Here and Now

A little ramble today....

This time of year is a time of hibernation for me. It's cold and dreary, and with one storm after another, I am happy to just hunker down at home, light a few candles, and cuddle up under a blanket. On nights when the weather is terrible, I am quite excited when there are no activities on the calendar and a night of hibernation awaits me after work.

I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen cooking up comfort food, hearty meals for cold winter nights. One of our favorite meals right now is roasted veggies with farro drizzled with a parsley sauce. I most often use sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, red onion, fennel, and cauliflower and usually make the parsley sauce in a huge batch, freezing it in small portions so that I always it on hand.

I bought myself some hyacinths on the weekend to celebrate us achieving a financial goal. I had to throw out two plants recently that just gave up and died. I don't have the best luck with houseplants, mostly because my house is not well suited to plants. It's fine, and I don't worry about this too much; at least my children are still alive. And I wish my hyacinths the best of luck.

I'm reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. It is such a good book - well written and inspiring.

Kacey Musgraves winning Album of the Year at the Grammys was incredible and made me very happy. I just love her album Golden Hour. Love it! I would love to see her in concert, but the tickets are so ridiculously expensive that I'll just have to bake myself a cake and eat it at home while listening to all her music instead - that's my Plan B. And a solid one at that.

Can you believe I've not mentioned crochet yet? Many projects completed, a new one on the go, and tons of ideas; thank goodness, because how dull would life be without crochet and yarn ideas?

Knitting is going well. I'm getting the hang of holding two needles and moving the yarn around them in the correct direction. I'm currently on the hunt for a very simple beginner project. Any suggestions?

Have a happy day, friends.

Easing into 2019

Hello Friends,

Again it has been a considerable while since I have been here and I am both bothered and refreshed by that reality; bothered because this space has meant a lot to me over the years and I hated to neglect it, but refreshed because I needed to take a break, some time away, in order to reset and heal.

The last two years have been challenging for me health wise, and while I am still deciding whether to share the details of that or not, suffice to say that I lost hope and felt like all I was doing was surviving - somehow getting through what I needed to do, wishing and hoping for a break from the pain, and then collapsing with exhaustion at the end of the day. It was not good. That being said, I am feeling much better now, consistently better than I have in years. And you know what? This is the first new year in a long time when I have felt like I can actually set some intentions, make some plans, and have a decent chance of achieving them without the fear that I am going to get blindsided and knocked on my ass, completely and utterly derailed. Such an improvement, and such a relief.

 

So what are my intentions for 2019? I've spent the last week or so thinking about that, about what I'd like to do and achieve in this new and promising year:

• Learn to knit. 
• Crochet the flamingo from Edward's Menagerie Birds
• Read 15 books
• Adopt a consistent yoga practice
• Go for a hike at each Halton Conservation Area park 
• Grow my repertoire of vegan baking recipes 
• Pay off a portion of our mortgage
• Ice skate on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
• Get consistent haircuts
• Create our San Francisco scrapbook

I may add some things to the list as the year goes on, as some things get checked off, but I feel like this is a good start - a good mix of fun, learning, health, self care, and productivity.  

What are your intentions for 2019?

A Soft Place to Land

  

After the fastest summer in recent memory and an absolutely wonderful week away surrounded by forest and water, I've landed softly at home with one more week of holidays before I head back to work and the girls go back to school.

This week is all about squeezing what is left out of summer, while at the same time getting everything in order for the start of another school year.

Time away from home always gives me a new perspective on what is familiar and normal in my life. I see things more clearly. With more appreciation. And at the same time I am full of energy and eager to make plans.

So here I am - making plans, checking things off the list, getting myself and the family organized,  leaning into what is familiar, readying myself for when things ramp up next week....

But I am well rested and I can breathe all the way to the bottom of my lungs....I've landed softly. 

Happy week, friends.

Life Lately....

