It’s almost the end of January & Virginia (the person) in Virginia (the state) is sending slightly belated New Year’s greetings to everyone. HaPpY New Year to one and all! It’s been almost a month since my last post, an unusually long break for Virginia the Blogger, but there is a reason.
COVID-19 struck me down on the eve of New Year’s Eve! Since then it’s been a battle juggling work and lingering symptoms. Yes, I am vaccinated but this new variant doesn’t seem to care if you are vaccinated, boostered or what what. So many friends & colleagues here have had it, some with terrible symptoms. Seriously, 3 weeks later & I’m still coughing (into my mask…)
Going back to the week between Christmas & New Years, my visiting 82 yr old energizer uncle & I zoomed up to see Lewis Ginter’s Gardenfest of Lights in Richmond, Virginia. What a mesmerizing evening of colorful, inspiring lights! Here are a few pics & quotes to “lighten” up this inauspicious start to 2022. (FYI, thankfully my uncle tested negative!)
“Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!” St. John Henry Newman
“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.” Saint John of the Cross
“Light tomorrow with today.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“Treasures lie hidden in darkness. Only those who walk in the night can see the stars.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen (the Venerable)
Wishing everyone extra doses of Light (the kind that endures in darkness) throughout whatever challenges 2022 dishes out!
grace, peace & effervescent LIGHT
Virginia : )
p.s. Thank you to all for all the encouragement during the post-a-day Advent gig…almost kinda sorta made the goal (um, missed one or two days here or there, but made most of them!) One fun something to celebrate, during December Virginia the Blogger passed 1,000 blogs posted mark! Whew!
Roses in the Rubble 
Congratulations! 1000 times you spread light in this world. I am sorry to hear about your experience with this virus-gosh, I send sweet healing prayers for you. x Michele
Great pics!!
Thank you Kate! Hope you are having a good start to 2022!
Be well!
Thanks Kenneth, hope you are keeping well, too!!
You are welcome!
Beautiful photos! I hope you’re feeling 100% better soon. Happy new year!
Thanks so much Michelle – Hope you are keeping safe & well!!!! Hugs!
These are gorgeous! Happy belated New Year’s, Virginia. I’m so sorry to hear you caught COVID. You’re right: that thing is wreaking havoc everywhere. Take care of yourself, rest well, and recover.
Thanks, Debbie. Some friends said we wish this year started in February!! Hope you are keeping safe & well! New Year hugs!
Thank you so much for your inspiring, thought provoking posts and beautiful photographs! I hope you have fully recovered from your bout with Covid. Take good care of yourself and be safe!
Thank you so much, Jane! I hope that you are taking good care of yourself, too! Be safe & well!!!
By now, you must’ve long recovered from the Covid, which I am happy for you.
Congratulations on your over 1000 blog posts! And keep up the good work.
Thank you Byung – I’m over COVID but still really tired at night! Hope you are keeping safe & well. It took me a long time to hit 1,000 posts (10 yrs +) but it’s a happy day to get there! ✨💐✨🤗