A Joyful Cottage Look at 2012

Thatched cottage at Kings Somborne, Hampshire photo by Anguskirk: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anguskirk/4548216548/in/photostream/ (Some rights reserved)


As I write this post from our cottage, snow is lightly falling outside and I'm thinking back on the past year. I'd like to do a little 2012 reminiscing with you, but first can we talk about this thatched roof cottage? In my humble opinion, this is a darn near perfect gem. It looks to be early spring when this photo was taken, so let's imagine this scene in spring or summer, when the garden and whatever is clinging to the picket fence are in full bloom. Enchanting, I'm sure. In the meantime, that red door gives a burst of glorious color to the exterior.

I started A Joyful Cottage blog on February 28th this year with one intent: to share my love of cottages and cottage living with you. I've gathered just a few photos to highlight the year. You can click on any of the links for the full spread. 

My first post kicked off A Joyful Cottage Giveaway of my husband Dennis Reinke's art. The winner  chose Napa Trellis from the plethora of prints we featured.




In March we looked at cottage shutters, window boxes, arbors, and Irish cottages. My favorite post that month was the St. Patrick's Day tour of Pam's White O'Morn cottage in Ireland. 












Not only was it a delight to show Pam's cottage, it was the beginning of my showing you other cottage interiors, and gardens. Like Heidi Matthies-Jaster's cottage garden in Burton, Texas in April.








In May we looked at "pretty things", a collection of eye candy for any cottage,







and three Welsh cottages compliments of Caroline at Blaentrothy Welsh Holiday Cottages.










And, yes, more Welsh cottages in June, with more thanks to Caroline at Blaentrothy Welsh Holiday Cottages.













July was a special month for me. Claire at Unique Home Stays in the UK contacted me after seeing my blog and asked if I'd like to blog about the charming Pixie Nook Cottage, a holiday home her company manages. (It was so encouraging to have someone contact me for a change.) :)




My love for cottage porches prompted my August post (and made me wish I could take a nap on one of the lovely summer porches pictured there).





In September Caroline at Blaentrothy made it possible for me to show you the fabulous Bryn Eglur Cottage. It remains one of my favorites. How I love that cottage and the garden that surrounds it.





And the black lab. (Adorable, no?)






Fall is a beautiful season, and my mid-October post was full of autumn inspiration.







A tour of The Old Smithy Cottage in Wales was a November treat, thanks to Marie of Sugar and Loaf.




That brings us to December and a tour of a little 60's ranch home that grew up to become a cottage. Kim of "Niesz Vintage Home...and fabric" accomplished an amazing transformation and showed us that any abode can speak "cottage".






I can't tell you how much you all mean to me. Thank you so much for enriching my life with your presence. To be able to share my passion for cottage living and meet so many wonderful, gifted people like you is sheer joy. And that's what life should be. Every day is a gift and we should en-joy it. I've got so many ideas for this blog in 2013. I hope you'll join me here often and share the cottage joy.

With prayers that the New Year will bring many blessings to you and your family,


Joining

and

Inspire Me Monday

12 comments

  1. This tour of your first year of blogging was so much much. I can easily envision what I think would be a simplified but richer life in these cottages. I will come back to see what you have for us in 2013.

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    1. Oh, I hope you will come back Dewena. Happy New Year!

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  2. Linking up after you at Inspire Me Monday - what restful photos of cottages! Glad I came by ...

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    1. Thank you, Cherry. I will return the visit. :)

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  3. Oh I just love cottages. These are all so charming and warm. Happy you found my blog and the newbie party. I look forward to more in 2013. Happy New year to you.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Debbie. I'm looking forward to more link ups with your blog. All the best in 2013 to you and your family.

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  4. Keep them coming, Nancy. I can't wait for this years eyeful. Happy New year.
    Sue

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    1. Thank you so much, Sue. Happy New Year to you, too!

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  5. Oh, what an awesome post! Such beautiful photos. I love your blog. Your newest follower from the Newbie Party! :)

    Happy New Year!

    Kathy @ www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. Your blog is very inspiring. I'm following you, too. :)

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  6. Oh Nancy, I always adore your cottage tours. Looking back was such a treat! I had missed some of these. I am still in love with that red door. Can't wait to see many more cottages this year. Love the painting by your talented husband. Happy New Year my friend!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks, Jann. I always appreciate your visits and comments. You have encouraged me so much these past 10 months. Your blog is wonderful and I love visiting you there. Cheers!

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.