  

 

 

 

 

Well, it was never my intention to be absent from this space for so long, but things happen...

Overall, life has been ticking along just fine:

• I had a birthday...which happened to coincide with a major ice storm.

• We went on holidays to Florida. To Disney. And it was awesome!

• I have so many crochet projects to finish...yet at the same time all I can think about is starting something new. I really want to crochet a flamingo.

• I've planted the vegetable garden and I'm so excited to watch it grow over the summer.

• And of course there are now flowers on the deck.

• I am trying very hard to incorporate a little more rest into my days. I've been feeling a little ragged and run down lately, which is never good.

• Our bi-weekly produce box will be starting up again soon and I'm looking forward to cooking up all the fresh produce.

• My daughter did a project on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which sent me down the rabbit hole watching videos and reading articles on the detrimental effects of plastics in our environment. Horrified by what I learned, I have been taking steps to reduce our plastic use which is a huge challenge; plastic is everywhere and in everything.

• I am constantly amazed (but I shouldn't be) by how fast food disappears in my house. If you're looking for me, there is a good chance I am at the grocery store..

• The other day my neighbor referred to our house and family as perfect....and it really freaked me out. I'm not sure why she thinks that, because let's face it, nothing is perfect, we are not perfect. Maybe the heat was getting to her as she had spent the day hauling rocks around her garden?

• I want to learn how to embroider. And my cross stitch picture is calling me.

Normal stuff here. Just ticking along. How are you all?

March Intentions

Hello friends. I'm a little later with this post than I had planned, but better late than never.....

February certainly flew by, but in and among all the busyness of life I managed to fulfill some of the intentions that I set out at the beginning of the month. I did a minor clean out of my closet, getting rid of worn out clothes or ones that don't suit/fit. I baked a plant based dessert - Pistachio Coconut Bars - and they were delicious. We have a cottage booked for a week this summer, right on the lake, and I can't tell you how excited I am to sit by the water or on the porch and crochet. A financial goal of ours was reached. And I have made a few comfy additions to my crochet corner and spent some time tucked up there working on my latest project - the colorful stripes in the above photo.

As for my scarf pattern - it's out in the world, have you seen it?

Having set intentions in February and then having met them was incredibly satisfying for me, so I'm doing the same for March:

• clean out the girls' closets
• finish my Blooming Flower Cushion (it's going to be gorgeous!)
• buy tulips
• get summer camps organized for the girls
• go for walks 
• read two books

And I think I'll leave it at that...a manageable list.

What are your intentions for March? I'd love to hear. 

February Intentions

 

 

I don't know about you, but for me January felt like the longest month ever and generally speaking I've been feeling a little blah and unmotivated. I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to get into the groove of things. I have ideas and things I want to do, but actually doing them seems incredibly difficult. I'm not sure what is causing this, though one guess is the weather. Grey days and only tiny snippets of sunshine here and there just make me want to curl up in bed.

But enough is enough, so with a new month upon us, I thought I would set a few intentions for myself, a list of things to get at in February in the hopes that it will pull me out of my funk just a bit. Here goes....

• write up and release to the world the scarf pattern that I designed
• make summer holiday plans 
• bake a plant based dessert
• collect tile samples for our kitchen back splash
• check off a financial goal
• minor closet clean out
• update my crochet corner

And I'll leave it at that, a manageable list. And I'll report back at the end of the month to see how I do. Funny thing, I'm feeling better already, knowing that my intentions are well defined and expressed. Bring on February....we can make it through these dark days of winter....

Photos: carnations that last forever and brighten my days, my favorite blanket that I've made, a little project I've started working on again.

