Saturday, December 31, 2016

A fond farewell...

...and an enthusiastic hello...
12.31.16


It's before noon and I'm on my 2nd cup of coffee. It's definitely winter grey outside and all I hear is quiet with the occasional hum of a leaf blower in the distance. The house is on the chilly side for me but I'm feeling toasty thanks in part to my new faux fur neck scarf & knitted hand warmers. My heart and mind are in sync with a feeling of gratitude and contentment. Tranquility embraces me like a precious hug. I feel safe and secure within the walls of our home. I'm feeling all of this and more that sometimes I think my heart is going to burst. 


Except for a certain election, 2016 was a pleasant year. Unlike years past, there was no turmoil or chaos and no earth shattering calamities of any kind. I experienced moments of creativity and stillness, experienced far off Rome and discovered new to me local area attractions. Welcomed new self awareness that comes with age and aging. For all of this and more, I am grateful. 


Since I don't like anything left over from 2016 rolling into 2017, the photos I'm sharing are ones that just never made it to the blog...for one reason or another. 



My grandson, Erik...
(Big Puffy Heart)


I think in 2017, I'm going too make a more concerted effort to carve more time for creative play in any form...even if it's just 5 minutes. I always have the best intentions and want to do so many things, but get so overwhelmed that I end up not doing anything. Haven't completely figured that one out yet. 
Well, that's not entirely true...
F-E-A-R
Fear of not doing something right, or failing somehow manages to creep into my brain and then plays head games. I end up with all sorts of questionable self doubt. I hate that.
I am however aware of this..
..and awareness will help restore self-confidence. 


Thanks to a visit with my Aunt M & her recipe for home made Quinoa muffins, I now love to make and eat these goodies. 
Discovered a honey farm not far from here that sells the best flavored honey that pairs perfectly with the muffins.


I'm one mission closer to visiting all 21 California Missions.


For those of who don't know, I raised Monarch butterflies for several years...


 ...Well, I got to visit the Monarch's wintering site in San Luis Obispo during my last visit with Jamie & Erik. 
I can't help but wonder, if any of these 10,000+ beauties could be an offspring of any of mine.  
I was swooning just a little bit to among all these creatures!





I was given a homemade peppermint sugar scrub for the holidays...


I loved it SO much, I scoured Pinterest for recipes and made my own to give out as gifts.


There will more of this in 2017! 


I'm politically nervous for the year to come but I don't want that to inhibit me creatively in any way. I'm just going to keep doing what I love to do and I'm going do it with my whole heart.

I'm wishing you all a healthy and artistic 2017. I hope new opportunities take you to wonderful creative places.
 I look forward to another year here, with such a motivating community that keeps me curious, inspired and energized. 

Happy (2017) snapping!
xo
Kelly




15 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading your positive and uplifting post ... the monarchs are a.ma.zing and your grandson is adorable! Happy New Year Kelly - I'm hoping it's everything your dreaming about and more! xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy New Year Kelly!! Here is to an amazing 2017!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love all the photos... How is that little guy growing up so fast?

    Happy New Year, Kelly. Love to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year to you too Daenel! Thank you-and that little guy is almost three!!!

      Delete
  4. Wishing you a bright and beautiful New Year, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have NOTHING to FEAR my dear! Your work is amazing!! Let yourself believe it and you will soar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you SO much Sarah. Your words mean so much to me. xoxo

      Delete
  6. Onward Kelly! I remember your lovely monarchs. You had some wonderful postcards made. And hey, the LIBERATE YOUR ART POSTCARD SWAP IS UP AND RUNNING...CHECK IT OUT! Aloha Friend! And all the very BEST to you and yours for 2017!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'm going to participate in the LYAPS this year. Just gotta get my butt in gear.

      Delete
  7. Such a lovely post, Kelly !
    Wishing you and your family a most wonderful 2017 !
    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Wow! Those monarch butterflies are amazing! Your grandson is so cute. :) Your sugar scrub looks wonderful, I love how you packaged it. I may have just over done it with my comments. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You didn't overdo it...I welcome it all! xoxo Thank you

      Delete

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. Your comments always put a smile on my face. Hope to see you again real soon.