What a crazy mixed up kinda year you were. Truth be told I'm so very glad to put you behind me. You were full of twists and turns that's for sure. And yes there were good bits and gifts alongside all the crap, but I will always remember you as the toughest of the tough. A year that nearly broke me in half.
Here's what you brought me 2011
January
- I made a list of all my dreams and hopes for the year
- I found the word that would carry me through the year. And it so did. I had no idea when I picked 'resolve' just how much I was going to need it.
- Had a gorgeous staycation
- I watched in horror and disbelief as floods ravaged Queensland and Victoria
- Returned to full time work and boy did I thank god for Fridays!
- A dream came true when I discovered Flora Bowley was coming to teach in Australia in 2011
- The gift of love and a new camera
- I celebrated 3 years of blogging, remembered tradgedy and finished an important painting
- I struggled to find balance alongside full time work and missed my artful journey pals
- I fell madly in love with Fridays
- Cracks started to appear as I continued to struggle with balance
- I took tiny steps
- I realised I was going to be OK
- I had a life changing and soul stirring art experience when I attended the Flora Bowley Bloom True workshop in Jervis Bay. I had an incredible trip with my dear friend Jay. I also met the amazing Tracy Verdugo.
- Ms L and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary in amidst a whole lotta stuff
- I chose happiness
- I was published in a real live book
- I made Cam a pretty awesome birthday present {if I do say so myself}
- We found a new home
- I turned 40, moved house and Ms L lost her job all in the same week!
- I said farewell to my beloved first studio
- I had two Mondo Beyondo dreams come true and learnt some things about the power of dreaming
- I held my second solo exhibition at Chair 14. It was fabulous and exhausting and amazing
- I found a resting place
- I discovered a few things
- I started {sunday snippets}. Wow, can't believe it's been 6 months.
- I struggled some more to find balance alongside full time work
- I asked some questions and reminded myself of my truth
- And then I got blocked
- I made friends with winter
- I published my 500th blog post
- I rode the waves
- I dreamed of escape and indulged the fantasy
- I celebrated the success of my exhibition and renovated my studio
- And celebrated a major milestone. So proud of this one.
- I delivered hope to a good friend
- I showed off my new studio
- I got the dreaded lurgy
- Saw myself in a new way
- Had the perfect mini-break
- Got ready for Blogtberfest with hundreds of amazing peeps signing up to play
- Kicked off Blogtoberfest with a travelers guide
- Acknowledged the role that grief plays in my life
- Started work on a very exciting collaboration.
- Celebrated Ms L's birthday
- Got really, really, really sick and bailed on Blogtoberfest. I hated having to bow out.
- Wrote a list of good and shit stuff
- Said farewell to another blogtoberfest
- Launched {finkigirl} in collaboration with Jay and totally changed the way I saw myself as an artist and my plans for the future. I have so much more to say about this. It was a major highlight for 2011.
- I disappeared
- Played with self-portraiture after being blown away by this photo of Danielle. Treat yourself to one of Vivienne's courses peeps.
- I quit my full-time job after finally acknowledging the negative impact it was having on every aspect of my life
- I painted and then painted some more
- I hosted my annual open studio
- Got ready for Santa
- Enjoyed a quiet Christmas with Ms L and Mumsy
- And painted some more
2011 I declare you complete!
*I love that my Canadian soul sister Danielle posted the exact same post today! We must be totes in sync at the moment.
************************************************
An update on the 2012: Your Awesome Year Workshop
We are about two-thirds full so if you've been thinking about joining us now is the time. We would love to have you.
I've been working today on the content and some of the treats we've got in store for participants. It is going to be a seriously amazing and special day for everyone who comes along. I'm so proud of what Louise and I have created.
Sign up here to pay in full or here if you'd like to go the pay-by-installments option.
Wishing you a happy, creative and prosperous 2012.
ReplyDeleteYeah! and wellsain. (god that was a long year) My very best for the 12 my love.....
ReplyDelete