“Walking helps thinking. You mull things, the landscape, your life, as you stroll along.”
– Paul Salopek
We often think that we have to travel long distances to find beauty and wonder, but we forget that it can also be found in our own backyards. Sometimes even without having to set foot in a car. As I took a brisk walk late yesterday afternoon, I engaged in a vain attempt to outwit the cold wind that lay in wait for me around unexpected corners. My thoughts galloped ahead of me, sometimes falling behind, but as I relived fragments of 2020, I also found hope as I looked towards 2021. Life is filled with challenges, but also joy, hope, and dreams – with or without pandemics raging around us. How we spend our days are what matter most.
The Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range in the background.
May 2021 be a kinder year for all of us.
Written by: Jolandi
Your backyard is beautifully scenic, Jolandi. Have fun exploring it as you settle into your new home. Have a wonderful happy New Year.
Thank you. Wishing you happy travel dreams and hopefully even a trip or two in 2021. Even if it is just in your backyard . . . – Jolandi
What beautiful views! It is as you say, sometimes we don’t have to go far at all to come across beauty. May you and Michael have a safe and happy new year 🙂
Thank you, Takami. Best wishes for a safe and happy 2021 for you and your hubby. – Jolandi
Best wishes for 2021 as you settle in to your new life.
Thank you, Gwen. I hope 2021 will bring you joy, regardless of any turmoil or uncertainty in the bigger world. Thank you for your ongoing support – it means so much to Michael and I. – Jolandi
What a beautiful view, Jolandi! Thanks for sharing your story with us. All the best to you both for happy and safe 2021. – Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. We love the landscape we are surrounded by. Wishing you and your family a healthy, gentle 2021. – Jolandi
Beautiful photos, Jolandi! May you and Michael have a happy, safe and healthy 2021.
Much love, Clare xx
Thank you, Clare. We wish you health, joy and hopefully more freedom in 2021. – Jolandi & Michael
What a beautiful piece of property to wander, clear you thoughts and dream. Happy New Year! Terri
It is! Wishing you a lovely New Year too, Terri. I hope 2021 will bring more freedom. – Jolandi
You have a lovely backyard, Jolandi. The landscape has a soothing quality about it. Seeing , or perhaps re-discovering, the wonders of my own backyard was my most positive takeaway from 2020. Happy New Year!
I hope, once we can venture further afield that we won’t forget the beauty in our backyards, Caroline. Happy New Year to you too. – Jolandi