Here I am letting go of the past year. Letting it unfurl in the wind and blow away. That's what I love about the New Year. It is such a chance for new beginnings, new hopes and fresh starts. Without going into detail, let me just say the past year was too full of death (my best friend and my mother in law), injuries (my husband fell off a truck!), new responsibilities (assuming care of my 90 year old father in law), and misfortunes (of the financial sort). Things have at last settled down and we are establishing a new "normal" and I am happy to move on with the things that I enjoy.
2011 wasn't a complete bust. We did celebrate the birth of my beautiful grand daughter Evangeline, who has thrived and grown and added indescribable joy to our lives. My son did move to Ireland, and seems deliriously happy with his fiancee and his new job. They will visit us in February, which we are very much looking forward to.
I have to share this. I found the image when I was looking for something along the lines of "Moving On". It didn't evoke precisely what I was going for, but you have to admit the image has a certain power:
lol, all righty then. Sometimes you just have to get up and walk away. Nothing more to be done here folks. Seriously dude, you can give up on the mouth to mouth. Her lungs are three feet away. (Just to be clear, that is not a real person–it is a crash dummy).
So, does the fact that it is a new year mean you have to make a list of resolutions? I always vow to lose the 5 pounds I put on over the holidays, and usually manage to do so before they turn into 10 pounds. Or 20. Oh dear, one time I let it get the best of my and before I knew it, I had 40 pounds to lose. Don't let that happen to you. Take it right off while it is temporary fat, before it settles in and becomes firmly attached. Fruit salad and soup of any kind for a couple of weeks does the trick I am telling you.
I do have a million ideas for sewing projects jostling around in my head. With all the added responsibilities that have fallen in my lap over the past number of months, I haven't had a chance to do anything of interest. My studio is progressing at a snail's pace (due to the issues I alluded to above), but I have made some progress. The hardwood flooring has been laid, and hopefully the cabinetry will be installed by the end of the month. The other details are the frosting on the cake, and can be added little by little over the next few months. I have a great idea for a sewing table that I will share with you, and plan to get a sewing station set up so I can work on a few projects. Lots of UFOs to finish up, and a couple of ideas for new projects.
It's good to be back and I appreciate all your sweet emails telling me I was missed. Gosh. You all are so great! Talk to you tomorrow. Happy New Year!
98 responses to “New Year, New Me”
Good to see you back. All the best for a great 2012!
Good to see you back. All the best for a great 2012!
It is good to have you back blogging! It was always a treat to see what you were working on as I sat down at my computer. I am sorry 2011 was tough but am glad that you hung in there and have such a fabulous attitude for the new year.
It is good to have you back blogging! It was always a treat to see what you were working on as I sat down at my computer. I am sorry 2011 was tough but am glad that you hung in there and have such a fabulous attitude for the new year.
So glad to see you back, Nicole, and wishing you all good things ins 2012.
So glad to see you back, Nicole, and wishing you all good things ins 2012.
Wishing you the greatest of God’s blessings in 2012. You have a lot on your plate right now, and you will be in my thoughts as I’ve been there, done that, so can relate.
Can’t wait to see the sewing room updates and finished project! And of course I look forward to seeing all the great projects you dream up.
Hugs……..
Marge
Wishing you the greatest of God’s blessings in 2012. You have a lot on your plate right now, and you will be in my thoughts as I’ve been there, done that, so can relate.
Can’t wait to see the sewing room updates and finished project! And of course I look forward to seeing all the great projects you dream up.
Hugs……..
Marge
I can’t tell you how great this post is. I really needed these words before I walked out the door. I’m thrilled to read that Ahren (sp?) and Fiancé are coming home in February, too. Hot Dang!!! 🙂 I think this year is starting off quite well. Sending you hugs. *karendianne.
I can’t tell you how great this post is. I really needed these words before I walked out the door. I’m thrilled to read that Ahren (sp?) and Fiancé are coming home in February, too. Hot Dang!!! 🙂 I think this year is starting off quite well. Sending you hugs. *karendianne.
