Friday, January 7, 2011

The journey continues...

This time last year, I was facing the prospect of starting the new year with a mix of fear and resignation. I knew there would be good times, but was preparing for the challenges. And there were challenges. Oh boy, were there challenges. Like push-starting a Combi to the Gulf of Carpentaria and back, anything is possible with determination and teamwork - and I have good people around me.

We got through.... and there were indeed good times.

That's me up there (shading my eyes) in the rather fetching vinyl A-line pinny. It was brown with a big ring on its centre-front brass zip. I wore it from when it was a dress to when it no longer fit as a top and I loved it to bits.

The year 2010 didn't pass without some pain and difficulty. Some unforseens.... Some lessons learned.


This year, I'm hoping for some more time to relax. Perhaps we'll even have a family holiday....?

Photo of my Dad, grandfather and aunt.

I need to swim more this year.
Ah, the things we do for love.... My Mum HATED the water, and you can see it in her stance (that's her in front of the slide) as she helped her kids enjoy the water.

My family went through the emotional mill in 2010 and we still have a lot of grief ahead of us. Hopefully, this year there will be less drama and upheaval. Less wrenching and more acceptance.

For me, the last year has brought about a greater sense of my place in the world, the cycles of life... the grand scheme of things... what we leave behind and how we use the now....

Photo of my Grandmother. (...Can any family members help me out here? ...Is that Dad as a baby?)
Edited to add: Baby is not Dad, but his first cousin. My grandmother's first niece.

I'm embarking on the journey of 2011 with plans and hopes for what I'd like to achieve, the acceptance that there'll be good times and bad and the keen awareness that it's the incidental everyday things I say and do that really matter the most. Those are the things that will endure beyond my time on this earth. It's how I can make a difference.
Photo of Mum and Dad setting off on their honeymoon.

I'm beside-myself excited/nervous/hopeful/scared/hugely-relieved as I anticipate the May-June release of my book. It's been a long time coming, and to me, will always represent what can happen - against the odds - with a bit of self-belief and the support of good people (that's YOU, folks!).

It won't be without a few tears, that I send my one-and-only baby girl off to school this year, but I'm preparing to be amazed and inspired by her growing intellect, creativity and individuality as she embarks on her life without me as the centre of her universe.

I'm excited by the prospect of using my new teaching space, formulating new workshops and designing new patterns. I'm thrilled to again have the opportunity to pass on a bit of what I know and to watch it flower in those of you who use it to enhance your own creative journey. For me, that's what it's all about. That's the stuff that feeds my soul.

Bring it on.

22 comments:

teacherspet04 said...

Oh my - what amazingly LOVELY photos. Our year was one chocked full of nearly insurmountable challenges too - but we were OH so blessed through them. I'm grateful for the year that was (although glad we appear to be coming out of it fairly in-tact) and looking forward to what this year has to offer. Blessings to you & blessed by your sharing.
Janelle

Fiona said...

I love the old photos - I've recently been digging through some of ours and remembering my Mum who passed away at Christmas 9 years ago. It's great to look back at the good times!

Wishing you and your family all the best for a healthy, happy 2011. I for one am looking forward to the publication of your book!!

Cheryl (aka Kayly) said...

Good post, Skippy.

Anonymous said...

Glad to be skipping along there with ya Nik.

Kerry

Unknown said...

What a great post ! Love it !

by marie-nicole said...

Beautiful post!!! Wishing you all the very best with your endeavours for 2011.

Bree said...

Much love.....and tissues for your next big year Nic. oxoxox

Tas said...

Lovely post! Look forward to following your year (and your book release of course)

sooz said...

I've thought of you often this last year, and how hard it must be to be going through the process. I admire your drive enormously and hope 2011 brings you much peace and joy.

CurlyPops said...

Such beautiful photos - your mum was so stylish!
I wish you all the luck in the world for an amazing year in 2011.

Tanya said...

NIce post Nikki. YOur mum looks so elegant heading off on her honeymoon. Great to have those special photos. Hooray it's book year.

Unknown said...

WOW an amazing post... just remember that "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you throught it. I pray that 2011 brings new hope!

Andi said...

Bring it on indeed!!
(Love the photos).
Andi x

A Peppermint Penguin said...

Here's to another great year.

Even the rotten stuff, it's sort of 'great' in it's own way, great huge achievements in coping with it at the very least!

I cannot wait for your book to come out. But I suppose I'll just have to!?

Remember - breathing!

Cheers,
AJ

Kelly Casanova said...

All the best for a very happy and fulfilled year!

Annie said...

We'll face the year together. Lots of great old photos and memories there.

Gay McDonell said...

Lovely post - great photos and insightful words - wishing you the best - ALWAYS!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such an inspiring post. I am in an against the odds position with my current employer. As sales reps we have been on salary plus expenses for the past several years. Suddenly we have all been placed onto draw against commission with our expenses being cut to 1/3rd of what they were to run our territories. In my territory they pulled many of the new accountsa that I opened and gave them to another rep. I am a single mother and very frightened about what the future will hold. So thank you for sharing your journey...

Jenny from Ohjoh said...

Hi Niki love your patterns so can't wait for the book.
May you have many more good bits than not so good bits this year.
Jenny

thornberry said...

My dear, you are always able to bring tears to my eyes! What a woman your mum is, and what an amazing woman you are. I love your attitude - bring it on - what a year it will be.
Chat soon now that I'm back in town.

Katherine said...

Happy New Year, Nikki!
I love when you share photos and pieces of your life with us. Nothing like seeing life's journey through another's eyes. We all experience ups and downs; good and bad, but it's our how we deal with life that truly shapes us. I admire your strength, courage and loving approach to life. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

I love this beautiful post Nikki. The photos, the words, the hope, the honesty. So beautiful.