Green Honeycreeper, male, Trinidad
In this fresh new year — try to find a spark of joy in every day.
It could be a spot of bright nature;
Azure Kingfisher, Australia
or something new you’ve never seen before;
Male Kudu, Botswana, Chobe River
Conversely, joy could appear in something you see every day, but never stopped to appreciate.
Monarch Butterfly, Horicon Marsh, WI
Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonfly, California
We can find joy in remarkable human engineering feats;
Sydney Opera House, Australia
or inspiring people;
Gandhi Statue, The Ferry Building, San Francisco
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
or art, so many forms of art.
Ancient Kangaroo Rock Art, Kakadu NP, Australia
Chihuly Sea Star, Seattle, WA
Some of the most cheerful joy comes in simple forms.
American Robin nest, Wisconsin
California Honeysuckle, lonicera
There will be times, however, in the new year when difficulty or despair take over.
Joy might not be readily accessible in the darkness.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
For these times, go to sleep, rest…
Grey-headed Flying Foxes, Sydney, Australia
… and try again tomorrow.
Warmest thanks to my blogging friends and readers, for a year filled with joyful sweet moments, warm words, happy smiles, vicarious adventures, stunning images, and heartfelt sharing. Gentle wishes for a new year filled with joy.
Written by Jet Eliot
All photos by Athena Alexander.
White-bellied Woodstar, Peru
Maui, Hawaii
Jet Eliot 
The Ferry Building is amazing having survived the big 1906 quake! Lovely photos as always, Jet and Athena! ❤️😎
I love the Ferry Building, too, John. Glad you enjoyed the new year post, and my best to you for a great new year.
The Gandhi statue – a great place to meet! We wish you and Athena a happy new year ahead, one filled with pleasant surprises and all the peace and good health you undoubtedly deserve after a tough recent run.
Thanks for this wonderful post, Jet!
We enjoyed some smiley moments under Gandhi, didn’t we, PC. Thank you for the warm new year wishes, and I bid you and Mrs. PC a marvelous new year.
Thank you for all the wonderful stories and photos you’ve shared during the year. Many of which provoked many a walk down memory lane for me. Wishing you and Athena much love and laughter throughout 2019! x
I think you and I have visited many of the same places in this world, Joanne. Thanks so much, and warm wishes for a year of love and joy and more great images to behold.
Lovely thoughts and example photos.Thank you.
Thank you, englepip. Thanks for stopping by.
A very nicely written and appropriate post for the end and beginning of the year Jet. And wonderful photographs too of course! Hope you have a good time at New Year 😊
I’m happy you enjoyed the new year post, Alastair, and as always, I really appreciated your visits and comments. My best to you and your family for a delightful new year.
Thanks for sharing such warm words and outstanding photos with us.
Happy New Year to you and Athena,
Ω
It was a total pleasure, Allan, thanks so much for your visit today. And Happy New Year to you, too!
Beautiful images and sentiments.
Thank you, David, I’m glad you enjoyed the new year post today. Appreciate your visit.
Lovely pictures and lovely advice, Jet. Thank you. Wishing you abundant good health and happiness–and adventures–in 2019.
Thank you, Donna. My best to you, too, for a super new year ahead.
What a wonderful post, Jet. I hope everyone takes this advice to heart!
My warmest thanks, GP, and a Happy New Year to you.
Oh how I smiled at this very cheerful animated message, GP. I love silliness, thank you.
Ah, to feel like a kid again!!
Wishing you a dynamite new year. I love the kudu, but the kangaroo playing baseball was awesome.
Loved your interpretation of the Aboriginal rock art, Craig. Always a pleasure, my friend–
All the very best to you and Athena for 2019. I hope each and every day is filled with fun and laughter. 😁
And I wish the very best to you, too, Mike, for a fun and laughter-filled new year ahead.
This is a heartwarming post, reminding us of all the beautiful things around us that bring us joy if we just open our eyes and ears to notice. Lovey post, Jet. Have a wonderful year of snapping photos and traveling when the mood suits you. I look forward to your posts next year.
Your kind words are much appreciated, Anneli. Sending best wishes for a happy year ahead.
Tnx, Jet.
What a wonderful post to round out the year. Thank you for taking us to so many beautiful places, and for sharing the stories and photos this past year, Jet. Wishing you and Athena peace and joy in the new year!
It is wonderful how we all, as bloggers, get to see the rest of the world through the adventures of others. My best wishes to you, Jill, for a terrific new year ahead; and my warmest thanks for your kind message.
Very inspirational post with such beautiful images! Thank you, and Happy New Year!
I’m happy my new year post inspired you, Hien, thanks so much. Warmest wishes for a wonderful new year, my friend–
We can always find joy in nature or in the face of a child.
There’s joy everywhere we turn, we just have to keep our eyes open; and you’re right, Jan, in nature or the face of a child. Warm thanks for your visits every week, always great to “see” you here.
