Wednesday, December 29, 2010

For the New Year....

New Years day is usually pretty bittersweet for me.
It marks the new day of a new year full of new adventures.
A time to rethink things and think about the coming days ahead and how I want to see myself in the those days and months.

I look forward to it every year for that reason.

However, it also marks the day that my Papa passed away.
January 1, 1997 he went home to Heaven to meet his Lord and Savior and to be with my Grammy and his family, he would have been 90 that year.

I miss them both so very much.

This isn't a post about that particular day, that, I may share another time, but I wanted you to know what the first day of the new year means to me and that is a big part of it.

Ok,

Before I share with you my personal and project goals for the new year I wanted to share this....

All the Christmas stuff was down and put away except for the tree.

I saved it for last because of this..


Ummmmm, yeah....

can you see my dilemma??


Sooooo not working!!!!

So I quick went out and purchased this little life saver for $10.00!


The tree bag was the best $10.00 spent!!!!



Some of my goals......

I am really excited about the projects that I have in mind for 2011.

I would really like to make things simple as far as decorating and try to incorporate bigger punches into my decor.

Here are a few examples of what I mean..

This chair (the man chair) found its way into our living room after each child was born, after the last one it managed to stay.

I think it is about 100 years old!
Ok, not really, but it was my parents for a long time and my oldest is 12 so that is close to 100 years I think.

My goal is to replace it this year.


I have a few ideas swirling around my head for the mantel.


The white floor (sorry about the bad picture) is great.
The fact that it is sub-flooring is not so great.

Hopefully this year we can add a real floor!


And then there is my daughters room.
I made a promise to her a while ago,
you can read about that here,

and still have kept that promise, but things are progressing a little slower than expected.

I do know that we will be starting off on the right foot in the new year and hopefully we can get moving on her room..

I have ALOT of ideas for her little beach retreat!!


As far as personal goals go I want to simplify, simplify, simplify!

2010 seemed to be very busy for me and things got out of control.

I would loose things,

forget things,

and just felt so overwhelmed at times that I would have mini panic attacks.

I want to cut out the extra noise in my life and listen to what really matters, be calm and soak in things around me that I love!

I want to take better care of myself and my family.

I want to be able to relax and go with the flow as best as I can.
I do consider myself a type A-, B+ personality;

easy going,

but still a little uptight on certain things.

I know that this isn't going to happen overnight and hopefully I will learn new and exciting things about myself and those that I love along the way..as you know it is the journey,

not the destination.


I also wanted to take a moment (I know this post is really LONG, sorry!! )
to thank you all for joining me on my journey and encouraging me, inspiring me and guiding me along the way.

I have met some incredible people in blogland, developed friendships that will last a lifetime and just plain enjoyed all of you wonderful and talented ladies and gentleman!

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

THANK YOU!


I look forward to another inspiring year with all of you!!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!


46 comments:

Val said...

I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the upcoming year!!! Cheers to the best year ever!!!!!!! Hugs.

Seawashed said...

I look forward to seeing what you do. Though I do understand you missing your Papa the new year is still Happy because you know he is in the happiest place and you will be with him again!!!! That is happiness. He is with Jesus...what could be happier! ox`kerrie

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

I like the simplify idea. I am right there with you. I can't wait to see what you will do. I know it will be good. Happy New Year. I will think of you on the 1st. My mom died on the 5th.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I'm so glad that you have been able to stop some of the things that were making your life so hectic, Michelle. I remember when you were wondering whether to....and then you did!! Well done, you!

I'm so glad you had a great Christmas. I can't wait to see how you do your daughter's rooms. My childrrn's rooms are on my to-do list as well so I will be watching for inspiration!!

Sarahx

Low Tide High Style said...

First of all, I LOVE your profile pic!!! And your header! I'm sorry that New Year's is such a bittersweet time for you, but I can understand why. When we lose a loved one that day reminds us of that loss forever. Your goals for 2011 sound wonderful, especially the part about slowing down and simplifying...I hope to do that too!

