Welcome to 2013!

Happy New Year!

So much has happened in the past few months that DH and I didn't always know which way was up or in what direction we were going.  Did it feel like that to you as well?

A quick recap of last year before moving on ...

• Substance of Living was born out of necessity, sanity, and the longing to reach out and meet new friends.
• DH and I moved into our dream home and neighborhood.
• Parties were hosted.
• Parties were attended.
• Patio on our back yard was laid.
• Holidays were enjoyed with family and friends.

We jumped right in and started meeting people next door as well as down the street and throughout our community.  We did this by inviting people into our home and attending activities.  We hosted a blind wine tasting; gathered friends one evening for dinner out, view Christmas lights, then back to our house for coffee and dessert.  We joined groups to go out to dinner; wine tasting; performing arts; themed events; and dances.

What we've (moreover, what I've) learned, and what we had longed to have in other neighborhoods (come to find out, we probably could have) was people want to meet their neighbors and do things as a community.  DH and I vowed that we would be proactive and put ourselves out there and meet people.  Even if that meant leaving an invitation on their front door to come over for an evening to get to know other neighbors.

Wow!

Moving forward and not necessarily making goals, but I'd like to see more of what we did last year become a part of this year.  I'd like to become more active within the community of our neighborhood and county.

This year, I'd like to ...

• Host at least four parties in my home.
• Become more active in the performing arts.
• Plant bushes and flowers around the patio in the back yard.  Any suggestions?
• Install an efficient lawn sprinkler.
• Continue bringing you more of the items you've enjoyed the most here at Substance of Living.
• Strengthen my friendships both face-to-face and across the miles, that includes those of you I've had the enjoyment to meet here.

DH and I wish you the most enjoyable year.  We hope you had a good 2012 and want 2013 to be so much better than you could imagine.

P.S.,  What do you have planned for this year?

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