Before I sign off for the weekend I must ask, how was your week? I’ve had a very enlightening one with some definite a-ha! moments that sparked some ideas about the current path I’m on, paths to be explored, and other paths that I need to allow the brush to grow over and eventually close. It’s the beginning of a new year, I know, but I feel a shift that I’ve not felt in years and I’m ready to see where all of this takes me. I definitely did not feel this shift last year, nor the year before because I felt very confident back then in my path and had no concerns really about the future.
(click on photo to view images and their sources)
This year is different. I’ve changed a lot since this time last January and as a result, changes have occurred in me that are quite noticeable. And though I’m still confident in my direction, I’m not so sure that my path is the only means to get me to my goal and so I am seriously considering a few challenges to throw in to make the journey more rich and rewarding. And what about you? Is the light getting brighter in certain areas of your life, too? Have you experienced any moments this week that made you stop and really consider, seriously, the year before you?
This weekend will be one of deep thought for me as I plan to take a lot of time with my journal and tea as I unravel some knots in my mind and lay out a game plan. And in addition to all this self care, I plan to indulge in a spa visit which includes a Finnish sauna, and view 3 properties as our search for a new apartment has officially begun. I’ll be documenting my new apartment search over on Haus Maus so please visit there if you’d be interested at all in a little virtual apartment hunting.
I’ll see you on Monday! Schönes Wochenende (Have a good weekend, in German pronounced kind of like “Sshue-ness Wo-cken-end-eh)!
January 8th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
These are all beautiful and I hope you have a wonderful weekend hun filled with care and love and warmth. Good luck on your hunt, I can’t wait to see! :)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Friday: Closer to home
January 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
This sounds very exciting, Holly. I hope you find out so much this weekend.
liza´s last blog ..Beautiful Weekend
January 8th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Gorgeous inspiration! I am inspired everyday by your gorgeous post and ideas. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sophie x
Sophie Isobel Designs´s last blog ..Shopping List Saturday.. Mint Julep
January 8th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
The first week in January always makes me think about the year ahead and how I can make it even better than the past one for me and my family. With two young children, I’ve been struggling for the past few years to find the right balance of family time and time for my own endeavors. Now that I’ve [finally!] figured out how to combine my passion for photography with my interest in environmental issues, I’m really optimistic for a fruitful and fun year! And I wish you the same!
January 8th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Gorgeous photos and good luck with the apartment hunt!
Anissa´s last blog ..I Adore : Old Soul, New Heart
January 8th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I too have been in a very contemplative mood as of late.I love doing my blog, but have other interests pulling me away.I need some time management reformulating.It’s a good thing we’re in a deep freeze here in the NE…..perfect for mulling such things over in front of a fire.
Good luck to you.Looking forward to seeing your new place.
Shawn
shawn angela´s last blog ..It’s the weekend!
January 8th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Wow! Congratulations on 5 – FIVE YEARS of blogging!!!!
That is a real feat …. looking forward to seeing what happens with the apt. hunt…..and also how the knots unravel! All the best!
heather´s last blog ..A Quick Guide to Careers in Planning
January 8th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
oops! First lesson in blogging check the automatic website address
heather´s last blog ..The Library – Koh Samui
January 8th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
What is going on in that Holly head? Sounds complex and intriguing…
I will promise to pause and ponder, though.
January 9th, 2010 at 12:03 am
I had a light bulb moment shortly before the new year. I had been wracking my brain trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a career and I finally realized that I want to be a marriage and family therapist. I’m in the process of applying to grad school right now. So exciting, so scary.
January 9th, 2010 at 4:16 am
Your weekend sounds delish, Holly. I hope you enjoy continuing to explore different paths to get you where you want to go. I have done quite a bit of reflecting myself this week, and I have realized it was time to take action… so I got myself a sewing machine (daunting!), made a diy lightbox and wrote down a plan for the coming year… I cannot begin to say how liberating it feels!
Your Flickr inspiration board is absolutely stunning, I have already found myself lost in all the newly discovered talent (for me anyway) for a couple of hours.
Enjoy your weekend, I am looking forward to “see” you again on Monday!
Much love to you,
Nancy
Nancy Comelab´s last blog ..-
January 9th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Hi Holly! First…I really love your blog, layout and all, you manage to balance professional and personal and keep it interesting. :)
As to your question…I’ve noticed that a lot of people are feeling just that way this year. Maybe there is some cosmic change about? I’ve not felt that in many years myself…a change that is not thrust upon me but still is happening. Without getting too specific I had a really crappy 2009 so 2010 has to be better. :)
On a side note and referring to your former entry…Sasa Antic is so special, I love the playfulness and lack of seriousness…it makes my heart sing and my feet bounce!