So nice to have you back. I hope your ongoing responsibilities allow you some time to sew as we rely on you for inspiration.
So nice to have you back. I hope your ongoing responsibilities allow you some time to sew as we rely on you for inspiration.
Loved the “Move on, know when to quit”. It aptly applies to a decision that being weighing on me. Sounds like you’ll soon be back in the quilting room!
Loved the “Move on, know when to quit”. It aptly applies to a decision that being weighing on me. Sounds like you’ll soon be back in the quilting room!
So good to see you back even if it is early early am…….!! Insomnia for me here but have been working on my Orca Bay mystery and thinking of all the other quilters out there. Love your new sense of humor and look forward to seeing your new projects. I am so looking forward to a better year as for all surrounding me it has been a good year to say goodbye to and don’t come back. Hope 2012 brings health, prosperity and happiness to all. G
So good to see you back even if it is early early am…….!! Insomnia for me here but have been working on my Orca Bay mystery and thinking of all the other quilters out there. Love your new sense of humor and look forward to seeing your new projects. I am so looking forward to a better year as for all surrounding me it has been a good year to say goodbye to and don’t come back. Hope 2012 brings health, prosperity and happiness to all. G
Amen, sister!! We’re glad to see 2011 go, but have some tag-along issues that won’t go away yet as I hope and pray they do and SOON!
I’m so glad you’re back to play with us and to take time to let your delightfully creative soul fly once more.
Have you thought about getting used cabinetry from Craig’s List, the Habitat Restore store, or some local source for your sewing studio? You could refresh those kind of cabinets with paint and it’s a good way to economize and be environmentally friendly, too. We’ve done this, have been quite pleased with the results, and have plans for where to put the old cabinets after the kitchen is remodeled (on a severe budget!).
Looking forward to your hearing your new ideas, to seeing little Eva, and to just chatting!
Hugs!
Amen, sister!! We’re glad to see 2011 go, but have some tag-along issues that won’t go away yet as I hope and pray they do and SOON!
I’m so glad you’re back to play with us and to take time to let your delightfully creative soul fly once more.
Have you thought about getting used cabinetry from Craig’s List, the Habitat Restore store, or some local source for your sewing studio? You could refresh those kind of cabinets with paint and it’s a good way to economize and be environmentally friendly, too. We’ve done this, have been quite pleased with the results, and have plans for where to put the old cabinets after the kitchen is remodeled (on a severe budget!).
Looking forward to your hearing your new ideas, to seeing little Eva, and to just chatting!
Hugs!
Sounds like you’ve had a year similar to mine…too many deaths. I’m ready to be productive in this new year and I’m going to star reaching for some stars that have seemed out of my reach.
Sounds like you’ve had a year similar to mine…too many deaths. I’m ready to be productive in this new year and I’m going to star reaching for some stars that have seemed out of my reach.
Dear Nicole,
I missed your quilts, wit and love of life and I am happy to see you again on the web.
Your pages were a true guide for my beginnings in the love of quilting and I owe you very much for it.
I hope things will be better for you and your family this year.
With appreciation and love from Romania,
simone gyorfi
Dear Nicole,
I missed your quilts, wit and love of life and I am happy to see you again on the web.
Your pages were a true guide for my beginnings in the love of quilting and I owe you very much for it.
I hope things will be better for you and your family this year.
With appreciation and love from Romania,
simone gyorfi
Very refreshing to read a nice long, chatty post, Nicole. A new “normal” always makes the old normal look flabby and lazy even though it was probably busy and productive in its own right. It sounds like movin’ on is the right thing to do and it sounds like you have some very good things to look forward to. Welcome back…you, indeed, were missed.
I am intrigued by the sewing room and sewing table. I need to redo my room and am at a loss. It doesn’t help that it’s a small bedroom (converted). Not a lot of options wall-wise. Looking forward to upcoming projects.