Happy New Year my friend!

Kat :)

Lanette of Cottage Elements said...

Sarah, I love your post. The New Year gives us time to reflect and look back on the old, but look forward to and anticipate the future. I'm with you on simplifying my life this year. I had way more going on than I would like. Wishing you and your family a blessed and prosperous New Year!

Lani

Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea said...

What a wonderful post. I'm sure you will achieve everything you dream of. I will be there a long the way to encourage you! May 2011 be your best year yet. Hugs,

René said...

It is understandable that the holiday is bitter sweet for you Michelle.

We share the same goals. Simplify. Soak it in. I felt a little frantic at times and I think the computer had much to do with it.


-Rene

Unknown said...

I loved this post. I am sorry about your Papa {we call ours grammy and papa as well!}. "I want to cut out the extra noise in my life and listen to what really matters, be calm and soak in things around me that I love!" This is a fantastic goal for us all. I am with you!

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

Ok, don't hate me for this, Michelle, but that chair has a LOT of potential! Is it comfortable? Are you going to through it away? If you've answered yes to both questions then it sounds like the perfect candidate for a reupholstery challenge/lesson!! I have an "experimemt" chair too. We can tackle it via blog together. Whatta ya say, pal?

Joyce - Quilted Nest said...

One day at a time my dear. Sometimes one moment at a time. I so know - I stress quicker than some people...so I've have had to learn my 'pace' and priorities as well. Looking forward to a good year as we connect in blogland.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Sounds like a fabulous 2011, I can't wait!!!
Happy New year!!!
love
Kristin

dedeetsyshop said...

Hope your New Year brings you lots of Joy! Happy belated Merry Christmas too! Don't forget to enter my give-away! :)

Allie said...

Hi! I found your blog on a link party yesterday... I saw your pics of Lake Michigan! I am not sure where you are at, but I live over by East Bay in Traverse City. I was so excited to find your cute blog! (Please don't judge my blog) I really am not a blogger... Just a follower of many! So glad to find a Michigan Beach lover! True Serendipity! Love your Blog! Allie

Anonymous said...

You have a great year ahead and a great outlook! I have a healthy appreciation for your goals. Wonderful! I agree with slowing down and simplifying. As I reflect over the year... I'm wondering where it went. Time to slow down.

You have such a gentle and sweet spirit! Will be fun to see what changes you have in store for the New Year. The chair would make a good slipcover project. I think it looks comfy and has good bones. So not to break the relax and simplify goal but get busy, haha!

Best wishes to you and a very Happy New Year!{Hugs}

The Frosted Gardner said...

Michelle I just love reading your posts. They are so inspirational and encouraging. You are such a kind person and so thoughtful of others. I am so happy we became great friends through blogging! Funny that some of newest bestest friends - I have never actually met. Thank you for all that you are. I hope this next year brings you and your family much happiness!

Melanie

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Michelle...
Charming blog...
My maiden voyage here and enjoyed every minute...
Happy New Year to you and your family...I'm sure 2011 will be all you've anticipated.
Stop over when you have time...love to have you.
Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Vanessa said...

Hey sweet friend! I so hear you on the mini panic attacks and for some reason I found myself more spacey this year than usual...like going to the store with things written down on my list and still not managing to get them into my cart! How does that happen? :-) Anyway, you sound like you are focusing your energy in the right direction and not putting too much pressure on yourself. I have so enjoyed connecting with you over these last few months and have treasured your friendship. You are the real deal! I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for you!
Much love,
Vanessa

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Thanks so much for sharing your loss and hope for the new year Michelle! I am so sorry about your Papa.It is so good to know he is with his love in heaven right now though.I lost my grampa almost 7 years ago and he was born Jan 1st.Bittersweet indeed. Wishing you all the best for the new year my friend! Hugs, Rachel

Fishtail Cottage said...

