January 07, 2013

New Beginnings


A new year! I do so love new beginnings. Our year has already been filled with them. Emma got braces. Maddie moved into her first apartment and started at her new college, which led to a more serious than normal, post Christmas need to clean, simplify and organize. Furniture all over our house is getting shifted as we re-purpose Maddie's room into the Common Room where games will get played, books will be read, guests will stay and friends will be hung out with it.


Part of the thrill of a new year for me is a new calendar/planner. There is nothing quite like the feeling I get when I have a blank book in my hands. I finally found just what I was looking for at Target. Of course I had to take out the Japanese Washi tape and Copic markers and some other bits to make it all mine. I like for my things to express who I am.


I skipped the New Year's Resolutions this year but I did make a list of goals for the year which include:
-Be positive
-Assume the best (about people and situations)
-Sew an Aline skirt and a quilt
-Learn to crochet
-Make a dream or two come true
-Write letters
-Take yoga
-Read, read, read!
-Focus on studio projects that I already have the supplies for
-Spend less time in front of a screen and more time doing and being

That last one is the most important I think.


Lastly, THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart. Your generosity in helping Emma with her book search was deeply appreciated. We went to the library last week and checked out about 25 books. There were some books she had already read but so many that she hadn't and she has loved each recommendation so far. She is so happy to have such a long list of books to look forward to. You have made our hearts smile.

12 comments:

  1. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your post today, and more importantly your site. I do not have to time to comment as much as I'd like to on each days share. I read blogs in a reader and not on the site to comment. I appreciate you taking the time to share with us.
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  2. Hi Jen,
    Congrats on all the new happenings! We are ONE deep in braces with the second hopefully following AFTER the first! :) I knew how to crochet MANY moons ago (like 12 or 13 yrs old) and it's on my list this year too! I hope it's like riding a bike!
    xoxo
    Kristi

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  3. What a great list, Jen. It does change our life dynamic as a child leaves home, doesn't it? Blessings to you-Everything is looking wonderful! xo Diana

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  4. Oh, I know what you mean about the feeling of a new, blank planner! Your new planner is very cute - I hope it serves you well in the year ahead. (Always glad to see a post from you pop up!)

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  5. I like your list of simple goals. Achievable and not overwhelming. I would love to be close enough to teach you how to crochet. I have taught all my nieces and great nieces, and even some nephews. Big changes at home for you with one on her own. We still have two in braces but at least one is paid for.

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  6. Just found your blog & so so happy I did...Love the simplicity of your style....
    Blessings Lori ~

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  7. I like goal setting better than resolution making. I pray you succeed at everything you set out to do.

    I so enjoy looking around your home. It is so beautiful.

    God bless you and your family and happy late birthday.

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  8. i love your goals. i hope you achieve each one. your daughter looks so peaceful reading her book. makes me want to snuggle in on the couch, forget the tasks of the day and just read.

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  9. adoring this so-you post!

    guess who's going to paris!?!? email me any tips you can think of. it will be very brief (3 days london, 2 days paris) but still!

    happiest new year wishes, sweetie!

    xo
    elyse

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  10. new beginnings are wonderful. i find it hard to stay positive but no matter what i always try to remain kind to everyone. Happy new beginnings Jen...

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  11. Happy New Year to you. I love your list of goals for the year. You have a few on there that I'm thinking of too. I'll be interested to see if you make an A line skirt as I definitely want to make a number of skirts this year. I figured a simple A line would be great to start with. I do so much sewing but not clothes making and I'd really like to get into that. I'm also desperate to crochet, especially as I see so much beautiful crochet around blog land and it really frustrates me that I can't do it. I've tried learning from a book but I think I'm going to have to get someone to show me in person as I just don't get it. Good luck with making all your goals a reality. Will look forward to reading about your progress. Fiona x

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  12. i LOVE that you make your planner reflect you. such a great idea!

    oh dear...does having a new "guest" room mean that guests belongings will no longer be covered in glitter upon departure?!?! ;) but seriously, what exciting goings-on you have had!

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