Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Looking back...Looking forward...


2012 was an eventful year for me. Lots of bad things happened but also lots of good things. I have spent a fair bit of time going over my blog posts from this last year due to having to re-upload my photos from Webshots deleting them. It made me a little emotional. I browsed through holiday shots and crafty bits and bobs and read through posts which were deeply unhappy posts but some were cheerful and upbeat.

This last year has seen me cope with my husband leaving me and then returning. It has seen me having to cope with the aftermath of serious revelations I never thought I would have to hear. It has seen me going through the whole job application process and interview and me getting a job which I LOVE. It has seen me going away and spending time with friends and family. It has seen me completing some projects and learning new skills. 

Looking back at last year's post where I had so many great expectations about all I would accomplish, I can see I really didn't get very far with much of it. I completed a few of those Wipocalypse projects but not as many as I had hoped to. I completed Ann Tayor, Sampler au Bouquets, Here we come Wassailing and Dandelion Dreams, Morning Star as well as some crochet projects.

Next year I am going to have to cut right back on projects. I have to be realistic. I am working full time now with two young children to care for. I am exhausted which has shown in me spending the last two weeks of this holiday asleep!! So I have a bag... a very nice bag that my dear neighbour Sue gifted me with this Christmas that she made herself....

 
And in this bag are my projects for this year....
 
 
These are:
Lizzie Kate ABC of Christmas
A Most Noble Pursuit
CHS Helen Bell's Multiplication Sampler
Bygone Stitches A Quaker Christmas
Just Nan Nan's Garden
Macintosh Samplers Elisabeth Lillie
Yiota's Cross Stitch Poppies and Daisies
 
And that's my lot! My intention is to stick with these projects and when I finish one of them then I can add another into the bag. I am not holding out much hope to be honest what with life so hectic and all but it's good to have some sort of focus. Whether I stick to this plan or not, only time will tell.
 
Well I had a lovely new year spent with dear friends of ours. We're home now but then of to my sister's this afternoon. Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed 2013!
 
Michelle, Mark and Elijah!
 
Rugrats!
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
 

31 comments:

Giovanna said...

I hope 2013 brings you all you wish for - happy new year!

Catherine said...

Wishes for a very happy new year!

DebbieSFL said...

Just to let you know you accomplished much more than I did!! And I wish you a year with much joy and peace.

Vickie said...

Hazel, God bless you! A Blessed, Happy New Year to you.♥

Chris said...

Happy New Year Hazel! I hope that 2013 is wonderful for you.

Sweet Sue said...

Thx for sharing your talent with us throughout the year, have so much enjoyed following along. Wishing you Peace, Joy, a sweet 2013, and may love always find its' way to you:)

Birdie said...

May 2013 be your year to be the BEST you can be and beyond anything you could dream.

Karyn said...

Happy New Year, Hazel
Hugs and kisses
Ma

janie said...

I loved reading your post, made me a little sad. I do hope 2013 is a good one for you, sounds as though you deserve a good year. I will be following your blog this new year and am looking forward to watching you grow with smiles and a full heart!!

Happy New Year!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

You accomplished quite a bit this past year! Real life doesn't stop for us to stitch, does it? I hope that 2013 is one of health and happiness!

Margaret said...

I hope you have a wonderful, happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Alberta said...

Happy New Year Hazel!

Your handcrafted bag is gorgeous and I ♥love♥ how you are using it.

May 2012 bring you peace,joy,happiness and health!

stitcherw said...

Happy New Year, hope 2013 is a good one for you. Loved the little doll afghan from your earlier post, very pretty. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the projects you picked to work on this year. Other than my new SAL I'm in, and one old WIP Flower Dragons, I don't have any real plan on what projects I'll work on this year, so will probably be a mixed bag :)

Nicola said...

Wishing you a wonderful 2013. I admire what you have acheived in 2012 when things were against you. A huge congratulations for going out and getting a job.

Carol said...

I'm always amazed at all you do with a job and two young children, Hazel--and you do it so beautifully :) I've enjoyed seeing all of your projects throughout the year and I wish you a new year filled with much love and laughter!

Melissa said...

You've had quite a year, Hazel, and it sounds like you've succeeded in rising above the obstacles! Good for you. I know I've had rough patches and sometimes when you've overcome them and come out the other side you realized all that you have done!

All the best for a Happy 2013! It looks like you have more than enough projects for the year. Take care!

Brigitte said...

You accomplished a lot during the last year, many beautiful projects. And this bag of yours with the new projects looks so promising - there's a great new stitching year to come.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Hazel!

Maggie said...

Considering what you have been through i think you have achieved a lot! I've been in your situation, splitting up and then getting back together, a long time ago now but i remember just how hard it was (and can still be).
Stay positive, I wish you all the best for 2013.
x

Anne said...

Happy New Year to you and Happy Stitching too!! :)

Karoline said...

Good luck with your stitching plans

Happy new year :)

Julie said...

Wishing you a very happy 2013

Heidi Kuijer said...

I was thinking of you when I did my review of finishes for 2012. Your cowl was in the first collage and seeing it brought you to mind as well as all you have been through. I am thrilled you are loving your job.

I think we all see too much of what we did not finish and not celebrate what we did. I do the same thing. I am going to better my UFO challenge of 2012 by one in the new year. I am trying to be more forgiving for not accomplishing what I want. Just live in the moment and enjoy each stitch as it comes.

Wishing you a new year filled with joy and creativity!

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Sally said...

I hope 2013 is a much better year for you. Good luck with your projects x

Louise said...

Happy New Year Hazel! Xx

Margaret said...

Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones. I hope 2013 will bring you much joy, love and laughter.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Happy New year I hope 2013 is a better year for you!

valerie said...

Happy New Year Hazel! I'm glad you found some happy times in 2012. I wish you the very best for 2013!

Jeanne said...

I hope 2013 brings you all good things Hazel...it was a tough year for you but you pulled through sorrow, heartbreak and a lot more.I give you a lot of credit!

I'm not making huge stitching goals this year either....I'll do what I can fit in but when you are working and everything else there is only so much time to spend on it. Take care and blessings from Arizona!

Jeanne

Annette-California said...

You accomplished some beautiful stitched samplers Hazel for 2012. I love how you have 1 bag for all your projects - I want to do this to:) Love your list for 2013. Stitching is one way that helps us relax. No matter how much time we can spend. Happy New Year to you. Love Annette

Carol said...

Wishing you a very happy 2013. Hope the projects in your bag are going well and life is treating you kindly.
Carol xx

Maggie O said...

All the very best for 2013 Hazel. You have accomplished much in 2012 and I am so glad to hear the job is going well for you. I look forward to seeing your stitching projects for 2013. Much love.