The beauty (and promise) of a new year...


Happy 2013, everyone. A new year, fresh, full of promise and goals and dreams. A whole 365 days to begin anew, to create the life we want, whatever that may be, to fill our lives and hearts with beauty. Fifty-two weeks to spend time with our favorite people. Twelve months in which to delight in our favorite spaces, books, blogs, flowers, shows, indulgences. A new year to discover (or rediscover) what makes our eyes shine. A chance to embrace beauty throughout our lives.
As I was thinking about the passing of the old year, I was struck by how glad I was, frankly, to see it go. Last year, while fruitful for me in many ways, did not go anywhere near like I hoped or dreamed it would. But then, you know what they say about the best-laid plans...
That got me thinking about what I could do differently in this new year. Last year things were so chaotic and busy with all the moving from one coast to the other and getting the house redecorated ~ so many things got pushed aside. As is usually, the case, the things that got pushed aside were the things I most enjoyed doing ~ creating and designing fabrics, taking pictures, writing articles, blogging, cooking, etc. Before I knew it, moving and redecorating had consumed my entire year. And as much as I love decorating and redecorating, it was also a tremendous amount of work.
On the bright side, all the time and creativity spent on those projects was worth it because they are done and our home is lovely. There will be no major redecorating or renovating this year and definitely no moving. And that means I can refocus on all the things I love but couldn't get to last year. I'll have time to dwell on a thought for more than a few minutes and days to do nothing but photograph a flower 200 times trying to find just the right angle. I'll be able to get back in the kitchen in earnest and plant an herb garden and sit on the porch and read. I'll have time to work on The Pink Home and get my Etsy shop re-opened.
You know, fun stuff.
I'll also be able to work on my writing and blogging more. I was thinking about what I'd like to do with my blog this coming year and it suddenly hit me that I'd like to use it to re-focus my energies and creativity. From that thought came the list below about different themes for each month that I'd like to explore on this blog ~ sort of a mindful stroll through the year as it passes.

January ~ Resting & Planning the Year
February ~ Love 
March ~ Starting Anew
April ~ Letting Spring Blossom
May ~ The Beauty of Seasonal Living
June ~ Blooming Where You're Planted
July ~ The Little Things
August ~ Summer Delight
September ~ Another Fresh Start
October ~ Autumn's Glory
November ~ The Beauty of the Kitchen
December ~ Rejoicing in the Holidays

I'll keep a list of the monthly themes on my sidebar, should you want to join the conversation. I'll be offering ideas and inspiration some of you might find helpful, so I hope you'll join me in 2013. It's going to be a very good year.


I am linking to:
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
Sunlit Sundays at My Little Home and Garden


Photo by The Art of Living Beautifully

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post, Eileen! And I love your thematic choices for this new year. I will most definitely be joining you!!

    2012 was a difficult year for me, so I am glad to see it end. I am hoping for good things this next year.

    I, too, found that one of the things I most enjoy doing---writing my classic film blog---got pushed aside during the last 3 or 4 months. I derive so much joy and pleasure from it, yet I did less than a half dozen posts a month for the latter part of the year. Things that bring that much pleasure ought not to get that minimal of time, so I have resolved to not let that happen again from here on out.

    My very best to you in this new year. May it be filled with health, happiness, and all sorts of good things.

    Love,
    Patti

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  2. A very thoughtful and inspiring post Eileen. I think time just gets away from everyone and we lose the ability to focus on things that are important to us.
    I have some changes already in motion for my life this year and I just may saunter over and join your themed discussions.
    Cheers to positive plans for this year.
    Judith

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  3. Happy New Year Eileen!

    I LOVE the new idea that you have for your blog. I am really looking forward to it. :)

    All the best!

    ((Hugs))
    Laura

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  4. Sounds like 2013 will be filled with wonderful things for you! Happy New Year!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  5. Happy New Year! I think moving is a traumatic event and it takes a long time to recover from. This year's plan sounds wonderful. I look forward to reading your fabulous posts.

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  6. Love the idea of looking to the future and planning ahead - it all sounds lovely!

    Happy new Year!
    Leann

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  7. You always have such nice and enjoyable post. We all need to strive to do better. There is always room for improvement regardless who it is.

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  8. What a beautiful blog you have! I love the flower arrangement in this post.

    I've just discovered your blog through Beverly's Pink Saturday.

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  9. I'm impressed with the fact that you've already got your plans set. I'm still working on that. Love your vase of flowers and that wonderful Downton Abbey book! New Season just ahead!
    Happy Pink Saturday,
    Robin

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  10. Dear Eileen,

    It's been too long since I've been to visit... but how perfect that I've chosen today to stop by as you share such a lovely posting at the beginning of this new year.

    I like the theme list you've shared for the upcoming months. What a wonderful idea!

    And, I agree it's going to be a very good year.

    So here's wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places every single day!

    Brenda

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  11. Happy Pink Saturday!!
    And a blessed 2013...I know God has good things for us this year..stop by "My Sweet Prairie Home" and take a look around...

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  12. Beautiful post. I was in love with the bouquet and then spotted the book....Oh how I'd love to just sit there and read that Downton Abbey Book!!! I hope 2013 is more relaxing! Happy New Year!
    Karen

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  13. Wonderful inspiration for the New Year!

    Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  14. Love your thoughts for the upcoming year!

    Wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  15. Hello, Eileen

    I've just watched this season's first episode of "Downton Abbey" and assume you must enjoy it as well, given your reading material.

    The fresh bouquet with the sun streaming through the window is lovely and the plans for your blog sound wonderful.

    I'm so glad that you've shared your post with "Sunlit Sunday", introducing me to your blog.

    -Karen

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  16. Beautiful post. I love the photo -- gorgeous light and perfect for the beginning of the new season for Downton Abbey! You are very organized to plan out the year. Good for you!

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  17. Very pretty picture! I noted the Downtown Abbey book! I decided to watch the show for the first time last night and I did enjoy it!
    Sounds like you had an incredibly busy year! Your monthly topics sound very engaging.

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  18. Oh a girl after my own heart. I just love pink. What a lovely post and your monthly themes are inspiring. Thank you for sharing
    Phoebe x

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  19. The gift of the New Year (or one of them!) is the prompt it gives us to pause to reflect and evaluate. I like your monthly themes and will be back to see what you do with them.

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  20. Such beautiful and inspiring words. Great idea for your blog.. I will certainly check back to see your posts..Happy and healthy New Year..

    rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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