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Saturday, January 1, 2011

TIME MARCHES ON...

A New Years Prayer
-Anonymous-
Dear Lord, please give me…
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humor;
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of the presence of God;
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come.
Amen.


It seems like 2010 just marched right on by and now we are stepping across the threshold of a brand new year. I always feel excited at what possibilities a new year might hold. Oh, I am not Pollyanna enough to think that there won't be a few bumps along the way but I prefer to focus on the happy moments in life. 2010 was no exception, there were plenty of bumps and lots and lots of happy!I thought it might be fun to look back over this last year of blogging and share my 2010 memorable or meaningful blog moments...

From January 2010 my favorite reflective moment was documented in Reflections of the Land of My Heart, a post that traces my footsteps of healing the heart and coming to terms with grief and loss...From February 2010 came possibly the craziest tutorial in the history of blogdom, Going Nuts, a tutorial that shows how to turn pistachio nut shells into mini bird eggs for using in art projects...From March 2010 came one of the most fun swaps I have ever done, a Collaborative Birdhouse. Diane Knott and I swapped pieces of projects we had started and then finished the project and returned it. This was hands down one of my favorite things I created this year...In April 2010 I hit one of those bumps in the road and was tossed out of my studio space into a new one plus our lives were rapidly changing, empty nest, change of job, extended family turmoil, lingering sickness, etc. and my angst came out in my reaction to saying, Bye-Bye Midsummers Dream Blue, Hello Red Calico...May 2010 was a toss up between pivotal moments of learning the art of Blending Beauty when life is messy... And the Trans-farm-ation and healing that takes place over the span of time and space...June 2010 was a very slim posting month, I had an extended bout of sickness but roused enough to share a few Birthday Musings to mark the beginning of my 47th year...July 2010 found me making peace with my circumstances in My Gifts from the Sea...
and fostering The Fruit of Friendship...August 2010 found me looking at the lighter side of life while stepping away from the studio for what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend away in You Might be a Die Hard Crafter If...September 2010 was the last delectable sip of summer spending A Simple Silly Day at the Farm before autumn set in...October 2010 was another one of those months with a bump in the road of life when I found humor in having My Nose a Little Out of Joint...November 2010 finally saw the fruit of my labor, after months of being sick, suffering from an allergic reaction to a wasp sting, getting bit by a brown recluse, and a ton of other setbacks I found myself making friends with my new studio and now consider it A Sweet Place to Dream...December 2010 wrapped up one crazy year, another bout of sickness and a couple of allergic reactions later was about more Christmas drama than I cared to experience and then a mouse ate my Christmas tree, I had to have lots of naps and NyQuil, ending up with the most bizarre Christmas display to date here at the Quill, A Romantic Naturalist Melange Hillbilly Chic Kind of Christmas...In a lot of ways this was a rough year here at the Quill but there were so many joys to offset the sorrows, one of those being the friendships I have formed here in the land of blog and the amazing support and encouragement that is ever present. It has been my joy and privilege to spend a year with you all.

And how is 2011 fairing so far? It began with a bang, literally, fireworks going off on the horizon, brilliant sparks of colors peppering the midnight sky. It went from brilliant to bizarre upon waking this morning from a super strange dream, let's just say that watching a show about a CIA operative, marshmallow fluff, Krazy glue, and pink fuzzy bunny slippers are a few things I should never be exposed to before sleep and leave it at that.

We had a beautiful sunny but cold day today in which I spent some time wandering around flea markets and procuring a few treasures and rounding out the day by looking back over my blogging year. There is usually a lot of crazy here at the Quill but this was just a quite reflective ordinary day with a pleasant surprise of a sweet little dream that is unfolding between the January issue of these pages...So January 2011 is off to a good start. You will find no resolutions here only hope for better tomorrows, joys that outweigh any sorrows, and wishes and prayers for grace to bear whatever this new year might hold. Praying this year will be the best you have ever experienced with your very own little dreams unfolding between the pages of your life book!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


18 comments:

Tina said...

Happy New Year Dear Sandy. I hope this new year will be am amzing one for you filled with lots of peace and joy. Wishing all the best for you and are looking forward to share it with you my sweet friend.
XOXO Tina

Dorthe said...

Dear Sandy,
Reading your thoughts of your year gone- I can only pray and hope for you, this new one will bring you every thing else ,than sorrow-everything else, than pain and everything else than problems.
So I wish for you a happy ,blessed and love giftet year, with joy and laughfter.
Thankyou for your alwayes beautifull blog, that I love to visit.
Hugs,Dorthe

LiLi M. said...

