Today will start with a personal health update and then lean into inspirational quotes I hope you’ll PIN, holiday inspiration and encouraging words. It’s Advent season, and my heart is always soft during it. But some of the tenderness this year involves a persistent ache. So I must be intentional about recovering hope and looking to the future with new eyes. I’m not sure how I’ll be ringing in 2022, but we’ll revisit ideas for delicious shindigs. Before the bubbles and toasts for a gentle year ahead, here’s Why I’m Already Thinking About the New Year…
Why I’m Already Thinking About the New Year
We’re only 26 days away from a new year, and I’m one of those souls who draws energy from a CLEAN, NEW, FRESH START. If you happened to be awake in 2020 and 2021, you deserve a break in 2022. I wish I could offer it to you. The “opportunities to deepen” have overwhelmed us profoundly if you ask me.
I suppose I can only point you to hope.
I pray a new year will bring unprecedented blessing, renewed faith, and fresh hope to our hearts and souls.
If you have been reading this blog, you may know I struggle with chronic illness. New symptoms surfacing in September slowed my pace considerably.
Something called foot dystonia (imagine if your foot turned on its own as a seizure and caused excruciating pain) began happening without warning. Each episode lasts only minutes, but the pain is off the charts. So I have been living in dread and terror, praying we can figure out the root cause to fix it. I also have throat/swallowing issues which are Parkinson-like movement disturbances. (You know it’s bad when you begin hoping for MS or Long Haul Covid and not a more serious brain disorder/brain tumor.)
Psst. If you’re in the mood for silly quotes and not depressing news of my health dramas, plenty were shared in this post celebrating pets. 🙂
Also, I tested positive for an autoimmune disease which is not surprising since I have lived with Crohn’s disease for many years. But do I have a new disease such as Lupus or ? or has the Crohn’s progressed as I age?
Everything grows more complicated too by my struggle with nutrition since I cannot easily absorb nutrients or break down fats. I bet you would be surprised to learn how important fats are in regulating important functions we all take for granted. Please don’t beat yourself up if you’re fat…it may be prospering you in a sense.
This week, a DEXA scan revealed osteoporosis (not surprising since I have had osteopenia for years). While things remain uncertain, my doc suspects Raynaud’s Syndrome which gets exacerbated by cold temperatures. It explains why things flared just when the season and temps changed in September.
I have classic symptoms including very cold feet and hands. My doctor believes the foot dystonia episodes may be from Raynaud’s. For you medical professionals, my left foot has been blue for almost a year now. I dropped a heavy object on my bare foot and attributed the discoloration to that sprain. But it’s still blue. (It is never boring being me.)
Are you keeping track of all the odd symptoms and the collection of diagnoses? Good gracious, I can hardly keep track myself. But yes. These are the 2020s after all.
So YES, INDEED, I’m ready for a new year and clean slates and fresh starts and better health in 2022. And I may be ready for a new place to heal since it would appear I need warm weather and may not be able to manage in such punishing Midwest weather.
I’ll keep you posted, and I’ll be revealing a few more secrets behind the blog that may surprise you. So there is no shortage of suffering over here as we enter a season of Advent and peace. And oh, how I welcome the peace.
There were tough days in September and October where I freaked the eff out, cried and despaired, and did not want to leave my bed.
But what a gift when Grace finds you. The Grace of God is not some aerie faerie concept I use to cope. It’s a radical transforming energy that pulls frail freaking out humans from pits of despair and their high thread-count sheets. It keeps meeting blue-footed bloggers in pajamas just where they are, renewing their strength as it carries them from height to height.
I don’t know about you, but I’ll never tire of living inside the truth of the Gospel story…oh, how I’m grateful for this sustaining Love holding me safe. Am I protected? No. Suffering and harm come. I stumble, I fall. My bones are beginning to resemble lace. But hidden with Christ, I am wholly held. So many of you pray for me. Thank you. Thank you. Please keep praying.
So about the NEW YEAR…
1. Small Bites for an Intimate New Year Brunch
What pairs well with bubbles for you? Here are a few delicious prospects from around the web:
This post contains affiliate links – using them won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.
TAKE AWAY: Celebrate at noon rather than midnight.
Nobody says we have to ring in the new year at a particular hour or with booze. If brunch is more your style, do brunch. Put on favorite music, bake a bundt or frosted cookies, and light a few candles. Bada boom.
2. Bubbly & Sweets
Whether you make them yourself or buy them (you can order theme cookies online), champagne and time-related cookies are a fun treat to serve.
Ever wondered how to ice cookies this way (the technique is called flooding)? Let’s dig in and learn in a just a couple of minutes!
