Did you make any resolutions this year? Is your list similar to last year’s list or are you one of those rare people that really accomplishes and sticks to their resolutions? I have to admit every year I make resolutions but I think I’ve been doing them all wrong. My resolutions usually consist of projects I want to finish, tossed in with one or two big goals. Last year one of my top goals was this website, which I squeaked in and checked off the old list! However, I realized many of same projects were still on my list from last year. That felt a little lousy. Then I realized, I have this consistent list of things to do but they are always getting side tracked by invites to quilt bees, swaps and challenges. I don’t want to miss out on that fun right! I sometimes think I should gracefully decline any invites or challenges until I finish everything on my to do list. Sure it’s a long list but if I dig in and get it all done, it would feel so great, freeing in fact, sigh! Yup, that’s what I resolve to do until I get the next invite! New challenges and swaps always sounds like so much fun and they’re a great chance to connect with new people. In the end I always feel conflicted. How do you balance everything? Seriously, I’m totally open to suggestions!
I took some time after realizing my list was very similar to last year’s, and I decided to throw it out! Just like that, BAM! Done! Instead I’ve decided NOT to focus on checking things off my lists and to not hammer through projects to git’r done, just to get them checked off the old list (clearly that wasn’t working anyways). Instead I will enjoy and savour the projects that do get done. Truly, will my projects that I have in the wings ever be complete? Most likely not. It seems like once one is completed, it’s replaced by three new projects anyways, or at least it feels that way. So instead of feeling like I’m always behind, I’m going to strive to take a cup half full approach this year and appreciate the things I am able to complete!
Although I didn’t complete my list from 2012, I’d like to share with you a few highlights of things I did accomplish. I’d love to hear what some of your highlights from 2012 were. Was it a swap, a workshop or a trip? Let me guess you got all caught up on your projects maybe? Wink, wink!
January – In January I started drawing other people’s stashes! The first stash I drew was Berene’s!
February – Our guild had a treat and this was one of the quilts I worked on. It’s called Rainbows and Lollipops, I gave it to Raeanne in exchange for some photos she did for me!
March – Every March my husband and I go to San Fransisco. He goes to a conference and I go to Britex, an awesome store. Four floors of fabric!
April – I was invited to join the Fab Bee!
May – Lesley allowed me to draw her lovely fabric stash!
June – Every June my husband and I go to LA for work. With the timing just right again, I was able to attend for the second year, another LAMQG meeting at Sew Modern! I donated this drawing to their door prizes but they decided to hang it in Sew Modern instead. This photo was emailed to me by Latifah, their groups co-leader. Wasn’t that nice of her! This particular meeting was really cute because EVERYONE was pregnant. I made sure I didn’t drink the water just in case!
July – Both my husband and I turned… lets just say it was a milestone birthday year. He jumped out of a plane I attended a Deynse Schmidt workshop. Those are my quilt blocks next to her quilt! Hee, hee!
August – I was able to finally deliver my cousin Jennifer’s Wedding present. I drew her Wedding dress for her!
September – Our guild the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild turned 2!
October – My first quilt bee, Unscripted ended. This was from Amy’s block.
November – Bye, bye Red Spotted Patch Heeeelllo lysa flower! The launch of this here website!
December – A month of straight craziness! My in laws and their dog, Raffy (the elf) helped out at our kids school with their Santa Store this year, which was loads of fun!
So there you go 2012 in a nut shell! Here’s to you and yours, wishing you a very happy and healthy 2013!
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What a wonderful review of your year, Lysa! Here’s to focusing on the wonderful things that have happened and not worrying too much about the to do list. I know the feeling of being torn between working on your own projects and participating in bees and swaps and challenges. I don’t have the answers! But after seeing all you got up to in 2012, I think you’re doing something right!
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Wow, I knew you were talented, and lovely, and funny… and I could go on for quite a while! I love that you shared some of your year’s accomplishments. Beautiful art(ist)! I feel lucky to have some of your work in my home.
Cori