Very refreshing to read a nice long, chatty post, Nicole. A new “normal” always makes the old normal look flabby and lazy even though it was probably busy and productive in its own right. It sounds like movin’ on is the right thing to do and it sounds like you have some very good things to look forward to. Welcome back…you, indeed, were missed.
I am intrigued by the sewing room and sewing table. I need to redo my room and am at a loss. It doesn’t help that it’s a small bedroom (converted). Not a lot of options wall-wise. Looking forward to upcoming projects.
I’m so happy you’re back. I now can look forward to spending some time with you each morning. Welcome home!
I’m so happy you’re back. I now can look forward to spending some time with you each morning. Welcome home!
Hi Nicole: Happy New Year and welcome back! You were sorely missed. The sudden halt to the wit and enthusiasm you shared with us daily left a real hole in my blog reading life. I’m looking forward to your messages and project sharing. Here’s to a bright 2012. Helen
Hi Nicole: Happy New Year and welcome back! You were sorely missed. The sudden halt to the wit and enthusiasm you shared with us daily left a real hole in my blog reading life. I’m looking forward to your messages and project sharing. Here’s to a bright 2012. Helen
Nicole it is so good to see you back! You have had a challenging year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. A new year and new prospects. Looking forward to hearing about your sewing studio and the progress you are making there.
Nicole it is so good to see you back! You have had a challenging year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. A new year and new prospects. Looking forward to hearing about your sewing studio and the progress you are making there.
Nicole, so happy to see you are back! My very favorite quilting blog, full of fun and good tips and beautiful quilts, but most of all the spirit of Nicole.
Nicole, so happy to see you are back! My very favorite quilting blog, full of fun and good tips and beautiful quilts, but most of all the spirit of Nicole.
So sorry to hear of the troubling events of 2011, Nicole, but it sounds like you have a good plan for 2012. In fact, you’ve given me inspiration to pull out all those UFOs I have and REALLY finish them this year. The weight, however, is a problem. It’s the 40 pounds that has to go, not the five. Perhaps getting up from the sewing machine, to the cutting table, to the ironing board will help. Looking forward to seeing the progress of the studio and all those quilts you are thinking about.
So sorry to hear of the troubling events of 2011, Nicole, but it sounds like you have a good plan for 2012. In fact, you’ve given me inspiration to pull out all those UFOs I have and REALLY finish them this year. The weight, however, is a problem. It’s the 40 pounds that has to go, not the five. Perhaps getting up from the sewing machine, to the cutting table, to the ironing board will help. Looking forward to seeing the progress of the studio and all those quilts you are thinking about.
It seems 2011 was hard on a lot of people–we had our difficulties but you were obviously knocked every which way and sideways. So sorry to hear of your deepest losses, your best friend and MIL. Here’s a big ol’wish for sunnier skies in 2012 for you and yours. Glad you had some newborn toes to count and baby giggles to enjoy.
It seems 2011 was hard on a lot of people–we had our difficulties but you were obviously knocked every which way and sideways. So sorry to hear of your deepest losses, your best friend and MIL. Here’s a big ol’wish for sunnier skies in 2012 for you and yours. Glad you had some newborn toes to count and baby giggles to enjoy.
Life can certainly get in the way of things sometimes. But you have the right attitude, you have just ‘give’ sometimes and then let it go. My cutting table is an old door which is covered with batting and then canvas. Then I can press on it (when I can see it) and below I have four sections of wire bins on wheels and that holds all my fabrics. When I have no more room, I have to sew instead of shop. Welcome to 2012!
Life can certainly get in the way of things sometimes. But you have the right attitude, you have just ‘give’ sometimes and then let it go. My cutting table is an old door which is covered with batting and then canvas. Then I can press on it (when I can see it) and below I have four sections of wire bins on wheels and that holds all my fabrics. When I have no more room, I have to sew instead of shop. Welcome to 2012!
Loved the Move On photo. I don’t like to wish my life away, but 2011 couldn’t end soon enough. Let’s hope for a better new year. Best Wishes to you and your family.
