At last the December vacation period has arrived and all I feel is this hush over the land… and then, a whisper… and it is teasing me to go and visit the world of the living breathing humans that exist offline, beckoning me to enjoy the sensory pleasures of freshly fallen snow and visual wonders of the beautiful outdoor festivals and how magical the forest looks and feels this time of the year. Branches snapping underfoot, the crunch of snow beneath my boots, the tickle of snowflakes on my face… physical pleasures that are only experienced fully when one has time to be still and live in the moment knowing that emails, voice mails and text messages do not need to be answered, at least for two whole weeks.
A free pass to absolute freedom, to be careless and carefree. These are the final two weeks of the year that I start to look forward to in mid October as everything begins to slowly feel so noisy and saturated… and by this time, fully saturated and all-in-caps loud. It’s time to turn down, tune out, dig in. To have two weeks off feels grand, like someone just handed me a winning lottery ticket.
I’m only taking off for two weeks, but in case you do not have the luxury, I’ve prepared a little something for you each day until I am back full-time. Here is how the schedule will look: On Monday the lovely Leslie returns with Color Me Pretty. Then Tuesday-Friday I’ll post a link to something or someone nice online that may inspire you. The following week, the last week of December, you can visit again for one post a day featuring something pretty and inspirational to enjoy. Mostly visuals with links, nothing fancy or time consuming for you because honestly, I want to set an example and encourage you to take a bit of a break from the web too. If you can. It’s so refreshing once you return to it all in January… you will be better for it.
And how about you, will you take off? What are your plans? I cannot wait for these few weeks to relax and refresh as I unplug and spend moments with those I love in my new country and culture. And as a result from this special time away, I can charge my creative batteries for the wonderful year ahead, which is suddenly a blank slate before me, soon to be filled with much hope and opportunity. You must be feeling the same.
And of course I cannot sign off until January 4th without saying thank you for a lovely 2009, all of you, for every kindness, comment, email, tweet, blog post, newspaper article, magazine mention, cards, gifts, and all the other reminders that I am not alone, that what I am doing matters to you as much as it does to me, and that you truly care from your heart about me as a person and aren’t here merely to eat and run (grab content and move on) but you take time to stay awhile, comment, interact with others who comment, this is all so touching. This kindness and encouragement matters to me deeply, on some days when I felt like writing nothing at all, a card would arrive or an email expressing heartfelt sentiments and I would feel inspired to sit before my computer and write. I even appreciate the not-so-lovely comments and emails, the ones where you remind me to remain humble, to keep it real, and to polish some of the not-so-shiny parts of my personality because well, a good friend should be there to remind us of these things too. So thank you for all of it. Thank you for a truly meaningful year.
See you on Monday, well… Leslie will see you anyway with another installment of Color Me Pretty and a special announcement from her to all of you.
xo, Holly
December 18th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Have a lot of fun, rest well, enjoy the landscape xD And if you do go around europe go by Denmark! :P hihihihi xD Just joking :D happy holidays Holly!!!! And MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
.-= Gis´s last blog ..So much to do, I need a notepad! =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Dear Holly!
We’ve grown so accustomed to being able to check in and get inspired nonstop in this beautiful place you’ve created, that I think we sometimes forget that this blog is in fact managed by a real live person who she herself needs to enjoy life just like the rest of us.
Having said that, I want to thank you for the endless inspiration you have given me the past two years that I’ve been reading your blog.
And I want to wish you a wonderful time off to enjoy the perks of life, a merry Xmas (or hanukkah) and may your 2010 be filled with happiness and laughter!
.-= Szilvia´s last blog ..Christmas Friends =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Enjoy your well deserved vacation & break from the internet, we all need this so much. :) Thank you so much for all of your time & energy spent in 2009 to make such a beautiful & inspirational website for all ! Happy holidays ! :)
December 18th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Always look forward to seeing and reading beautiful things on decor8! Enjoy the last couple weeks of 2009, and I am looking forward to more wonderful posts to come in 2010!
