Looking Back, Looking Forward

I don't know about you, but I'm already starting to think about new year. I tend to start reflecting around mid-December and often brew thoughts and ideas right through to mid-January before I really feel that I'm done with the process of letting go of one year and moving to the next.

Looking back to the immediate past, the Made n' Thornbury market on Saturday was lots of fun. I was in fabulous company and had a wonderful day catching up with friends, fellow makers and bloggers, and meeting some new peeps.

Do you know that the Thornbury Craft Bonanza is now 18 months old? I didn't even realise it myself. That's definitely been a highlight for this year. Having regular time with other crafty folk is so good for the soul. I've had lots of requests throughout the year from people who'd like to join the group. So, by popular demand (doesn't that sound great) the Thornbury Craft Bonanza is going to become a fortnightly Thursday evening craft group open to all. I'll do a separate post with all the details in the next few days. I'm just firming up a location and time.

I've already decided on my word or theme for next year. 2010 is my year to SHINE!


I have a lot of trouble recognising the unique gifts that I bring to the world. I spend lots of wasted time holding back while I watch other people step forward. Next year I'm going to step forward and really own my place in the world. I'm going to ignite my passion and my gifts and I'm going to share them. I love what Kelly Rae Roberts wrote yesterday about being courageous and authentic. It was exactly what I need to read. There is enough room in this world for each and every one of us, and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to turn off all the noise and just listen to your own inner whispers.

A couple of things that I'm already really looking forward to next year:

• The new and improved Northern Craft Bonanza. Like I said, stay tuned for all the details.
• Launching a new blog that I've been working on for months. It's about a subject very close to my heart.
• Attending the inaugural Sew It Together - Australian Craft Blog Convention in May 2010. If you haven't signed up yet, head on over.
  
• My trip to An Artful Journey. Only 8 weeks till I head off. I am so, so, so, so excited.
• Taking all the ideas, plans and dreams that I've been carrying around most of my life and continuing to take step after step to making them real.

Are you looking back, looking forward at the moment? What do you see?

A big heartfelt thanks to Kylie and Chrissy who encouraged me

not to give up and to push forward with this painting.
I actually really love it now.
(See Cam, I told you it wasn't quite finished)