Tuesday, January 01, 2013

2013 is Here



It seems weird in a way that I woke up this morning with such a lift in my mood of late. Rationally, the change to the new year is a completely arbitrary one that has nothing to do with actual reality. Yet, the lift is there, and I know it’s related to leaving 2012 behind and moving into a new year, no matter how arbitrary those designations are.

I’ve noticed in the past that something about the changing year initiates feelings of hope and reignites dreams in me. This year the feelings are even stronger, which is no doubt a tribute to how rough 2012 was. Psychologically, I think all humans need on occasion to experience a sense of rebirth, a sense of cleansing of the past and looking forward to the future. Or maybe it’s just us sinners that feel that way. J

I hope you all have a great year. I hope we have a great one together! The picture was taken by the incomparable Lana Gramlich at the Abita Springs Fireworks display last night. We had fun. 

Happy 2013.
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30 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And we're all sinners!
Awesome picture. Total blessing that Lana can go out and take photos and enjoy life again. I hope you both have a wonderful 2013.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Since January 1 is my birthday, I always am depressed today. This year no exception.

Charles Gramlich said...

Alex, yes, she spoke several times earlier in the year about just selling all her cameras and stuff and I told her I wouldn't let her do it. I'm so glad to see her taking joy in it again.

Patti, well I guess Happy birthday is not a good sentiment then. I hope you feel a bit better on the 2nd.

Sarah Hina said...

Happy New Year, Charles! You and Lana deserve the best. So dream away.

Richard Prosch said...

Yessir! Rebirth, new dreams, kick off the mud of 2012. I'm glad Lana kept her camera. And glad you're still writing. Onward, friends!

Deka Black said...

Completely arbitrary? Yes. But i think also serves not only to what you say. in a wider sense i'm convinced it helps to have a sort of feeling of being in control of our enviroment.

Unknown said...

Thanks for coming out to the fireworks with me, honey. I love doing such things with you!
Happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

Golden Eagle said...

Happy New Year! :)

The picture is wonderful.

sage said...

Happy New Year Charles and Lana, from another sinner...

Barbara Martin said...

I do agree with you, Charles, on the basis that there seems to be something in the air that stirs the soul to go forward. We're into a new age with a bright future on the horizon. One that will bring all the people together in harmony.

All the very best in the coming New Year, Charles, to you and Lana. May your inspiration abound.

Riot Kitty said...

You are so right! Cheers. May this year be great for you both.

Cloudia said...

Mind if I draft on your momentum?

I really felt green shoots in your words and it made me glad today, Charles.



Aloha & Happy New Year wishes
from Honolulu,
Comfort Spiral
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> < 3 3 3 ( ' >

Cloudia said...

You've lived the re-birth of Lana!

ivan said...

Well, I don't think you are my sign, but we moon children go near psychotic on the full moon that has just passed. The fourth day after a full moon, which happens Jan 1 this year, there is this exhiliaration and sense of rebirth.


(I am in full possession of my fa-faculties). :)

Charles Gramlich said...

Sarah, thanks. I just started reading Plum Blossoms. Loving it so far.

Richard, let's all make this a wonderful year for the small authors of the world.

Deka, no doubt. There is something about marking off time that is important to us humans.

Lana, it was mucho fun.

Golden Eagle, my wifey is a wonderful photographer.

Sage, there are plenty of us it seems. :)

Barbara, thanks so much. I hope your new year is wonderful as well.

Riot kitty, much appreciated. And back at you.

Cloudia, so true, about Lana's rebirth.

Ivan, I suspect you misplaced your faculties long ago, my friend. That's a good thing.

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

"...a sense of rebirth, a sense of cleansing of the past and looking forward to the future." Well said, Charles. I feel the same way, usually, until the 2nd! I hope you and Lana have a wonderful year of health, happiness and prosperity.

laughingwolf said...

2012 was no better than 2011, for me

no idea what to expect from 2013...

hope it brings the best to everyone, though

BernardL said...

Agreed. I hope you and Lana have a great 2013, my friend.

Charles Gramlich said...

Prashant, I know what you mean. Last night I started thinking about work and it took some of the luster off.

2011 was much better than 2012 for me. 2010 was worse overall. I'm hoping for a good year.

Bernard, thanks, man.

Adventuresfantastic said...

Here's hoping you both have a fantastic year this year. I'm glad Lana kept her cameras. You should post more of her stuff. She has a good eye.

I, too, feel more optimistic in early January. I've wondered if it doesn't have something to do with the fact that we've passed winter solstice and the days are getting longer. The increased light, even the small amount so far, could have an effect on mood.

Chris Benjamin said...

Happy new year, Charles. May 2013 feel like a rebirth all year long.

Oscar Case said...

I'm still looking for my rebirth, but I'm always optimistic. Maybe 2013 will be the year. Nice photo of the fireworks!

Charles Gramlich said...

Keith, maybe you're right about the light. It certainly doesn't help. I hate it getting dark so early.

Chris, I hope so, and thanks.

Oscar, maybe so. Make it so!

jodi said...

Charles, I agree that any fresh start can be, well, fresh. It's a chance to re-evaluate and try to try better. You and Ms. Lana enjoyed fireworks? How totally cool, as is the pic!

Jessica Ferguson said...

Amen and Amen -- to the fresh start. I always enter a new year a little nervous though.

the walking man said...

I personally feel everyone deserves to feel a sense of newness at some point. I'll let you know when it happens for me but congratulations for you and Lana 2012 sucked ass for you guys. 2013 has to be much much better. And remember my offer to grade your papers is still open.

Charles Gramlich said...

Jodi, it was a small fireworks display but fun. There were quite a few people there but we had a great place to watch.

Jess, my nerves don't start jumping until later.

Mark, I'm teaching the writing in psychology class again. I may take you up on the offer to grade papers. :)

Lisa said...

The fireworks picture is spectacular. Happy New Year Charles and Lana.

Charles Gramlich said...

Lisa, Lana got some great ones.

Travis Cody said...

I don't pay much attention to the change of the year. Mostly I just either keep my momentum or change my direction.

But I will admit that the sensation of the changing year feels like I'm reaching the bottom of the hill (ending the old year) and then getting magically set at the top of the next hill (starting the new year).