think I burnt out as I was posting almost every day. Now it is only 1 to 2 times a week. My blog back then was gypsylife.wordpress.com
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I remember the blog, although I do not remember how I stopped following that one and found this one. I think you gave us instructions back then.
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Yes I ran out of space as well so started a new blog and retired the old one.
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Looking back it’s been a good year for you, hasn’t it? Not too many bumps in the road! Long may it continue, Pauline 🙂 🙂 Health and happiness always, and I love your portrait of the horse.
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It has been a good year Jo. 🤞have to live each day as it comes now I’ve passed the 3 score and ten… enjoy your new home and I look forward to many more walks with you in 2019
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It has been great to have you back ‘in the fold’ this year, Pauline….wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year!
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Thanks Sue. I’m pleased to be back. Wishing you all the best for 2019
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Thank you, Pauline!
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Fabulous choice of photos, Pauline. Your art is wonderful. Happy 2019.
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Thanks Tracy
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I’m so enjoying your cheerful, fun and interesting blog and our conversations in each other’s comments. Happy NewYear Pauline (and Jack). Wishing happiness, fun, adventures and creative joy to you both in 2019.
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I really missed the community spirit of blogging and it is lovely to “chat” to people all over the world.
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Happy 2019 to you Pauline. I’ve enjoyed your posts very much and look forward to many more.
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Enjoyed sharing our gardens Jane, here’s hoping we have a good year ahead with rain when we want it ☔️🌺🌸🌻
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Pub Bolonjedh Da rag an Vledhen Nowydh!
It has been so wonderful to have you and Jack back in my life and to join you in your Aussie wanderings and the creation of your lovely garden. I look forward to sharing more this coming year.
(PS that’s Cornish for – “All Good Wishes for the New Year!”)
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Thanks Jude, it has been good to be back, I missed you all. And thanks for the translation. Hears to another great year watching our gardens grow 🌻🌸🌺🧤
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Loved this post Pauline, and am truly impressed with your art—I had no idea!! Many blessings to you in the New Year, and sincere thanks for your beautiful contributions to the L-A challenges!
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Thanks Tina I was very disappointed when WP ended their photo challenge, I’d been doing it for years, so I was very happy when your team started it again. Long may it last
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Wishing you and Jack a very happy 2019.
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Same to you Anabel have a happy year
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You had a great year of short jaunts, bountiful gardening, and gorgeous fall colors. I also LOVE your artwork. So inspiring! Happy New Year, Pauline! 🙂
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Wishing you health and happiness and another year of following your dreams Cathy
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Thank you so much, Pauline. 🙂
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Lovely to be so blessed and to appreciate it, Pauline. Warm wishes to you and yours for 2019
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Thank you 🤗
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You have so many talents – and you explore them and develop them! I admire your sincere and determined work with everything you do – and I wish you and Jack many more such blessed years! Cheers!
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Thank you Leya. We are so lucky to have so many opportunities to explore and the time as well.
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A gift indeed
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Happy New Year! I hope 2019 is just as great as last year was.
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Thank you, all the best to you too
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You are so talented! Writer, artist, gardener, photographer, and so much more!
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Thank you Dawn that is such a lovely commentl
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It’s all true.
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I love your photo review of 2018, Pauline! Sweet memories 🙂
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Thanks Amy
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What a stunning photo review, Pauline!! Wonderful photo galleries and most of all the very impressive art section. Image 253 reminds me of Hovis Hill, can that be? Wonderful memories. Wishing you all the best for 2019. x
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Thanks for the lovely comments and best wishes for 2019 to you and the fab 4. Not sure where the 253 sketch was taken as it was copied from a calendar
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It looks like an incredible year! I look forward to spending 2019 with you.
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I look forward to your company
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