Wow, Jet. All of these are beautiful. Have a wonderful 2019. Happy holiday hugs
Delightful to have you stop by, Teagan, thanks so much for your visit and wonderful words. I’m going to head over to your fluffy blog cloud and see what you’ve been up to….
Wonderful images, with words that inspire. Thank you so much, and have a great new year!
I am happy my words inspired you, Walt, for your words sure do inspire me. Smiles and wishes to you for a year of pleasant ease and proud accomplishments.
Fantastic photos! There really is beauty everywhere!
Yes, you’re right, Cathy, beauty is everywhere. Many thanks for your cheerful visit today.
Lovely post Jet! Happy New Year!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the new year post, Belinda, thanks so much for your visits every week, I really appreciate them. And I always enjoy your artistry behind the camera. All the best for a great new year.
Thanks very much!
What a wonderfully inspirational post, Jet! Loved Athena’s beautiful pictures and your thoughts, and I agree that finding joy every day is a great premise for the new year. Happy New Year to you both!
My warmest thanks and big smiles, Helen, thank you so very much.
I hope your new year will be as beautiful as these photos!
Oh yes, I like that sentiment. Thank you, montucky! I hope your new year is a perfect delight, my friend.
A simply Beautiful post with which to close out the year and dance into the new one! Thank you so much for all the beauty and joy you’ve brought us this year. Sending best wishes for peace and joy and light to you and Athena. With love from your faithful reader and sister.
Mahalo, dear Nan, for your warm words and intrepid support. Peace and joy and light…I love that, thank you.
Well, I must type what you’ve read again and again because these photos are that amazing! I have never seen the beauty of a Kudu until now, thank you for that too.
And we both know how much joy lizards bring to you, Dawn Renee. Cheers to a new year. And I’m so glad I could introduce you to the elegant kudu. Many thanks–
Very nice post my friend, beautiful words, adorned with wonderful pictures. I know, we are getting to the end of 2018. I wish for you and your partner to enter a new year with health, happiness and prosperity. You are my friend. I appreciate your friendship and your good sense of life. Thank you for being YOU… 🙂
Very kind words and sentiments, HJ, thank you so much. This year we have enjoyed a lovely exchange of words and kindnesses, and so many delightful birds from all over the world. There is much to celebrate, and I hope your new year is filled with celebrations for all this beautiful life we are surrounded by. Your friendship and kindness are much appreciated. 🙂
A post filled with beauty, generosity and promise for the new year and beyond. Thank you for these gifts. Lovingly, Lauren
I am warmed by your kind words, dear Lauren, and am thrilled that you received the gifts of the new year post from both myself and Athena. Cheers to another year full of gifts.
great photos and hope for 2019
Thanks for sharing
I’m happy you enjoyed the new year post, dear Bill; great photos and hope are a good way to bring in 2019. Best wishes and aloha to you.
wishing you a new happy new year filled with peace, joy and many many memorable adventures be them large or small.
I like that Mike — here’s to all the adventures in the new year — my warmest thanks to you for sharing so many of them on your blog of peace and beauty.
Thanks Jet and we are looking forward to a few adventures this year and trying to keep in mind that we can have at least a little adventure every day. Let’s call it being adventurous versus having an adventure?
I like that attitude a lot, Mike. Being adventurous can open so many doors….
You and Athena spread a lot of joy in 2018. May you continue to do so in 2019 and have a Happy New Year.
How very kind of you, Sherry, thank you. Big smiles to you, and many thanks for sharing the beauties and wonders of the east coast throughout the year.
Thank you Jet and Athena for sharing your joys, inspirations and hopes with us. Happy New Year!
What a joy this has been, thank you, Sharon. Happy New Year! BTW, you, my dear, are one of my inspirations.
Thank you so much Jet, I must say the same for you as well. It will be a fun year following each others journeys in 2019.
Wonderful photos, I wish you as much joy as your thoughts express it!
Thank you so much, Xea, for your lovely message.
A lovely collection of photographs and beautifully written post. Great way to end the year. Wishing you and Athena a wonderful and adventurous New Year!
So lovely to hear from you, Ingrid. Thank you for your kind words and visit today. I’m heading right over to see what you’ve been up to….
So many beautiful images, it’s hard to pick a favourite, Jet. I’ve never seen a dragonfly like that one, which makes it a standout, and you find the most amazing birds. Thank you for sharing and for the good wishes. I hope that 2019 is kind to you. 🙂 🙂
Yes, we are blessed with so many amazing creatures on this planet, aren’t we, Jo? Thanks so much, my friend, for your visit and kind words…always a pleasure. My best to you for a wonderful new year in your new community.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how much beauty the world contains. Best wishes to you and Athena for the New Year. We all profit from your stories and photos, and I’m looking forward to enjoying many more in 2019.
Thank you so very much for your comment, Linda. Yes, it is sometimes easy to forget about the beauty in our world, fortunately we have each other in the blogosphere for gentle reminders. My warmest thanks for your thoughtful comments and appreciation, and glorious days ahead to you in the new year.
