I Wish I May, I Wish I Might...

...Have the wish I wish tonight. ♥

Outside, gazing up at the sky this New Year's Eve, Eve, I couldn't help but remember the childhood stargazing rhyme. But perhaps "wish" is too vague a word?

And "resolution" is so demanding and inflexible.

Maybe "intentions" are what need to make as we welcome the New Year - - and "reflections" as we look back on 2011.

There were challenges to be sure, both personal and professional, and there was uncertainty and insecurity in the face of a shaky economy and sometimes scary health issues.

But there were blessings too, and it's important to remember they far outweigh the challenges; a life shared with a loving family and dear friends old and new, a "job" I dearly love, five fabulous furkids and one fabulous real kid, the ability to connect with a community of artists and collectors right at my fingertips....And if you want to break it down to its most basic - four walls, a roof, warmth in the winter, and food in the pantry. So much for which to be thankful...more than most on this planet of ours.

Looking ahead to 2012, my vision is a year filled with art and experience, with travel and friendship. My intention for the year is improvement. To be a better wife, a better Mother, a better friend, a better artist and a better person. To let go of the negative, and embrace the positive.

I realize the difference between an intention and a resolution may seem like semantics, but to me, it's a mindset. An intention is about possibilities; it's the manifestation of our hopes and dreams. It looks forward.

And that's what New Years Eve is all about - looking forward.

So as we prepare to greet another New Year, I wish you appreciation for all the blessings life has to offer. I wish you a world of possibilities, and a year of new adventures. And I send much love from our home to yours. ♥

See you next year!

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

A Magical, Sparkly, Creative New Year!

I'm not normally what you'd call a "New Years" kind of person; I don't make resolutions, I don't do the traditional (in these parts anyway) pork and sauerkraut New Year's Day dinner (and while we're at it, um - eeeeeewwwww!) I don't go to parties or stay up to watch the ball drop, and I'd rather have root canal than watch football....

But this hasn't been the typical year.

So I must admit I'm feeling a little excited about seeing it come to a close, and imagining all the possibilities a bright, shiny new 2009 holds....

As I said, no resolutions. But perhaps a few intentions:

An uncluttered....no wait - make that a less cluttered workspace. Maybe some new, taller book shelves to store the contents of assorted bins and cardboard boxes.

A few more days off. It's important to replenish the creative well once in a while. ;)

More blog giveaways. I LOVE giveaways!!

Longer walks with the Aussies. THEY love walks (and I need them, hehe!)

A line of fine art prints and notecards on Etsy (stay tuned!)

More time counting my many blessings. :)

Finally, a HUGE thank you to everyone who's purchased my work, placed bids, commented here on the blog or sent encouraging emails throughout year! As challenging as 2008 has been, it's also been such a gift getting to "know" everyone here in bloglandia...I feel like part of a very special creative community, and I know 2009 will be filled with even more magic and creativity!

Oh - and before I forget, the trio you see above are listed individually on Etsy now (sooooooooo proud of myself for finally getting something listed, teehee!)

Wishing everyone a magic, sparkly, shiny and CREATIVE New Year!

´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ ~ Carolee (throwing confetti!)