New year, new opportunities...

What a way to kick off 2009! This morning, I woke up to an e-mail from my girl, Sasha, congratulating me. On what, I had no idea. Until, I got an e-mail a few minutes ago from Pink Paislee announcing this! I am so over-the-moon about this opportunity, and completely honored to have been chosen as part of their creative team for 2009. Yipee! Additionally, I found out that my blog is going to be featured in a forthcoming issue of Somerset's "Artful Blogging" magazine! I can't wait!

We're still in DC... leaving tomorrow. Until I get home, I am without a memory card reader and unable to upload anything visually exciting from our trip. I promise I'll update in the next couple of days with that. We've had a great time, and it was so nice to be able to relax, take a creative break, and refresh my creative slate. I hope to return home with a renewed inspiration, and fresher outlook. I've made a couple of resolutions for myself this year. Aside from the typical list of eat healthier, work-out, lose 10 pounds... I have a couple of creative-based goals as well. I really am going to work on opening my Etsy shop this year. Now that I have an idea of what direction I want to take it in, this should be less of a daunting task.

And, as of this month, I am going to start a project called "The 12 Months of Christmas." I don't know about anyone else, but I love the holidays... especially the creative/crafting aspect of them. And, inevitably, ever year I make the resolution to complete one handmade decoration or gift every month of the year. That way, by the time Christmas rolls around, there is less stress, more enjoyment. And, inevitably, every year I fail miserably to adhere to the plan. This year, I am going to stick to that goal. And, I hope you'll join me down this creative path. I already have a pretty good idea of what January's project is going to be, so stay tuned.

While reading through my Jan issue of Real Simple, I really enjoyed the monthly feature "Your Words." January's issue is all about lists. And, this month, they asked readers what was on their NOT-TO-DO list for 2009. Interesting. These 2 responses really struck me. From Annemarie Kuiper, "I won't worry about where I'll be in 5 or 10 years - or really ever for that matter. Instead, I'll think about what I want to do and less about where I want to be. After all, I imagine that if I'm doing what I want to do, then I will be where I want to be." And, from Janet Dunn, "I refuse to let the dysfunctional people in my life cause my life to be dysfunctional. I will help as I can, but I will no longer allow their issues to control how I live." Words to live by, and things that I hope to remind myself of throughout the coming year.

I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year's Eve, and that your 2009 is off to a great start! So, what are your dreams, goals, resolutions for the year 2009? I want to hear all about them!