Loved the Move On photo. I don’t like to wish my life away, but 2011 couldn’t end soon enough. Let’s hope for a better new year. Best Wishes to you and your family.
I’m glad to see that you are looking at the bright side and being positive, something I need to take a lesson from. Retirement sure didn’t turn out for me like I wanted it to so I will attempt to “let it go!”
Here’s to a better, more productive and less eventful new year for us both!!!
I’m glad to see that you are looking at the bright side and being positive, something I need to take a lesson from. Retirement sure didn’t turn out for me like I wanted it to so I will attempt to “let it go!”
Here’s to a better, more productive and less eventful new year for us both!!!
Yes, along with so many others, we are glad for you that 2011 has now left. The new year will doubtless be much better! I’m glad to see you here again today! Continued love, hugs, and prayers for you and your family.
Yes, along with so many others, we are glad for you that 2011 has now left. The new year will doubtless be much better! I’m glad to see you here again today! Continued love, hugs, and prayers for you and your family.
Oh my goodness, but you have been missed! It is not easy bouncing back from our losses and changes to our lives, and I’m hoping that your “new normal” is something you can adjust to happily. May you find many new quilting projects to bring you joy and some creative “alone” time….and of course, lots of time with Evangeline and her mommy!
Oh my goodness, but you have been missed! It is not easy bouncing back from our losses and changes to our lives, and I’m hoping that your “new normal” is something you can adjust to happily. May you find many new quilting projects to bring you joy and some creative “alone” time….and of course, lots of time with Evangeline and her mommy!
It is good to have you back. I always feel like some of life’s misfortunes are the fruits of living to a certain age. Others are too shocking – like losing a best friend. I hope your husband is okay now. The good things in your year are pretty great with that new baby and a happy son. I hope you get a fun trip to Ireland out of his relocation! Unlike you, I am sort of dreading 2012 and I don’t know why. 2011 wasn’t anything special so I should adopt a more optimistic attitude.
It is good to have you back. I always feel like some of life’s misfortunes are the fruits of living to a certain age. Others are too shocking – like losing a best friend. I hope your husband is okay now. The good things in your year are pretty great with that new baby and a happy son. I hope you get a fun trip to Ireland out of his relocation! Unlike you, I am sort of dreading 2012 and I don’t know why. 2011 wasn’t anything special so I should adopt a more optimistic attitude.
Wishing you a wonderful 2012 Nicole- It is nice to see you back blogging- I will look forward to seeing your beautiful quilt and reading about stories of Evangelina and your children.
So sorry to hear of your losses- you have my sincere condolences in the passing of two special people.
Warmest regards,
Anna
Wishing you a wonderful 2012 Nicole- It is nice to see you back blogging- I will look forward to seeing your beautiful quilt and reading about stories of Evangelina and your children.
So sorry to hear of your losses- you have my sincere condolences in the passing of two special people.
Warmest regards,
Anna
Yeah! I’ve been thinking about you and hoping things were on the upswing! Happy New Year! xo
Yeah! I’ve been thinking about you and hoping things were on the upswing! Happy New Year! xo
Happy New Year! Im so glad you are back! Im so sorry that your 2011 was not the best, I can so relate. But now we are in a new year and new days. I cant wait to see what comes from your sewing room. :O)
Happy New Year! Im so glad you are back! Im so sorry that your 2011 was not the best, I can so relate. But now we are in a new year and new days. I cant wait to see what comes from your sewing room. :O)
I’m so happy you are back! I had a feeling something bad happened for you to stay away. I hope your husband is doing better and OUCH! I lost my best friend/co-worker suddenly 2 years ago and that was so hard to get over. Take care Nicole and wishing you and yours nothing, I mean NOTHING BUT THE BEST in 2012!
I’m so happy you are back! I had a feeling something bad happened for you to stay away. I hope your husband is doing better and OUCH! I lost my best friend/co-worker suddenly 2 years ago and that was so hard to get over. Take care Nicole and wishing you and yours nothing, I mean NOTHING BUT THE BEST in 2012!
