Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy 2014!





Happy New Year to all my wonderful friends out there in blogland.  Hope you had a safe and lovely evening last night.  We went out for an early dinner with friends and I was back home and in bed by 10:00.  That is the way I like it.  I don't want to start the New Year off tired, with a hangover or any of that nonsense.  Today my big plans are to relax.  The last few days I have worked and cleaned like a mad woman. I like Christmas to be all packed away before my New Year starts.  I like to clean my house, change the sheets on the beds and tidy up, I do not want anything from 2013 trailing into 2014.  I like to start with a clean slate.  I am a little crazy that way. 

Rest is on the schedule for today, to help get rid of the ridiculous cough I have, that is unfortunately  following me into 2014.  Rest, relaxation and reflection.  2014 was a decent year, not near as crazy as the years before it, but still crazy enough.  Last year I picked a word, or as my friend Monica says the word picked me.  It was Peace, I was so darn tired of all the upheavals and turmoil in my life that I wanted Peace, and although I do not feel I have attained peace, I sure am better off then the years before.  Picking a word for the year is interesting.  I was not going to do it this year, but then the word picked me.  Suddenly the word Embrace started floating around in my head.  And I know it is there for a reason. 

I truly think I need to Embrace life a bit more.  Live life a bit more, rather than just trying to plow through the days working and marking things off my list of things to do.   Notice the little things that make a difference, butterflies, beautiful sunsets, a hug from my son.  I sure know I need to laugh more.  My sister Claudia has the biggest laugh.  She can make me laugh like no one else.  She embraces life even if she is worried or upset.  So my word for 2014, whether I like it or not is Embrace.

As for all the projects I made in 2013, I will not have a big photo montage for you.  I think you have all seen enough of my projects for now.  I made 46 projects, which is way down form 2012.  But I made bigger projects this year including 2 blankets, 9 shawls, 7 sweaters/vests/shells, and 13 scarves.  My very favorite make was the Bella sweater, I think it was also my most frustrating. I also made curtains for my craft room and one African flower bag.  Lots of other little projects were in there too.  What was amazing to me was the amount of yardage I used up.  I am almost embarrassed to tell you as it is more than I had imagined.  But as I stated the year tallying up my yardage I will finish it with a total, 17,455 yards!  That is almost 10 miles of yarn.  Wow, I think I might have a big problem.  Lets see how much I can use of  my newly acquired stash in 2014!

So here is to 2014!  Are you ready to Embrace it with me?

40 comments:

ColourMeCrochet said...

Wow 10 miles of yarn seems a humongous amount. I can't even picture that amount in my mind. But if you then look at all the beautiful things you have made with all that yarn, 10 miles isn't really much at all.
Happy New Year Meredith,
Hugs to you
Sally xxx

kristieinbc said...

I like your word for 2014. This will be my first year of picking a word, and should be the subject of my next blog post.

10 miles of yarn seems okay to me, which might tell you something about my own stash/yarn problem. :-)

Happy New Year!

Home Meadows said...

That is a neat idea, having a word for the year. Enjoy your day. Wishing you a very happy new year. Heather

Anonymous said...

We have so MUCH in common --- in bed before midnight and all the Christmas stuff packed away for another year. I like everything tidy and fresh by Jan 1.

Wishing you a peaceful 2014 where all the good things in life embrace YOU!

Best wishes --- see you soon.

Unknown said...

Happy New years to you and your family. Not partiers here either. We were up, but didn't watch the ball drop. I had just gotten home from work. So it was easy for me to say I was still up. lol. I like the word embrace. If I had to pick one I would pick laughter as I need more of the at in my life. It seems like I have lost that ability at times.
Hugs to you and yours from COLD Wisconsin. 2 degrees here. Monday the high is suppose to be -9! Hopefully the weather guessers are wrong! lol

Ana BC said...

Have a wonderful and crafty new year :-)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh I so love the word that choose you this year. What a truly awesome word.

If I had to pick a word, I think I'd pick creativity....I think I need to be more creative!