Have a lovely weekend you!
Liv Elin´s last blog ..Om kvinnfolk og kalving
January 9th, 2010 at 5:02 am
Holly, I’m speechless. I’m visiting your blog for the first time since last weekend because I had such a hard first working week. I have (almost exactly) the same thoughts about my life like you have right know. Not to be sure about the path… I think about quitting my job next week. Because I have a very nice new job offer… It’s not that popular as the one I’m doing now, but it’s a change, has more to do with good food and good people… ;) Although I’m pretty sure that it’s gonna be fun, I’m so frightend. It’s so hard to start something new. Feels like jumping from a very high cliff. But a German poet said something very nice once: Mut wird immer belohnt (Bravery will always be rewarded)… So stay mutig for your new ideas and have a Schöööhnes Wooochchenende!
Kalotta
Kalotta´s last blog ..Willst du mich heiraten?
January 9th, 2010 at 5:22 am
Oh, I think it’s really exciting when things ‘change’ and you get a chance to throw a few new things into the mix. Dreams and goals and paths to get to them definitely change over time . . . I often head toward things and then stop to re-asses if that’s is really where I want to go/do.
This year is an experiment in ‘gifts and giving’ (see http://www.101birdtales.blogspot.com) as often I feel I am trying to ‘get’. It will be an interesting experiment. I love setting dreams/goals – fun and exciting. Good luck, I look forward to hearing more specifically how you get on . .. . . and I love your images!
Lol,
Amelia.x
Amelia Critchlow´s last blog ..an explanation: gift grants 2010
January 9th, 2010 at 5:25 am
You favorites look a lot like mine! :)
I’m entrayia on flickr, but I don’t have that many favorites (yet!). However, I just discovered a new procrastination type! flickr favorite jumping!
How you do it:
1. go to your own favorites
2. pick a picture you like and go to this user’s favorites
3. add all the beautiful pics you like to your favs
4. pick a picture and go on to the next user.
5. repeat until you just have to stop because you are going to miss a serious deadline.
Have fun! ;)
Mausumi´s last blog ..Much Love: Heart project
January 9th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Holly, I wish you an interesting creative journey this year. Moving abroad (without a return ticket) brings all sorts of change and growth, doesn’t it? It involves a shift of the innermost kind, and while it is not always easy, it is for the most part interesting and enlightening in so many ways. More than anything, I wish you and your husband good health (number one) in 2010. I know that the things you touch and put out into the Universe bring many joy, as I am one of the recipients. May the doors that open for you (some of which were unseen before) bring you on to new and interesting paths. You strike me as a person for whom the exploration is an important part of the journey, so enjoy exploring all those parts to this life you have chosen for yourself.
Ich wünsche Dir ein schönes Wochenende und alles liebe.
diana strinati baur´s last blog ..Jessica and Rob’s Wedding
January 9th, 2010 at 8:06 am
I’ve had aha moments that I cannot ignore – those when your heart tells you what the next step is. Then I’ve had other times when I’ve thought I’ve wanted something, but my heart is not there. And then there are those standard dreams many of us think we should have: a boyfriend/husband, a little more money, a job with more responsibility, etc. However, this January, I’m overwhelmed with the feeling that I just need to appreciate all that I have. My desire is for happiness right now and not working for a distant satisfaction. I’ve never felt this peaceful before! It takes getting used to!
Lizzy´s last blog ..morning
January 9th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Dear Holly, “a-ha moments” and “feel a shift” . . . . I can see it and feel it in your latest blogs. . . . . a little extra color is creeping into your choices.
Gina
Gina´s last blog ..Desperately needing extra Bed
January 9th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Inspiring message in there :) Made me think.
January 9th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Your Flickr Inspiration Board is gorgeous! I’ve been feeling a little more ambitious this year with my goals for my business, but not so much, though, for my life in general but, then again, I never know what to expect on a day-to-day basis as a Navy wife so anyways :)
~ Kristen
Pins + Paper´s last blog ..Paper Goods Love: Repeat Press
January 9th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Have a great weekend and good luck with the house hunt :)
My Owl Barn´s last blog ..Curious Owl
January 9th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Guten Tag and Happy New Year! Love you blog and I enjoyed visiting your haus maus blog too! Beautiful floors in that apartment you featured!
