Rosie. Like you didn't already know that.
She's a little rough with her toys, especially with the new ones, and she takes "durability testing" very seriously. It's a good thing I have a sewing machine, isn't it?
I know it's January 10th and I'm a little late with the New Year's wishes but I do have them! Happy New Year! Here's hoping that 2012 brings you the best that life has to offer. Or enough to keep you happy and sane.
Life here is going well though I'm still trying to figure out some kind of routine or schedule. Isn't it odd how you don't miss continuity and routine until you don't have it? And like a lot of folks, I'm thinking about the year past and the year ahead.
This past year was a bit of a challenge and I felt like I dropped more balls than [insert name of your favorite sports' teams most famous goat]. I became a real-life version of snail mail, and I fell behind with things that really mattered to me like saying "thank you" to folks for their kindnesses. Diversions I enjoyed fell by the wayside because of time demands, and I found myself being less than patient when it shouldn't have mattered. But when I think about my whole year - my "balance sheet" for the year -- I'm not complaining. I promise. (It's just a little whine.) I'm still well in the black because I learned that I had friends I could truly count on, and my belief in the wonderfulness of my brother was confirmed when he re-arranged his schedule to come stay with my Mom more than once. And because of that, I enjoyed a few adventures.
So life is still good.
And this year... it's time to make some changes. I've thought a lot this past year about "what's next?" Direction.
That's my word for this year. Or one of them. As with anything like that, I have a really hard time picking just one.
Another one is "risk". No, I'm not taking up sky-diving... though I would like to do that at least once. I think actually stepping out of a working airplane would be the hardest part... but I could be wrong.
One of the biggest challenges I've had is finding the balance between creative decisions and business decisions. The questions are simple, and the answers aren't easily answered. At least I haven't found that to be the case. Am I making the quilts I want to make, or am I making the quilts I think other people want? Am I challenging myself, or am I just trying to remake something I've already done?
To keep myself on track -- and to give you an idea of the conclusions I came to -- I wrote a quote on the chalkboard in my workroom.
I don't know how it will all turn out but no matter what happens, I will survive the process. As my friend Ginger is fond of saying -- Cinderella had to go to the ball to meet the Prince.
(Related to that sky-diving thing... here's another favorite quote -- If at first you don't succeed... sky-diving is not for you.)
Just so you know... yes, I wrote the little card. But more on that Friday.
I dropped that ball last year too. But it's a new year, I've got a clean slate this year and I can only get better, right?
Carrie, Happy 2012 ahead. I am going to make you an honorary Cantabrian because its was REALLY hard making decisions here in Christchurch last year because of all of the earthquakes we have been having and I think it sounds like you had to get past a few rumbles also. Go to it Carrie and design quilts for yourself, isn't that what your very first quilts were all about? Don't make them to suit others, thats not what its all about, make 2012 all about you (and Rosie and your Mum of course).
You go girl from your
New Zealand QBFF.... Deb xx
big snuggle for Rosie from us, we lost our baby late last year and miss those snuggles.
Posted by: Deb | January 11, 2012 at 01:31 AM
Don't be so hard on yourself! Make the quilts you want to make and we are all going to want to make them too!
Here's to a great year and making all the right decisions for YOU!
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | January 11, 2012 at 02:15 AM
I am learning to let each day bring what it will, but also not to stop optimistically planning for the best. Also, not to permit my responsibilities to suck up all my "me" time!
Posted by: Nicole | January 11, 2012 at 07:46 AM
I'm continuing with the 'sane & happy' routine but searching for time for things I enjoy. It's been a huge struggle - as you already know.
Be you, my dear friend.
Posted by: Darlene | January 11, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Follow your heart and it will always lead you in the right direction! If it feels wrong, it is wrong. Two quotes from my Grannie:)
Posted by: Shelley dionne | January 11, 2012 at 09:51 AM
Carrie, I pray that your 2012 brings you joy, happiness, and contentment like you've never known before! BTW, I love your handwriting. Kd :)
Posted by: Kd | January 11, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Yes, happy 2012. Since I just finished everything I was supposed to finish in 2011, I am feeling the clean slate theme too...feels good...I'm not behind on anything yet! Love your words, too. Direction and risk are both good. I wish I could narrow it down to one...but haven't been able to yet. Have a great day!
Posted by: sherri | January 11, 2012 at 10:49 AM
Carrie, I found that I spent a lot of my time last year worrying about things that I thought I would need to address in the near future and all that worrying was for nothing. God had other plans. So enjoy your Mom and the time you have with her and do the things you enjoy doing together. Life is short. I agree with Kathie whatever quilts you choose to make we will love them too. Afterall, who had ever heard of Schnibbles before you came up with them?? Hugs, Diane
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawl4Fn4W8Ls4ptrIO-5DDJPf7AbNjtQePVc | January 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM
I think you are being to hard on yourself. You had a lot of balls that you weren't expecting to juggle. Look at it this way "Life has a way of humbling you". Just when you think you have everying under control another "ball" is thrown. Hang in there. You are doing great!
Marge
Posted by: Marge Davies | January 11, 2012 at 02:31 PM
Whoa - go easy. When you do just that it's amazing what can happen.
Fiona says 'hi' to Rosie too!
Take care!
Posted by: Byrd | January 11, 2012 at 03:39 PM
I've been thinking along the same lines, Carrie, as I embark on a new project this year. It's tough when you turn something you love into your business. Do I do what I think will sell? I've decided to err on the side of being true to myself and whatever happens, happens. Best to you in 2012!
Posted by: Cindy | January 11, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Happy New Year Carrie!
I'm looking forward to challenging myself to jump out of my box this year and being true to myself. I can't wait to see what you come up with too!!!
Posted by: Wendy | January 12, 2012 at 06:55 AM
Happy 2012, I hope lots of wonderful things are in store for you and your family and that you get some time to be creative just for you..
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | January 12, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Happy 2012 to you! Do what makes you happy!
Posted by: Carol | January 12, 2012 at 02:05 PM
I learned a long time ago that there was only one me, I can't be someone else, I can't sew or teach just like that "perfect" person because I am me. Be happy with who you are and make worthy quilts that are you! Enjoy your mom and Rosie as life is short. Memories last forever and time goes by way too so fast. Enjoy those morning talks at breakfast and that slobbery toy in your lap when you wanted to sew. Good luck with your decisions and I am betting that once you make them life will get so much better. I hate the process of deciding! I will be thinking of you often as I always do. Take care!
Posted by: Jane | January 15, 2012 at 06:54 PM