Happy New Year to you! i'm laughing at the "daughters room" i too have that delima (but with two girls) - it keeps getting pushed out because we can't agree...lol (their ideas, my money) - i will say you have some fantastic decorating goals & i cannot wait to see what you do. Sorry to hear of your loss on a holiday like New Years...i can appreciate the loss of someone too on that day. For us, New Years Day will never be the same...Hugs to you!
~tracie

Amy Kinser said...

Hey girl...I love the goals you have set for yourself. I agree about simplifying. That has become part of my life for the last couple of years and it feels good. Very freeing!

I pray you will have a wonderful upcoming year. I pray it is full of blessing after blessing after blessing.

So happy to know you and to be friends.

Lara said...

I want to cut out the extra noise in my life and listen to what really matters, be calm and soak in things around me that I love!
~ This is such a wonderful plan.. this is the way I want to live, too. :)

I want to take better care of myself and my family.
~ :)

I want to be able to relax and go with the flow as best as I can.
I do consider myself a type A-, B+ personality;
easy going,
but still a little uptight on certain things.

I consider myself an type A- and a B+ also. I'm not into routines, strict mean planning, doing dishes right away after each meal, ect but I am pretty uptight on the way I like laundry done, the colors that enter into my home, the flowers I put in the garden, ect. I've been dwelling on decor goals, plans & personal goals for the new year as well. :) Your new pic is real cute!

High Street Cottage said...

Wow Michelle you've been busy! Thank you for all the support this year. Starting a new blog is not easy, and you, may not realize, just how much your comments are appreciated to a girl like me. Hugs and kisses, tami

Simple Home said...

It's bittersweet for us to at this time of year too...my mil passed away on O1-02-03.
I'm looking forward to all of your projects for the coming year.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Blessings,
Marcia

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

I can relate; I'm not sure how I'm going to pack up all of this Christmas decor!!

Can't wait to see all that you do in 2011! I'm your newest follower!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

we used to have one of those tree bags too and they are wonderful!
I think you've set some wonderful goals for 2011. Our family has talked about wanting to simplify too. Not sure how yet, but if we pray God will show us how.
Of course I can't wait to et to peek in on your decorating adventues during 2011. You are such a sweet talented lady and I'm blessed to have "met" you in blogland.
Happy New Year!!!!!!

Silvia C said...

You have such a fun blog! I found you through Castles, Crowns, and Cottages. Great plans for 2011. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

GOOD MORNING MICHELLE!!! You have many goals and SO DO I! May all your plans come to pass, and just take one day at a time. I sometimes feel like a "failure" if I can't get things done, but if I get at least ONE thing done a day, all is NOT LOST! You have great ideas and just attack! LOVELY MANTEL!!! Anita

The Single Nester said...

It is so hard losing people around the holidays. I lost my mom a week before Christmas and anniversary always feels as if it were like yesterday. I wish you many happy moments in 2011. Thank you for being my bloggy friend :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

And I look forward to reading you 2011! I'm one of those people that easily get sensory-overload. Being out in traffic, listening to many cell phones, crowds, malls. So I simplify by ordering a lot of things online and avoiding it when I can. It makes a big difference in my anxiety level. But then I'm one of those people that can listen to silence all day! Happy New Years!
Brenda

Unknown said...

I'm looking for a chair just like that to recover for my 3rd baby's room! Blessings to you as you begin 2011 and remember your loved ones in a special way.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh, Michelle - I feel closer to you with your post today. ♥ So bittersweet....I just want to hug you. :) I've found that as each year goes by, I cut out more and more noise from my life. When I was making those clay tags, there was no noise in the house. No music. No TV. No people. It was bliss. I'm learning to like the peace and quiet more and more because I can talk to God and listen to him better. :) And I find myself praying for others more often as I'm crafting. I just love it.... :) Looking forward to hearing about you breathing new life into that chair and your mantel, and watching you transform your daughter's room. I know they will all be beautiful ---- just like your new profile pic! ♥ Happy New Year, sweets!

xoxo laurie

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

i love the last pic~so sweet!!! thx for your comment~so excited to try my SUP!! hugs, Cathy

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Michelle, so nice to meet you, I have just stopped by your blog for the first time. I love your post and it seems we have a lot in common. I would love to simplify my life in 2011 as well as I have a list of projects around the house that I want to get done as well, it feels a little like an oxymoron doesn't it...simplify as well as do, do, do :)
Blessings,
Valerie

Unknown said...

