A year of FAMILY changes and milestones.
We had a wonderful family holiday in February, followed immediately by our eldest two children leaving home to begin college/university courses far away. Quite a change for this homeschooling family.
Cricket dominated much of the year for our five players and especially for our now 17 year old twins who have each made state selections again for Women's Under 18's. They will be playing in the National Championships at Ballarat once more next week.
Gracie is making moves towards pursuing her passion for music.
My husband has been unwell and off work since early April bringing much change to our family dynamics.
With 5 wonderful teenagers in the house (and one older and two younger) food disappears very quickly....
A year of exploring THREADS.
Over the last year I have bought many different threads for a variety of quilting purposes and several other thread types were gifted to me to try out. This has been a major highlight of my year, a bright spot in my days which have often needed to be focused on my husband's health needs.
If you wish to know more, click on the 'threads' label in the right hand column.
A year of happy QUILT FINISHES.
Doesn't it do wonders for the soul to work with your hands to finish something so useful and beautiful as a quilt. Details of each one can be found under the 'Completed Quilts' tag at the top of the page.
A year of VARIETY.
A small pincushion, a cross-stitched butterfly, two skirts and two tops - each one designed and created to fill a need.
Three quilt panels were quilted by request/commission. My 29 year old sewing machine broke down midway through the second quilt panel. My amazing new machine, now permanently set up in our main living area, has been a tremendous blessing to me in so many ways.
A year ending with EMBRACING ORGANIC COTTON.
Beginning to discover the importance of choosing organic cotton (fabric, batting, thread, bedding and clothing) has changed the way I view and shop for these items. The more I learn, the easier it is to resist buying any cotton item which is not organic - passing by super cheap fabric, bedding and clothes in favour of purchasing or making organic items. There are some gorgeous organic fabrics available and more being released each month. I look forward to sharing further in the future.
And last, but by no means least, I managed to Find Beauty, Joy and Contentment in my everyday life, even if I had to work a little harder at it than most years! :)
22 comments:
Karen
It has indeed been a year of challenges and changes for you, and finding joy in the simple. You are inspirational dear friend{{}}
You have a wonderful family, a successful children who have different passions and execute them. You control your interests that make you happy. May your life be without the worries and let the garden grow beautiful flowers and butterflies fly. Regards.
What a wonderful wrap up! And to top it all off with a chrysalis and your little Jenny Wren! Ahhhh, the things this year may hold.... :)
de tre siste bilder er knall !
A beautiful post, Karen. I've been reflecting on my year as well, and the ebb and flow of life.
Thank you for being are reminder of beauty, joy & contentment, you are a blessing!
It is a time for reflection and a time to be inspired and look to the future. We only have to look at your family and their achievements to know that you are an inspiration to all.
very beautiful post, Karen!:)
It looks like a good year. All the best for 2015.
Greetings,
Filip
Such a lovely, contemplative post Karen. It's amazing when one reflects on the year past the many experiences that are woven in the tapestry of one's life. I for one am always uplifted by your beautiful posts, your sublime photos, your gorgeous quilts, other pretties that you stitch.....AND your ability to seek joy and positivity in all that God entrusts you each day. Thank you for your lovely blog!
Such a wonderful year for you and your family - all the best for 2015!
Looks like such a great 2014! Wishing you an even better 2015!
It has been a difficult year for you but you still remain so positive. Well done. I hope your husband's health improves.
Your posts are always a source of positive energy and peace to me, Karen. Thank you for that. :) All my wishes for improvement for your husband. Medical challenges can be so disheartening, particularly when they altar life so dramatically. I pray for solace to continue finding you. P.S. - I still adore "Peaceful Night" and love its backing fabric so much!
love your last photo. Yes, your year has brought huge changes. I'm so pleased you've had a 'break' from the stress from your husbands illness in the form of your sewing creations. It's really nice to see a summary of all the different photos in these collages.
With the challenging past year you've had, you still manage to reflect on the all the blessings and the good. What a sweet post! God bless you and your family as you begin a brand new year.
What a beautiful post Karen. I hope your husband's health is improving and wish you and your family all the best for 2015.
I too enjoyed this post and will pray for your husband as I click "Publish". With my health challenges these past two years, I find looking at God's creation a perfect way to remind me of his loving kindness towards me. His handiwork is all around. Love those butterflies too!
The butterfly photos sums it up pretty well - you've changed and evolved through all the challenges, coming out beautifully on the other side. Here's hoping there is a season of peace and rest coming your way soon! If not, keep finding the joy and beauty you capture so well. Hugs!
Thank you for sharing your 2014. You had made a lot of amazing things:)
A beautiful summary gracefully written with stunning photos to match. xx
Karen,
Your heart speaks here. A soul content where the LORD reigns...a quiet and gentle spirit comes through in all you share on your blog.
I am sorry about your husband's illness. Hopefully, this year will bring some healing and relief.
Love your collages and your continued joy and peace in the middle of many changes. Blessings to you in this new year Karen!!
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