Saturday, December 31, 2011

Friendships

Friendships are funny things, aren't they? 
Over the last year, I've given the subject of friendship a great deal of thought, not only while watching the relationships here on Critter Farm develop and grow but also through experiencing them in my own life with (gasp!) other humans.

Often, friendships begin slowly:
A little bit of curiosity and a friendly face can usually get the ball rolling:
Some friendships seem effortless:
Like those that are clearly built on a common interest:
...or those that share common personalities:
Sometimes friendships develop in the most unlikely of places:
...and these are the ones that often turn into something truly special:
Some relationships thrive on the "opposites attract" principle:
Occasionally relationships come into your life completely by chance:
and then delight you daily with their perfection, making you wonder how you ever lived without them:
Then there are those friendships that grow ever-so-slowly but, one day, take a huge leap forward in trust, taking the relationship to a whole new level:
There are others, still, that may always need to work hard to prevent misunderstandings and work out the kinks:
Bottom line, you just never know where a friendship is going to develop:
As long as there is trust, the possibilities are limitless:
So never rule out the chance that a friendship might form:
... for you might miss out on something amazing:
And so, in a bit of a sentimental summary, as fortunate as I have been to witness the relationships that have grown here on Critter Farm over the last year, I have been equally blessed with the friendships (online, in person, long-standing, new and rekindled) that have grown in my own personal life over this last year. 

If I had to choose one adage to best express my experiences these last twelve months, I would choose "when one door shuts, many others open".  I have truly lived this lesson this year.  As 2011 ends, I am very thankful for the people who call me their friend.  My life has been enriched because of you. 

Happy New Year.
 ♥

59 comments:

  1. What a lovely lesson, and a wonderful thought for this New Year, and with that, I wish you and yours a New Year filled with Joy.
    LiBBiE in Oz

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  2. Happy New Year Danni, i love your blog and would easily vote it as my all time favourite. I would love to have the menagerienthat you have but I would be too frightened of the animals. I do, however, have 4 free range chickens (or chooks as we call them here in Australia) with 2 more to come. We moved 2 hours south of the city to a tiny country town. We have half an acre which is enough for us. Thank you for allowing us an incite into your life and the personalties of your animals

    Hugs Janine
    http://makingatreechange-janine.blogspot.com/

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  3. Happy New Year Danni! I love your photos of George & Honey & Roxy! Actually,I love all of your photos.

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  4. A beautiful post. Thank you. Best to you again, in 2012.

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  5. Now, this is a creative post with word pictures.

    You sound like me with the 'human' interactions. ;)

    Happy New Year

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  6. Simply beautiful......

    Happy New Year!

    with hugs from-
    Mimi
    The Goat Borrower

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  7. We all have few TRUE friends, but many acquaintances. Friends stay forever and acquaintances simply teach us a lesson in life and move on. It's just what life is about. Learning. :-))

    Happy New Year!

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  8. Great pics and a beautiful message. Thanks and Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  9. you put your heart in that post and said it wonderfully! Animals never cease to amaze me on how forgiving, patient and gentle they can be. You reminded me of all the wonderful people I met this summer at the Farmers Markets. When people showed a love for animals, they showed their soul. Those types of people were the ones who I bonded with most. They wanted a friend who also loved animals. It really showed me a side of people I hadn't known. Its also why I love your blog so much and look forward to reading yours. I only wish I said it as well as you. Happy New Year!

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  10. Here, here! Well said. I for one, am quite pleased to have met your aquantance. I think we "get" each other and that's not always easy to find.

    Happy New Year to you and yours at Critter Farm.

    P.S. I absolutely LOVE that picture of Clide peeking at you from the rim of the bowl.

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  11. Happy New Year, Danni! May you be richly blessed in this new year. Than you for all your wonderful posts in 2011.

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  12. Happy new year!
    You and your critters bring me lots of joy, thanks for sharing your stories and pictures- and thanks to Carson for introducing your blog to me.
    I must admit a particular fondness for Honey. The story of her independence and starting over was especially inspiring to me, please give her a snuggle on my behalf.

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  13. Such a thoughtful and lovely post. Thank you, and best wishes for the coming year to everyone at the farm.

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  14. Now that's a beautiful and touching post with the most perfect pictures to go along.

    Happy New Year, Danni! xxoo

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  15. Happy New Year, Danni and to the Critter Farm.

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  16. Love this post and the photo are so heart touching. It brought tears to my eyes. We have had a few friends that have turn into Family for us. And those are the most cherished of all. Thank you so much for sharing. May your New year bring much Happiness & many Blessing.

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  17. This is a beautiful post, featuring all my favourite critters from Critter Farm. You've created an environment where those kinds of relationships have room to grow and flourish. Blessings to you, my Friend. I hope one day to meet in person and give you a big squishy hug. xoxo

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  18. What an eloquent and pictorially perfect post. I so enjoy your words and the gift of your farm that you share. Thanks and happy 2012. Oma Linda

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  19. Thanks for a beautiful post to start the new year!

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  20. You are so very wise, my friend.

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  21. Love the photos of your menagerie

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  22. What wonderful thoughts and pictures to illustrate them!
    Have a wonderful New Year, friend!

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  23. Your love for the animals is spilling over into your love for friends and life itself. What a beautiful way to express this sentiment by using photos of your critters but also sharing how your life has changed as a result.

    I wish you the best 2012 surrounded all those who are your friends.

