Yesterday we looked back, and today we look forward. The making/learning/doing spaces are spiffed up and ready to go. We celebrated the new year last night with dear friends and much laughter, stories and fun. The food was delicious (and the mountain of dishes high). It couldn't have started in a nicer way.
We don't do resolutions around here, per se, but I do believe that having a day to begin new habits and intentions is beneficial. After a week of scrubbing up around here, we're ready to greet the new year with fresh faces and ideas.
Annika has quite a list of new things she'd like to learn this year. I can't wait to help her achieve her goals. Gunnar still needs to write his down - funny how when you're nearly 13, you don't want to take part in Mom's dorky rituals.
As for me - this is what I'd like to learn and accomplish this year
:: crochet a ripple blanket and a granny square afghan. The doll size ripple blanket is started and I think I've got it.
:: screenprinting - I want to screenprint my own fabrics for kitchen towels and bags
:: throwing pots - it's been on my list for a long time, and this year is when I'm finally going to learn
:: finish four quilts
:: weave a herringbone pattern silk scarf
:: restart project 365 starting today. I was disappointed at how much I missed with my camera last year - I know I had a good excuse, but it still makes me sad. This year, I'll be taking pictures every day.
:: restart my photography business
:: make something every day
:: finish what we start and clean up our messes at the end of every day
:: step away from the computer. I'm shutting it from 9AM to 8PM. It's just too easy to get caught up in an overload of communication and information. I need that time with my kids and my sewing machine/knitting needles/crochet hook.
It's a lot. Last year was so wrapped up in the new baby that I let a lot of things slip. This year I'm reengaging in the things I love, in projects with my kids, and in taking on new challenges. 2011, I'm ready for you. We're going to have an exciting year.
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art--write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." -Neil Gaiman
Happy 2011 friends. What are your intentions for the new year?
