33 Comments

How sweet to observe butterflies flitting around in early January. You are a joy-bringer, Jill!

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What a nice compliment, Marian. I appreciate it!

Even though we had summer like weather today with storms and warm temperatures, I found myself longing for my summertime friends.

Happy New Year! xo

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Happy New Year, Jill! I love the butterfly clip - except for crazy cold weather over Christmas, we have had a mild winter (so far) and I almost expect to see a few butterflies out back. You're almost there with the puzzle! We have a few puzzlers who come into the library and they are completing puzzles at breakneck speed - it's hard to keep up with them!

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Happy New Year to you, Barbara! Sorry I missed your comment. You're right about the winter being a little milder so far. I'm hoping it stays that way! I'm ready for spring. I love that you have puzzles set up in your library. It's a great idea...probably yours! :) Thanks for reading!

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I've been having difficulties commenting on your new newsletters but today it was kind. I've never done a happiness journal. Always write in my gratitude journal each day, no matter what. Been keeping that up since 2012. I'm not sure how I would define happiness. Gratitude, I get. Hope you had a wonderfilled Christmas and a very happy 2023.

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I'm sorry you've had issues responding, Marlene. Thank you for your persistence. I admire the diligence you've displayed with your gratitude journal. I've always felt there's a strong correlation between happiness and gratitude. For me, there can't be one without the other. Wishing you a peaceful and blessed 2023. Thank you for the beautiful card. xo

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The Christmas cactus is a lovely colour, Jill. Off to a beautiful start. Happy New Year!

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Yes, one of my favorite colors, Jo. Happy New Year to you and your family! xo

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Happy New Year, Jill. Lovely footage of the butterfly.

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Thank you, Robbie. I'm keeping your husband in my prayers. xo

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🤗💗

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Happy New Year, Jill! Thanks for your joy-filled post…butterfly, flowers, a puzzle….and a happiness journal. All very sweet. Best wishes for 2023! ♥️

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I'm glad you enjoyed the post today, Sherida.

Happy New Year to you and your family! xo

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Oh the butterfly and pretty flowers make me dream of spring and garden time.

Never seemed to have luck getting the cactus to bloom on time.

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I was dreaming of those things today too, Kay. I'm ready for winter to be over.

I'm hopeful the cactus will bloom next year. I'll let you know. xo

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Happy New Year, Jill! I love the butterfly on the flowers.

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Happy New Year to you too, Liz!

I was missing summer today. :)

Thanks for stopping by. xo

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The butterfly was a good reminder of warm, sunny days gone by and warm, sunny days to come.

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Yes, indeed. I'm ready for the warmth!

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Happy New Year, Jill!!

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Happy New Year to you too, Jan! xo

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Happy New Year, Jill! Your Christmas cactus is beautiful. ❤️

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Happy New Year, Merril!

I rescued the cactus from my parent's house...lol!

I'm happy you had a wonderful holiday. I enjoyed your photos! xo

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You have such lovely nature around you. I feel like I should pick up a Christmas cactus. (Maybe they're on sale near me! :P ) That sounds like a plant that even I could keep alive.

Fun puzzle!

Years ago I started reading and enjoying Gretchen Rubin's book. Yet, somehow, I never finished it. I remember taking the decluttering chapter very much to heart at the time, though. I need to do another closet cleanse...

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LOL! Check out the clearance shelves at Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart. I'm sure you'd be a great Christmas cactus mom!

The puzzle has been fun. I went crazy at Hobby Lobby and picked up 4 holiday puzzles while they were on sale.

I've never read Gretchen's book, but I can vouch for this journal. It does make a difference.

Happy New Year, Betsy! xo

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I love your video and your inspiring post, Jill. I begin and end each day with gratitude and pray throughout the day for loved ones, our country, and our beautiful planet. Doing so helps me stayed focused on what is truly important in life. Blessings to you and yours... ❤️

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I'm happy you enjoyed the video and post, Gwen.

Well, I can't say that I'm surprised by the way you begin and end your day. Your light shines!

Happy New Year to you and your family. xo

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Happy New Year, Jill!

What kind of butterfly is that? It's huge! Quite beautiful!

Congrats to sable for winning!

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Happy New Year, Linda!

I hope your appointment went well and you're feeling better.

I believe the butterfly is a swallowtail. Today I was missing summer, so I started to go through old video. :)

Thanks for stopping by! xo

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Don't know how I missed this newsletter. I usually watch for them in my inbox. I really connected with the quote: “What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.” I need to drill that into my brain. I threw up my hands and stopped writing for a couple of weeks but then I got back on track. I learned that even writing nonsense is better than not writing at all. It's consistency (in all things) that counts!

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That quote resonated with me too, Roslyn. I understand about getting frustrated and having to step away from the writing. I've been there myself. But you're right, it's all about consistency and showing up each day. Keep going! You'll get that first draft completed. Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

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Beautiful butterfly! Do you know what type? We have Yellow Swallowtails, which are yellow and black, but this guy is black with some yellow…

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Thanks, Donna! I think it's a Giant Swallowtail. Of course, I'm not an expert.

Happy New Year! xo

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