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| well, christmas has come and gone and left me fat and happy (just like santa).... i think i will be eating only water and doubling my power walking all of january, in order to get back to myself......my decorations are still up and i may leave some of the twinkle lights up all winter, since i just love their peaceful glow. |
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| i loved having a more simple christmas decorating style this year...less clutter and softer hues...perhaps a precursor to my simpler style for the coming new year....i plan on purging many things (really cool vintage things...look for the opening of my etsy store soon)) and concentrating on my art and photography... i have not shared this before, but i have struggled this past year....last winter, after suffering a lot of physical pain and fear from said pain, i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia...getting used to doctors and meds is totally new for me....pain is new too...and i have learned to accept the pain....i have also learned i just can't do it all...imagine that....and i have learned the even harder lesson of admitting that i just can't do it all...my gardens have suffered somewhat (in this perfectionists eyes) and i have decided to cut back on some of the digging in the dirt...what i really want to do is paint pretty pictures and court my artistic muse.... it has been a year of transition for me.....from gardener to artist. |
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| the words of one of my high school art teachers echoes in my brain. "when are you going to get serious about your art?" me thinks now. |
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| mr. dan and i will be hanging out here tonight, as the forecast is calling for rain and put a damper on our plans for a backyard campfire....i think i'll make my ribs and of course black eyed peas for good luck. |
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| look at what happened, right outside my studio window on saturday... gorgeous snow! i am a huge fan of the white stuff! it didn't stick, but was beautiful and peaceful to behold. i am lucky to have such a lovely view. |
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| so, here is to transitions and acceptance |
PEACE
and good health
in the NEW YEAR.
thanks so very much for coming by!
♥
erin
Erin, each and every post you publish is a work of art itself! Your photographic images are lovely and your paintings exquisite, so I know you are following the road mapped out for you. Best of luck and good health in the New Year!
ReplyDeletexo, Vickie
Een heel goed en vooral gezond 2013 !!!.......
ReplyDeleteBedankt voor je liefde en vriendschap van het afgelopen jaar......
Ik ben zo blij met je !!......
Liefs van mij....xxx..
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A very good and healthy 2013 !!!......
Thank you for your love and friendship over the past year........
I'm so happy with you !!..........
Love from me....xxx...
happy new year to you as well..may it bring you peace..joy...contentment.
ReplyDeleteYour home is so lovely and your photography has always been such a joy to me....Sending you PEACE mixed with oodles of joy for 2013! Thank you for being such a blessing to me.xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteMy dear girl, you were born an artist and you have tended that talent in the dirt, in your home dec, and in paint. Your concentrations may vary in intensity and focus but you have always... always.... been a serious artist...born to it, living it....
ReplyDelete<3
best wishes in 2013
z
Erin, I truly understand the pain part, I can empathize, my dear. Your artistry is evident all throughout your house, you have a wonderful style about you, in every thing you arrange to perfection. That is because YOU ARE AN ARTIST, you just can't help it. I can't wait to see the things you create on paper and canvas, now that you have settled in on it. Here is to a Year of new beginnings in art and fresh ideas!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas/Winter decor is so pretty - Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a Very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year!!
Erin, your house just blows my mind with how beautiful, peaceful and charming it looks. And... i understand what it's like to have so many interests, and having to choose because you can't do it all. Sorry about the Fibromyalgia... seems like lots of us artsy types end up with weird autoimmune things that are hard to diagnose and treat. I don't know what that's about, but i have some similar issues... I'm glad though, to hear that you are honing in more on your art... clarity is cool, and i can't wait to see what you do with it all!
ReplyDeleteCindy
I agree, leave up the white twinkle lights on the mantle they are like winter very soft and pretty. Spring time will bless them good bye. Lovely pictures. Happy New Year from Humble Abode
ReplyDeleteerin,
ReplyDeleteSorry about the fibro :( You should pursue your painting now more than ever. I can't wait to see what's in your etsy shop!
The winter decor is gorgeous. I would leave it up too for the dreary cold days of January.
Have a Happy New Year and God Bless!
Love
Donna
Oh Erin I want to bask in that light that is your home....so lovely and peaceful. Everything you touch is artful so don't let anyone tell you you are not serious.
ReplyDeleteI agree keep the lights on. I have just started enjoying my decorations at home and will be leaving it up thru January. I don't care I don't do anything like others.
Wishing you a Happy and Artful New Year.
Big hugs
Carole
I'm so sorry to hear about the pain you've been facing. I'm such a wimp when it comes to aches and pains. I agree with the others that it doesn't matter what you do, garden or decorate or paint, it's always beautiful. I'm also excited that you're opening an Etsy store. Maybe some little paintings for us?
ReplyDeleteLove and the happiest of New Years to you!
Karen
Just found your lovely blog... I'll visit often. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteDear Erin - I have really enjoyed visiting your blog this past year and seeing so much of your lovely decorating and art. I am sorry about the pain and I pray it will ease with medicine. So many folks I know have it - my Mom for one and my sister-in-law. I think exchanging a few flower beds for a few more paintings sounds pretty enchanting to me. God Bless you in the New Year - I will be visiting you.