Aren’t these cuties below festive and understated at the same time?
TAKE AWAY: Decorate homemade or pre-made cupcakes with these bubbles!
Waffles are always a good idea for brunch too.
3. Black Tie Affair
While invitations to black tie NYE parties in 2021 won’t arrive in my own mailbox, think of the smiles these snacks could bring!
TAKE AWAY: Here’s the secret behind that black tie.
4. A TIMELY Theme for Family Dance Parties
Not sure I’ll feel up to it, but if I had my way, I’d ring in 2022 with a living room dance party with family.
You could create a playlist that recalls time – and there are a ton of possibilities. Here’s a fav that trigger nostalgic memories for you…watch and be transported back to the 80s…
But if that tune triggers more tears than cheers, turn up Morris Day instead (we see them live every year!)
TAKE AWAY: Save TIME and create these no-bake treats
5. Fringe-tastic Backdrop
Let’s face it, it will likely make sense to pin these cool decorating ideas for NEXT YEAR’S shindig (and you may have luck starting HERE to get your creative juices flowing.)
If your Christmas decor disappears on December 26th – here’s a simple idea to decorate for a New Year’s Eve photo op.
TAKE AWAY: Just add shimmer!
6. Marshmallow Starry Wonder
Kids of all ages appreciate a magic wand when it is this delicious.
Marshmallowtini: 2 Ways!
Have you ever made a marshmallow tini? These sound delish.
#1
Secret to that yummy rim? Rim martini glasses with marshmallow fluff, then dip in graham cracker crumbs!
#2
TAKE AWAY: Sweeten the party menu and shake it up with delicious (and fat free) marshmallowy goodness.
7. Super Easy Silver & Gold
Here is a silvery centerpiece alternative to fresh flowers that is refreshingly simple and reflectively lovely!
TAKE AWAY: Use a secret stabilizer to anchor candles.
Just when you thought you had seen every version of puppy chow, there’s this impossibly elegant gold variety…
Have you ever used edible gold stars???
8. TIPSY Truffles (to Serve or For Favors)
How about a slightly tipsy truffle to serve with those marshmallow-tinis? It only takes 1 minute to learn the method:
There’s something about the idea of vegan chocolate truffles that simply sparks my imagination. Think of all the possible toppings to pair with a good chocolate! Beautiful AND tasty.
But which chocolate?
9. Ultimate Graze for Holidaze
Oh, gurrrrrl, even though cheese is now an issue for this fan, you know I still love to graze!
Simple cheese, charcuterie, and graze boards make for simple casual entertaining with next to no stress.
No matter what you call your boards of glory (cheese boards, cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or graze boards), it’s all lovelyspeak to me! What could be easier than assembling your favorite cheeses, nibbles, and nuts and then serving them casually with wine, cocktails, or alcohol-free punch? Punch? Find my easiest family eggnog punch recipe in THIS STORY.
Let the Nosh Live Large as Decor
Rustic wood boards are easy to find everywhere, and here are some lovely olive wood options:
If fresh flowers are in short supply, don’t overlook branches right outside your door.
Secrets Behind a Beautiful Cheese Board
1. PLATTER MATTERS. Select a beautiful board or three.
Shop for new wood or marble boards or trays with a smooth surface.
2. CHOOSE THE CHEESE. Decide on a few different varieties of cheese, charcuterie, fruits, nuts, crackers, etc.
In terms of cheese, there are honestly no rules you must abide by beyond simply choosing what you love. If a stinky cheese gives you a headache, do not consider it! I love fruit-studded cheeses, and it doesn’t hurt that they add a great variety of color. As for charcuterie, I love the ease of pre-sliced coppa, proscuitto, and salami.
3. SLICE THE LOVELY. Slice some of the strawberries, pears, charcuterie, and cheese.
If there’s any secret at all, it’s this: leave some of the fruit and cheese whole, and also slice some of it. A few strawberry, fig and pear slices will add interest and beauty to the board. Slice the charcuterie thinly (if it didn’t pre-sliced) and dice some of the cheese into bite-size chunks. Simply style apples and pears on the table around the board for color and added beauty. Prepare the grapes: with kitchen shears, cut the stems for small individual bunches.
4. JOYFULLY ASSEMBLE! Artfully arrange ingredients on the board.
Begin with the largest items (cheese, meats, crackers) and then fill in, paying attention to what pleases your eye as far as color. Have fun with it!
Will 2022 be the year you begin baking fresh bread? Here’s a fabulous new book to consider if you’re considering it:
BE SURE TO PIN THIS TO YOUR HOLIDAY and QUOTE BOARDS!
