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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

Another year...gone...and another year to begin again.
A new beginning...this what New Year's brings....the chance to get it right, start over
a do over.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Day and 364 more wonderful days in 2013.
2013
Wow!

I've been away from the blog quite a bit the past few days...but wanted to review my past year
in blogging.

It was not as successful as I'd hoped.
I had many projects and plans that didn't happen.
Real life kept getting in the way.

I could think and do design, crafts and art 24/7.
But sometimes you MUST do other things not so fun.

Today I thought I'd go through this past year in posts and hit the highlights.
I started out in January 2012 by adding a new pup to my life.
Henry Franklin Longfellow or just Franklin.
That was one project begun and finished, successfully.
Actually he's a project in progress..he gets better and better...he's a sweetie pie.
I finally got all the bottles I needed for my spice rack and showed it off in 
late January. See post here.

Then I got lost in a few months of working two jobs and being miserable.
Once I quit one of the jobs...things started to look up.
After obsessing about hutches turned into potting benches....I ventured out to 
find one for myself.
Here is the tale of my Craigslist adventure.

But...when Mom came up one day she declared that my hutch was just what she'd 
been looking for to go in her back breakfast room. I gave her the hutch.
So...
Back to hunting on Craigslist again and soon I found this one for me...
I liked the size of this one better anyway.
The plan was to paint it and have fun styling it this summer.
But I soon learned my friend Shannon was very ill and my free time
went out the window while I kept her company.
Time very well spent as I lost her last week.
I cherish all the time I spent with her this last year.
At least I don't have regrets about not being with her.

Ugly truth is...this hutch has now been in my breakfast nook for 6 months
in the way. It's waiting to be painted before I put it outside.
I am very tired of walking around it. 
Very sick of it.
So are the dogs.

This hutch must be a priority to paint this winter...so I can put it out this spring.
So that is Project Number One for 2013.
I did make myself a few seashell topped bottles for my fireplace mantel this past summer.
I love projects like this...I just didn't have any spare time for stuff like this in 2012.
I better have time to implement my ideas in 2013.
Life is not fun for me unless I'm making stuff.
See the tutorial on how to make these ...here.
I was lucky and found 30 plus doilies at a flea market to make myself a doily table runner.
When I went to make it...I could not find the sack of them.
I threw them away accidentally when cleaning the kitchen.
Darn....maybe I'll find a bunch again this year.
Project delayed...
I restyled my open kitchen shelves.
See here.
I did this in preparation for showing my new kitchen island.
Bad Craigslist photo.
I took the table top extensions off and added wheels.
I stalled when I couldn't come up with a countertop for 0 money.
I planned on showing this anyway on the blog but my
kitchen seemed to always be messy when I had the light to do it or I was rushing off somewhere.

Project to be continued...
photo of Franklin from later in the summer. 
He is a scamp. A precious scamp.
Hopefully, there will be more time to photograph dogs this year.
By late summer I was getting desperate for some change in my decor.
On a whim I moved this large outside planter inside in front of the dining room window.
I really like it there flanked by shutters given to me by my friend, Deidra.
Another painting project to come...painting those shutters.
Deidra is moving back to my neighborhood...I hope she doesn't want her shutters back.
Hmmm...I better ask her before I paint them.
I did find the time...or made the time to do this painting for my good friend KC.
She actually commissioned me to do it.
That is why I got it done. She paid me, so I had to.

I still have another painting to do for someone else.
It should have been done by Christmas but I didn't get to plan my schedule much this year.
Best laid plans and all....

But I did have a great time creating this painting and am looking forward to being much more creative in 2013.

I have started the New Year with a bang.
I ordered this yesterday at Pier 1.
I'd been wanting it forever for the living room to use as a coffee table.
It was on sale for $199.99.
I used my Pier 1 Christmas bucks (they give us $50 as bonus at Christmas) plus I won a few contests
at the store too and then a friend gave me a Pier 1 gift card.
With my discount and after all that...it was only $30 out of my pocket and it was mine!
Mine all mine!!!!
I've been wanting a tufted ottoman ever since viewing "The Holiday" years ago but they are always so expensive. 
But the one at Pier 1 is not. 
I think it's going to be the perfect addition to my living room.