Thanks for bringing the beauty of the world into our homes via the internet. I so enjoy your beautiful posts. Happy New Year!
…and I sure enjoy the beauty you have shared, too, Eliza. My warm wishes to you for a very happy new year, and a garden filled with vibrant life and pleasant surprises ahead.
❤
Reblogged this on Echoes in the Mist.
Thank you for the re-blog, Sharon.
Beautiful reminders and photos. Thank you Jet and Athena. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Brad, for stopping by and commenting. Happy New Year to you, too, and best wishes to you.
Thanks Jet!
Excellent photos.
The bats are really cool.
Thanks very much, rabirius. Glad you enjoyed the photos, and yes, I agree, those bats are really cool. That species is visible in the daylight, a plus for photographing.
I love these photographs and reflections for the New Year and beyond. Thank you so much Jet fro sharing your love and inspiration with us 💛
Thanks so much, Val, for your warm and encouraging visits and comments throughout the year. It’s a pleasure to see you every time.
💥❤️💥Happy New Year! 💥❤️💥
Jet, this is a very gorgeous and positive post/message!
I’m a very haphazard blogger, with no routine and a hearty dislike of the Reader. I always enjoy your posts when I do visit. Thank you for your visit to my blog. It reminded me how wonderful yours is.
Always a treat to hear from you Resa, and I really appreciate your visits, whenever they are, and your kind words.
This post of yours was sheer joy! Thank you for all the smiles and cheer you’ve provided throughout the past year. Wishing you and Athena much peace and joy through this coming year! 🎉 🕊
Oh my goodness, how I loved hearing you found “sheer joy” with the new year post, Gunta. It has been such a pleasure this year to share the world on my post. Equally as delightful have been the visits to your blog all year long–the lovely photos of coastal vistas, wildlife and wilderness, your avid adventures; and always, the profound quotes. My warmest thanks and best wishes for a spectacular 2019.
This is so WONDERFUL, Jet. What a sweet gift. Thank You!!! I wish You all the same. Sending HUGE hugs Your way and wishes for a New Year full of Love and Joy to You and Yours! ❤️🥂😊
Dear Katy, what a joy it has been to have you pop by over this past year, and equally, to see what beauty and art you are putting out into the world on your blog. Joyful wishes to you for a fantastic new year.
Hey Jet! Thank You more than I can say! You are a true delight. 🤗💖☀️
Thank you for showing us joy coming from different forms. Beautiful, yet so moving.
Thank you for giving us much joy to appreciate the beauty of nature through you words and lens in the past.
Happy 2019 to you and Athena!
Always a delight to share the beauties of the world, Amy. And it is reciprocal — a great joy to see the world through your camera lens and worldly visits. My warmest thanks for a great 2018 exchange, and best wishes to you and your family for another great year ahead.
Such lovely photos with such beautiful sentiments!
Happy New Year! 🍾🎉🥂
—
http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Thanks very much, AWAY, glad you stopped by enjoyed the new year post. Happy New Year to you, too!
A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands.
It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year 2019!
Happy new year, LBI. Thank you.
☺️
Happy New year. I thank God for bringing me into 2019 and I look forward to a year of peace and achievements that’s show forth the light of God in me. Joy and happiness!
Happy New Year.
Great post and photos! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Eloise, Happy New Year to you, too.
Your usual mix of thoughtful prose and Athena’s photos. Glad I dropped by for a visit. Happy New Year! 🙂
I’m very glad you dropped by, too, Frank. Many thanks for your visits and comments throughout 2018, and my best to you for a vibrant 2019 filled with great adventures and images.
Such wise words Jet. I do think that in times that often seem dark finding the joy and beauty in often unexpected places is a tonic for our lives. I especially smiled at the statue of Ghandi, taken on a brighter day obviously than when we were together. Still it instantly brought happiness to my heart at the memory of the day. Warmest wishes to you and Athena from Dave and I.
Yes, as you know, Sue, it is easy to be bright on bright days, but it’s the dark ones when finding the light really makes a difference. When I first saw you from a distance at the Gandhi Statue, I knew right away it was you. Happy day. Thanks so much, Sue and Dave, for your strength and adventure and brightness throughout this past year. Thank you, too, for the fantastic gratitude post, truly a work of art; I look forward to referencing it in the weeks ahead and finding new blogging friends. Every January I find new blogging friends through your end-of-the-year post, and they’re always great friends and they stick around and share great insight and adventures. Cheers to a great new year.
Always inspiring to find new friends both in person and virtually. Happy to assist in that endeavour. Cheers to a great year indeed!
Great post for the new year Jet! Joy can be found anywhere if you can be open to it. Some days you may not be and I like your simple: try again tomorrow.
Thank you, Bertie. That try-again-tomorrow reminder works wonders, I’m glad you resonated with it. As always, a complete pleasure to visit with you, thank you.
Stunning pictures!
Have a lovely 2019!
Happy New Year!
Thank you, Charlie — Happy new year to you, too.