I know I shared a lot. And I know how some of you worry about me. You must remember this:
a child of God who can change her mind is a very powerful thing. I remain strong in my weakness as a living paradox of what it means to find Presence and Hope in an upside down kingdom.
The fact that you are here, just now, reading these words, joining me in great mystery…it’s a precious blessing, and I honor it.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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Thanks for the beautiful inspiring quotes today Michele! I think 20 more hugs every day is a good new year’s resolution!
Author
It’ll be tricky for me both days, but I agree! 🙂 Happy New Year, lovely.
Praying for you, for answers, for help, for healing and giving thanks for your openess to sharing these vulnerable parts of your life with us. I hope that you can feel that you are surrounded and embraced by the love of your readers. I give thanks that you are strong in your faith in the midst of it all. Lin
Author
What a blessing you are to me this afternoon in my pain, Lin. Thank you. The goodness poured out here brings me comfort. I am fully dependent upon Grace these days, and what a friend in Jesus. 🙂
As we enter a new decade, we should strive to live life to the fullest every day. And, yes hug more!
2020 = perfect vision hmmm 🤔
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Glad you agree – 2020 is such a nice number! 🙂 Happy New Year’s Eve’s Eve Eve.
I love reading inspirational quotes. Whenever I feel down, I look for inspirational quotes that can uplift my spirit and motivate me to go further.
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Words are so powerful, and I’m so glad we can fill the internet with uplifting ones. Thanks for reading.
Absolutely beautiful pictures and quotes. Thank you Michelle. I appreciate all your time and energy you put into your post everyday. God Bless you and your family.
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It’s lovely to have you here soaking up the inspo and cheer – thank you so much for reading and peace to you right where you are.
Your bravery gives me hope. i know you don’t want to hear this, but I am so sorry this is happening. I am not sure how you manage to brighten our days by writing this blog. In my prayers. 💕
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It’s all Grace, of course. I’m not especially wise and so often I’m weak, so I must daily live in prayer, daily surrender my being to a higher Love. And more and more I am learning to trust the Love and trust reality. Indeed, during these seasons of physical suffering, I see God comes to me disguised as my life, as my struggles, as my joy, as my strength. This is a gift of growing older I suppose. Peace to you, friend, right where you are. Thank you for being here.
Love all that quotes and of course the always beautiful pics you insert into your blog. But the most inspiring was the saying from A.Lincoln……Anyway…it’s time to glow but we all start like a coal becoming a diamond. That’s can be
a loooong way.
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So true – the waiting while we are still coal can be brutal. We are always looking for shortcuts to get that glow! Thanks for reading and joining me from Spain on this crisp December morn. Have a lovely day, lovely. xox
“Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day” 2 Corinthians 4:16
You are a blessed women Michele !
Naomi
Author
Amen. Let the renewal happen in me, Lord. xox
I will be in prayer for you Michele. Trust in the mercy of Jesus.
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Thank you, friend. Yes. His mercy has followed me all my days. 🙂
Soooo damn. I’m frustrated and not happy that you are going through such weird autoimmune crazy health shit. I have been on a strange health journey also, so I kind of understand. It’s a little bit of an emotional, mental roller coaster to see all the beautiful ideas and images knowing that you and I can’t eat a lot of the food you showed and struggle day to day. Fuuuck!!! and hugs, sigh…. lol
Cindy
Author
YES and YES and YES. We are definitely sisters, Cindy, and I’m so grateful to be joined by you, though I wish you could not relate to any of it. We have to keep propping each other up because it is so easy to become discouraged when earthly comforts are withdrawn and new cares arise. I think Covid did a number on my existing pathology. It’s vicious that way. But I still hold on to hope that the probable nerve damage and chaos created for my immune system may calm with time. I also think I must get more sun – I have avoided it because of my BRCA+ risk for skin cancer yet I need that Vitamin D. Feel free always, sister, to connect and share about your sufferings. I love you, friend.
Hello Michele,
I too feel the daily pain of Firomayagia It doses not go away. I take all of my med’s , Thank God he surplies them for me. Only wish he would take this berden form me. I go like Paul, and only think of heaven, when I will will be free of this pain. I pray that Almighty God will heal us. God bless you in your walk with him. I’m praying for you in Jesus mane to be healed. Amen
Merry Christmas,
Love
Judy Mearing
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Thank you so much for this gift of prayer and raw vulnerability, Judy. It’s hard. I know. Yes, we do understand Paul and his journey. I pray we can empty ourselves and be filled with healing, holy light. And someday we will return to the womb of God and understand it all and be free. So I pray for you, dear one. I pray that all of your suffering may be recycled for divine purposes of higher realms and hidden wholemaking. You are not alone. I stand with you in your prayer and longing. xox
So sorry to hear of your health concerns. I so enjoy your blog and feel like I know you. You will be in my prayers for healing. All the best to you and your family this holiday season and 2022. Your blog leaves me inspired and grateful. Thank you.
