Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,
Whether summer clothe the general earth
With greeness, or the redbreast sit and sing
Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch
Of mossy apple-tree, while the nigh thatch
Smokes in the sun-thaw; whether the eave-drops fall
Heard only in the trances of the blast,
Or if the secret ministry of frost
Shall hang them up in silent icicles,
Quietly shining to the quiet Moon.



Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!

Janus am I; oldest of potentates;
Forward I look, and backward, and below
I count, as god of avenues and gates,
The years that through my portals come and go.
I block the roads, and drift the fields with snow;
I chase the wild-fowl from the frozen fen;
My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow,
My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men.

from The Poet's Calendar by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Janus is the god of gates and doorways, beginnings, endings and time and it is for him that the month of January is named. I like the idea of looking both forwards and backwards. In the past lie the experiences both good and bad that have enriched and shaped our lives. We learn from all of them. In the past also lie our memories of friends and family many of them now dead and gone - how empty our lives would be without the ability to recall all the happy times shared with those who have been most important to us. As for looking forwards - a whole new year lies ahead full of possibilities and opportunities. I intend to make the most of it and I hope you all do too.

That's the serious bit - now for a peep into my past. This was taken on New Year's Eve 1997 and may not be quite the way you usually picture me:) My friends had a Barbie and Ken theme at their New Year party. My daughter's first reaction when she saw my outfit was 'You're never going to wear that!' closely followed by 'Whatever you do, mother, DON'T BEND OVER!!' I won the prize for the best ladies costume though - I've never known whether it was for a good costume or the sheer nerve it took to wear it.



Happy New Year Everyone!

29 comments:

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Happy New Year Rowan!

Dog Trot Farm said...

Oh my, Rowan I would have never believed this is you! I have always pictured you very prim and proper LOL. Good looking gams girlfriend. Happy New Year to you and yours, from snowless Maine, Julie.

Jane said...

Lol! You saucy sex-pot!! Thanks for sharing this Rowan and many blessings in the coming New Year :)

Kathy said...

Wow! You look great!
Have a wonderful 2012!
love Kathy xxx

Roy said...

I think I have said this before about that photograph D, WOW!!

Roy said...

Sorry, I should have wished you a happy new year, but my mind was considerably distracted.{:)

Mary said...

Happy New Year Rowan!

Loved this post - and you made a great Barbie with a smashing pair of legs. Bet you were the wow at that party!

Hope 2012 is the best year ever and that you keep blogging and sharing all that beautiful English countryside and history.

Hugs -Mary

WOL said...

Happy, healthy and prosperous new year to you and yours!

Bovey Belle said...

Mary beat me to it with the smashing pair of legs comment!

Interesting piece about Janus.

Happy New Year to you.

Diane said...

Based on that photo, I think we need to see more glimpses into your past Rowan! You look fab! Happy New Year to you and yours xxxxxx

Rosie said...

I should think you did win the prize for best costume! As Diane says you look fab! Happy New year to you and yours:)

moonstruckcreations said...

A very Happy New Year to you all!

HAve just found your lovely blog and look forward to reading more of your posts during 2012.

Helenxx

Hearthwife said...

Was gonna say, 'would you look at those pins!', but was beaten to it, lol.

All the best to you and yours for 2012 Rowan.

Mac n' Janet said...

Happy New Year Rowan, WOW! That's quite a picture! Must have been quite a party

MorningAJ said...

Happy new year. That dress was very brave!

Wanda..... said...

Happy New Year, Rowan!

Love the photo...you're a natural Barbie it seems!

Hilaire said...

Happy New Year, Rowan - I hope it brings you all sorts of wonderful things.

Love the picture - it makes me want to try out a blond wig! I can see why you won the prize.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

I just love the costume - I think the blond wig suits you just fine!!! What a hoot and bravo to you for being that brave. May the new year bring you happiness and great adventures.

Anonymous said...

Great poem !!! Thank you.

I love your picture. I wouldn't have had the courage ; ) The prize was well earned, you looked great.

Happy New Year !!! Peace, love, health and happiness for 2012 !!!!

Janet said...

I love it! You look beautiful.

Happy New Year!!

Dartford Warbler said...

Wow, you look wonderful! Hope you had a great evening.

Happy New Year to you and Bilbo Baggins Esq.

Unknown said...

CANNOT BELIEVE YOU HAVE PULLED OUT THAT PHOTO! Was just writing to Ben the other day about his old New Year parties. Maybe have to get something organised next year, as we will be there again.

SouthernHeart said...

Congratulations on winning as well as being stunning and brave!

Happy New Year!
Dianne
www.mysouthernheart.com

Heidi said...

Love your daughter's reaction! You look fabulous.

Wishing you a wonderful and very happy 2012 Rowan!

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Thimbleanna said...

Hahaha -- that's an awesome picture Rowan -- and your daughter's reaction made me laugh. Happy, Happy New Year!

Nan said...

Love the photo! I remember wearing skirts that short in my daily life! I can't imagine.
Love the Longfellow poem.

Cheryl said...

Hi Rowan,

Tku for leaving a comment on my blog.

Beautiful Longfellow poem.....and your writings also.

Brave lady.....I can see why you won the prize :)

Granny Sue said...

My word, Rowan! You're quite the bombshell! And as the other said, great legs ;) You looked amazing.

Victoria said...

Wow..you looks fabulous!! gorgeous photo! Thankyou for the magic of Janus..wonderful tribute!
Wishing you a beautiful 2012 with magic all around!
Victoria