I will be recovering it.
I love those legs but my living room has so many legs....I'm betting this is going to get a skirt
because you know...too many legs in a room makes a room jittery.
No one wants a nervous room.

But we'll see.

I'm thinking I'll recover in a velvet similar to above but not sure.

Perhaps a slipcover so I can change it out easily.

That's a good start for the New Year....don't you think?

And a newly repaired Mom...a pretty good start.

Oh...and I have a plan to make my Aunt Jane move to my neighborhood.
I just have to convince her.

I know she would love it here.

She has been so sad since losing her daughter and I think moving near me...is just 
the new start she needs.

Now I just have to convince her.
When I called and told her of my plan...which included the house that I've already picked.
The house will soon be on the market and we'll have first shot at it.

She just said..."Oh..my!"
She just laughed as I told her the plan for the rest of her life.
I am so sure this is what Shelly would want.
But it was an uneasy laugh.
I think she thinks I am just slightly suggesting...and joking.
But I am not...this is what I am positive needs to happen for her.

Now I just have to get my Aunt Jane to sell her house...buy a house by me and 
have a new beginning.

I'm crossing my fingers.
When this delightful, fantastic, crazy idea came to me....I thought 
Shelly would want this. I know she would.
Now I just have to get Jane to do it.

I blew off Mod Mix Monday this week....just could not get to it.

I'll start anew next Monday.

I'm sure some of you are wondering how I can be so cheerful after all that has happened of late.
Well, I just cannot be sad any more. I'm happy my Mom will be good again.

I've wasted enough time being sad over things I cannot change.
There is nothing I can do to make the past different but I can make the future different 
and that is what I plan to do.


Happy New Year!!!

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31 comments:

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Awesome attitude and an amazing niece. Here's to a great 2013!
Karen

Alison said...

Good on you.....an interesting Australian saying, but I think it is quite appropriate. All the best for 2013. I love reading your blog.

Maria Elena said...

Beautiful post! Happy New Year!

An Urban Cottage said...

Happy New Year, Nita!

Cindi Myers said...

I'm so Happy reading this post!
So much adventure ahead.
I can't wait to see and read what you come up with this year. :)
Sounds like your Aunt is in for a wild but fun ride. She's lucky to have you in her life. So am I.
xoxo - Cindi

Amy Chalmers said...

I love your can-do attitude! Its not about being stuck in the sad place...that does nobody any good. So happy you have the skip in your step back. Love the ottoman too. You could always paint it with chalk paint you know...but that wouldn't solve the legs issue.

LuvWheaties said...

I really enjoy your blog, and hope that you have a wonderful 2013. Take good care of yourself!

"Create Beauty" said...

Beautiful ottoman, love the round shape, and I can picture it with a skirt... quite pretty!

Franklin is such a sweet looking dog, what a blessing for you from last year, among the harder things.

Your painting is wonderful!!! I hope you will do more masterpieces in this new year.

Many could only wish for a friend like you, who would give up her own free time to bless and encourage.
You are starting out this year with no regrets in that category!

And as a daughter, I am sure your mother could (and does) rattle off all the wondrous beauties of Nita.

I am reading a book called, "Love Does" by Bob Goff. In it he talks about how love is not just something you feel but something you DO.

You do it well.

Blessings for 2013,
Violet

Modern Country Lady said...

Wishing you blessings of joy, peace and happiness in the new year!
xxxxxx

Connie said...

That joy you're feeling is based upon God's blessings on you and your mother. Happy New Year to you!

Debby said...

What a great way to start the New Year.....with a positive plan in place. I hope that your aunt goes for it. So glad that your mom is doing well. Love that face on Franklin. The ottoman is to die for.
I agree, you can only be sad so long. LIfe is too short. Those that we are sad for have moved on and in a good place.

