~ grateful ~ feeling or showing gratitude or feeling thankful
I use that word a great deal. It seems fairly inadequate to describe the true matter of my heart.
It's the morning of New Years Eve....the coffee cake is baking, the children are sleeping, and all is quiet. This peacefulness causes me to reflect. To remember. To have my pensieve moment. To look back at 2011.
When I do, I am...well....grateful. For the year. For the experiences. Mostly...for all of you.
In THIS space....on THIS blog, I shared with you "thankful thursdays", kids birthday celebrations, new designs. There were the glimpses into my ongoing struggle with depression, and the ups and downs of being a business owner.
I gave you silly glimpses into MY crazy life and quirky personality, along with our journey into gluten free. I talked about my girls, my boy, my husband, my dogs. I was introspective and thoughtful, and sometimes just downright odd!
You looked into my studio and I tried to teach you a few things along the way. We shared recipes and ideas.
I made my "search" story...which I still love by the way!
I tried to encourage you to be a cheerleader for yourself...and love yourself...and be "ok" with yourself! I shared with you how to make your craft...your art...your full time vocation.
My daughter donated her hair and you cheered her on. I taught metal smithing classes at my first show, and you cheered ME on!
There were news spots and stressful days and times where we needed to learn to "hold fast" together.
I even went on our first "REAL" family vacation and you humored me by looking at my photos!
I entered an art competition and PAINTED - I was an artist in purgatory. I was scared and insecure and you encouraged me!
But there were days of struggling with being "enough"...and thinking about a "railroad switch". I even shared my naked face.
You celebrated with me when I was added to the ABC news Made in America guide...and supported me when China decided to steal my designs.
Why do I share all these posts? It's as much for me as for you. I am amazed...and grateful...for the amount of support you have offered me. You have been the wind beneath my wings...truly.
So...thank you...for being you. Because truly....I think you're awesome.
Happy New Years Eve friends. I raise my glass to you!
xoxo
lisa
love and adore you, darling, wonderful, talented, amazing friend.
ReplyDelete<3 Here's to 2012
I think of you daily when I glance at my wrist <3
How very eloquent! I am relatively new to your blog, but certainly enjoy it. Keep up the sharing! I wish joyfulness, abundance, and peace to you and yours in the new year...
ReplyDeleteThe life that God gives us is not always easy and he sometimes asks more of some. I love reading your blog with a fellow women of God and sharing ups and downs. I pray that your 2012 is blessed with health, great family time and much talent with your jewelry business!!! Keep the wisdom and inspiration coming :):):)
ReplyDeletethank you sweet friends. without you? i am just an empty voice in the woods. YOU inspire me! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your "enough" with me. I love my bracelet as does Jim. It is a constant reminder that we are enough even when everything around us tells us otherwise.
ReplyDeleteMy rings are amazing. You are a great friend! I look forward to heading into 2012 with you.
I cannot wait to place my order for my 20 year anniversary rings. It feels me with excitement. 20 years--such a short time and a long time. He is my bestest friend. I feel like a queen.
Lisa, as strong as a woman you are, you are also such a tender soul, and I ever so greatly enjoy reading your posts, and getting a glimpse into your life. Relating so closely to your dreams, hopes, fears, and much more makes me feel, well, like it's ok to be me, to be human. And for this I am grateful! For you! Happy New Year! xoxo~Amber
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful and thoughtful year end post.
ReplyDeleteloved all of your links!
i am grateful for finding your blog and you!
: )
sherry