My New Year's wishes for you and your family are already in the previous posts' comments. Do I understand it right that you are in Somerset Life? I told you so!!!! A great start of 2011!

Desires of the Heart said...

Hi Sandy,
Enjoyed your sentiments about the past year and the hopes but acceptance of what is to come. It really is not in "our" hands, is it? The older I get, the more I realize this. The past year for me has been one of trial also, but I am pressing on with hopes of a more positive and contented one ahead. I hope your health is much, much better in 2011. That is one thing that truly affects everything else and one I'm afraid I take for granted more than I should. Thank you for your beautiful blog!!! It inspires me to keep on keeping on so many days. Wishing for you in 2011every blessing your heart desires. Linda

Beth Leintz said...

Sandy- A happy new year to you- In 2010 I felt like I got to know you better and I'm so glad I did. Here's to sharing more art, inspiration and friendship in 2011.

Claudia said...

Happy New Year, Sandy. May the coming year bring you health and happiness and tons of creativity!

xo
Claudia

time worn interiors said...

Happy New Year to you and yours! I know for a fact 2011 is gonna be the best year yet! Stand tall!
Theresa
aka:tot

Unknown said...

Miss Sandy,
I thank you for your blog in 2010.
I have been so inspired by you and happy that you are just a button/click away.
I have loved your trips to the farm and such.
Thanks for sharing of yourself, and your creativity.
Congrats on the Somerset article, much deserved.
Happy new year
Michele

Sonya Badgley said...

Hi Sandy,
It was fun reminising with you. You already know I love coming to visit. Praying for you and your family, that this will be the best year yet, for health, happiness and God's peace.
God bless you my friend,
Sonya

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Happy Blog New Year! Hope it is a good year for you!!

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Good Morning Sandy;
What a Beautiful Post. Thank You so Much for Sharing!Congratulations on being Published! What a Wonderful Way to the New Year!
Many Blessings to you in this Coming New Year!
Hugs
Jill

Marianne said...

Happy New Year Sandy.
I want you to know how much I love your blog. It is in my top tem favorites and I read every word you write.
I look forward to another year of Quill Cottage and You.
Love,
Marianne

Robin said...

I love the New Years prayer you posted Sandy! Congrats on your publication in Somerset Life....can't wait to get my hands on a copy so I can see your beautiful work. Have a wonderful 2011.

Hugs,
Robin

Vee said...

You did have quite the year now didn't you?! I feel as if I have been right there with you for much of it. What a wonderful thing this Blogdom is. Do you realize that we are entering our fourth year of bloggy friendship? Looking forward to many, many more, too. Happy New Year to you and yours!

GerryART said...

The best of 2010 is that it is behind us.
Looking forward to the rest of 2011

Warm hugs,
Gerry

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Sandy,

I hope that 2011 will be a great year for you and the best ever.
Glad that the old year is over and so much to look forward to.
It has been great to find you and your blog and I look forward to visiting this year.
Happy New Year!

Hugs
Carolyn

vikki said...

~♥Hi Ms Sandy...it has been awhile since I have commented, but do follow your blog & soo enjoy it! I painted some nut shells with g'son around Easter & also used the Easter egg dye on the seam binding for different colors! I also have made a bird {on my list to make more} & I am soo grateful/thankful to you for your kind sharing & caring! I soo enjoyed your year in review...so pray that this year will be healthier & hold lots of joy & many creative visions for you. I love your lovely art work & 'dreams' that you made is one of my faves, along with many others! I am so happy for you for your somerset article! It is an awesome feeling isn't it? I was recently published in the somerset studio gallery! I am soo humbled & honored to be in such creative company! I thank God everyday for his creative kiss He has blessed me with. I still read the lil' book you recommended~Jesus calling & yesterday blogged about my Christian planner God*Given*Abilities... we are soo blessed! thank*U for being a part of my life, you are in my thoughts & prayers.{even if i do not always comment} hugs & blessings,vikki♥~xoxo

Decor To Adore said...

I think your 2010 collection of posts was the most favorite I have seen all year. Perfect!

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled that you will be joining me on the carriage ride destined for Royal Wedding Wednesdays. When I hit the "publish" button I had a momentary feeling of panic that my post would be met with only the sound crickets chirping. It has been quite the opposite, so much so that I feel we have a kindred spirit/sisterhood sorority.

Here's to fairytales!

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