Reflection, gratitude, and a wish for you

As 2011 draws to a close, I'm reflecting on the events of the past year. Blog-wise, I learned a lot of things this year. I learned while researching topics for my blog posts and from reading all of your blogs. I made new like-minded blog friends and feel like I'm part of a community. It means a lot to have a group of people who understand my goofy references and are interested in my spooky adventures.

Blogging has made this past year rich and interesting. I've found myself talking about blog-land to people in my everyday life. I've wanted to share the things I've learned from chatting with all of you. I've basically become Nigel from Crossing Jordan. Remember Nigel, who was always going on about his blog? All the characters would be hanging out in the morgue and Nigel's blog would still be his top priority.

Watch the first few minutes of this clip and you'll see what I mean. Nigel is so busy going on about his blog while making a snack, that he doesn't even notice a man being abducted! I found this weirdly relatable.



Nigel: Blogs my friend, blogs are the future.

Bug: Blogs?

Nigel: Oh I'm sorry, haven't you joined the twenty-first century?
 

He was always my favorite. On a side note, how cool is that shirt he's wearing?

Yes, it's been a year to learn about Day of the Dead symbolism, Victorian architecture, Plague Doctors, Voodoo ceremonies, Prohibition, Scandinavian Easter Witches, and Chinese Tomb Guardians, among other topics. I've taken day trips and night adventures, all the while considering what I'd say about these experiences in my blog. I've purposely searched for the dark side in everything this year, in hopes of having something to photograph and share. Overall, writing and assembling these blog posts has made me a more interesting person with more to say in my everyday life. Thanks to all of you for keeping the conversation going with your insightful comments through 2011. Here's to even more interesting conversations in 2012!

Now, being that this is a spooky blog, there's no way I can let this post go without mentioning the 2012 conspiracy theories. No, I don't think the world is going to end in the coming year. I do think there has to be some significance to the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, though. I say this because the Mayans predicted many major events in history. Depending on how the Mayan calendar is interpreted, they predicted World War I, World War II, and 9/11.

Some people have suggested that the Mayan calendar ending in 2012 symbolizes a huge change in consciousness. They say that there could be a major spiritual transformation at this time, and in a good way! I'd like to believe this is the case, because the world overall could use a positive spiritual transformation right now. I'm feeling positively about 2012. I can't quite tell you why, it's just a feeling. I wish you all a wonderful year. Hopefully 2012 will be a year of positive changes and happiness for you. I look forward to reading all your interesting blogs in the coming year!

I'll leave you with Auld Lang Syne, but not the traditional depressing version. This one is being performed by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not to be confused with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers). I've seen these guys a few times at Irish Fest in Milwaukee, and they're lots of fun. So enjoy and Happy New Year!