Welcome, 2014!

Have you said your "rabbits" today? A silly, but thoroughly charming superstition, so why not?

Rabbits out of the way, I'm discovering as I age that all those cliches about time passing more quickly are absolutely true. It seems just a few weeks ago we were welcoming 2013, and I was mistakenly writing "2012" on all my checks (yes, I'm that old, I still write checks!). ;)

I find New Year's celebrations and reflections a curious thing, probably because I've never attached all that much importance to the day. I've been reading so many comments on blogs and facebook this week, expressing either gratitude or good riddance to 2013, and hopes, wishes and resolutions for the coming year...

The year that was - well, it was. It happened.  The good, the bad, the triumphs, the challenges, the ups and the downs, like pretty much every other year - and I expect like the year to come. To be sure, some experienced more joy than adversity, and for that I am truly happy. And for some, there was far more adversity than joy, and for that I join you in the hope for a better year ahead!

My prayer for 2014, and whatever adventures it brings, is that I will continue to learn, to grow, to create, to spread a bit of joy where I can, and that I will be able to handle the inevitable moments of adversity with strength and with grace. 

All this said, I do have a few intentions (much gentler than resolutions, I think). ;) They are:

To do more illustrating, and hopefully develop both Halloween and Christmas/Yule cards.

To spend more time working on a long overdue collaborative project.

To travel more.

To take the occasional day off.

To make a few long needed repairs to the house.

To spend more time with family and friends.

To pay down/pay off credit cards.

And I would say "to lose weight", but I won't, lest it jinx my progress, and inspire scoffing from extended family. ;)

How about you? Any wishes or intentions for the coming year?

If so, and whatever they are, I hope they come true, and whatever wild ride the New Year brings, I hope you hold on and enjoy the adventure, finding joy in happy moments and strength in challenging ones. :)

Artful Blessings from our home to yours, and I'll be back very soon with pics of the first pieces of 2014!

¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee