Happy Tuesday all! This year has been quite the year and while I love the Fall Season (actually from October – December as I think everyone is happier this time of year!), I have to say I am definitely ready for 2015. Is it too early to say that? I have started and stopped this same post so many times in the past few weeks. There is part of me that uses my blog to talk to you all about all of the challenges and fun things we experience in life, some food related, some not, and there is also part of me that keeps certain things quiet. I think part of me didn’t want to put any of this in writing because then I’d have to admit it and it would be real.
2014 started out with me getting Pneumonia after the flu – something I’ve never had which was awful and I never, ever want to repeat. Although I did manage to fit in 3 weeks of Simple Start during this time which I have no doubt helped me get better.
The Husband surprised me with our first trip to Seattle to see all the cools things I’ve always wanted to see. The recaps are here.
Then, it got pretty crazy with work.As so many of you know, when I switched jobs over two years ago, it has been a challenge to balance it all. I love my job and my co-workers, but, it has also been a bit challenging as we have built everything from the ground up….all in the name of wine! Definitely a good cause, right? I am hopeful that I can find a way to balance this out.
The summer turned into a summer I will always remember ~ We went on our usual Las Vegas Trip and then spent the 4th of July Camping with My Sis/Family watching fire works at the lake.
It ended with us celebrating birthdays with both our families on our trip to Alaska and Seattle (I still plan on doing recaps!)
We also had that crazy Earthquake in Napa that has taken some time to rebuild.
In September, we unexpectedly said goodbye to my Dad and I helped plan my first funeral ever. I wasn’t sure if this was the part I wanted to share or not – maybe it’s because it makes it permanent, maybe because it’s so personal. I’ve read so many nice messages people have posted and know what an amazing person he was. This is where I keep stopping every time I go to put a blog post together to share with you all. He raised me, taught me so much about life and every day he inspired me to be a better person. I loved him more than he will ever know
Putting it all in writing is too hard….but, I will say my favorite thing was visiting the Master Garden he built and we will all pitch in to finish.
I miss him more than he would probably ever imagine too…..
The Husband brightened up October by busting out our Pumpkin Family….now I just need to go get some pumpkins so they have “friends” to hang out with.
I am looking forward to our Annual Halloween Costume Contest at work, celebrating our anniversary in the Caribbean on the island we were married and celebrating the holidays with my family. I know that my life is forever changed this year, but, I also am committed to finding my new normal. I am not sure what it will be but I know I need to find a way to balance it out all and follow I value most in life.
Last, but, not least….I have not been doing too much cooking, but, like my Dad…I am always randomly snapping pictures of anything that catches my eye.
I love these pumpkins!
And this sign totally makes me smile every time I see it.
I can honestly say I miss working on my monthly resolutions and sharing my daily adventures with you all. I have so much to catch up on (so behind on emails, comments, getting back to you all) and I need to start watching this year’s Biggest Loser! I am definitely sad Jillian is gone but at the same time, I want to see what the new trainers are all about.
I am reminded how many friends I have here whenever I end up taking too long of a break. I am going to work on not staying away too long this time and work towards getting back to my dailies. I am not sure what my new normal is going to be, but, I plan on finding it and then chatting away with you all about how “normal” my day was…
Night all!
Oh Danica, I can relate so much. My Dad unexpectedly passed away last August and as much as I want to tell you it’ll get easier, somedays it won’t be easy at all. Finding a new normal is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but before you know it, you can do something that you couldn’t do yesterday without crying. I hope that in the darkest hours, when you’re grieving the most, you find some sort of comfort and know that your Dad is always with you. You post drove me to tears because I know all those feelings all too well and hate that others have to experience the same pain. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
We’re all here for you, hon. Big hugs. Please do that Alaska recap – I have purely selfish reasons as we’re heading there in July.
I’m getting back on the WW track. Maybe I’ll see you there!
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My heart goes out to you. I lost my father when I was 19 and a day hasn’t gone by that I haven’t missed him. But as you said, you will find a new normal filled. His love is with you with every beat of your heart.
I’m so sorry Danica. I lost my dad a few years ago, and it is a challenge to move forward. My father was also a master gardener, and continuing his legacy has really helped with dealing with all those complicated feelings. God Bless.
Thanks for sharing! What a full difficult year. So sorry. Prayers your way.
That is an amazing garden. What a gift he left behind.
