2018 | Grateful: A Year in Review – and Happy New Year 2019!

Same as last year, or the year before, if you browse your Instagram feeds, you’ll spy a familiar meme popping up on this New Years Eve 2018. Making the rounds on my Instagram timeline has been that familiar nine-block collage along with the hashtag “2018 best nine.”

For the past few days, this has been the “it” feature to post on ones Instagram feed. It’s also been something that inspired me (the life of a blogger) to think about the year, and share this little post.

Perhaps it’s that collection of photos that leaves me reflective or perhaps it’s simply in the “knowing” the year is hours away from ending. Maybe it’s the fact that this time last year, the life of my cousin (aka sister) changed, and that of our larger family. Or perhaps it’s the fact I’m getting older (not ready to cop to this – yet). Whatever the case, either way, thoughts on, and about this community have surfaced.

Redundant though it is, over the years, I’ve said in one way or another how important this little world has been. Life throws many things at us, and sometimes in unexpected places, a person can find that one thing that teaches. For me, this little space has taught me so much.

All of these years later, here I am still in full on “learn” mode. Or I’m still firmly in the camp of, as Dwayne Pride (from the CBS TV show, NCIS: New Orleans) would say, go and “learn things.”

This community has undergone a great many changes. Some good and some just in this last year that, I won’t lie, make me sad. The swing away from blog and reader content makes me miss what this place once was. Nonetheless, so many quality writers and readers, bloggers and fangirls are a part of this community. People who make being a part of this world a great place to “work,” and be a part of.

What 2019 will bring is a mystery. No matter what comes, as I seem to every year, contemplative thoughts surface.

2018 has been a year of ups and downs for so many. Both personally and professionally. It’s been uncharted territory for me because over the years, I’ve been so very fortunate with my family life. At the same time, despite the changes, I hope above all else, it’s been a year to learn, grow and count my blessings a little more frequently. In blogging, I’ve met new bloggers. I’ve conversed with many of you. I’ve visited new blogs. I’ve continued to get to know #BookBesties. I’ve seen blogging friends leave this world – this always makes me sad. Finding Wonderland moved this past year which meant a challenge for readers and myself. I’ve experienced year of growing pains for this space.

To you, the reader and blogging friends, thank you.

Thank you for continuing to visit here. Thank you for supporting this space. Thank you for the conversations. Thank you to everyone in this community who helps inspire new and old bloggers.

Thank you for the support you continue to show this space; thank you for making Finding Wonderland a part of your reading life. You’re invited to come back in 2019 for a new year of content, and bookish fun.

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful 2019. May you enjoy the best kind of year, and step into this new journey (and fresh start!) with joy, laughter and of course, some wonderful new reads.

Happy New Year 2019!

Let the countdown begin…