The Best of 2015: Looking back over a wonderful year

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Just like that the year is coming to a close. It feels like yesterday when I was thinking the same thing. Time just seems to go way too fast. It is frightening at times but I’ve realized that you can’t dwell. Time is time and it goes rather quickly when you are doing the things you love. 2015 was another year of amazing growth and travels. It was much better than 2014 which was a difficult year for me.

I finally had the time to become more committed to my writing. My children are both old enough that I have the freedom to do a little more for myself which is bittersweet. My son has already turned 11 meaning he is over half way through his childhood before he leaves home. That is a sobering thought! My daughter is already nine. It is hard to believe it.

As always I try to focus on the positive, beautiful things in my life. It is the only way to live. Looking back at 2015, here are some of my greatest moments and memories.

January

Life in Minnesota after the holidays and the deep, cold chill of winter always hits hard in January. The Christmas lights are gone and the excitement and anticipation of the holidays is a distant memory. January is always a time to reflect, hunker down and read a book. I didn’t travel in January yet spent a lot of time outdoors skiing, walking around the frozen lake and sledding with the kids.

The empty park in the midst of January
My favorite pair of boots
My shadow and I on a cold winter’s day.
Frozen Minnehaha Falls

My favorite post of the month: Exploring the Grand Canyon: A Hike Down the Rim to Ooh Aah Point

February

February meant more downhill skiing on the weekends with my husband and kids, and a wonderful trip to Haiti with the Heart of Haiti program.

Our group, #Bloggers4Haiti
Then they are hammered.

There was also a special three-generational ski trip to Snowbird in Utah with my father, daughter and me.

Gorgeous blue sky

My favorite post of the month: The Hike to the top is worth the reward

March

March meant a weekend trip to New York City with my husband and no kids, the first time we had left them in over 8 years, and more winter fun at home.

Favorite post of the month: Art on Wheels: The tap taps of Port au Prince

April

April brought spring to Minnesota and a spring break vacation to Arizona and San Diego.

Favorite post of the month: An afternoon at Torrey Pines

May

I always love May in Minnesota. Everything comes to life again and it is beautiful. We enjoyed being outside and a short weekend trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.

My daughter Sophia dressed as a princess for the Spring Father-Daughter Dance

Favorite post of the month: Urban Walks: NYC’s High Line to Chelsea Market

June

Summer arrived in Minnesota! That meant time spent up north at a friend’s cabin and lots of time outside around my favorite urban lake. My kids were also out of school for which was extra fun.

The bandshell (one of many) at Lake Harriet.
View from the Bandshell of Lovely Lake Harriet
What I love about this lake is it’s very undeveloped and all the cabins had been there for over 50 years.

We also took a family trip to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.

The Badlands
Harney Peak, Highest peak in South Dakota
Custer State Park
Crazy Horse monument
Mount Rushmore

July

July was the big month of the year. After months of training, I finally climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. It was an amazing experience.

On top of Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro July 2015

My favorite post of the month: Close up in the clouds of Kilimanjaro

August

August was time to be at home and enjoy time with my kids before they started school again. I spent a lot of time finishing up my blog posts on Tanzania and enjoyed writing about my visit with the Maasai.

My favorite post of the month: Inspiring to be the change: #Blogust2015

September

September brought beautiful fall to Minnesota. The kids went back to school and we did a family trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior. I also went to my fourth Social Good Summit in NYC where I was inspired as always.

Heading north on Highway 61 along Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota.

My favorite post of the month: Pride and Hope at the Crazy Horse Memorial

October

October was a family vacation to visit family in Virginia and a train trip to NYC with the kids, their first time in the Big Apple.

My favorite post of the month: Reaching up to the sky on top of Kilimanjaro

November

November was spent getting ready for the holidays. I updated my Gifts that Give Back page which ended up being one of my top viewed pages of the year with almost 10,000 views in November and December! It was also both my son and daughter’s birthdays.