Nicole it is so very good that you are “back”. Since you blogged so consistently knew something serious/overwhelming made you drop away. It’s been a couple years since I found and followed your blog but am not a blogger myself. I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by your attitude and every aspect of your blog — the dogs, family, quilting, etc. and should have commented so long ago. So very glad that your life is coming back together. Annette
Nicole it is so very good that you are “back”. Since you blogged so consistently knew something serious/overwhelming made you drop away. It’s been a couple years since I found and followed your blog but am not a blogger myself. I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by your attitude and every aspect of your blog — the dogs, family, quilting, etc. and should have commented so long ago. So very glad that your life is coming back together. Annette
It is good to see you back and looking forward to getting back to sewing again. I have found that with added responsibilities and/or time consuming responsibilities, the time I can find myself in the studio is even more precious and relaxing. Get to it!
It is good to see you back and looking forward to getting back to sewing again. I have found that with added responsibilities and/or time consuming responsibilities, the time I can find myself in the studio is even more precious and relaxing. Get to it!
Nicole,
I’m so glad that you are back. Last year sucked for a lot of us! I’m sorry you lost your MIL and your best friend.
Here’s to a better year this year for all of us!!! **raising glass of wine**
Big Hugs,
Pati
Nicole,
I’m so glad that you are back. Last year sucked for a lot of us! I’m sorry you lost your MIL and your best friend.
Here’s to a better year this year for all of us!!! **raising glass of wine**
Big Hugs,
Pati
Good to see you are back, I always enjoyed reading your blog. Here’s hoping 2012 is a great year for all of us!
Linda
Good to see you are back, I always enjoyed reading your blog. Here’s hoping 2012 is a great year for all of us!
Linda
Welcome back Nicole ! You were missed ! Wishing you a wonderful 2012
Welcome back Nicole ! You were missed ! Wishing you a wonderful 2012
Thank you for sharing your trials and tribulations. Life can be difficult. I am happy that you are chatting with us again.
Birth and death certainly put things into perspective.
Hope the husband has recovered from his fall.
Aging parents–well I have a soon to be 98 year old mother living with me and the husband. Fortunately, she has her mind and is still ambulatory even if she has to use a walker for stability.
Hugs to you for rolling with the punches.
You are our EverReady battery-“takes a licking, keeps on ticking(quilting).
Thank you for sharing your trials and tribulations. Life can be difficult. I am happy that you are chatting with us again.
Birth and death certainly put things into perspective.
Hope the husband has recovered from his fall.
Aging parents–well I have a soon to be 98 year old mother living with me and the husband. Fortunately, she has her mind and is still ambulatory even if she has to use a walker for stability.
Hugs to you for rolling with the punches.
You are our EverReady battery-“takes a licking, keeps on ticking(quilting).
Happy New Year, Nicole! It seems as though your misfortunes of the past year have turned into good plans for the new! I’m so happy you’re back and look forward to all your projects of 2012 and frequent photos of little Evangeline!
Cheers!
Happy New Year, Nicole! It seems as though your misfortunes of the past year have turned into good plans for the new! I’m so happy you’re back and look forward to all your projects of 2012 and frequent photos of little Evangeline!
Cheers!
I was glad to see you back on my reader list. This year is definitely one to forget (except for that beautiful girl). Hopefully 2012 will bring us all better days.
I was glad to see you back on my reader list. This year is definitely one to forget (except for that beautiful girl). Hopefully 2012 will bring us all better days.
Nicole, I’m so sorry for your losses and set-backs this year. That new baby and Ahren finding happiness have to be the bright side for all of you! I’m looking forward to seeing some new quilty projects in the coming months! You always find the best patterns to inspire your followers!!
Nicole, I’m so sorry for your losses and set-backs this year. That new baby and Ahren finding happiness have to be the bright side for all of you! I’m looking forward to seeing some new quilty projects in the coming months! You always find the best patterns to inspire your followers!!
