I’ve been thinking about New Years Resolutions, and while I like the idea of making resolutions anytime the mood strikes you and not just at years end, I can’t help but think of what I’ve learned this year, and about what I wish to apply to this next one. I’d say that with great humility I’ve learned gratitude. August was a trying month and I can say that since then, I more clearly see both sides—idealistic and realistic. I no longer think of things with such permanency and conviction because things can change so quickly, and really, you never know.

I found myself taking up space in a place where I didn’t know what it was I liked to do, or where I wanted to go. Decisions from the past didn’t seem to apply to the future, and I’m just… going along. I’m experimenting… knitting and crocheting and sewing and decorating. Taking pictures, although not good ones, and finding what it is that I enjoy… finding things other than the construction and deconstruction of the house to occupy my time, and really, trying to make the house more of a home.

I read this quote on Door Sixteen:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
- William Morris

I like it. I like to interchange the word houses with lives, too… that is my New Years Resolution.

I’m off work until after the new year, and I couldn’t be happier. :)

I usually hate drinking my coffee out of glass mugs, but this morning I didn’t mind. We went out to breakfast, then moved some stuff into Nathan’s new studio/office… perfect start to a week off work!

Happy Festivus.

We’re moving pretty fast with the house, but I’m sure things will slow down over the holidays. Nathan’s moving into a new studio/office, so we’ll probably be painting that this week, but soon enough we’ll be tackling the kitchen, the back stairs (hey Rob, WWSFD?) and finish putting up all the woodwork in the house.

I want to paint the kitchen a pale gray-brown, and then get shelves to go all the way across, with some white subway tile underneath… hide some wires, install some lighting, presto… finished kitchen!

From Living Etc.:

I realize that this is going to sound bad, but I do love presents! I am excited for both the giving and the getting of Christmas, but truth be told, I do love pretty little packages just as much as the giving… the giving is fun (making is the BEST), but presents are just… exciting! I like to see what people think to get you… it’s so nice to get things you wouldn’t normally think of for yourself… it expands your horizons and leaves you with little reminders of the people you love.

The shopping in stores makes me anxious… Remember the Goonies where Chunk says, “I’m not all alone in the dark. I like the dark. I love the dark. But I hate nature! I HATE nature!” Me during the holidays: “I’m not overwhelmed in the holidays. I like the holidays. I love the holidays. But I hate shopping! I HATE shopping!”  I digress.

Since last Christmas I went overboard with asking for house books, this year I didn’t ask for any… and I’m feeling a little askers-remorse. Severe askers-remorse. My all-time favorite is Barbara Bestor’s Bohemian Modern: Living in Silver Lake, but I’m also really fond of Judith Wilson’s Harmonious Home, and Amy Butler’s Found Style. I just wish I had had some forethought to think of house books when asked for my Christmas list. Instead I just clamored on and on about a finished house and a camera (no no no no regrets there!) and said there’s not anything I want (not true!). I know I have a hard time thinking under pressure, but next time, think brain, think!

At home…

Quote of the day:

“I need holly or some shit.” - Nathan

I’m feeling a little stressed out about the Holidays… especially since Christmas is less than two weeks away, but I guess since this happens every year, that it is just what happens. Although I remember one year feeling really prepared and excited for Christmas. I also remember another year, and the nervous break-down chart that was created amidst the rehab, where I scored a 9 out of 10 just before Christmas (I was making aprons for my mom and sister and a gardening tote for my mother-in-law… they all turned out as if a 5th grader made them. Good times, good times.). Maybe it was a 9.5, can’t remember. Anyway, maybe this is just what happens, and as my sister would say, “it is what it is.” Despite it though, I still love Christmas.

Next year I am taking the handmade pledge and will either buy handmade or make all gifts. It’s more meaningful and more fun anyway! I just hope next year (and the gifts I’m making this year), look as if an adult made them, not a tiny pre-teen. I am more of a Jack-of-all-trades, Master-of-none, so you never can tell what the end product will be.

Regardless, I am ready to sew this weekend. Fabric, check. Thread, check. Sanity… ?

I’m only making a few of the bags (down from the 10 I originally thought I had time for), but making stuff relaxes me, so I think it will be both therapeutic and relaxing! I hope.

Tom Baker:

Rosie Brown:

I’m having a day where I want to write. Where I want to be inspired. But I’m not. At all. Waiting for the sun to come out and for the tools to go away.

Well, sort of. We had our company Christmas party on Friday and I whipped up some homemade wrapping paper for the occasion. I just printed it out on 13×19 matte photo paper (the thinnest I could find) and wrapped it up with a pretty brown ribbon (wish I had a picture). Thought someone else would want to print it out too! You can download a PDF and print it out if you want… might come in handy for a last minute wrap. I love making patterns! Love it.