Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Harmony

Word Of The Year 2015 - Mot De L'Année 2015


As usual, I made no resolution for the new year. 

Comme d'habitude, je n'avais pas pris de résolution pour la nouvelle année.

But I had found a word of the year by the end of 2014. I was going to tell you all about it in the post I deleted last Friday. It didn't seem relevant anymore.

Mais j'avais trouvé mon mot de l'année dès le mois de décembre précédent. Tout était expliqué dans l'article que je n'ai pas publié la semaine dernière. Cela n'avait plus de sens.

 
I confess. I first thought a word of the year was the stupidest thing to concentrate on lately.

Je l'avoue. L'idée d'un mot de l'année me semblait un peu ridicule ces derniers jours quand je n'arrivais pas à mettre un mot sur mes sentiments.

I confess. I thought of stopping the blog for a while. A decorating blog seemed shallow last week. 

Je l'avoue. J'ai même pensé arrêter le blog pendant un moment. Un blog de déco paraissait tellement futile. 


Because of course, it's not going to change the world.

Parce que bien sûr, cela ne va pas changer le monde.

Then, during the weekend, I took some time to read the comments I had had no time to read last week and also to visit your blogs (and sorry I had so much catching up to do, I didn't take the time to comment). And I realised my readers have very different beliefs and very different ways of living. Sometimes, it shows in their comments, very often, it shows on their blogs. We acknolewdge it. And still we don't jump at each other's throats. We're enriched by it.

Puis, pendant le week-end, j'ai pris le temps de lire les commentaires que je n'avais pas eu le temps de voir pendant la semaine, j'ai lu vos blogs. Et à ce moment-là, ce qui m'a frappé, c'est que l'on vit tous des vies différentes, que l'on a tous des opinions différentes: cela transparait parfois dans les commentaires, souvent dans vos articles. On le voit, mais on se jette pas à la gorge les uns des autres (bon, à travers l'écran, il faut dire que ce n'est pas facile). On s'en enrichit.


Since I began blogging, I've learned a lot about different countries, different beliefs and now, when I watch the news, it doesn't seem as faraway and foreign as it used to be.

Depuis que le blog existe, j'ai appris beaucoup sur la vie dans les différents pays dans lesquels habitent mes lecteurs et regarder les informations, c'est entendre parler de ces pays dans lesquels je connais maintenant souvent quelqu'un. Ce ne m'est plus autant étranger qu'avant.

And that's when the word "harmony" popped in my mind: different sounds at the same time to create music... Perfect for 2015!

Et c'est là que le mot "harmonie" s'est imposé à moi: différents sons émis en même temps pour faire une musique... Parfait pour 2015!


1) This is what I think we have in the comments on the blog and I wish that to continue... Join your voice!

1) C'est ce qui ressort des commentaires sur le blog et je souhaite que cela continue.

2) This is what I wish for my decoration (because, yes, I'll keep writing the blog): finding a little more harmony because, now,  at the same time the kitchen is beginning to look lovely and the rest of the Cottage is a mess...

2) C'est ce que je souhaite trouver pour mon Cottage car soyons honnête, pour l'instant, si la cuisine a pris forme, le reste est vraiment une catastrophe.

 
3) This is what I wish for my life as I struggle to get each note (Cottage and the renovation, my job, my shop, my life) to be heard.

3) C'est ce que je souhaite dans ma vie alors que je peine un peu à trouver une place pour chaque note (le Cottage et ses travaux, le boulot, la  boutique, la vie).

4) This is what I wish for the world... though, as I'm not naive, I know it'll be difficult for France and impossible in some other countries... for now.

4) C'est évidemment ce que je souhaite pour le monde. Bon, je ne suis pas naïve, je sais que cela va être difficile partout et impossible dans certains pays... pour l'instant.

 
I wish you a year full of harmony, embracing the different notes that life gives you... even when it does seem out of tune every now and then.

Je vous souhaite une année pleine d'harmonie, je vous souhaite d'accepter toutes les notes que la vie vous donne, même si de temps en temps, cela sonne vraiment faux.

See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS1: The fact that "Harmony" was the name of a really stupid blonde in Buffy The Vampire Slayer cracks me up... I will be that stupid blonde also this year! You didn't think I could keep the serious tone for two whole posts, did you?

J'avoue, le fait  qu'Harmonie était aussi le nom d'une blonde particulièrement stupide dans la série qui m'a rendue bilingue Buffy contre les vampires me fait vraiment rire... Je serai aussi cette "Harmonie"-là, cette année! Ben, vous ne pensiez tout de même pas que j'allais rester sérieuse pendant deux articles entiers, si?

PS2:  Pictures were taken this month... I've been needing the beach and the lullaby of the waves more than usual! As you can see the weather wasn't always cooperating!