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  24. This just reminds me of how you attract and nurture one and all to your loving home. This was lovely, Danni. Wishing the whole Critter Farm family a fabulous new year!

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  25. You have so much love to give, Danni, and your crew flourishes because of it.....

    Wonderful post, and thank you for entertaining me all year !!

    x0x0
    Bibi

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  26. Happy New Year, Danni,
    I have loved following you blog this past year. So many of you pictures have brought a smile to my face and alot of those times when I really needed it. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your farm family.
    God bless you!
    Linda in Ms

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  27. A beautiful, beautiful post. If I tried to describe the friendships that have developed at your place this year no one would believe me. Honey's flock is the best and most diverse ever!

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  28. Happy New Year! Thanks for your friendship and assistance whenever I need it!
    ~Lynn

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  29. Very well put, my friend! Happy New Year to you and all your critters! I hope you find even more friendships to kindle this year.

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  30. I agree. This is your loveliest and most descriptive post you have written all year. I am pleased you have the power and beauty of words so that we readers truly understand the miracles which take place daily on Critter Farm.
    Kai Llama with her gift of wool is especially close to me because I am just finishing the third hat made with her wool. Amazing!
    With every post, I am learning from you. One of your readers said, 'Isn't that what it's all about?'
    You know how much I love being on Critter Farm. So please keep the miracles coming!

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  31. What a great post.

    Happy New Year to you all!

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  32. Bravo! What beautiful writing with such touching pictures.... thank you for this wonderful post: a gift to your readers....

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  33. love it! wonderful photos!! I have so enjoyed checking in with your farm critters, even though I'm not very faithful writing about my own.
    happy new year! all the best.

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  34. love it! wonderful photos!! I have so enjoyed checking in with your farm critters, even though I'm not very faithful writing about my own.
    happy new year! all the best.

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  35. happy new year danni! what a wonderful post and great photos. critter farm is such a friendly place!

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  36. What a delightful and creative way to get your message across! Excellent points and a lovely way to start the new year.

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  37. What a wonderful start to the day! A great post today!

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  38. You have such a gift with words and an artful eye with your camera, my friend. I consider you my friend even though we have never met!

    May you and Jim have a happy and healthy 2012. And to the critters that you enjoy daily ... Be thankful you have such a great place to live!

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  39. It never ceases to amaze me at how our animals bless our lives, reminding us of simple truths...my cat Uh-Oh tried to snuggle today with my 100 lb German Shepherd, Layla. She was stunned and kept looking at me like, "What do I do, Mama?" They finally found a comfortable spot side by side at my feet on my bed while I was reading. Two very different personalities sharing precious space in order to be near someone they love. Pet all of your animals for me and some carrot coins to the llamas! :)

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  40. Oh my, what a beautiful, thought-provoking post. Those pictures were perfect. A most happy New Year to you and all of yours!

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  41. What a GREAT post!!! I just loved it. :) Happy New Year!

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  42. beautiful post and also illustrated beautifully! I know your friendship has been one of my 2011 blessings! Hope 2012 is a great year for you and all at Critter Farm!

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  43. My fav is Honey walking under Beau.

    Heres to 2012! May it be a great one.

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  44. Loved this Danni! There is nothing like a true friend, is there...no matter what the species. One of my favorite stories of an odd couple friendship is between Tara and Bella at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennesse. Have you heard of them? Sadly Bella passed away this year but Tara was comforted by her sisters as she lost her best friend.
    Have a wonderful New Year with all your "Best" Friends there at Critter Farm! :)

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  45. This is the best New Year tribute that I've read.
    Your photos are wonderful and show the fragile balance of living and the tenuousness of friendships.
    I thank you for this post. It's a wonderful way to start the New Year.
    Happiness to you and yours...

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  46. What a lovely post.

    Happy New Year, Danni!

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  47. Beautiful. In pictures and words. <3

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  48. Beautifully said, Dannie. It's always good for my soul to visit your corner of the world. So glad to have found you on your journey to Critter Farm!

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  49. Beautifully said, Dannie. It's always good for my soul to visit your corner of the world. So glad to have found you on your journey to Critter Farm!

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  50. I love this post Danni. I always refer to you as "My friend, Danni, from Critter Farm". I think of you often. So glad I found you. Hope this year is filled with friendship and happiness!

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  51. Dear Danni, I'm late reading this, but so glad I did. Your photos picture trust and love. The one with Roxie, the chicken, and the cat says it all. Happy New Year to you and yours at Critter Farm.

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  52. Danni !! This is my absolute most favorite post of all time! Love it doesnt say enough! Thanks for expressing the love that so many of us feel for our animals and humans so well in your words and especially photos!! ~~Rain
    P.S. Have a fabulous healthy and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

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  53. A truly nice post. Gave me such a smile. Love Roxie peeping over your llama :) May this new year be a very good one for you and all your friends and creatures.

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  54. Well said and in a manner I understand best, through your critters. They are such a community, because they have the love and support of their keeper and leader of the pack. I hope you have a lovely day
    and please give yourself a hug for me. Thanks for your sharing - all that you have shared this year, and for this year - may it be the best.

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  55. You have such a way of capturing your animals' emotion. Beautiful.

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  56. I am so touched by your awe inspiring photographs. What a beautiful blog you have created!

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  57. What a wonderful post. And fantastic photos as usual. Is Kai actually letting you touch her neck in that one photo???

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  58. Hi Leigh!
    Yes - yes, she is...can you believe it? :-)

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