I’ve definately started re-evaluating where I’m going in life. Maybe it’s a 40’s things but I really feel like I need to make some changes. I started working with a Life Coach recently and it has shifted my perspective on where I’m at in life. One big change that I’ve always wanted to make is working independently as a crafter. I’m working on a plan of attack and I’m so excited to explore my options!
Genelle
Genelle´s last blog ..Springtime Blooms and Windowboxes Card
January 9th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Wow, I feel like you have taken the thoughts out of my head and written them down! I’m spending this weekend making my vision board for 2010 after a very successful one in 2009 so here’s to lots of cups of tea/coffee and lots of scribbling in our journals and most importantly here’s to a great year !! x
michelle´s last blog ..Twenty Ten Resolutions
January 9th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I am in need of a machete and a compass. I’m looking forward to “Blogging Your Way” giving me some new direction and helping to inspire some new goals too!
becky from hatch´s last blog ..Clever Taxidermy at Anthropologie
January 9th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Your inspiration photo’s are nice. I feel that some areas in my life are changing and growing in a positive direction, where some other could still improve. But over all I’m happy where I am in my life, and hey I have a big birthday this month!
Penny Patten´s last blog ..Roses
January 10th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Agree Holly.. there’s something in the air this year, I can just feel it. Like you I don’t remember having that feeling of anticipation and change a year ago. Not in the same way as now. I look forward to seeing what evolves!
Libby´s last blog ..Dorthe Hybel Ceramics
January 10th, 2010 at 2:15 am
Hi There,
Thought I would share with you photos of my wedding three years ago (today). We eloped!http://www.cricketwife.com/2010/01/my-wedding.html
January 10th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Good luck with the appartment hunting!
Judith of Felicity Crew´s last blog ..Winter Wonderland. 5×5 – original fine art photograph
January 10th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Mmmhh…I also feel a shift somehow, but I´m finding it really hard to grasp.
It´s not like something that presents itself clearly, like a goal that you see and go for. Neither is it that sense of freedom and space that I´m allowing myself by trying different directions without a specific goal in mind.
There´s something. But I can´t put my finger on it.
So, I´ll just hold it there. Neither too tight, by trying hard and incessantly to decipher what it means. Nor too loose, by letting go completely and allowing whatever it is to dissolve into thin air.
I wish you luck on your quest.
julie´s last blog ..do you see what I see ?
January 10th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Yay– German lessons! :) Schönes Wochenende!
I love the sense of change in the air I get at New Year’s and Birthdays… so much opportunity, so much unknown… I find it very exciting. What was it that Owen Wilson’s character said the movie Armageddon? “I’m 98% excited, 2% scared or is it 98% scared, 2% excited? I don’t know. That’s what makes it so fun!”
My husband doesn’t view new years or birthdays as pivotal points– he sees all days in a more continuous manner.
Wishing you the best in 2010 Holly! :)
Tricia McKellar´s last blog ..thank you 2009
January 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Yes, lots of growth since last January for sure. Growth may be painful at times, but it’s a good thing. I’m in a knot unraveling phase as well. Have a wonderful weekend!
31everything´s last blog ..Where have all the books gone?
January 10th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Yes yes yes! Every new year is ripe for resolutions, but there’s something about a new DECADE that feels so much bigger, and full of even more possibilities. I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall with my career, and at this point I really don’t know what on earth I want to do with my life. I’ve always just sort of gone through the motions of my 9 to 5 job because that’s what you’re supposed to do – just pay the bills and look forward to Fridays. But I’m sick of that, and this year is my year to figure out what it is that will really make me happy, even if it might mean giving up some of my stability. Good luck to all of us!!
kate´s last blog ..hot water music
January 10th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Very lovely pictures. Thanks a bunch!
January 11th, 2010 at 12:35 am
hi!
it’s first time say hello to you!
i’m a Korean. so, i’m in korea of course!
i get many ideas from your blog-
so, I want to say thank you :)
have a good day!
January 11th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Yes, I am feeling different this year. Weird and somewhat out of balance. However unsettling this is, I find that I know it is a good thing. Shifts and changes are on the way, and if you know my history, I say .. bring it on!
I’ve started my creative life and I am excited, nervous and even a little scard about where it will go. But go I shall. Thank you for a wonderful blog – I’ve heard about you for so long, but only just jumped on board! ~*~
Mel´s last blog ..~* hello *~
January 11th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I have been having very similar soul stirrings and premonitions about 2010. It’s exciting yet at the same time frustrating to teeter on the cusp of change. I hope and pray great things are in store for both of us this year!
smiles
Darlie
the Redneck Junkers