~~ Thank God I'm a (French) Country Girl ~~

John Denver made me do it!

With his emotional lyrics about the mountains and the country and rainin' fire in the sky.
Taking me home to a place I belong. 

He was the reason I came to Colorado more than 35 years ago. 

His songs about Colorado and the Rocky Mountains spoke to me on a deep level
I didn't know I had and drew me to the mountains.

And although "Rocky Mountain High" is now Colorado's state song, it's the words 

to "The Eagle and the Hawk" that thrill me and make me hopeful for a new year to come.

"Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops.

Sail over the canyons and up to the stars.

And reach for the heavens and hope for the future

and all that we can be and not what we are."

Powerful words. Don't you think?

I've never been a celebrity worshiper but when John died in a plane crash, I cried. 

I felt like he was a close friend, not a celebrity.

His ashes were spread over the Rockies and I feel his gentle presence still. 

So, with his words in mind, we greet a new year. I don't usually make too many New Year's resolutions but this year I have some goals I hope to accomplish with my blog.

 Bringing French Country Home was born in June 2015 so it's now seven months old. 

I made two goals when I started my blog.

1.  My first goal was to get 5,000 page views. I remember how excited I was when I reached that number. Now, I can check that one off with almost 15,000 as of today. Thank you so much for reading my blog!

2.  My second goal was to connect with 100 subscribers. Still working on that but getting close with 92. I still can't believe people are actually reading my blog. Such a thrill, especially to read your kind comments of appreciation and encouragement. Thanks everyone for your continued visits!

And now. New Year. New goals.

1.  I'm reaching for 25,000 page views. Yikes! That does seem a bit lofty but I'm going for it.

2.  And 250 subscribers. With your help, we can do it!

3. I'm determined to figure out how social media works. I have a Facebook page but am still not sure how to use it to increase blog readership. Just discovered Pinterest and am working on that too.

4.  I'd like to meet some fellow bloggers in Colorado, maybe connect somehow. I invite fellow Coloradoans to contact me if you're interested. I've also read about blogging conferences and that would be fun and definitely worthwhile.

5. Oh, yes. Mustn't forget my ongoing goal--a sweet little cabin just like this one in the mountains!

So, John Denver's words carry me into a new year . . .

"And reach for the heavens and hope for the future 
and all that we can be and not what we are."

 Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

Thanks to Ron Boyd for these amazing pictures!

Sharing with:  Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Karen's up on the Hill, Between Naps on the Porch, Cozy Little House, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques, Elizabeth and Co., Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants, From my Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, Northern Nesting, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Meadow Lake Road, Rooted in Thyme, Charm of Home, French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Shabby Art Boutique,
My Romantic Home, The Cottage Market