Right Now

• I'm trying to get my head around the fact that January is almost over
• My feet are cold
• I am baffled by the fact that someone stole stationary supplies from my desk at work - why?
• I am psyching myself up to wear a swimsuit on the weekend. It's Bridget's birthday party on Saturday and as per her wish we are going swimming. I want to celebrate her birthday, I do, I'm just not excited to put on a swimsuit in January.
• The days are getting a little bit longer - have you noticed?
• I have a craving for brussel sprouts - how weird is that?
• I need to remember to make a hair appointment....
• I'm designing my own crochet pattern for a scarf and after only a handful of botched attempts, it is going well and looking just like I had envisioned.
• I'm wishing for spring, like I do at this time every year
• I'm enjoying the sun and blue skies outside my window
• I'm happy to be at home on this beautiful day
• We just got home from skating and it was awesome

What are you up to right now?

Have a great weekend!

My Perfect Cup of Tea

One scoop of tea leaves (I am in love with Earl Grey from Davids Tea), hot water, steeped for exactly four minutes, and I always use my favorite mug. I wrap my hands around the mug, sit down at the kitchen table and inhale the sweet smelling steam. Slowly I sip, usually while working on a little crochet, and I relax. I feel the tension leave my body, I breathe deeply....it is perfect.

It is really the little things, the simple things, that bring happiness to our days, isn't it. I heard an a commentary the other day about how there is so much chatter in the world, and especially on social media, about "living a big story" when maybe, just maybe, we should focus on living our simple everyday lives, recognizing and appreciating the small moments that truly make up the fabric of our days...I could not agree more.

I am not one for lofty resolutions and goals at the beginning of the new year (and I do not need any organizational systems or a gym membership), but I do have this intention: to focus on appreciating the everyday moments a little more, to pause and be grateful for them - a cup of tea, a conversation, a hug, a quiet walk, making dinner....the little moments that make up my days. It's not like I have been ignoring these things, but I just want to acknowledge them a little more - not with a parade, but in my heart and soul. I have so much to be grateful for.

I'm going to go now and make myself another cup of tea (the leaves are good for at least three cups #nowaste) and crochet while I watch the snow fall, thankful that I'm not out on the roads. Have a lovely day, friends.

P.S. Photos of my houseplants are included here in celebration of the fact that they are alive and thriving....no simple feat in my home, under my care. That being said, fear not, my children are alive and thriving. 

Seven Hundred

This week I published my 700th post, an accomplishment that gave me reason to pause and reflect.

Some thoughts as I consider this milestone:

• The content has changed over the years since I started sharing in this space. I used to do a lot more paper crafts, whereas now I am more focused on yarn. This caused me some angst for a while as I felt like I was deserting something that used to be a huge part of my life, but I am settling, happy to simply enjoy my changing interests and loves. 
• I love how this space chronicles what I have made...and looking back I can see that I have made a lot.
• There have been moments when I have loved this blog, and there have been moments when I thought I'd quit.
• I've stressed myself out over how often I am posting or not posting. Completely unnecessary. I think I have now reached a place where I am okay with what it is and with whatever happens, placing no unnecessary pressure on myself. I have a job and a family, and this is a hobby....no stress needed.
• I am seriously considering no longer posting photos of my girls in this space. As social media becomes a part of their lives (it's not yet, but I can foresee that it will be in a few years)  I think it may be time to give them a bit more control/influence over what about them is shared with the world. Maybe it is time to make this space about my story only?
• I am cautiously considering designing some crochet patterns of my own. I do believe that I have the experience under my belt to make this happen, I just need to get started. I am excited about the challenge, though a bit nervous.....but really, what do I have to lose?
• A site redesign, or at minimum a little tweaking, may be needed.
• Should I include some of my newer interests here: simplicity, minimalism, cooking?
• I am really proud of myself; I never anticipated I'd make it this far.
• Seven hundred posts....are you serious?

Knitting with Oma

The first time I tried to learn how to knit I was using knobby and feathery yarn (two strands held together), I couldn't see my stitches, the yarn kept splitting, and in the end I was all tense, I had a cramp in my hand, and I was sweating like I was running a marathon. I did not have an enjoyable time and my work was an absolute mess, good only for the trash.