December 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Good for you Holly! You give so much to all of us- you deserve some time to get out and explore your world!! Enjoy it!
.-= Rachel B´s last blog ..Happy Friday! =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
have a lovely break Holly + happy Christmas. have really enjoyed decor8 this year {thanku}, looking forward to 2010 :)
.-= gretchenmist/belinda´s last blog ..the Udessi gift guide =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Boy o boy, do you deserve it! Enjoy!
December 18th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Lovely Holly, you put so much effort into this site and bring so many great things to us, you really deserve free time:)
I’m doing a n internship so I’ll have to wait until January to have proper holidays but since I have no school I still have more free time than usual=D
Wish lots of warmth in these cold days, time for you to anything you want (including nothing at all) and lots of good food on the table;) hehehe
December 18th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Best wishes for a lovely holiday and well-deserved break, Holly. As always, your blog is a highlight of my blog day.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Merry Christmas Holly! Have a wonderful break. I look forward to learning more from you in the new year in class! :) Blessings!
December 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Your blog is wonderful.
I love it!!!!
December 18th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
have a nice break Holly! and Merry Christmas.
Im planning to spend most of January away from the computer…Im not sure how I will go but Im sure it will be good for me!
.-= Liss´s last blog ..One more week – hello holidays =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
what a lovely post! i, too, am taking a couple weeks off. i’m closing up shop this afternoon until january 4th, and am planning some simple photograph-based blog posts to pop up while i’m gone. I wish i could say i’ll get away from email altogether, but i will cut down!
thanks for sharing your wonderful inspiration with us all on a daily basis. there are always so many wonderful things to enjoy.
happy holidays! enjoy your break…
.-= lesley´s last blog ..hall & oates :: the tackiest yet. =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Enjoy the holidays and your well-deserved time off!
.-= City Chic – Jamie´s last blog ..Holiday Cards with Buttons, Tape, and Twine =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Take time to relax, and happy holidays to you and your family :)
.-= CreativeButterflyXOX´s last blog ..Upcycled Ladies Mini Skirt with Union Jack Flag on Back Pocket =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Dear Holly,
I don’t comment often but I am today to say that London Times got it wrong
by not naming your blog “Number 1″. So I took this opportunity on my blog to set the record straight. You have in fact created the most consistently gorgeous blog on the internet. You should be very proud of it and I know that you are. Congrats Holly you are queen of “design blogs” and we all know it :D
Merry Cristmas in your magical wonderland.
xoxo
Michele
.-= michele´s last blog ..London Times gets married to Apartment Therapy =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I’m glad you for that you will get 2 weeks of snowy wonderland time to enjoy the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. I will be thinking of you and trying to do the same as best I can.
We will be in the country visiting family for almost a week, and then we are hoping to celebrate the new year on Lake Superior, in Duluth, MN. I’m looking forward to it. The friends we stay with while we are there are the sort of friends that remind me exactly who I want to be and what kind of life I want to live. You can’t ask for much better than that.
And I want to thank you Holly. For all that you do to make me feel supported in this online artist world. And for all that you do for so many others. You are a champion for us all. So I hope you never feel alone. xoxo
.-= Shanon´s last blog ..Simplicity (Or fashion, lists, and disco balls!) =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Have a great time and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
.-= ruth´s last blog ..fabrics galore =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
hej holly,
we wish you a magical christmas and the very best for you and your family for 2010…i´m looking forward to your wonderful e-course…;)…and you are so right to have a break…it´s so good sometimes for our souls…it gives us again power for new projects…brings us back to ourselves…gives us time for the really important things in life…our family and our friends…;)…so frauheuberg have also a break from next tuesday on…;)…
many thanks for your wonderful inspirations … every day …and your amazing words … touch me again and again …it´s so fine to know you…even if only virtually…perhaps someday in person…because I feel something really special … when I’m on your blog …and i thank you for the motivation that you give us all every day…just believe in ourselves and our dreams…thank so much holly…
warm regards from south germany
ines from the frauheuberg ladies
December 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
What a lovely farewell! Hope you have a great holiday and looking forward to the inspirational posts. I think everyone should take time off to refresh and the holiday season is always best spent with family in the “real world!” Then we’ll all be refreshed for 2010!