Les photos ont été prises ces derniers temps... J'ai eu plus besoin de bruits de vagues que d'habitude! Comme vous le voyez, la météo n'a pas toujours coopéré!

PS3: I'm linking with:

H&GT BUTTON FALL     Treasure Hunt Thursday- From My Front Porch To Yours        Photobucket        

The Shabby Nest           http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.fr/2015/01/saturday-sparks-link-party-98.html           

62 comments:

  1. Magali, I don't use a word in that way, but I feel you have thought of the perfect word for this year. Bien fait!

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  2. Ben les vagues tu vas les avoir avec ce vent annoncé!

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  3. Ca marche! Il me semblait avoir vu des changements avec google chez des copinautes, comme j'étais sure que chez toi ça m'était impossible de commenter je n'ai écrit qu'une petite phrase et voilà c'est bon! En écho à ton post je voulais dire que le blog m'a bcp apporté au niveau de la connaissance des autres. Au travail c'est un peu un microcosme, les liens se font avec des gens du même style que nous. Alors que sur la blogo il y a de tout dont des gens que nous n'aurions jamais côtoyés. Et puis les gens se confient car c'est souvent plus facile de se découvrir avec des inconnus. Donc pas si futile que ça en a l'air!

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  4. That is a great word for this year, the whole world needs it! Hugs to you Magali, I am still in shock at what happened in your country. Praying for peace eveywhere. Love the picture btw, beautiful!

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  5. I was just thinking of you this morning, my friend. I should have known you would have come up with the perfect word for how we all need to live. I love the photo of the horses on the beach. xo Laura

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  6. I loved reading this post Magali. You express yourself so well. Harmony is the word for 2015. You know how many times I stopped my blog because it felt shallow in the world we live in. Now I keep it simple and focussed on things in our cottage that bring me happiness. I only have a few readers but I do this for me. I enjoy reading your blog very much, your humour and all your dedication to decorating your cottage on a budget is inspirational. Take care, I think we all feel unsettled with the events happening in the world. Harmony is a beautiful word. Ann x

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    1. Thanks, Ann. It's a beautiful word, but as a teacher who works with teenagers, I know it's a one we need to fight for even in our daily life...

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  7. What a lovely post Magali, and what a perfect word for the year. Wouldn't it be a beautiful thing if we had more harmony in this world we are blessed to live in. I too am so behind in reading and commenting as well as replying to comments. I can't seem to get caught up lately! Have a great rest of the week.

    Blessings, Vicky

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  8. I can follow your mind track : last week, I figured following interior blogs seemed shallow in the light of these tragedies... But now I know for sure that it is SO important to carry on, and not to feel defeated! Please keep on writing, and we must keep on reading, just in order to heal... You know, children can be so "fresh" about life: a few hours after the first attack, my sons looked at me and asked "what's for dinner?"... then I knew I just had to stop crying and work some magic with food :-) Hugs, Marcy

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    1. So you can make "magic food"? You're so great! Wish I could do that! It's now my turn to worry about you as I learnt that there's been a problematic arrestation in Belgium. I keep an eye on the news to know more.

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  9. Perfect word for an imperfect time. Glad you decided to keep blogging Magali! If it brings you pleasure, how can it be shallow?!

    xxx

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  10. That is a wonderful word for the year. We all need more harmony is every aspect of our lives!

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  11. I just read this post as well as your last one...so horrifying and upsetting what happened in Paris but I'm glad you didn't stop blogging and that instead, you used your blog as an outlet for how you were feeling. I think harmony is a perfect word to concentrate on right now.

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  12. I wish for you the same things. You don't need to change the world, it's impossible anyway. The only person you can ever change is yourself. Blogging is about reaching out to others, sharing experiences and knowledge and cheering each other on in our struggles and victories. It is about companionship and friendship. Enjoy the world for what it is - the good and the bad. Without the tears we would not be able to fully experience joy... xox

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  13. You said it well. Life goes on and how precious it is. Use your wonderful blog and your gift of writing to let us know how France is strong! Bless you, Kathleen in Az, USA

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  14. You mentioned that you would not change the world. You never know...between decorating info about the cottage you can share your words of wisdom. It may have greater repercussion. We may not set out to change the whole world but think about what Mother Theresa said : 'One person at a time" so if she thought to help one person at a time then we can also change one person at a time. Your photos are lovely!!

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  15. A beautiful word for "such a time as this"! My word this year is "faith"~~~ Harmony and faith go very well together~~~WE can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!! Blessings~~~Roxie

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  16. This was a lovely post, reminding us of one of the loveliest aspects of blogging - the harmony that exists among us.

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  17. I'm so glad you're not stopping the blog. I would have missed you. We cannot let the terrorists win by allowing them to change the way we live.

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  18. Love your "word". I would like to join you this yearwith you word "harmony". And I think we all have our "dumb blonde...brunette.. red.. gray.. whatever days. LoL Good post..You keep posting girl... We are out here for you!

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  19. I love "harmony". I also like what you wrote here. I agree, and that is why blogging is so fun. It's the friendship you make with others.

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  20. I think harmony is something we all strive for, in our personal lives and the world as a whole. Sometimes visiting a blog and reading about a kitchen remodel is just what we need with all the chaos in the world around us. Harmony is a good choice, Magali.

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  21. Belle année harmonieuse !
    Je n'ai malheureusement pas pu poster de commentaire sur l'article précédent : j'écris donc ici mes remerciements pour ce bel article.
    À bientôt, Flopsy

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  22. I often look at all my things and analyse my posts about my love of stuff and think it is very shallow indeed, but I think everyone needs some kind of comfort whether that's through interiors, music, writing or something else, to cope with the stresses of daily life and the horrors that exist in the world. Striving for harmony is a great mantra for life and I'm very glad you've decided to continue blogging because I find comfort visiting you and cottage, feeling that there is some sort of similarity between our lives.

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  23. I don't choose a word for the New Year but Harmony is an excellent choice, I hope we all experience plenty of it in 2015. I am glad to hear that sense of humour that we know and love coming back into your post. You have expressed yourself so honestly and emotionally during recent events. I understand why you might have considered a break from blogging but I for one would have missed you greatly. I find blogging a very positive experience, so exciting to communicate with people all over the world on common interests who as you say don't seem so far away anymore. Fascinating to experience other peoples lives. It is an escape, an opportunity to focus more on the lighter, fun things in life. And you Magali inspire us and entertain us every step of the way with your exploits! We need you so keep up the good work x

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  24. Un bel article, Magali, après les horreurs de ces jours derniers. J'adopte immédiatement "Harmonie" c' est un mot plein d'espoir, de musicalité, de couleurs aussi.

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  25. Coucou Magali,
    Tes photos du bord de mer m'évoque la paix, le calme, le repos de l'âme, le bruit de la mer qui vide l'esprit, calme les tensions et apaise les sens, comme je t'envie
    Souhaitons nous de doux moments tels que la vie sait nous en offrir, des rayons de soleil comme si l'été était là tous les jours, de la douceur lorsque le temps se fait chagrin et que la vie s'adonne à ses tourments, laissons là de côté un moment pour ne penser qu'à nous et à ceux qui nous sont cher pour oublier tout le reste.
    Harmonie, c'est un mot qui sonne la paix et l'entente...
    Belle journée à toi car même sous la grisaille, le bord de mer reste magnifique

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    1. Christine,
      C'était gris aujourd'hui car c'était la fin de la tempête de cette nuit, mais même ainsi, la mer est belle. Je te souhaite une belle année dans laquelle harmonie et sérénité seront là... au moins de temps en temps!
      Bonne fin de semaine!

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  26. ouf! soulagée que tu n'abandonnes pas ce blog, c'est toujours un grand plaisir de te lire à chaque fois, et j'envie souvent la prose de certaines blogueuses !!
    PS: tu es devenues bilingue en regardant une série TV ??? moi qui rêve de pouvoir communiquer en anglais et en espagnol, je sais ce qu'il me reste à faire

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    1. Oui, oui, j'ai découvert lorsque j'étais étudiante à Paris, que ma télé était branchée sur le câble de mon voisin... Je recevais donc certaines chaines en anglais... Mais c'est le fait d'apprendre certains dialogues de la série par cœur qui m'a le plus aidé.

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  27. Chère Magali,

    I don't know if you have come by my blog, but after seven WONDERFUL years of blogging, I have stopped my blog. I am keeping it up as a marvelous keepsake of my development as a writer, for great memories of encountering so many lovely commentors and even friends from around the world, and to maybe even return within the year. I too have to reorganize how I spend my time, for like you, I am a teacher. It is a busy life, isn't it!

    Like you, I want peace and harmony in the world. And the only way I can contribute is to live in harmony with myself, with those closest to me, and try to maintain a habit of tolerance. That is the most we can do in this capricious world in which we live

    You all in France, you are in my heart. Anita

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  28. I love the word harmony very much!A greek word of course!AriadnefromGreece!

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  29. Harmony. Perect! The beach is always a good idea. Wishing you a relaxing weekend. So very happy you chose to continue blogging. xo Patty

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  30. A perfect word for a perfect post Magali.

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  31. Je te souhaite toute l'harmonie possible dans ta vie, chere Magali Je serai toujours interessee par tes billets sur ton joli cottage et je suis donc contente de ta decision de continuer a blogger, malgre la peine que nous ont cause les evenements de Paris. Gros bisous!

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  32. Harmony, this is the perfect word for what the world needs now! Enjoyed your photos, so relaxing for such a stressed time. Thanks Magali...........

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  33. Harmonie, c'est un bien joli mot. J'espère qu'il y en aura un peu plus dans le monde.
    Tu sais ce qui me calme, c'est le désherbage du jardin, les jambes tendus, la tête en bas, j'ai l'impression que tout le mauvais coule hors de moi pour s'enfouir dans la terre.
    Tu vas encore avoir une année bien chargée pour mettre Cottage à ton goût.
    Caresses aux poilus griffus. Bises. Babette

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  34. A beautiful post and word. I am beginning to think that half of the people in the world are normal and the rest are coming out from the gates of hell

    Love and Light will prevail : )

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    1. I'm keeping my finger crossed that the sane people outnumber the crazy ones!

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  35. Awww. :) That's exactly how I feel. Our differences are what make us interesting. Glad you're going to keep going. :)

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  36. I have had those moments when I felt like blogging was shallow and somewhat narcissistic but then, like you I imagine, I took a step back, left it for awhile and reflected on why I blog. There are still parts of blogging that I do not really appreciate but I think there are more parts of it that I do appreciate. I love connecting with people all over the world and reaching out to show that at the heart and soul of all of us.... well, we are very much alike.

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  37. Harmony, is a perfect word, if only we all could live in harmony. Sharing our lives and our homes is not shallow, how could it be when we are sharing ourselves. We are actually creating harmony, as least I think. Creating, sharing, inspiring others. That produces harmony in the world, it is a good thing. I for one would miss you greatly, my friend over the ocean, in a world I might not never see. But through you I do, harmony!

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  38. It's so nice to read of someone kind and generous like you, thinking about the whole world, not just your own life, with your word for the year. It's rare. And that's probably one of the reasons we don't have harmony. I agree, "not yet."

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    1. I'm really hoping it's "not yet"! But we have to work all together for that.

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  39. wouldn't this harmony be so nice, personally, professionally, and universally. maybe one day. best of luck on achieving your own.
    b

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  40. Harmonie .....j'adhère à l'idée. Il est presque magique comme mot car on peut le trouver ds bcp de situations. Il s'adapte à tout mais combien il n'est pas si facile de l'obtenir ! Belle Harmonie dans ta vie de 2015 Nicole(tte)

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  41. What a great word - Harmony that is what we all should do. I hope you do not stop posting, because I so enjoy your journey with the cottage. You make me feel at home and all the lovely tours of France that you give, my dear friend.
    Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your great posts.
    Mary

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  42. Magali you are doing the only thing we can do as individuals, try to make our lives and our world, a better place.
    To achieve peace and master understanding ... wouldn't it be beautiful?
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  43. Oh, Magali! Harmony is a perfect word for so many aspects of existence. One thing that my country has learned is that we should go on living our normal lives . Blogging is one way to keep some beauty in the world amid the chaos. Hugs from America!!

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  44. merci de continuer ce blog ! merci pour ces si belles photos ! merci de prendre le temps d'écrire et d'illustrer ce que nous vivons aussi dans nos petits chez nous - cordialement - monique59

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  45. I agree with you in so many ways. Lovely. But I also believe that those who believe in harmony have to confront those that do not. For too long, we have ignored the fact that not everyone believes in the same principles of liberte, egalite and fraternite. (Sorry for the missing accents!).

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  46. Well I think it's just a perfect word. And I agree with relating to others far away helps me to relate more to what's going on in the world. When the terrible incident happened in Paris I found instead of just feeling bad I actually related it to my blog friends and had feelings of sorrow for them in particular. Think of what a wonderful world this would be if harmony was everywhere!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  47. Harmony is a good word, Magali. Here's a thought I will share with you about the writing of blogs that may seem frivolous in these serious times. If we stop blogging about the things that bring us and others joy - whatever that may be -- then the evildoers have won. They have disrupted our lives completely and changed the way we live. Horrible things happen in this world. Horrible, indescribable things. I have learned that there is a time for grieving and a time to stop the grieving and courageously move forward. That is how we honor those who have lost their lives and I believe it is what every one of them would say to us if they could. There is so much more that I could share about faith, love and hope, but I've said enough for now. Hugs, Nancy

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  48. Beautiful pics Magali! Thanks for linking up with Home Sweet Home!

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  49. I like the word, Magali. I think through our blogs, we get to know so many people from so many cultures, and although there are so many differences, we find we are more and more alike. I, too, often think of my blog as shallow, but, then again, look at the community we are building around the world! I'm glad you'll keep at it, and I wish peace for France.

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