After such a frustrating experience I didn't think I'd pick up knitting needles again, that is until a few weekends ago when my Oma insisted on teaching me how to knit.....speaking to me in German for most of the time. It was an interesting afternoon for sure, but surprisingly I was able to follow what she was saying and have learned a few of the basics (all those years of German School definitely came in very handy).

I've made a few mistakes here and there, my tension is uneven, the edges are a little wonky, and I've dropped a stitch or five...but all things considered, I think it is looking pretty good.

I'm enjoying knitting and am excited to see where this leads.....could this be the beginning of a new yarn craft adventure???

Special thanks to my husband for picking up the camera and taking these pictures, capturing a very special moment indeed.

Birthday Girls - A SMASH Journal Page

I used to share a lot about paper crafts in this space, because I used to do a lot of scrapbooking and card making: I used to be on a design team and back when I first started this blog, I designed and shared a new greeting card every week. But over the years, the amount of paper crafts I do has decreased dramatically, and as I type this right now, I can not remember the last time I made a scrapbook layout or a card.

For a while I felt quite sad that I was not scrapbooking and card making as much, but the truth is simply that it does not fit so well in my life anymore at the same level and intensity as it used to. And that is okay. I've come to believe that hobbies ebb and flow over our lives; they are something that we can be intense about for a while and then they can become less front and center as our lives change and/or as we go off to explore and learn something else, not disappearing entirely, but simmering in the background for when we come back to them. That is where paper crafting is for me right now. I do not have the time to scrapbook every little moment of my life like I used to, and again, that is okay. What I am doing is documenting our family holidays - like I did with our Eastern Canada road trip - and also, when the mood strikes, adding a few pages to my SMASH journal. I'm basically doing what I can, at a level that feels right for me, and I am enjoying it.

My latest SMASH journal page came together rather effortlessly using photos of my girls from their last birthdays. I enjoyed layering the paper and the embellishments - my favorite thing to do with paper - and documenting a beautiful moment in time. Listening to a little Jason Aldean while I worked was also fun!

So here's to paper crafts, doing what works, layering pretty papers, SMASH journals, ebbs and flows, country music, and enjoying it all!

Have a wonderful day, friends!

Taking Stock

Today is the first day of summer vacation for the girls. I had great plans to spend the day outside, but it is rainy and gloomy so I guess we are having an indoor day....not all bad. Seems like the perfect time to sit down for a moment and take stock....

Making: garlic scape pesto (this afternoon)
Cooking: from what came in my produce box
Drinking: cucumber mint tea
Reading: nothing, I need to pick up my library holds 
Looking: out the window at the flowers and the vegetable garden
Deciding: vacation plans
Hoping: for nice weather on the weekend
Enjoying: all the crochet projects I have on the go
Liking: the sound of my girls playing together
Loving: not having to make school lunches for a while
Pondering: my next challenge...
Listening: to podcasts - quite possibly the greatest thing ever
Considering: a trip to the farmers market tomorrow
Buying: nothing but groceries
Browsing: cookbooks, especially this one
Wishing: for a day free of responsibility
Wondering: how much more madness the world can take?
Marveling: at my daisies about to burst into bloom
Waiting: for the washing machine to finish
Cringing: at my dirty windows
Needing: a good conversation
Wanting: to decorate my bedroom, 10 years of blah is more than I can take
Smelling: a weird smell from my neighbor's yard
Wearing: leggings and a tunic
Noticing: that something ate my dill plant in the garden
Knowing: summer is going to fly by, it always does
Prioritizing: calm
Sorting: through the girls' clothes
Thinking: about what to declutter next (decluttering is truly addictive)
Celebrating: the end of school, the beginning of summer
Disliking: that my one eggplant plant has died...
Feeling: drained, but hopeful
Hearing: the strangest bird call
Embracing: the ordinary, or at least trying to

(writing prompts courtesy of Pip)

Lately....

