I just found out that I love camping… in a cabin. For years I grew up going camping in a pop-up camper every summer, and while I liked it as a kid, as an adult I have grown to love the comforts of a private bathroom, shower, and a bed. Couple of pictures from our trip.

A bit on the country side, but still thought her pictures were nice and cozy. Inspiration by Mari Eriksson…

I’m looking forward to this weekend… it’s been an exhausting week. First we bought a car after ours bit the dust (we’re a one car family). Then my grandma passed away (today would have been her 92nd birthday!), which was good in that she’s no longer suffering, but sad nonetheless. She was the artist in the family—painting, drawing, china-painting, and I have great memories of bringing my sketchbook over to her apartment and sitting and drawing with her. Miss you grandma.

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.