What a whirlwind of a year this has been, and at times I felt like the tree above, ever thankful for the strong roots that I have to hold me firm when things got really turbulent.  What an amazing year.  IN reflection, so much accomplished, even though at times it really felt like I was just spinning wheels.

Seems like just yesterday I was scrambling to get enough funds sorted so that I could meet up with my daughter in France at the end of her school exchange program, but its not even a year to the day yet that I was on my way to meet her there.

I made it and her the third week of January 2018 and then her and I spent just over two weeks travelling around France, exploring airbnb's and having the odd tiff when I got lost while driving.

I finally have a place to call home (well and the banks still too!) but still quite a coupe.  In the middle of renovations as definitely had to get a fixer upper as it took me a lot longer to recover from the "darkest of the dark" and the ensuing years, but I feel as if I am finally starting to live again.  It feels strange as I watch people my own age, already settled into their lifes, with houses and holiday homes, grandchildren and retirement plans, while I feel like I am only just beginning to have an adult life of my own.  There will be a book to follow, if for no other reason than my own therapy and self reflection when needed.

I went to Bali for the very first time, gifted to me and absolutely loved it!  It was very dirty with plastic etc, but the people were just so great that I cant wait to go back. Perhaps to work on the book as well as volunteer work.  I wanted to return in October of 2018 just after the devastating Earthquakes, but alas, could not then, but soon I hope.

I have said goodbye to some souls that have passed over, and by choice to others.  I've been reacquainted with others that have made their way back into my life and am so grateful for all the new people that I have met within this past year.

2019 is going to be a big one of Education, now that I feel more secure, so I am going to be very busy indeed with study and travel.