.-= linda´s last blog ..Thoughts on Pricing Creative Work =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Thank you for the work you do. It is always a pleasure to visit your blogs. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas. :)
December 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Beautifully written and sage advice. Very Merry Christmas to you, Holly! We’re definitely taking time away from the computer and getting out to enjoy the festive atmosphere, beautiful lights and get ready for a bright new year! Enjoy your lovely new city! xo
.-= Georgianna Lane´s last blog ..Garden d’Lights =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Hi Holly! Enjoy your time off! I will be also enjoying two weeks off in Lisbon :D A Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!!
.-= Juana @ SweetVisualAids´s last blog ..Delightful Cologne’s Christmas Markets! =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Merry Christmas Holly. Hope you have a relaxing break and return refreshed and inspired for the new year ahead.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Before you go and enjoy your holiday I want you to know how truly grateful I am for the endless inspiration and most of all for “you”… you have touched my life in more ways I can count. I wish you, from the bottom of my heart, a delightful Holiday season and a sparkling, sensational 2010! I look forward to seeing you again in the new year! Merry Christmas!!!!!
.-= Nancy Comelab´s last blog ..- =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Thank you for all your wonderful and thoughtful work — I don’t think I ever actually cared about styling until I started reading your blog and you’ve introduced me to so many artisans that I now treasure. Soak in the spirit of the season and relax into it. I’ll return in 2010 and look forward to your posts and styling course. Merry Christmas and here’s to making a set of resolutions that support your creativity, happiness and add no guilt to your plate, absolutely none. In other words scones are allowed.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I wish you all the best Holly. Enjoy your vacation, enjoy your loved ones and the festivities in Germany. I’m sure it’ll be an amazing time!
I’m very happy to have discovered your blogs (I love Haus Maus too!!). Your such an inspiration and very very talented.
I wish you a very successful 2010, a very good start with your online class and just…all the best!
be blessed.
steffy
December 18th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Have a great time and happy and merry holidays!
.-= Stratos Bacalis´s last blog ..Top 20 Countdown – no.3 =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Hi Holly,
Have wonderful Holidays…I jst wantd to say that i work with mentally disabled children daily and the challenges are vast and wide an varied. Many times I get home and feel fried and many many times I feel like crying.
However I always always look forward to just sitting with your inspirations, new web sites, cool finds, and incredible taste…Your blog manages to take me away from myself and lovely creative, chaotic New York. I always feel as if though you and I are in conversation, funnily.
I too want to start a blog and am waiting for another web class?? I want to tell you about my living in germany for four years in contrast to your current situation…I and to share things about kids and things i see daily as injustices to them…or maybe just photos of my city…not sure…
I dream of one day sitting with you over coffee and laughing about how we met and how you’ve been such good company for my mind and soul!
Thank you Holly! Frohes Weinachten and Shoenes Neues Jahr!
Tscheussy, Luz
December 18th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Happy Holidays to you!!!
.-= laura trevey´s last blog ..Girls Night Out, Watercolor Print, 8 by 10 =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Dear Holly, have a wonderful merry happy holiday! Such a nice timing to unplug and just relax with your love ones. Thank you for the schedule on your lovely space while your on vacation.
I am alo starting my little vacation this weekend. Wil be visiting netherlands…oh which reminds me, i want to visit that shop you deatured here in amsterdam hehe…need to look up on it. :)
Thank you holly for being such a wonderful teacher and inspiration! Thank you for the love and support you and this wonderful creative community sent my way! Have a lovely holiday, merry christmas and a merry happy new year. I am looking forward to walk my creative path and share my creations with you and the others creative souls in the new year! Love to you and yours!