NanaDiana said...

Nita- I love your change to such a positive attitude. It does us all good to "feel" you smiling again. You had some losses and sadness this year but also some pretty great blessings----and you are loved by many here- Happy, Happy 2013...and I hope you can convince your Auntie to move- xo Diana

Unknown said...

Sounds like a lovely plan for your aunt! Sometimes you just have to "be" happy. It's a choice like anything else. You make things beautiful, you make life beautiful too!

Ivy Lane said...

Seems to me you had a pretty good 2012~ and you are in for a great 2013!

Happy New Year!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Great attitude Nita! Things seem to be looking up. I truly believe we can choose happiness regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.
Happy New Year, Pam

Claudia Fabiana said...

Always a pleasure to visit your blog... Happy New Year!

ciao

Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life said...

A friend just posted this on facebook and I thought you would relate:

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.

T.S. Eliot

May your voice for 2013 be filled with joy & creativity!

Hugs from Chicago

Sharon

Unknown said...

A brand new Mom AND what an amazing bargain on that ottoman!! You ARE starting the new year on a positive note. If you need any help at all. ANY AT ALL...on making the ottoman cover, just let me know. I have this awesome new machine that sews so so well and I would LOVE to help you.

Adam Hazlett said...

A Joyous New Year, Nita!

S said...

I like your projects, and am happy your mom is on the mend...any news of the little dog you found?
I don't think I have accomplished much this year, it might be good to write them down (things I actually get done!)...I did replace a broken piece on a model ship yesterday, it made me feel good;)

Shannon Fox said...

I'm so glad your new baby has made you so happy. I am sure the time you spent with Shannon meant the world to her. Like you said, time you could never regret spending. If you were closer.. I would come paint that piece for you Nita!!! The new ottoman is darling. Velvet would be divine.


Happy New Year. Wishing you much joy in 2013.

24 Corners said...

You have much to be proud of Nita...especially the time you spent with your friend, the no regrets will be a life long comfort for you in her loss...and then there's sweet Franklin, he's so handsome, and I definitely see that Doxie twinkle in his eyes!
Thank you for all the inspiration both blog-wise and attitude-wise, Ginger and I send our love and best wishes for a very blessed 2013!
xo J~

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Nita! Thanks for the recap, I love the spice rack and your little Franklin, adoreable! Thanks for your kindness this year!Jen

Patty said...

Happy New Year Nita! Thanks for the encouraging post!

Sonia said...

Happy New Year Nita! Glad you have such fun plans for the 2013. We all have to have something to look forward to! Planning and dreaming is half the fun!
We really should go shopping and do lunch sometime!!
Miss Bloomers

Teresa said...

Nita- have a wonderful Happy New Year. Dream Big

Ricki Treleaven said...

LOVE the Dallas Open House! I think you accomplished some nice projects this year, and I love that ottoman. I like that it's round rather than square or rectangular. LOVE the print on it, too!

I wish I had $ left on my Summit gift card, but I spent it all @ Pier 1, LOL!

Happy New Year, Nita!

xo,
RJ

PS I wish you lived close to me because I'd love to hire you as a consultant for our kitchen. Your kitchen is one of my faves in Blogland! Nice to see the pretty spice racks again.

Unknown said...

Your attitude for the new year is simply infectous and now I am looking forward to the new year too.
Love the new ottoman but I could not quite see the fabric in your home, I was seeing velvet in blue or pink so I laughted at myself when you wrote you would be recovering. Good call.

Hope you mom is recovering quickly.

Traci

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

Happy New Year!

Miss Kitty said...

Nita, I have had a year of taking care of sick folks too and not getting a lot else accomplished but all we can do is all we can do. I really enjoyed reading your post, thanks for taking time to share it with us.

Anonymous said...

First time visiting your blog - beautiful by the way, and obviously don't know you but it is apparent from this post that you have a loving heart. Very touching. Melinda