Lately it's been especially busy on the home front. I honestly do not know where the evenings go...before I know it I am looking at the clock and thinking I really should get to bed.

I've spent many evenings of late, until the sun sets at almost 9pm (love that about the summer), in the garden. Our original plan this summer was to rebuild the garden along the side of the deck, to put a better edging around it and add a bit more soil, but a few not-so-fun and unexpected expenses (brakes, tires, water softener) ransacked the budget for that so we have had to make do with what we have. I've weeded and transplanted some flowers and I am happy with how things are looking. There are still a few plants that I am hoping will recover after being chewed down by the resident rabbits, so we'll see how that goes.

On the weekend I weeded the vegetable garden and planted some radish seeds. It makes me so happy to look out the kitchen window at the veggie garden growing so well; I love growing vegetables in the backyard.

I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen as well. I've made several recipes from my new favorite cookbook, Dishing Up the Dirt, which focuses on seasonal eating and is incredibly down to earth and approachable. I've loved each and every recipe that I've tried and have many more earmarked.

I have also been doing a little crocheting. I have a finished project to show you, I just need to remember to take some photos, and I'm working on a little owl friend for myself.

So there you have it, a little life update. With all the expenses of late, it feels great to just hunker down at home and tend to the garden, cook good meals in the kitchen (with my helpers at my side), and do a little crafting. Simple pleasures to fill the days.

Not Crocheting, but Gardening

I have not touched a crochet hook or any yarn in the last three weeks, and truth be told I am getting a little twitchy, missing the calm and peace I get when I crochet. My problem is that I am at a loss of what to crochet. I started a blanket a while back but do not like how it is coming along and am a little stumped with what to do with it. I've been collecting patterns - I recently purchased this book with some birthday money, and this e-book on a whim one Friday night - but can still not decide what to make...

But all is not lost because instead of crocheting, I have been gardening.

This past weekend was a holiday weekend, with an extra day off work, so I was able to focus a little creative energy on the garden. The girls and I planted pots for on the deck and I planted all my herbs. There is nothing like fresh herbs right outside the back door, and I look forward to using them all summer long.

I also mulched the front garden and planted three yellow begonias. Our front garden is fairly low maintenance, but after a few years more mulch was definitely needed. I'm telling you, putting down mulch under some well established and large plants is not easy (maybe a little torturous) and my legs are still in agony today, four days later. (Let's not talk about what that may indicate about my physical stamina, okay?).

Never the less, the front garden looks amazing and the flowers and green herbs on the deck make me smile each time I look out the kitchen window. Next on the list is the vegetable garden which we should get planted this week....

I'm also determined to get a little crochet project going,  a little something small, just to get back into it....

A week with some gardening and crochet in the mix, should be a good one...

Taking Stock

Hello Friends. It's been a while, I know.

We were on holidays in San Francisco for a week (I shared some photos in my 52 Weeks Post) and had the most amazing time, one of our best vacations ever. We've been home for two weeks now and I am not too sure where the time has gone. Anyways, I hope to be back to posting more regularly again, to sharing some creative things with you. In the meantime, I thought I'd take stock....

Making: crochet pineapples, I'm not exactly sure why
Cooking: plant based meals
Drinking: water
Reading: At Home in the World
Looking: at photos from our vacation
Deciding: which herbs to plant in the garden
Hoping: it is warm on the weekend so I can wear a dress for Mother's Day
Enjoying: my decluttered house
Waiting: for too many things
Liking: the evening light
Loving: the scrapbooks the girls made of our trip
Pondering: what to do with the cards I made that are sitting in the cupboard
Listening: to podcasts - so many - and learning so much
Considering: another wardrobe purge
Buying: shoes for the girls
Browsing: my crochet book collection  
Wishing: for a night out alone with Steve
Wondering: what to do with the crochet blanket I started, but don't like
Marveling: at the swan I see every morning on my drive to work
Cringing: at the amount of yard work that needs to be done
Needing: a good conversation
Smelling: my blackberry candle burning on the kitchen counter
Wearing: leggings, always
Noticing: that my weekends are not very restful
Knowing: that there are some things I just do not want to do anymore
Prioritizing: healthy eating, though it is a lot of work
Sorting: through my forsaken scrapbooking supplies
Thinking: about what to bring to our Mother's Day BBQ
Getting: excited about another Loft Box season
Celebrating: the continued survival of all my houseplants
Disliking: how expensive life is
Opening: the windows, every chance I can
Feeling: a little anxious
Hearing: the bus drive by
Embracing: stolen moments to myself