Designers against AIDS handbag
WWF Tiger
Licia Ruby chocolate
African-made PJs

My favorite post of the month: My walk with the Maasai

December

December meant more birthdays (my husband and I), Christmas and spending time with those I love. I can’t think of a better way to end the year!

My favorite post of the month: The Badlands at Dusk

My top 5 posts of 2015 (ranked by order and number of views).

Finding Street Art along the Walls of New York City

The Power of Five: How Amway is Beating Malnutrition Around the World

“Dèyè mòn gen mòn”: Reflections on Haiti

The Aymara Women of La Paz

Macy’s Flower Show An Explosion of “Art in Bloom”

So what does 2016 hold?

So far, 2016 is starting off as a busy year. I will be traveling seven times in the next five months, some for family and other for pleasure. Two big trips are planned in the first half of the year. One to a surf and yoga retreat for women in Nicaragua and the other is a mother, sister and me trip to Europe in May. Other big news is that we are getting a puppy in early April! It is going to be a busy year but I’m looking forward to all it has to hold. Thanks to all my wonderful, supportive readers who continue to inspire me to write this blog. Happy New Year and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2016!

 

 

45 thoughts on “The Best of 2015: Looking back over a wonderful year”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Happy New Year to you too! Happy 2016!

      Reply ↓

  2. Hi,

    I have a question about your stay on Big Island Lake. I live in the Cities as well and was wondering if you just did a VRBO for that or what were the accommodations? I’d love to take my family there.

    Thanks!

    Nate

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for the comment ! We stayed at a friends cabin there. However if you haven’t been with your kids, I’d highly recommend a trip to Lutsen. There are tons of lodging options albeit expensive but the Sea Villas have an indoor pool and you can stay right on Lake Superior and have bonfires at night and hike at one of many amazing trails during the day. 😌

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Grand View Lodge in Nisswa is also fantastic with kids year round. You can find last minute deals on their website too. I have written about it on my blog (you can search and find all my posts on MN), 😊

      Reply ↓
  4. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Happy New Year, Nicole. You certainly do keep yourself very busy. Great photos. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! Happy New Year to you as well and all the best for 2016! 😌

      Reply ↓
  5. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Sounds like you had a fabulous 2015.
    Happy New Year Nicole! May you and yours be blessed with health and happiness.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! What a pleasure it has been to connect this year and I look forward to hearing about 2016. Happy New Year to a lovely lady! 😌

      Reply ↓

  6. Your climbing Kilamanjaro with Solar Sisters was definitely a highlight of my year, along with your review of 100 Under $100: Tools for Empowering Global Women. Thanks Nicole!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Betsy! It is amazing to think by reading your book how it got me to climb Kilimanjaro with Solar Sister. The world is an amazing place. Thank you for inspiring me to do more! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
  7. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Looks like a wonderful year, Nicole – and I think I followed most (if not all of it) live right here! I’m wavering on my Nicaragua solo trip for January (maybe just because we’ve all come home sick from Colombia 🙁 ) but can’t wait to plan all my 2016 travel. So many places, so little time …!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I just read your post Lexi! How horrible. Hope you and your family are feeling better soon!!! I can’t wait to hear about your 2016 travel. 😌