The most beautiful garden I think I have ever seen…
So sorry about your family’s loss. The garden is beautiful! Your posts are always so positive and uplifting. I send you positive thoughts and condolences to your family through this difficult time. <3
Danica – I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of all the wonderful memories helps.
My dear friend…as you have become to all of us…you have me in tears before 6am 🙂 I must tell you that the day I lost my Dad, was the hardest day of my life…I often go back and read posts on FB of what folks have said about him, and I find it comforts me…I wish I could tell you that it gets better…and it does in certain ways…but I miss him more each day it seems…what was the real whammie was I lost my Mom 1 1/2 years after Dad…as my Sister says: we’re orphans now…I realize I was such a lucky girl to have them into their 80’s…your garden is so wonderful…so glad you’re back…and you’ll find your new normal in time…but as a dear friend at work told me: It’s The Circle of Life…we’re here for you, and are so glad you’re back XXOO
Big hugs!
So sorry for your loss, Danica.
Welcome back, Danica. What a year you have had. It feels like you are just now taking a long deep breath. I am so afraid of when I will lose my dad (he’s 84) because I love him so much also. But reading your post makes me realize that we do go on, life does go on, and as hard as it is, life is good and beautiful. Looking forward to hearing about what your future holds.
We lost my very dad unexpectedly in June. I know how you feel trying to find a new normal. My dad was the strongest man I know and he was always there for me with whatever I needed. Life does go on an hopefully in time we can both think about our fathers and smile. HUGS..
It was so nice to hear from you via this post! When I don’t get one, I always hope everything is alright. Thank you for sharing both your travels and your great loss. I know for one, it means a lot. Keep doing what’s best for you and I hope it includes all of us! By the way, the garden is wonderful… what a great living tribute!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad – you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find the peace & balance you are searching for. And I selfishly hope you can get back into a “normal” posting routine as I miss reading your daily blog posts. You are my WW go-to source.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad when her was 49 and I was 20. Left a big hole in my life and I think about him often. Hugs to you!!
Danica and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad 9 years ago and a day does not go by that I think of him. They (whoever they are) say time heals but boy does it take time. I hope your Dad didn’t suffer and went peacefully. Just remember that a Father’s love is forever and will always live in a “little girls” heart. Take special care.
I am so sorry about your father. I lost my mom when I was 36 and while it forever changes your life, there is peace for you down the road knowing his presence in your life never diminishes over time. I think that is one thing worried about most. Here I am 25 plus years later and my mom is alive and part of my heart/spirit/soul just as much as always. Your father’s garden is absolutely beautiful and what a legacy to leave behind for his family and others.
You have been missed. Your blog is awesome and I’ve spent the missing blogs the past year plus going thru your archives for great food ideas and pics! You have posted so many helpful and fun and entertaining blogs that I didn’t want to wait until you were able to continue so I found a way to keep you going!!! 🙂
Take care. Take time. You are loved!
Looking forward to your next blog!
Lauren
So sorry to hear about your Dad – I know that is hard. Hard for me to read through my tears. My 89 year old father moved in with my husband and I in May, multiple health issues – today we are taking him to see a neurologist re: dementia. Sad to see him to go down hill before my eyes.
We were on an 11 day Alaska cruise when the earthquake struck and a great couple we met were from Napa (they lived in a 104 year old house which originally was red tagged, then yellow) on their honeymoon. Everyone on ship that knew them were very supportive of them.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.
I am guessing your dad loved you more than you know too! His photography is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.
The garden is so incredibly beautiful. May it provide you with much needed comfort as you find your way during this very difficult time. Many prayers to you and your family.
Danica, I am so sorry for your loss. You have many great memories so hold them close and speak of your Dad often. The tears and the laughter are so healing.
Dear Danica,
What a legacy your father left for you and your family. Beautiful, happy, successful children, his natural talents to hold on to, to share and the gardens to visit. What I learned after my father passed, is that his wisdom, his humor, his life lessons and mostly his love are always with me. The memories never go away and your love continues on.
Yes, finding your new normal is the challenge…..