I am so happy to read new posts from you – you have been missed! I hope that this year will bring you many good fortunes!
I am so happy to read new posts from you – you have been missed! I hope that this year will bring you many good fortunes!
Glad you are back to blogging Nicole, missed ya. Wishing you & yours all the best in 2012!
Glad you are back to blogging Nicole, missed ya. Wishing you & yours all the best in 2012!
It’s great to read about your quilting plans Nicole and glad you can share the other things going on in your life.
It’s great to read about your quilting plans Nicole and glad you can share the other things going on in your life.
Nicole- I like your style. You are a great role model as far as moving on from the past and making a clean start. Sometimes that is the only thing to do. I am happy to know we will be hearing and seeing more from you this year. Happy 2012 to you and yours.
Nicole- I like your style. You are a great role model as far as moving on from the past and making a clean start. Sometimes that is the only thing to do. I am happy to know we will be hearing and seeing more from you this year. Happy 2012 to you and yours.
Ah Nicole, I can surely sympathize with you. 2011 has been a tough year on us as well. I lost my Mom, my husband lost his MOm and we lost an extremely close friend…all in 6 months. Our cottage was burglarized with severe losses. Money flew out the window with renos…well you get the idea, but like you I try to focus on what we have not what we lost. I must say I have missed you and your ever delightful posts. Welcome back and here’s to a better year for all of us.
Ah Nicole, I can surely sympathize with you. 2011 has been a tough year on us as well. I lost my Mom, my husband lost his MOm and we lost an extremely close friend…all in 6 months. Our cottage was burglarized with severe losses. Money flew out the window with renos…well you get the idea, but like you I try to focus on what we have not what we lost. I must say I have missed you and your ever delightful posts. Welcome back and here’s to a better year for all of us.
So great to see you back in action! Looking forward to a better year!
So great to see you back in action! Looking forward to a better year!
It seems crazy to say….but thanks for coming back. I love your blog. I’ve never met you but I feel like I was missing an old friend. Not much over a year ago my Mom was faced with caring for her 90 year old mother. I watched her slowly become overwhelmed beyond the breaking point with health care, prescriptions, home care, bathing issues, dietary….all of a sudden with no warning she found herself needing to become an expert at everything “geriatric.”. She loved her Mom and did it all selflessly with a spirit of service but I saw her grow weary. I have so much respect for people such as yourself who step up to the plate to help care for a loved one. I hope you know what a gift you are.
It seems crazy to say….but thanks for coming back. I love your blog. I’ve never met you but I feel like I was missing an old friend. Not much over a year ago my Mom was faced with caring for her 90 year old mother. I watched her slowly become overwhelmed beyond the breaking point with health care, prescriptions, home care, bathing issues, dietary….all of a sudden with no warning she found herself needing to become an expert at everything “geriatric.”. She loved her Mom and did it all selflessly with a spirit of service but I saw her grow weary. I have so much respect for people such as yourself who step up to the plate to help care for a loved one. I hope you know what a gift you are.
Glad you’re back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you’re back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wishing and hoping that 2012 will by one of the best years EVER! You have been sorely missed and I’m so happy you are back and moving on!
Pam
Wishing and hoping that 2012 will by one of the best years EVER! You have been sorely missed and I’m so happy you are back and moving on!
Pam
I’m just so glad you’e back! Is it weird that I have been praying for you, a lady I’ve never met, and only know through a quilting blog??? 🙂
I’m just so glad you’e back! Is it weird that I have been praying for you, a lady I’ve never met, and only know through a quilting blog??? 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing! I was so worried about you! I am hopeful for this New Year Too!!
Thanks so much for sharing! I was so worried about you! I am hopeful for this New Year Too!!
So glad your baaaaaack!!!!! I’ve mised you!! Amie in Tn. :o))))))))
So glad your baaaaaack!!!!! I’ve mised you!! Amie in Tn. :o))))))))