ReplyDeleteDear Erin,
ReplyDeleteThe images on this post are breathtaking.. I am sorry about your pain, no one should have to indure constant pain.. I hope the meds help.
Thank you so much for your inspiration, kindness and your encouraging words this past year.
Maybe it is your time to focus on just your art.. You have such talent, there is something very special about your paintings.
Happy New Year.
Love and blessings,
Penny
So sorry to hear that you are dealing with pain. I am looking forward to seeing what you create in 2013 and I am looking forward to an Etsy shop!
ReplyDeletexokc
I'm sorry to hear about your illness Erin. I think I know how you are feeling. I have had a rough year with pain too and not knowing what was wrong with me. Luckily the nurse practitioner I go to had others in her practice about my age going through similar pain and she tested my hormones (which were a mess) and I have started replacement therapy. I thought I was going to have to cut way back on the gardening too, but in three months on the therapy I feel like a totally new person. I have a sister with fibromyalsia(sp) so I was very thankful that it wasn't my problem too. I want to wish you the best and hope that you can have relief from you pain. Before I was put on the therapy I am on now I would wake up in the morning with such pain that I would just want to stay in bed. Pain can make our lives so depressing can't it? I am sending many warm hugs to you and wishes for a bright New Year!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful Erin. I just love your welcoming space!
Wishing you a beautiful 2013, as beautiful as your photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Happy New Year Erin!
ReplyDeleteDear Erin, I'm glad to know that you at least have a diagnosis and can deal with it properly. You put a lot of you into everything you do and are a true artist through and through no matter the medium. Wishing you a wonderful new year filled with peace and possibility, health and happiness, love and opportunity. Blessings, Tammy
ReplyDeleteHello~ I'm a new follower-I found you via Debbie Nolan. I just wanted to say-I am enraptured by your photography-it's beautiful. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Erin,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that you have suffered so much pain; I am usually relieved however, when a diagnosis is given. I pray that this transition you will be enduring will only be one where you are going to find YOUR STRENGTHS. You are a blessing for your vision for beauty is easily expressed by your skills and available sources. Your home, OH DEAR...those beams, that fireplace? How much more cozy can it be. I just pray my dear that you will find comfort from the physical challenge. Oh how I thank you for stopping by today! AND YES, I do believe that any critter would have a field day with that dress! It is going into a bridal shop this week, but if anyone goes in there with a child, I just hope they keep an eye on the little feet and hands!!!!!
HEALTH and HEALING TO YOU ALWAYS! Anita
i was a gardener until pain forced me back to art, also. i miss the garden but not the pain. i hope you find the joy in your art to fill the hole.
ReplyDeletebut more than that, i hope your art gives to you what your art gives to me. you inspired me tremendously when i found your blog back in 2011 and you single-handedly brought art back to my life when i needed it most. i thank you for that, from deep in my soul, and i wish for you a happiest new year, with lots and lots of art :) many blessings to you!
Your Blog Always makes me smile <3
ReplyDeletei just discovered your aazing blog and i'm so glad i have.
ReplyDeleteyou have such a charming welcoming inspiring place here.
will be back again for more inspiration.
happy new year!
rita
Your home is so sweet and cozy and welcoming, Erin! I love the simple way you decorated it this year, too. I will be keeping you in my prayers, sweetie, in hopes that your fibromyalgia will not rear it's ugly head too often and interrupt your love of gardening and art. Looking forward to visiting you and your pretty home in the coming year! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
I am finally making my way around to my blog friends, after a long trip and the holidays. I love seeing your beautiful posts. I am so sorry to hear about the chronic pain. My aunt was diagnosed with it years ago ... I'll ask if she has any recommendations. I know she was doing Chi Gong (sp?) and has a reflexologist.
ReplyDeleteAnyway ... happy to hear more time will be spent on your art! (although I would say pretty much everything you do, including this blog) is art.
Wishing you many, many blessings, love and light and creativity in 2013!
Happy New Year Erin!
Happy New Year, dear Erin! Your home, your art and YOU are always an inspiration. I am so sorry to hear about the health challenge you've been facing. I'm sending you all positive wishes for the coming year and looking forward to your creations which I know will be amazing.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Sorry to hear about your pain. No fun.
ReplyDeleteBut I like your new direction for 2013. I wish you much success.
Your posts are so beautiful and inspiring. I have follorwed you for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have a diagnosis. I was diagnosed in 1992, when few doctors knew what fibro was. First of all, I am glad you felt you could share this. The support of loved ones and friends is so important.
I want to encourage you to talk about it without fear of judgement. Follow what your body is telling you. In doing this you will be helping yourself. However, it is sometimes difficult to take the time to rest and smell the roses. It is OK to rest and forget the "little chores" for another day. It's OK to say NO. It is OK to lay low and pamper yourself. Learn to be proactive, and become your own best advocate.
Keep a positive attitude. It WILL get better. I know . . .
Hello, Erin,Dear! What a beautiful post! (I've been experimenting with some little white bottle-brush trees, myself!)I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to "meet" you!
Hugs,
Anne