forward in 2014

Just like everyone else this week, I have spent some time reflecting on the year past and thinking about the one ahead. I liked the idea I've seen around the web of choosing one word to focus on this year instead of creating a list of lofty goals or resolutions. One word feels more attainable as well as more intentional, that word should be something that sort of encompasses all of your goals and hopes for the year. So after tossing around a few different words for my 2014, I have chosen FORWARD.

There are a lot of reasons why I think the word forward is appropriate for me for the upcoming year but most importantly it is because it is the direction I want to constantly be moving. If 2013 was for big changes, embracing opportunities and for learning to be quiet still while letting the Universe sort of speak to me, than 2014 is for grabbing my future with two anxious hands and running full speed ahead. Forward means I have no time to dwell in the past, to let anxiety or fear over-take me, because I am moving far too quickly for that. Forward means I am packing light and moving on. Clutter and non-essentials will not fit in my carry-on so they're just going to have to be left behind. Forward means my husband and I will be making big plans and taking on some big new adventures. Forward means motion in the physical sense to, creating more momentum and activity in my day-to-day routine to help keep me healthy and balanced while keeping up with this pace. Forward means instead of getting bogged down in the day-to-day details of life and letting them fill my time, I will devote more time to focus on what I want my future to look, feel, and sound like. I will take intentional steps to work towards that future. Two-thousand fourteen will be a good year, a year in motion.

I feel like I've taken a big step towards this goal already with the launch of my new site and am ready to take a few more steps forward into this big, brand-new year.

*I found great inspiration for choosing my 2014 word and for this post from here, here, and here.

photo from our trip this summer to the NC Outer Banks and design by me.

why hello there, 2012

Two-thousand and eleven was a big year for us. In addition to several trips with friends and family, some major work to the shop and our brand, participating in four craft markets, and work and school we also got married! It's been a whirlwind of a year with lots to do and very little downtime in between, but we wouldn't have had it any other way. It's been fun looking through some of our memories of the past year and here are a few of my favorites:


I am proud of where we've come and what we've done in the last year. I am starting this new one with a clear head and a clean studio space, all while being healthy, happy, and loved-which is more than I could ever ask for. And just like I did for 2011, I will not make a list of resolutions and goals for 2012 but will go forward with anticipation and excitement for some big changes, big work, big fun, and big ambitions. Bring it on '12!

Why, Hello There 2011

I am amazed at how fast the break and even the entire year has gone by. I have enjoyed looking back over some of my posts from the last year, most especially my last new year's post. I had put together a pretty hefty list for myself to accomplish in 2010 and even though I can't say I crossed each and every one of those things off, I feel extremely productive from what I did accomplish. Some of my last year's plans included remodeling the kitchen (still in progress, ha), painting the hallway and redecorating the bathroom, cooking more, opening my etsy shop, and taking more trips. Other exciting events this year included our engagement, a girls weekend, a heart and craft giveaway, and a mini backyard flood.

Going in to 2011 I am elated and honored to be marrying my absolute favorite person. While wedding work is certainly the top of my to-do's for this year, I am excited for all the other projects and events to come. I am not including a large list of goals for the year ahead because I realized looking back that I feel really proud of everything I have done in 2010, I pushed myself hard and feel great about all the I have accomplished. I plan on going in to 2011 with that momentum and continuing to enjoy my life, my love, and my creative endeavors.

Happy New Years to you and yours!

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so this is the new year

Inspired by this post, I have made my own list of to-d0's for 2010. It is not a list of resolutions, rather goals to aspire for in the coming year. 2009 was wonderful, most notably buying and moving into our home, taking a ceramics class with my mom and sister (which will continue), growing a garden (thanks to my sister), selling some of my jewelry and ceramics at a local shop, hiking a state park, and continuing my workout routine even when I was sick of it! So many friends and family members helped make some wonderful memories- at home and away.

Here are some of the things I will look forward to over the next 365 days:

• remodeling our kitchen
• opening my etsy shop (hopefully in the next month!!)
• learning to use my nikon more effectively
• taking more small trips with the mister (mountains or beach?)
• cooking more- using more from the local farmers market and my own gardens
  
• meeting more fellow bloggers and expand my place in this wonderful community
• finishing painting the house- a blue hallway?
• taking up screen printing in my home studio
• setting up a home accessories etsy shop in addition to the first one
• expanding my workout- more variety and more outdoor activites
• bike rides
• finishing decorating the bathroom- orange walls!
• starting my 4th year of teaching (and maybe the last)
• creating more and study how to make a career of it
• using less and trying to be a more conscious consumer
  

I am excited to work towards these things and see where 2010 leads!