(writing prompts courtesy of Pip)

Taking Stock

Here is what is going on right now, on a sunny, late-March morning, in my little corner of the world:

Making: crochet cacti
Cooking: kale and fennel vegetable soup
Drinking: black coffee, and trying to learn to like it
Reading: "Chasing Slow" and nodding along as I read
Looking: for even more things to purge from the house
Deciding: to sign up for a yoga class
Hoping: spring will come now and stay
Enjoying: a shrinking 'to-do' list
Waiting: for my photo books to arrive in the mail
Liking: my morning walks around the neighborhood
Loving: craft time at the kitchen table with my girls
Pondering: the crazy world we live in
Listening: to The Minimalists Podcast
Considering: what to plant in the garden this year
Buying: new siding and eaves troughs for the house - oh goody
Browsing: crochet pattern books, adding more projects to my 'to-make' list    
Wondering: if I should make a big batch of apple sauce?
Marveling: at my succulent which is growing, not dying...miracles do happen
Cringing: at the counter full of dirty dishes
Needing: a haircut, badly
Smelling: my beeswax candle burning on the kitchen counter
Wearing: leggings
Noticing: a few buds on the trees
Knowing: that I need to make a serious change
Prioritizing: self-care and health
Thinking: about my place in the world
Getting: excited about our upcoming holiday
Celebrating: my speedy recovery and how amazing I feel
Disliking: bills
Opening: the windows for a little fresh air
Feeling: at peace
Hearing: birds chirping outside
Embracing: slow days

(writing prompts courtesy of Pip)

Taking Stock

Making: avocado toast for lunch
Cooking: nothing, I'm off-duty for the next few weeks
Drinking: tea, coffee, and lemon water
Reading: "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" and laughing out loud
Looking: for things to purge from the house
Deciding: to make another crochet blanket
Wishing: spring was here to stay, but I know better
Enjoying: quiet mornings working on my cross stitch picture
Waiting: for some new books to arrive in the mail
Liking: my daily walks, I feel stronger every day
Loving: having breakfast with my family in the morning
Pondering: how much more crazy this world can take?
Listening: to The Minimalists Podcast
Considering: painting my toenails; in winter, I am crazy
Buying: not much
Watching: the squirrels at the bird feeder
Wondering: what the girls are doing at school right now
Marveling: at how unseasonable the weather has been lately
Cringing: at all my grey hairs; so many more recently it seems.
Needing: to get dressed
Smelling: my beeswax candle burning on the kitchen counter
Wearing: my pajamas, I did not sleep well last night
Noticing: how comfy and calm my home makes me feel
Knowing: how lucky I am
Prioritizing: self-care
Thinking: about what to put on the grocery list
Getting: some craft projects finished, finally
Celebrating: my girls' incredible report cards
Disliking: Easter decorations in the shops already (!!??)
Opening: windows for a little fresh air
Feeling: more relaxed than I have in a very long time
Hearing: quiet
Embracing: my break wholeheartedly

(writing prompts courtesy of Pip)

An Unusual Week

This has been an unusual week: I've spent the week at home, drinking tea, crafting from morning to night, camped out on the couch in my comfy pants and my big sweater. It has been great.

