Thank You 2010!

As we welcome in the new year, I can't help but reflect on the year that just passed. I can't believe a whole year has gone by since 2009, but as I look back at all the fun, creativity and love that was had, I can only smile.

So many great things happened. I was invited back to the Martha Stewart Show, and then Ben proposed marriage live on air! My mom and I took an amazing adventure half-way across the country to vend our wares and got to meet so many fabulous people. Baby quails were hatched right in my living room (Mama just hatched out her third brood yesterday!). Little Levi the parakeet was rescued from the cold city streets and joined our little family. I spent a fabulous warm day in May at the Brimfield Antiques Show with "the girls" and we had a yummy and beautiful picnic. Jen Murphy and I joined forces to create some whimsical treats for her customers. The only real sadness I experienced in 2010 was the loss of my very special kitty Magic, whom had been with me almost my entire life. I miss her terribly still, but shortly after her death we were blessed with two of the best furry kittens one could ask for. Sophie and Paige are now the light of my life!

I also managed to do a whole lot of creating in 2010! I can't believe all the spun cotton goodies that were made and then quickly adopted. I feel soooooo lucky and blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful customers who love the things I make just as much as I do! I owe you all, both customers and blog readers, a HUGE thank you! I wouldn't be here doing all of this without you and I hope to bring you lots more in the new year!

One of my New Year's resolutions for 2011 is to really dig into that long list of items I've been dying to make. Everything from a sun dress to paper mache reproductions of antique Halloween figures. I did manage to create quite a few different things this past year however...pillows, jewelry, pom pom birds, greeting cards and other little doodads!

And I'd also like to make time to do some more treasure hunting in 2011. While I didn't spend as many hours hunting as I normally did in years past, the quality of goodies I managed to track down in 2010 couldn't possibly get any better. From handmade whimsies from artist friends to unique and down right bizarre objects from the depths of far away antiques stores. Plus I found my prized vintage holiday thermos in the early part of last year and it's proven to be one of the most useful and well traveled things I own!

I also am proud that despite the vast hours I've spent in the studio, I still managed to go all out for the holidays, big and small! It's one of my favorite things to do and rotating my coveted collection of holiday items throughout the year can't be missed!

Also, while I don't always document these more personal happenings on my blog, I am happy to have spent as much time as possible with Ben and my family. From our trip to Miami last winter to spending time here in Boston on the shores of the Charles River, to our huge family gathering at Moosewood. I love Ben and my family most of all and I resolve to spend even more time with them this year. And I really look forward to this year. We're moving into our dream home back in my home town, getting married, and who knows what else!

Welcome 2011!!