.-= Jacqueline´s last blog ..Cookies, cookies, cookies =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Holly, wishing much love and happiness in this season of hope.
.-= Yoli´s last blog ..Word of the Day =-.
December 18th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Holly…..
I appreciate and grateful for your inspiration as it keeps me motivated. Have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to your blog in 2010. Enjoy the rest. Merry Christmas
December 18th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Thank you for setting this example of a balanced life for all to see! Enjoy your time off (you are good at that too). See you in the shiny new year!
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Scene Around Home: Dear Santa… =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Wasn’t that your resolution – to take a couple of weeks off? I am so happy you made it:) Of course I will miss your lovely posts but Christmas is really about family and I hope to be spending more time with mine :)
What my plans are? Well, I won’t be able to leave my projects because our vacation is really, really short (only the 24, 25 and 26 and then the 1st) but I’ll be skipping as many classes as one can (don’t tell anyone:)) because I haven’t seen my family for quite some time and I just had a baby nephew a week ago, plus my cousin from the US is visiting for the holidays. So to sum up – I’ll be spending a lot of time with my family, making delicious meals and decorating our home :)
Have a lovely time on your vacation and thank you for all the inspiration! See you next year:) xo
.-= Iva´s last blog ..Art =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:57 am
I love to read your posts everyday, I did enjoy this one too. It feels personal and friendly the way you write. I wish I could express in words like you do. Have a great time with your loved ones and take in the outdoor beauty while it lasts. See you soon!
.-= My Owl Barn´s last blog ..Friday Freebie! =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Enjoy your time off Holly, and thank you for all your wonderful posts this year. I’m taking 2 weeks off too, feels great!
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Saturday, December 19th 2009 =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Have a great break. Your description of snow etc sounds wonderful. Here in Australia it’s a hot Christmas. One day, I would love to have a true white Christmas. I have only seen snow fall twice in my life, so hearing about white Christmas’s feels my heart with envy. :-)
December 19th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Dear Holly,
thank you so much for your words, I hope you have a great holidays. Enjoy this time with your family!!!!
I guess that I’ve told you this before, I really love read your blog everyday, I’m so glad that I’ve found you in this”world” :)
Wish you a Merry Xmas!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!
.-= Georgina´s last blog ..expo mosaico =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:44 am
What a lovely and civilized thing to do! We will all enjoy your links while you are away.
For me, there’s a day after Christmas plane flight to ski-ville, where I will stay for three weeks, minus my trusty Macbook and sewing needles.
December 19th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I very selfishly am sooo glad you scheduled things for us while you’re off on holiday, as I rarely take time off during the holiday season. My family is all local, so I opt to stay at work so others can take the days they need to travel.
That said, have a lovely break. And thank you for sharing your inspiration and a piece of your world here.
.-= B´s last blog ..Festive Flickr Friday =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
It has been so nice to get to know you a bit through your blogs and to follow your adventures to Germany. I like this blog because not only do you share beautiful things, but you share yourself, something that is missing from other big-name blogs. You honesty and warmness shines through every post, and coming here, despite the thousands of folks who read every day, feels personal. Do enjoy your break!
December 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Enjoy your holiday and time off, Holly. You deserve it.
I’m taking off some time from work, too, which does feel grand and decadent! Talk to you in the New Year.
.-= PenelopeLovesLists´s last blog ..Making Small Talk at Holiday Parties: or, things I hate more than going to the dentist =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Enjoy your time off! Have a wonderful Holiday & all the best! Haven’t commented for awhile but its not for lack of visiting=)
December 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Holly, have a great Holliday, enjoy your family, we will be here when you get back. Looking forward to January and your new blogging class . . . perfect time to learn some new things about blogging.
Gina
.-= Gina´s last blog ..Brilliant Idea =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
happy christmas. & have a splendid break!
xx
.-= The Owl Diary´s last blog ..so let it out, and let it in =-.