Of course what got me here was a little surgery last Friday - nothing serious and hopefully life-changing - and I came home from that with a doctor's note ordering me to "relax and heal", which I have interpreted quite clearly as "sit down and do some serious crafting". Doctors should not be argued with when they are giving such advice.

I am very happy to say that I am on the mend physically and am, as per my doctor's orders, immersing myself completely in creative pursuits. I've finished some craft projects that have been lurking about in various stages of incompleteness for far to long. I've started a cross stitch picture, returning to this craft after many years. I've dreamed about and planned for projects that I am going to do next week. I've even sorted through and organized my recipes.

I am really enjoying my little crafty retreat, and very happy that my physical recovery is going so well.

I should have lots of crafty things to show you in the next while (I'll be at home for a bit), and I can not begin to tell you how happy that makes me. My creative side has needed to shine a little brighter for a while now and I am taking this opportunity to make that happen.

Lately...

Lately...

• The weather has been grey and dull. It is almost dark at 4:00 in the afternoon. To combat the gloomy, I always have a candle burning on the kitchen counter...sometimes this works, other times it is not enough. I've also been taking photos of my houseplants to remind myself what green, living things look like. Suffice to say I will be celebrating when the sun decides to come out again (soon, please)
• I've been reading. After only reading two books last year (I'm kind of embarrassed about that), I am determined to read more. I've set a goal for myself of 12 books this year...and I just finished my second. To keep up my momentum I am heading to the library this weekend to pick up a few new reads. Any suggestions? 
• I've never drank so much tea in my life, our kettle is in constant use.
• I've finished my weekend bag but with the terrible light we are having, photos will have to wait.
• I made this vegan banana bread and it is delicious. I may make another this weekend.
• I've been decluttering like a woman possessed. Is there anything more satisfying that dropping off a load of junk at the thrift store? Or a clean cupboard with only the things you need inside? I don't think so. 
• We are in the midst of planning a family trip to California and I am beyond excited... the sun shines there, right? I'll be having "cake by the ocean", watching the sunset, on my birthday...
• I've been thinking about this space and what I want to do here this year. I have a few ideas that both excite and scare me....stay tuned.

What have you been up to lately?

2016: A Year of Crafting

I thought it would be fun to look back at 2016 and do a little round-up of all the things that I made last year. Overwhelmingly I crocheted, both quick makes and finishing up larger projects, and it should come as no surprise that more crafting was done in the colder months as the garden really took up my time in the the summer.

I've arranged my finished projects into collages with links to the blog posts below.

{January - March}

Duck Rattle

Chunky Granny Scarf

Harlequin Shawl

Cozy Stripe Blanket

{April - May}

Doll blanket

V-Stitch Infinity Scarf

Colorful Granny Square Pillow

Coasters

{August - October}

Ellie the Elephant

Project Life: Eastern Canada

Crochet Stash Baskets

Mandalas

{November - December}

Crochet Duck

Hoot the Owl

Color Block Blanket

Crochet Butterfly

Wow, seeing it all in one place is quite encouraging, I actually made quite a bit last year.

I also spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking using our local produce box and I shared all that in my weekly posts; cooking became quite the creative outlet for me this year which was a little unexpected, but a lot of fun.

I also can not help but notice that I did not do much scrapbooking this past year. I am not completely sure how I feel about this - part of me is okay with it, part of me misses this hobby. Maybe I'll have more to say about this soon...

Looking forward, I have a few creative plans for the year...

• finish my wreath which has been somewhat neglected these last few months....
• I'm working on this and this right now, close to being finished on both fronts....
• I ordered the yarn to make this blanket...
• I also would like to do a little sewing. I have all the supplies to make a bag just sitting in the cupboard waiting for me to get myself in gear...
• And I would also like to make a crochet wall hanging...

Looking at what I've done and planning what I want to do has left me quite inspired. I'm off to do some crafting, talk later....