As 2010 draws to a close, I’ve spent time this week truly contemplating this past year and what a whirlwind it has been in many ways. I feel very blessed by my family, friends, and life in general. Does anyone else out there think TIME seems to fly by faster and faster with each passing year? Like many of you, I’ve enjoyed so many good times along with my share of lows, but I choose not to dwell on the sad times and instead focus on all the good things which came my way.
We took down all the Christmas decorations on Monday. It seemed rather “grinchy” on my part at the time — no one was really ready for the tree to come down so soon, but the practical side in me took over and for the sake of pure logistics (ie., everyone was home that day to help) it seemed like the most logical time to get the job done. As soon as all the decorations were boxed and returned to the attic, the house did seem rather cold and dreary. So Monday night I pulled out my box of January decorations and put up my collection of snowmen on the fireplace mantel. I began to wonder why I hadn’t put these cheery snow-fellas out last year, and then it hit me: DAH! We live in Florida now and snowmen, well, just don’t seem to belong. Somehow, snow and sand just don’t mix! With the sun shining brilliantly on Tuesday morning the whole idea of snowmen on my mantel seemed rather silly but they’re up now and I’ve determined to keep them on display until it is time to decorate for Valentine’s Day, regardless of how silly they seem.
As for quilting, although I have many projects I desperately need to work on and so much catching up to do (class samples to make, a few article deadlines, etc.) I just couldn’t seem to actually get started. After all, it’s been almost two months since I’ve actually sat at the machine to sew (Is that even possible? Sadly, yes…) After thinking about it for awhile and trying to decide why I was dragging my feet so much, I realized I was feeling very overwhelmed with just how unorganized and cluttered my desk, my sewing studio, and the storage areas with my stash and supplies had become. So yesterday I finally made up my mind “enough is enough.” I cleaned. I rearranged. I decluttered. I worked at it until amost 1am this morning. But, oh, it felt great to get everything in my studio organized.
You know those folks who are ultra-creative and work amidst piles of this and that strewn everywhere? Their work space is piled high with so much stuff and yet they create the most amazing things. Well, I’m not like that. I do my best creating when my work area is tidy and clean and everything is in its place. That doesn’t mean I don’t make a mess while I’m in the midst of creating. But I’m at my creative best when I begin with a clean slate. Aaaahhhhh. By the time I got to bed early this morning, order from chaos had been restored and all felt right with the world again. I had the best night of sleep I’ve had in ages last night and this morning I woke up refreshed and ready to begin.
So, rather than just contemplating a fresh start, I’m headed off to actually MAKE SOMETHING. Here’s to new beginnings. Here’s to a new year. Happy 2011, everyone!
Sounds like you are on track for a great New Year!
Thank you, Marj! Hope you are, too!
If you’re 10 years old, a year is 10% of the life you’ve lived.
If’ you’re 20, a year is only 5%.
If you’re 50, a year is 2%. And so on.
So YES, those dang years do go by faster every year because proportionally they get smaller!
What you did last night is what I plan to do this weekend, but it’ll probably take the entire weekend to get things under control.
Happy New Year to you and yours. If we can repeat our tea at the Floridian, then maybe at a future show!
Hi, Linda! Did you get your sewing space organized? If so, I’ll bet it feels great! And please know — I’ll meet you for high tea anytime, anywhere! 🙂
I’m with you – I can’t get started if my mise en place is not organized! My challenge is that my sewing area is a table stuffed in a corner of my bedroom, so it gets out of hand on a daily basis. I dream of a day when I have one of those terrific sewing tables with storage and my ultimate fantasy is having a room dedicated to quilting. One day!
Kat — Thanks so much for dropping by to leave a comment! I’m excited for you and know you’ll want to have your sewing space all tidy and organized before you get that BRAND NEW JANOME soon! 😉 And keep dreaming of a room of your own to sew. Someday it WILL happen! When I think back to our first house (and many military moves thereafter….) I was always “sharing” my space in a guest room, basement, closet, etc. So hang in there!
Hi Kimberly, thank you for your inspiration! I was just thinking ‘I need to clean and organize my sewing room’. Right after I get this quilt quilted ;-)). I also wanted to share with you that I recently purchased your book. about Souvenior Travel Quilts. I had made a quilt for my husband for Christmas, it did remind us both of our vacation this summer to NC, and TN, we live in Iowa. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks!
Vicki H.
Vicki –
Thank YOU! What a wonderful comment you left for me. It made my day hearing from you! I’m so tickled you felt inspired to make a “souvenir” quilt from your vacation. How fun! And I hope your sewing room organization day went well. Doesn’t it feel great to have a fresh, clean start? Happy New Year!