Chandelier fragments suspended in a holiday vitrine, Printemps, Paris.
May your new year be bright and sparkling with light! Let's turn the page and begin a fresh new chapter, filling our own stories with more love, grace and imagination. Of course, any story worth creating - and living - needs a healthy dose of courage,a dash of magic aided by persistence and heaps of adventure. Let's get started! Here's hoping that in 2009, good fortune shines on you and all your heartfelt endeavors.
My witty friend Leau linked this amazing short video that I promise will make you think and make you smile - what better way to end one year and begin another?
Love, light and peace in 2009.
Relyn, thank you! Yes, my friend Vanessa Valencia created the banner.
Happy new year to you, as well! Thank you for the kind words. I am glad our paths crossed in 2008. I look forward to more inspiration from your lovely blog in the new year. Hope 2009 brings you an abundance of joy, with your dreams unfolding and becoming reality. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:44
Brenda, wishing you an easier path to walk in the new year, with optimism and hope for a brighter, more peaceful future. You deserve many blessings and good things to come your way. Keep that in mind; better days ahead! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:41
Alex, YOU are the gift. I'm sure we will see each other in 2009, one place or another. I expect the new year will bring you some wonderful opportunities, as well. Am looking forward to hearing more about the latest developments. Much love and light, my dear friend....xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:38
Merci bien, dear Tink! Here's hoping 2009 is filled with many blessings and much joy - not to mention lots of fun with the grandgirls! I look forward to reading more of your delightful musings and seeing your fantastic art. Lots of love...xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:36
Dana, thank you for such a beautiful message. I'm really touched by your encouragement and support. You inspire me as well, although I don't say so nearly often enough. Wishing you and yours much happiness, good health and prosperity in 2009. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insights with us! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:34
Oh sweetie, your message made me weep. You are so dear to me. Spending time with you in New York was just the beginning. Next stop, Rome! Or Paris or anywhere else, for that matter. I am always inspired by you and your positive attitude and wisdom and entertained by your wit. 2009 is going to be a HUGE year for you, filled with lots of love, laughter, light and joy and endless opportunities and possibilities (oh and then there's that small matter of getting married. HELLO!). Lots of love to you, dearest Gill. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:31
Miss Fanciful, yes you should be here! Maybe you and Mr. Lovee can be persuaded to visit in 2009! As for the banner, I agree with you - the artist is brilliant! :) Lots of love to you too. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:28
And to you, Gemma! Hope the year brings you much joy.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:26
Wishing all the best to you and yours in 2009.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:26
Tara, Your new banner is perfect!! Really great. The style feels familiar. Do you mind telling me who created it? Anyway. Not what I stopped by to say.
Happy new year!! Thank you for the beauty, the inspiration, the kindness I've found here. May 2009 be all you dream of. Love, Relyn
Posted by: Relyn | 01 January 2009 at 11:09
Cheers, blogging friend! I don't drink alcohol because my esophagus would kill me for it, but I'm holding a virtual glass of champagne high to the two of us. May we both find our own version of peace, somewhere in this world. A kind, gentle path to forge anew. And to still be standing a year from now to do this again.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | 01 January 2009 at 02:34
Sweet Tara! You are a precious gift from 2008! I miss you! Happy 2009! I hope we get to see each other again and play in Paris & SF this coming year! Let's wish, we've got nothing to loose right? Sending you a wave of magic and opportunity for 2009. Love, xxxox
Posted by: Gypsy Alex | 01 January 2009 at 02:34
Wishing you a bright and shining, joyfully happy New Year, dear Tara!
Keep shining your light~XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 01 January 2009 at 02:15
Tara....I havent been by in such a long time to leave a comment, but I have visited to read and to take in the beauty of your words and photos. I want to wish you a Bonne Annee.....a Happy New Year.....one I believe will be off to a very interesting and emotional beginning.
Your editorials, links, comments, insights, thoughts and offerings, particularly through the election were brilliant. Your passion poured through and I learned so much from reading your blog. I want to thank you for all that you put out here.....for all the time and effort you give to this wonderful piece of the blogosphere.
You are an inspiration Tara.....may 2009 be all you wish for.
take care.
d.
Posted by: dana | 01 January 2009 at 02:15
I just don't think I could love you anymore than I already do but I'm going to see what 2009 brings and I'm certain it will grow!!! My love for you that is :)
You are such an inspiring, wickedly intelligent, funny, adorable human being. I admire you so much Tara. Thank you for everything, your friendship, your blog, and YOU!! I cherish you.
I wish you bliss, happiness, all your dreams fulfilled and more in 2009. Until we meet again! And we will. Happy New Year to you and yours xoxo
p.s. the video was great and thanks to you and Leau I am now a subscriber of Outside the Lines.
ThanksXO
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 01 January 2009 at 02:15
I should be with you right now, is where I should be!!! (Love your banner, tee heee)
Lots of love, you know that, always, Vanessa xoxo
Posted by: a fanciful twist | 01 January 2009 at 02:15
Happy new year dear Tara!!!!
Posted by: gemma | 01 January 2009 at 00:58
HAVE A WONDERFUL nEW YEAR.
Posted by: Yolanda | 31 December 2008 at 23:35
Lala, don't worry, I'll keep blogging. Thanks for the lovely comments. Hope you and your love have a joyous New Year's celebration and that 2009 brings you lots of love, light and endless possibilities. And hope to see you in Granada and/or Paris! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 22:30
Happy New Year to you Tara and your dear ones !
and yes, let's all fill our hearts with hope for a more luminous world in 2009
I've just read the comments above and want to say: please DON'T stop blogging! I'm so sorry I don't comment much but at least, let me tell you are not only a guidance but a reference, not only for me but for many of us, i'm so sure !
So, wish you a splendid year filled with love, joy, writing and blogging!
xxx
Posted by: my castle in Spain | 31 December 2008 at 22:27
Right back at 'cha, dear Steph! A year of promise is ahead, just waiting for us to paint it with possibility. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 19:11
Now you're going to make me cry. Merci bien for always being so supportive! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 19:10
I'm there for ya babe, just tell me which street corner and I'll be shouting out all your fabulousness to the world! But it does seem to me reading all these other comments, you'll have plenty of street corners filled! You are loved, never forget it...more smooches
Posted by: Leau | 31 December 2008 at 19:07
Love this little video and Leau and YOU! Happy Happy New Year Tara!!
Posted by: Stephanie | 31 December 2008 at 18:58
OK Leau, can I pay you to handle all the publicity for my book(s)? Will you help spread the word about my fabulousness? Ha ha! You have done wonders to boost my confidence lately. Thank you for that, as well as for your wit and wisdom; for your inspiration and bright ideas - but most of all, for your friendship. Courage for 2009! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 17:59
Oh Christina, 2008 wasn't an easy year for many of us. But at least we accomplished something good by helping elect a smart new president! And we have many reasons to hope that 2009 will be a better year. I'm grateful for your friendship too. And hope...it's a powerful thing and can help paint many a dark picture with sunshine. Wishing all the best for you and yours in the new year! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 17:56
Dear Leonie and Nic - YES! Come back to Paris, anytime! Would love to see you in the new year. Hope all is well and your travels were fun. Happy New Year! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 17:54
I may take you up on that offer. I love Paris so I am sure I will return. This last visit was my 4th time there. We hit the Antique Paper Expo and the Vanves flea market. I could spend a week there just hitting all the markets. You are so lucky to live in such a magical city.
Thanks for your wonderful blog.
Kathy McElroy
Fayetteville, Tennessee
http://kathymcelroy.typepad.com/
http://www.picturetrail.com/kjmcelroy
http://www.kathymcelroy.etsy.com
http://www.mmcamarketplace.com/shop_kathy_mcelroy.html
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 31 December 2008 at 17:52
I just wanted to stop over and say Happy New Year! 2008 was such a rough one for me. Through it all, I've tried my best to remain thankful. I can't even begin to put my feelings into words, of how your friendship and understanding has given me strength. Not to mention, HOPE. Wink ; )
You were the person who inspired me to be brave enough to put my soul into my words my lens to my surroundings.
It doesn't get much better than that.
; ) Happy tears.
xxoo
Posted by: Christina | 31 December 2008 at 17:52
Ya know sugar, not only are you the best window picture taking girl in all the world...you string words together better than anyone I know! What magical wishes for the new year. I am copying them in the journal that I am determined to keep this bright shiny new year! I have great gobs of hope, as my friend Judith says, that the new year will be all of those things. smooches my dear friend, big smooches
Posted by: Leau | 31 December 2008 at 17:52
happy new year to you my friend.
hope you have a wonderful evening in your cosy flat in paris (or wherever you are)!
see you in the new year
xo
-leonie & nic
Posted by: leonie | 31 December 2008 at 17:52
Oh Helen, thank you! You've made my day! Sometimes I think of giving up blogging, as it's so time-consuming. But then I think of connections like these and that makes it all worthwhile. Hope 2009 is a wonderful year for us all. Certainly, we're starting it off with lots of hope and possibility.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 14:14
Really enjoyed the video--and have loved visiting your blog this past year. It has brought much light into my own journey in what seemed murky at times. As I said before, it was very dark before the election and it feels lighter now. Your blog stopped me in my tracks when I found it and it has been such a special place ever since. (Of course, I adore your photography!)
Wishing you and yours a joyous new year!
Helen in New England
Posted by: Helen | 31 December 2008 at 14:10
Kathy, thank you so much! Next time you're in Paris, let me know and maybe we can meet for tea or shopping in a flea market or two. A very Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:16
Merci bien, dear Yoli. Wishing you and your beautiful family all the best in 2009! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:15
Constance, YES to all of it! The best of the new year to you and yours. Happy days ahead, especially with our new president! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:13
And you have been a wonderful gift in my life, my dear Miss Parker. Happy, happy for 2009! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:12
Merci bien! Miss you and must catch up by phone soon. Love to you all and wishing you nothing but the best in the new year. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:10
Chris, thank YOU! Am glad to have discovered your blog and your acerbic wit! I look forward to reading more in the new year. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:09
Merci bien, Pam! Am so glad you're celebrating the new year in a place where last new year, you were longing to be! Yes, pop goes the champagne, my friend! xoxoxo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:08
I just love your blog. I went to Paris wth some friends in Oct. I am so enjoying your photo's. Thanks for sharing them with the world.
Happy New year!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
Magical way to end it and as classy as you dear Tara. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Yoli | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
Thank you Tara! Well put!
Great post!
Happy 2009 to you wonderful friend!
So grateful we have met,
and yes!! So do hope to meet in real life in 2009!!
For you and those you love I wish all the best!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
I love that video! Thank you for sharing! You are one of the dearest gifts that 2008 gave to me so I am very grateful for you! Bonne Annee! xoxo
Posted by: tangobaby | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
Sending much love, warm fulfilling light and the serenity of peace your way ... thank you for your friendship & inspiration! We love you!!
Deb, Lance and kids :)
Posted by: Janepoet ~ JP/deb | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
I just posted something but I don't know if it took so I will post again. It's the end of my day, but I wanted to come by and see a pretty picture before bed. Thank you for your good wishes, Tara. And happy new year to you!
I will catch up more tomorrow. Thanks for your kind words on my blog! It always means a lot.
xo
Posted by: Chris | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
Thank you Tara .for every fabulous photo...every newsworthy commentary....every link to incredible information....thank you for living in Paris and sharing it with us! May your new year be fantastique...! The video is amazing and I plan on sharing it with everyone I know! Smooches and POP//!!! goes the champagne!
Posted by: pam aries | 31 December 2008 at 01:22