It has become a tradition for me to wind down the year on my blog by posting some Top Ten Lists before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year. Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share 
2013 was for sure a CRAZY year for me. With a move from Germany to the USA and all the preparation for it – there sure was a lot of emotional moments. When I looked back at the photos of 2013 I was astonished how much else happened. But here are my faves not because they are super good photos (hahaha)- no but because they have meaning for me :)
My hubs laughing hysterically (and me shaking with laughter as you can see – because no way was I able to take a non blurry photo) because I said something funny …We had a wonderful romantic day celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in Paris and this photo for me says it all :)
My 40th (waahhh) birthday party with some of my best friends – terrible photo but I love it and who knows when we will ever be together like this again.
My friend Julie Fei-Fan Balzer‘s visit in Hamburg- gosh we had so much fun! So happy that we live so much closer now and I can see her way more often!
Our Shipping container pulling away in Hamburg, Germany after preparing this move for 9 months. We were exhausted and also just relieved that this was done.
First strolls through the neighborhood and falling in love with it…
After 10 years of being a lazy girl…I started going to the gym again- I go now five days a week as the gym is part of our apartment complex – including some kick box workouts. I love it and I have lot’s of fun. Besides I am probably the slowest, most uncoordinated and oldest (they are all like mid-20…geeee) person there ;)
I just love this photo I shot in Washington Square Park – old lady with an old lady puppet feeding a squirrel
After a month without our stuff, living with 2 plates, a folding table and two folding chairs in our apartment we couldn’t have been happier seeing our container pulling up in the United States :) Even the cat was happy getting his fave chair back
My sweet grand-aunt Margot two weeks ago at her birthday. I miss her so much and it is very sad to see how she is loosing her memory – but I cherish every time I talk with her daily on the phone and when I see her.
Our new home – I love it – and sitting in front of the fire….falling asleep ;) : priceless – LOL
That was it- my fave pictures of 2013- worst photos ever- but good memories. Every year I am amazed how photos can trigger so many memories. It is not just what you see on the photo , it is all around it. Love it.
Have a gorgeous day
huge hugs
nat
Comments (13)
The Heart that Shares | Sacred Familiar
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[…] adore this photo by Nathalie Kalbach taken in Washington Square. She is feeding the squirrel through the hands of her puppet – I […]
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Eniko
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You Have had an amazing year, Nathalie! Full of adventure and change. Thank you for sharing your most treasured moments. Have a terrific 2014!
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debby
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Wonderful review. I went back and read about your experience with Fallen Leaves. This is one of the most powerful experiences I have read about. The use of art to get across the horror of the past while facing and addressing the current issues of a group of people is mind blowing.
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Karen
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I love all the pictures in the post, but that lady with the puppet is priceless. Promise me you will take there to find her. I must speak with her!!!
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nathalie-kalbach
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Karen – she is as I was told very regularly in the warmer weather in Washington Square Park. Apparently she was even featured in something called People of New York City. If I recall right she used to come and watch the puppeteer who comes regularly and they bonded and then he made her this puppet and now she is there once in a while and plays along. I just heart this so much! We should go in spring :)
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Trena in Naperville
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Nat!! Welcome to USA. (I know I’m late ;o)). Wishing you and your husband much happiness and success! God Bless you!
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!
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Laura S.
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Oh Nathalie, I love your pics. Thanks for the happy glimpse into your world. I too had a big milestone this year; turned 50! So, for my B-Day, my hubbie is taking me to Art Venture. Yoohoo. I can’t wait to meet you and all the Prima Chicas. I just know it will be a blast. Looking forward to CJS 2014. January is looking pretty darn good :)
Hugs, Laura
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nathalie-kalbach
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Happy Birthday!!! Looking forward meeting you at ArtVenture- so much fun! Happy New Year!
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nurse-ratchet
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Happiest of New Year’s to my favourite LGL … Loved the peek into your 2013 & look forward to seeing you in 2014!
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Jackie
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How fun to see your year in review, glad to see Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is closer to visit and your aunt Margot is still around to talk to!
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Tsila
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Great post. Thanks.
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Sue Clarke
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Oh Nat, I just love the memories that you shared.
We were looking through some pics this past week and laughing at all the good times we’ve had. Some were sad as well. My MIL is having issues with her short term memory and it is not fun, but we are getting used to enjoying the moments we have with her.
The photo of the old woman with the old woman puppet feeding the squirrel is my fave of yours.
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Sylvia
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I hardly comment anymore, sorry about that! :(
Loved looking at your photos again! Wonderful tradition…i should do the same. Have some wonderful last days of the year and all the possible best for 2014!! Huge hugs sylvia
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