Happy New Year!

 Hello friends!

I hope you all had a merry Christmas and relaxing lead up to New Year. Here in Bluebell Oaks it has been very hot! The villagers are all trying to keep cool by seeking shade and spending time down by the River Ripple (stay tuned for an upcoming story), paddling and swimming. 

My favourite place to take photos of Sylvanians has always been outside! I love nature and I feel I am better able to capture their connection to nature too when outdoors. There is never any stress over backgrounds or lighting, just capturing the scene as it really is, and for me, that freedom is the most enjoyable part, as well as showing the Sylvanians in their 'natural habitat'. This evening I decided to take advantage of the summer sunsets we've been having as some of them enjoyed New Year's Eve. 

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None of the Sylvanians in Bluebell Oaks go in for parties or wild celebrations on New Year's Eve. Instead, traditionally it has always been a quiet time to spend with loved ones, counting your blessings and enjoying the beauty of nature, which isn't hard to do as New Year is always in Midsummer here!

Heath Buckley relaxed with his baby son Oscar as the sun slipped over the fields. The year had been a typical busy one for the Buckleys, but enjoyed and appreciated nonetheless. With six children in the house, there is never a day that goes by without laughter and joy. 

Briar Wildwood took a quiet moment to reflect on the passing year. Her art business has grown more over the last 12 months and there was even rumours that one of her paintings might be selected to be displayed in the National Gallery. 

Though it is just the turning over of another day, one of the things Briar likes most about New Year's is that it is a chance to stop and reflect on what you have achieved and everything you are grateful for. There is much to be thankful for, she thought as she admired the golden sunset.

And I am grateful to you, too, each of you for reading my blog or leaving comments, despite my terrible lack of posting! I hope to change that this upcoming year. 

Barley and the rest of the villagers of Bluebell Oaks plan to be back in 2022 with more adventures and stories!

A very happy New Year to you all, and best wishes for the future, from me and everyone in Bluebell Oaks!

"Every second brings a fresh beginning;

Every hour holds a new promise;

Every night our dreams can bring hope,

and

every day is what you choose to make it."