Sending you a hug and may you find as you embrace life, it hugs you back and leaves you with peace and love and fulfillment, too.

Happy New Year my dear sweet friend. :)

Teresa Kasner said...

I love the two words.. embrace and peace.. good choices. I have to start putting away Christmas today, too. Time to clear the decks so we can sail into 2014.

Have a great 2014! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

sweetpea family said...

Happy New Year x

moonstruckcreations said...

Hope that 2014 brings lots of happiness and blessings to you and your family.

Embrace and peace are such great words to choose for the coming year.

Helenxx

Jennifer Hays said...

I like your plan. I didn't do a project collection either, I feel like I've bored people enough with mine. I hope you meet your goals in 2014 and that you enjoy it all too.

CJ said...

Ten miles, that's amazing! I had a fairly quiet New Year's Eve too, the best way I think. I don't have a word or any resolutions yet, but I would like to do more, be more organised - oh lots of things. Hard to articulate. Hard to know where to start! Wishing you a very happy and successful New Year Meredith.

Clare said...

Wow 10 miles, I love the word that you have choosen or has it choosen you !! , wishing you a Happy and Healthy fun filled year.
Clare xx

Bridget said...

Happy New Year! I like your word.

After thinking about it way too much, I've decided that my word will be grace. As in a quote I saw "Seek grace rather than perfection."

Good luck to both of us!

Mrs. C said...

I've been trying to think of a word for this year but it is very hard to pick just one! I might have to go with several or a phrase... Happy new year! :)

RURAL said...

Great word, and stepping right into what life has to offer, and embracing it is a great idea.

Happiest wishes for 2014.

Jen

Toni said...

I love the idea of "embracing 2014!" And I hope you are rested and free of the dratted cough!!! Cheers!!

Betsy said...

Happy New Year dear Meredith. I hope the nasty cough will be gone soon and you and "embrace" the new year with good health.
We have our last Christmas get together/potluck at our house tomorrow night and Christmas will be packed away on Friday.
We were also in bed by 10:00 last night only to be awakened at midnight by fireworks. We rolled over, said Happy New Year to each other and went back to sleep!! We are just so darn exciting around here!

Lunch and present exchange with friends today, pie with more friends who just moved into their brand new house while we were in Portland. (I'm so envious after the grand tour). Dinner with other friends and I'm exhausted! Our planned quiet day morphed into one big party! Thank the Lord for good friends.
Blessings my friend,
Betsy

Mrs. Micawber said...

How do you manage to be so productive? You are a whirlwind of creativity! Hope that cough goes away - the viruses of this winter (and the last) seem to be producing some dreadful lingering coughs.

Sending you a friendly "embrace" ... aka hug ... and wishing you lots of laughter in 2014. :)

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Happy New Year Meredith! Yes, it's been quite the year! Ours has ended on a very positive note. My son and wife have been back together since October. I am not sure how things were worked out but I am thrilled that they did. I try not to think too far ahead but I am greatful for everyday of peace! Now for big changes for my husband. It looks like he will be retiring sooner than expected. We are not quite ready for it on some levels and on others ready to jump for joy at the prospect of leaving the stress behind. I have not been around much I know. I am working on 2 blankets right now. Keeping my eye out for a smaller portable project. I am going to get caught up on what you have been up to. I wish for all good things for you in 2014!
Hugs, Patti

Kris said...

Ready or not, I will be embracing 2014 right along with you. Good post. Loved your previous post too. How fun to meet up with a blogging friend!!
xo Kris

Susanne Tyree said...

That 10 miles of yarn is quite impressive. I have never tallied up yardage. Do you have some sort of counter or just what is on the yarn wrapper? Yes, here we all are starting a new year and it is hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly. I was wondering if I should start with making Christmas presents right now so I can be done in a timely manner, but then it is also good to be done with Christmas and do some quiet reflection. I did mail that package to you on Monday and so I hope it arrives at your door in the next day or so. Hope you have a good 2014.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Linda said...

Your Poinsettia pictures are stunning Meredith.
Fabulous word for 2014, I like it.

gaia said...

Happy New Year...

* said...

Ten miles!! That seems loads, I have no idea what I've used, no where near that amount I should think,I blame the two and three ply shawls and slow knitting, but I'm guessing I'll do more of it this year.....it is hard to believe it is another year....I always used to have the decks cleared as soon after Christmas as I dared, but Christmas has hung on this year because I've wanted it to, I'm sad its over, but I do like the feeling of a new year and trying to better things and challenge myself....maybe the tree should come down today and I should do some proper cleaning, it could definitely do with it.

Happy 2014 Meredith!

kathy b said...

You bet I am. I love you and your blog Mere!!!

Sharron said...

I will gladly accept your invitation to embrace 2014 with you Meredith! I'm in awe of your ability to produce so many wonderful projects in one year. I look forward to following your journey again. All the very best :)

serendipity said...

That's a lot of yarn! Here's to a great 2014. xx

Between Me and You said...

I'm trying to embrace my Poinsettia so it lasts a little longer this year but its leaves are dropping already!You're so lucky to be able to grown them outside.
That is an impressive amount of yarn to have gotten through!
Will be embracing your blog as always, Meredith. Happy New Year to you. xxx

Between Me and You said...

I'm trying to embrace my Poinsettia so it lasts a little longer this year but its leaves are dropping already!You're so lucky to be able to grown them outside.
That is an impressive amount of yarn to have gotten through!
Will be embracing your blog as always, Meredith. Happy New Year to you. xxx

Ladybird Diaries said...

Happy New Year to you! Love those poinsetta photographs. Looking forward to continuing reading your lovely blog in 2014.
Marianne xx

RedSetter said...

My goodness 10miles one stitch at a time, that is some amount! I loved doing the vite cowl scarf as your post on it was so inspiring. It was a lovely pattern and brought me back to knitting again.

I've loved finding you blog and exchanging comments with you and love your word of the year as it is such a positive sentiment.

Anonymous said...

I'm entering into this new year gradually, taking my time more than I can ever remember. I am optimistic, and feeling that this might be a more creative year for me. It sounds like you too are feeling thoughtful and optimistic Meredith. I always think of an embrace as feeling warm and welcoming.

I wish you all good things in the coming year.

xo

Suzan said...

A Very Happy New Year to you Meredith!! Your poinsettias are wonderfully healthy and lovely! You're lucky that you have everything from Christmas cleaned up! I only have a few days left and really need to take down the tree before going back to school. You have certainly used a lot of yarn!! Everything you have knitted is very nice and always used. Enjoy planning your new projects!! Happy New Years to you Meredith!!

Joyful said...

Happy New Year!

Embrace sounds like a lovely word to take you through 2014. I hope you get over your cough very soon :-) Hugs.xx

Lillie and Moss said...

Happy New Year Meredith!! I am playing catch up on your blog since I've missed a few post. I am wondering??? You grow your own poinsettia?? They are just beautiful!! EMBRACE is a wonderful word to sum it all up, actually...pretty perfect! Looking forward to another wonderful great year!!
xx Shari

elns said...

Happy New Year Mere! I cannot believe how much I've missed in your lovely posts! Looks like the holidays have been good to you. You make me want to buy yarn!! Ack! Happy knitting :)

Lynne said...

OMG - ten miles of yarn is quite impressive! I agree with you on the clean-up in between Christmas and the New Year. Feels good to get it all put away and organized.
I think my word for 2014 better be "Restraint". I spent way too much on yarn and fabric last year (the last of my 2013 purchases arrived today.)
Have a great weekend!

Hannapat said...

Hello lovely Meredith it's so lovely to be back and reading your lovely blog. Happy new year to you and may you embrace all the beauty around. Like you I prefer a clean start to the year and my wishes this year is much the same. I hope you found many opportunities to love and laugh. Xoxo

Rose Red said...

A very belated Happy New Year to you! Embrace is an excellent choice of word, hope you are able to embrace all that life has to offer you this year.