OMG, I cannot wait to show your post to Mr. Deer! Our tree looks EXACTLY like that right now, sitting in the foyer. But the problem is, we can't find a tree bag anywhere! Yikes! Very jealous of your nice tree bag, and I hope you have the happiest of New Year's! XX!

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Michelle, what a lovely post full of honesty and optimism:)
I hope that 2011 brings you great joy and that you are able to reach all your goals~ be they personal or creative:)
xo,
paula:)

Libbie said...

Hey Michelle! You are on the ball! Getting it all put away! I need to pick up one of those bags! I only decotae with garlnd, lights, & trees & I could shove a lot of garalnd into one of thse babies :) I usually am a "the day after" rip down girl but since the New Year's Eve party is here tonight...guess what I will be doing tomorrow :)

I do hope all your dreams & wishes come true this year!!! Let's make sure we dream big! :) Take care & have a fun night!
Lib

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Sweet Michelle! May God grant you all of His wonderful blessings on YOU and your loved ones! Yes, I so look forward to more connections with you and you are a wonderful friend!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!Anita

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

DEAREST MICHELLE! THANK YOU for coming on over for a visit this first fine day of January! It is blustery cold out, snow falling, and I am feeling sleepy. I think I shall take the luxury afforded to me for the moment and take a nap! I hope your new year will be filled with my rest, peace and FUNNNNNN! You are a charm...I love your blog! Anita

Kristin said...

dear sweet michelle...keeping you in my thoughts and prayers this first day of the year, you are absolutely *amazing* and i cannot wait to see where your goals take you this year...*thank you* SO much for the support and friendship...i am SO blessed to have {met} you!!

prairie hugs,
kristin

High Street Cottage said...

Michelle, I just stopped back by to say a big thank you for your kind support of my blog this past year. Your thoughtful comments are so very much appreciated, and have not gone unnoticed. I'm so grateful for kind people as yourself, xoxo tami

koralee said...

Just found your sweet blog....so glad I did. I had to laugh at your image of the tree and the box..I can so relate.

Sending you sweet blessings for 2011. xo

Noble Vintage said...

I look forward to seeing more of your projects this year Michelle! You continually amaze me with your constant words of encouragement- not just to me, but so many blog friends! I hope you have a wonderful new year!

Farmgirl Paints said...

What a great post Michelle. Love your word exhale. I think that is perfect for you. I seem to have the same theme going on in me. I want to simplify too...declutter...gain some serenity. I just redid my daughter's room over break. Can't wait to see what you come up with:)

beachhouse etc. said...

hey Michelle
just got on your blog via simple daisy love that you live in Michigan and want to do the beach vibe listen guuurrrl it is so freeing ...all i can say ...is...when in doubt paint it white you will never never want to go back...come visit me i'm a designer and getting ready to do a beach bag giveaway I haven't posted in 6 months as I have been in design mode but come on over to my beachhouse that's not on the beach... although I am a litttle closer since I am in South Florida but hey my parents were from Michigan and Chicago and I grew up in Charlotte NC sso oooo what can I say but ...Happy New Sunny Beacyhy Year to you suzanne

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

I can relate to your need to simplify! I too feel buried some days, and I know it contributes to forgetfulness and tension in my life. Simplify is my mantra this year too!

You have such a beautiful spirit. I know I have been MIA lately...just did a post tonight though. Forgive me my friend. I've missed our little chats.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails