The Definition of Success and the Top 5 Posts of 2014

This is my definition of success: doing what I love.

If my life adds up to a combination of the work and people I love, then I consider that a successful life. So far, so good.

Here’s a few pictures of that success to date.

cinthia milner--transplanted and still blooming--definition of success

My “boys” over the holidays

 

I’m guessing every mother would start with her kids, and rightly so. These are mine, two awesome men. My main goal as a parent was that we’d all survive it, and come out on the other side still liking each other. Again, so far, so good. (I’m leaving the reflected light from the Christmas lights in this picture because the oldest thinks it looks like a light saber that he’s about to kill his brother with. Men and their Star Wars.)

 

cinthia milner--transplanted and still blooming--definition of success

YaYa’s 2 favs

Here, I claim nothing. I did nothing to deserve these darlings. This is an example of life throwing you a freebie every once in awhile. Another precious girl is coming in May, expected to arrive on the 4th. (As the eldest son and father of this soon-to-be-child says, “May the 4th be with you.” Again, men and their Star Wars.)

So, if you live long enough, I do wish grandchildren for you.

cinthia milner--transplanted and still blooming--defintion of success

A duaghter-in-law helps keep the testosterone level.

 

My daughter-in-law is an inspiration to me. I read this quote once and thought of her. It speaks to success, so it fits here. “Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.” —Diane Sawyer That sums up my d-i-l perfectly.

cinthia milner--transplanted and still blooming--defintion of success

I’m a gardener, a horticulturist. a blue collar girl. I am proud of these titles. and I never get over the excitement I feel when I tell someone what I do. The awe-factor is still there for me.

As I evaluated 2014 today, it had its ups (a precious granddaughter born in Feb., a fun plant trip in Jan.), and horrific downs (my mother unexpectedly passing away on July 28, too soon for her to leave us), but I am still on course, which for me means staying forward. It also means a Goliath-sized perseverance, but you already knew that, didn’t you?

Nothing happens easily. Success is hard work made to look easy. That’s my quote. Feel free to use it.

On that note, my top five blog posts from 2014 are listed here if you want to re-read them, or perhaps read them. These are the posts that seemed to resonate with folks the most. Thank you for reading my scribbles here. I love you muchly.

#1 Advice from a Blue Collar Girl 

#2 One Good Mama and One Bad Mama

#3 Why You Need a Landscape Designer

#4 Getting Off the Treadmill Without Going Off the Grid

#5 Why I Hate Encore Azaleas

Happy New Year, and may what’s looking for you in 2015 find you. 🙂

 

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