It's cold outside. (Really, really cold.) I'm sitting in my new studio with a fresh cup of tea and swathed in layers of wool. On three sides I have a beautiful view of woods, snow, trees. It's a lovely place to wonder at winter's beauty without stepping into the sub zero temperatures that we've had for the last several days. It's a good time and place for contemplation. But I find that the days before and after the solstice often are.
It's hard not to sound trite when I say this, but what a year it's been.
For years my husband and I have been daydreaming about moving from the city to a would-be homestead in the country. We've been dreaming for so long, I began to think it was the sort of dream that would never come into fruition. But here I am, sitting in my new studio in the country. We've not even been here three weeks yet. Haven't even been here long enough for our routines to be automatic or to have unpacked the box with (name that thing here) in it. But as my son said the first day we were here, "It's already starting to feel like home."
Our bed now sits under two big windows. Instead of seeing into our neighbor's apartment, when we go to sleep we look at the stars. And when we wake up we can see the sun just starting to peek over the horizon. I can just imagine how glorious it will be in the summer, when our garden is in full bloom. When we began this year, I had no idea this is where we'd end it.
I came barreling into the new year in the midst of releasing my first book. February and March finally found said book into the hands of readers and I was a little bit burnt out. I took the following months slowly and spent some time on selfish knits and lots of sewing. I spent a lot of time thinking about the book I'd made and the process. The thing I new from the moment I sent it to the printer (even as I was saying the words "Don't ever let me do this again,") was that I was hooked.
I loved making a book. It felt like all the stars had suddenly aligned and all my miscellaneous skills came artfully together to make something I am immensely proud of. It was certainly a learning experience, and I know what I would and wouldn't do differently next time. But I've spent every minute since dreaming and scheming about my next book. (And how to fit that into my life.)
This year was also the first full year that I returned to work (outside the home) since my daughter was born. Working part time has been a gift. We all benefit from the school community we're now a part of - me as a teacher and my children as students. Though I'm really enjoying working, it has become more and more of a challenge to find time to fit my design work in. (And what about that next book?)
Over the last few years I've worked hard, and often wondered if designing had a future for me. In all transparency, this is the first year where I've thought that this could be something that is not only a creative outlet, but that could also help pay some of our bills. I'm proud of what I've done.
And I'm grateful. I have so very much to be grateful for. There will be moments in the days ahead to set goals and think about where this business is going, how I'm going to find time to work on another book, when I'm going to fit in home renovations, etc., etc. For now I'm going to ignore that. Instead I'm going to sip my tea, look at the snow covered trees and feel the deep gratitude I feel for all that this year has given me.
I'm so grateful to be here friends. Thank you for continuing on the journey with me.
What are your would be hopes and dreams for Thread & Ladle? I'd love to know!