      Reply ↓

  9. I love the way you organized your post, especially with links to your favorite posts each month. I can’t wait to see you in Nicaragua. It’s going to be a great trip. Hugs and Happy New Year.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! It was very long and took quite a bit of time. But for me personally it was a fun way to look back at a year of life and writing. 🙂 I too can hardly wait to meet you in person!!! Happy New Year!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  11. What a fun year end review! Wow you climbed Kilimanjaro! That’s impressive enough for a whole year. Happy 2016!
    We lived in Nicaragua for 6 years…so feel free to check out our blog or contact me for suggestions or questions!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, how great! I would love to check out your blog! Any recommendations on where to start with posts on Nicaragua? I will head over now and subscribe. I’m sure you have a tons to read! thank you and yes I will be contacting you as the trip nears! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  12. The greatest thing about your year in review was that I remember almost every one of these events! I guess I’ve been hanging out here for awhile. I have enjoyed getting to know you, your family, and the wonderful causes that you support and have furthered through your brilliant social advocacy. I am surprised that none of your Kilimanjaro posts were in the Top 5 as I loved what accomplished personally and for the Solar Sisters. Looking forward to watching you grow and give in 2016!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow how cool is that Lisa?! Wonderful to have your support and I too have loved following you around with your amazing adventure! Pretty inspiring! As for top posts I just did by number of views and sometimes it has a lot to do with google searching. I would agree that my favorite and I think personal best of the year were about the Kilimanjaro trip. I was so inspired by the journey that writing it was really special for me. Take care and looking forward to following you along for whatever 2016 brings! 😌

      Reply ↓
  13. Edible Reflections – Nashville, TN – I'm Hispanic. I love food. What can I say? I'm a mom of 2 beautiful children who are teaching me to stop and smell the bacon! I've been in the military, a flight attendant and so much more.
    Edible Reflections on said:

    I absolutely love the photos and how you were able to summarize 2015 so beautifully. Happy New Year 2016!!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I know I overdid it a little but for me personally it was a really fun way to reflect on the year. Happy 2016 to you too! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  14. Rachael | Hilltops & Flipflops – Australia – A British 20-something part-time journalist and full-time wanderer. Embracing the wanderlust and sharing my experiences as a temporary expat.
    Hilltops & Flipflops on said:

    Looks like you had an amazing year!!!! We’ve just done a similar post with our Top 10 Instagram photos. Check it out 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! What is your instagram account? I will check it out! Mine is @thirdeyemom. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  15. Dalo Collis – Hong Kong / Hangzhou / Seattle – Built up a textile business in Hong Kong, and have expanded into freelance writing and photography. Permanent resident of Hong Kong, but my heart is in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.
    Dalo 2013 on said:

    Almost don’t know where to begin 🙂 Incredible blog period. Great writing and photography ~ and looking at all you’ve done is inspirational, but I think it pales to what you are doing now ~ focusing on both travel and the family time, a beautiful combination. Wishing you a great 2016 ~

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, thank you so much! I subscribed to your blog but did it through WP so I’m hoping I get your posts via email (is there a place to sign up on your blog for an email of all posts?). Your blog is beautiful and I’m thankful that Tina told me about it. As a mom, I don’t have a ton of time to research blogs to follow so always go by my fellow bloggers recommendations. I’m so happy I found your blog! 🙂 Thanks for the nice comments. I look forward to following you!

      Reply ↓
      • Dalo Collis – Hong Kong / Hangzhou / Seattle – Built up a textile business in Hong Kong, and have expanded into freelance writing and photography. Permanent resident of Hong Kong, but my heart is in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.
        Dalo 2013 on said:

        It is great that Tina brought you here ~ like you I don’t get on WP too much (I try to blog once a month…), but very much enjoy finding blogs that click with me. Cheers to a good week ahead…

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy for the nice comment and thank YOU for sharing your beautiful blog with us! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, I think it meant so much for me to go back over the year. Time goes so fast and I often don’t have much time to think or reflect. I hope you enjoyed your holiday Sally. I’ve really been so touched by your writing. It comes from the heart and really moves me. Looking forward to reading your words and seeing your lovely photography in the coming year! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  18. Lovely review of your year Nicole. You achieved so much but the gems are the pictures of you and your wonderful family. With my best wishes for the year ahead 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Andrew! I appreciate your kind words. I have so much enjoyed following your blog. Best wishes for the year!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debra! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  20. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    Beautiful tribute to your wonderful year of 2015. Best wishes for an even better 2016!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Marilyn! You too! 😌

      Reply ↓

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