December 19th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
great idea Holly, you deserve the break! enjoy! =D
December 19th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Have fun during your much deserved time off! and happy holidays!!
December 19th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Dear Holly,
Your blog is one of the first design blogs I found after a period of time reading your updates, I am certain that yours are still by far my favourite. Everything in this place is inspiring; I love the feeling of it!
Hmm… Plans, definitely yes. Yesterday I’ve just finished my yearly event. Been doing it for 3 years for it’s still as fun as ever (I wonder when I will get bored); now it’s time for me to rest for a while (Still getting things done, but in a more leisure manner. No more all-nighters, hurrah!)
Today I’m going to celebrate Winter Solstice Festival (Chinese Winter Festival) with my family (It’s one of the biggest festival that we celebrate) Having dinner, eating Tang Yuan (It’s a ball of cooked rice flour with fillings such as peanuts paste or black sesame paste, usually serve in sweet soups) & enjoy ourselves.
After that, I need to get all the last-minute preparations done for Christmas & finish my novel for the competition. In Malaysia, school is getting started at 4th of January. So get ready to back to school (2010 is my big year, I’m having a major examination; it determines my qualification to get into college) Study hard & play hard.
So, Holly, I’ll be very busy when year 2010 arrives & I’m afraid that I can’t always keep myself updated to your blog.
But fear not, I will visit your blog when I have the time. *winks*
Merry Christmas & happy year 2010. May good luck always be with you & enjoy your vacation!
Yours,
Junnie
December 20th, 2009 at 9:00 am
thank YOU so much for continuing to inspire me as I embark on this now year long adventure of re-introducing art into my life after taking time off to have a family. You have been crucial in the process, and for that I thank you ever so much! happy holidays :)
December 20th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Enjoy your break! I hope you find it relaxing an inspiring! Looking forward to your posts in the New Year! ~ Kristen
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..I heart libraries! =-.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Wow you have it all worked out go. Now go and have fun you deserve it and MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!
.-= Debra´s last blog ..Violet and Red Wooden Ring (Adjustable) =-.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holly, to you and yours.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Dear Holly,
Thank you for keeping this blog. I come and visit this site (from Estonia) when I look for beauty and need to take my mind off work issues.
Enjoy the holiday season.
Terje
December 21st, 2009 at 5:53 am
Have a restful couple of weeks Holly! You totally deserve it. Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Viv xx
.-= Viv´s last blog ..Etsy Picks: Pillow crush =-.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thank YOU darling, sweet Holly! I hope you have a magical and wonderful 2 weeks. You deserve it and enjoy every moment. I plan to do the same and hope you have a merry, merry Christmas. All the best my dear!
xo
Meis
.-= Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Monday: inspired by Art & Ghosts =-.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:01 am
oops! I spelled my own name wrong! I must really need a break! ;)
xo
Melis
.-= Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Monday: inspired by Art & Ghosts =-.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Have a wonderful holiday and THANK YOU for all your hard work, warmth, generosity and inspiration. Merry Christmas!
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
thank you for a wonderful year Holly, you and your blog are an absolute inspiration and it has been a pleasure discovering you… :)
i think part of my new year’s resolution will be to not ‘eat and run’ as much… ;)
wishing you a wonderful and peaceful holiday and all the best for 2010,
emma
x
.-= emma lamb´s last blog ..a wee sale… =-.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Happy holidays Holly! Enjoy your time off. I will look forward to catching up with you in the new year. Cheers, Noelle
.-= pinkbathtub´s last blog ..New product – Personalized Area Code Stationery. =-.
December 24th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Have a wonderful trip. Merry Christmas!
December 24th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Enjoy the vacation…you so deserve it!
I will be taking off shortly to go spend Christmas with my wonderful mom and brother…and my mom’s dog…:D
It’ll be so much fun! I hope you have fun too!
Merry Christmas to everyone! Be happy, be safe, love and be loved!
Shannon
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Question of the Day: Have you come across fan pages with Welcome Pages? Did you like them or find them annoying? =-.