Christine
The loss is so sad .. but we will all meet again one day.. that’s the consolation .. How can that love we share ever go away . I will light a candle for you ..God Bless 🙂
So sorry for your loss…it has been 4 years for my dad and 2 for mom…and some days are easier than others. I am with you on 2014.. I was looking forward to this being the ” good one”. Because of all the stress I had going on, my thyroid quit on me, and my adrenals shut down. Overnight, or so it felt, I gained 23 lbs, so since February I have had to deal with that and it has been awful. The good news is my thyroid and adrenals are recovering enough that I can walk, sometimes hike, and hoop! Just really bummed that I had 2 pairs of capris I wore all summer and now..well it’s not pretty clothes wise…
So happy you all are safe…had not heard much and had not been on FB enough to know you had moved?! Keep up the good work and again, so sorry for your loss…
Oh Danica! I’m so sorry for your loss. I too lost my Dad unexpectedly in August and am finding my new normal too. For me the wound to my heart is very open, and I’m sure yours is too. Take care of yourself! Sending hugs and feeling like we are kindred spirits as our lives changed forever within a couple of weeks of each other.
Things have been happening here also, but I did miss seeing Danica Daily…sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you. I clicked on the link and went and watched the memorial video of your dad. It had barely started playing and my eyes filled with tears. Daddies are very special people. I lost my dad 19 years ago. The pain will never go away, but the bouts of crying will be fewer and farther between. You will find yourself saying the little sayings he used to use as a way of keeping him “present”. Your heart will always have that hole, but you find comfort in a life time of memories you hold there.
When the picture of your dad appeared where he had his hand cupped on the statues breast…. I had to smile….. that’s exactly what my dad would have done!
Your dad seems like he had an amazing life and I’m sorry you and your family had to lose him too soon. Love and hugs to you,
Kathy
Oh Danica! I am so so sorry for your loss! I’m sure it was such a devastating thing to go through.
What beautiful gardens you will be able to spend time in with family to bring you all peace.
We are all here for you as you find your new normal! Looking forward to new updates and posts as you find your way.
You have given all of us such inspiration and shared such great information, and ideas, remember how much support is here for you in return!
Sending hugs!!
Oh sweet girl. I’m so sorry for your loss. As time goes by your memories of your Dad will even get sweeter. Hang on to those kiddo it will help you through the pain. Looking forward to your blogs when you’re ready to write again.
I am very, very sorry to hear about your father. It seemed from your blogs that you had a very close family and spent lots of time together. Many prayers for your family!
I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing this with us… As many of your readers stated, we are all here for you… You have been a big supporter for all of us…We love you..
So sorry to hear about your dad. Hope you’re doing ok and look forward to “hearing” from you again. God bless! ?
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I can only imagine how much you will miss him here on earth, but know you will be together again, and he would want you to enjoy your days on earth to the fullest. So with that, I am soooo glad to see you posting again – I was wondering where you had disappeared to. Be strong Danica and know we are all cheering you on and saying a prayer.
Your Dad’s spirit lives on in that beautiful garden. May you find comfort and peace each time you visit it.
So sorry to hear about your dad. I am so glad you posted again! Your blog is really one that I look forward to reading all the time. The garden is beautiful and its awesome that you have a place to go to remember your dad. Now you have an angel watching over you all the time.
Ah Danica. I’m so sorry to hear that you left us for awhile because of your father’s death. It’s a terribly tough time and there will be so many other days that grief sneaks up unexpectedly and kicks you in the gut. But, through it all you will grow and change and in some odd way it teaches us all to appreciate what we have and to love DEEPLY those around us. My heart goes out to you. Take comfort in the love you share and in the many friendships that you have cultivated via this blog.
You have brought laughter and comfort to many of us.
Diane
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I too have felt that loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
The Master Garden looks incredible. And sorry to hear about losing your dad just last month. It’s gonna take time to heal and I hope that you’re slowly going in that direction.
Danica, I check in with your blog only now and then (I LOVED your visit to Seattle!!) and just did randomly today. I’m so sorry about your father. My father passed away Tuesday early morning, and tomorrow we leave to travel from CT to his funeral, in rural Virginia. I share your pain, your tears, your search for a new normal. The garden is beautiful and such a wonderful way for you to visit your father. You and I will probably never meet, but I like you so much, and I wish you peace.
Danica, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad!! Dad’s are special people and it looks like he touched very many lives. What a beautiful garden!!! He probably misses you too. Hang in there, and we will be here when you’re ready to come back on a regular basis. Always a fan of yours!
I’m sorry for your loss. My dad passed few years ago and it still feels like yesterdsy.I’m glad you are doing OK.welcome back
Beautiful tribute to you papa. 🙂