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So happy to hear that you feel connected in friendship and find comfort here. Thank you for whispering my name in prayer – I covet these prayers and believe in their purity as I heal. Times are hard, and I’m so blessed to have this little pocket of friends upholding me. xox
Oh Michele, I was wondering if you were having more health concerns. I pray that you find answers and lessening of your pain and symptoms. Your strength and grace are an inspiration to so many.
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I’m so grateful for your kind words of support, Deb. It has been very scary and often a lonely journey, yet the goodness of strangers and angels and friends flows in my direction so how can I despair? I’m struggling with pain this very moment and appreciate so much this outpouring. Blessings on you right where you are.
So grateful for the Beauty you share. I will pray for you, Michele. God bless you.
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Thank you so much for praying. Life is simply too fragile for me to be shy about asking – as I age I am bolder in my requests, and I hope that is not too obnoxious for my readers. Blessings and peace on you, friend.
Hi Michelle. Is this new? I see comments from 2019, 2020. In any event, I too have had crohns and its complications for many years, so I can relate. Also osteopenia. I’m sorry you are going through this. Good thoughts and prayers for you. I hope you and your family are able to enjoy the holiday.
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It is new – so sorry for any confusion, Peggy. I often update old content with new personal updates like this one. It’s so wonderful to be joined by someone with Crohn’s! Truly! Thank you for reading and for your kindness. I will keep you posted as we learn more about whether I have a new autoimmune condition or progressing Crohn’s. And who knows how my bout with the virus threw a wrench in everything. Clinging to goodness, mercy, and hope. Wishing you wellth and safety.
Thinking and praying for you everyday—thank you for sharing your heart. Even in your pain, you are giving others hope, courage and inspiration. Blessings to you in the coming new year❤️
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Thank you so much. Thank you for joining me in my pain and in my joy. I am always torn between the vulnerability of sharing my real struggles behind the blog and feeling desperate for prayer. I hope my suffering can somehow become an instrument for good and for hope. xox
I hate you have been struggling with new symptoms & the fear that can bring. I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your trials while you’re in the midst of them…it’s a joy to battle in prayer for you. Praying for complete healing & relief & peace & comfort & wisdom for your doctors. Your hope & strong faith in God is so inspiring & impactful. You’re a bright light in this world!
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Thank you, Amy. It is hard to go through this. I have these moments of clarity and courage where I write and share and ask for prayer. And then I feel the ache of vulnerability hangover (I mean there is enough heartache out there for others to bear – why bring more depressing news to them?) so it’s this weird sort of cycle. But I keep yielding to it rather than resisting because I know all of it can be re-cycled and used for higher purposes I may never understand. Test results came last night so we know more but I’ll wait to share until my doc talks with me and I have some time for processing. Your words bless me. My faith is strong, and I really am going to be quite all right no matter what lies ahead. To feel that down deep in your bones is to be filthy rich in love and divine friendship with God. Let it be done to me. I must keep getting out of the way. For I only want to be permeable and not interrupt the flow which is always flowing.
Yes, it is all being used for His higher purposes for sure. We all have suffering in common and it is gives courage to hear how others are trusting God for the faith stretching things in their lives. I’m reminded of II Cor 12:10 “Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” You are strong in Christ and rich beyond measure.
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Thank you for bringing the Word, Amy. As I age, I see more clearly the upside down kingdom and my place in it. My joy is not contingent on my prognosis or treatments available or the comforts I can cling to during these trials. My joy is found in the relationship and living Presence abiding, encouraging, lifting, pointing me to higher Love, higher wisdom, and all that is hidden until my gaze is fixed. My joy is found in surrender to beauty and mystery and trustworthy energy in those things alive with purpose. So even when I cannot find the energy to smile, I can rejoice and relax, simply becoming a space for God to fill. xox
“Let it be done to me. I must keep getting out of the way. To be permeable and not interrupt the flow” You are a very wise woman who knows how to deal bravely with adversity. Something we all need to strive for. You are so inspiring. Gods Blessings and thank you for lighting the way.
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Thanks so much for the blessings – I welcome and receive them so gladly just now. Thank you for seeing me, for being here, for joining me. It helps so much. Peace to you right where you are, friend.