Friday, January 3, 2014

Looking Back & Moving Forward

Looking back , 2013 was a "Year of Changes" for our family.


Some changes were planned, anticipated and welcomed with open arms.


 Before retirement I never had the time to do all that I wanted to accomplish and now I have all the time in the world.


One change was unexpected and brought sorrow to our otherwise wonderful lives.


We knew the loss of our precious 14 year old Dorje was inevitable, but it was a change we would have preferred not to experience.


A spur of the moment decision to mend our broken hearts with our goldendoodle Lulu brought changes both good and bad.


We love Lulu dearly, but digging up the garden, swallowing socks and stealing anything in sight are habits we hope she soon loses.


A totally unexpected change was KC leaving San Francisco and moving back to her home town.


It is a dream come true to have KC living just 4 houses away and surprising us by cooking dinner frequently.


Looking forward, we see 2014 as "The Year of the House".


Ten years ago we had this table custom built to fit our tiny dining room, but Steve has always hated the narrow and short table.


On Tuesday we bought reclaimed wood which Steve cut today to make a new rustic tabletop that will be both wider and longer.


The next home project which I plan to begin this weekend is to set up a "creative space" in the house.


I spent a lot of time organizing a creative space in the garage, but it is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.


A major home change in 2014 will be to fill in and level our cobblestone patio.


We love the look of our patio, but recently both Steve and I have fallen so we know the patio is a home improvement that must be made.


Today was spent at home making lots of little changes all over the house.


I know it's going to be a very good year.

. . . . . . . . .

Housekaboodle - Meet the Neighbors Link Party

My French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell

Jennifer Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Friday

Imparting Grace - Grace At Home

Rooted in Thyme - Simple & Sweet Fridays

Shabby Art Boutique - Shabbilicious Friday

The Charm of Home - Home Sweet Home

Common Ground - Be Inspired

40 comments:

  1. Such a lovely way to remember 2013, hope 2014 is a great year for you.

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  2. I am so excited, truly, to see what you are going to do. I know you will show us in due time what Steve will do with that larger piece of wood to make as a table top! And though the cobblestones are SO CHARMING, it is very perilous to have them around since twisting your ankles could happen. Carol, your home is a delight and the changes you have chronicled here are both bittersweet. The loss of any beloved family member is hard to take, and the "training" of a new pet a most difficult task! But having your daughter nearby must be a treasure.

    Here's to a new year of custom-made living, to suit all your needs and to help you discover how change can be GREAT! Much love, Anita

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  3. I know it's going to be a very good year TOO .
    HAPPY NEW YEAR CAROL

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  4. I know having your daughter so close by was probably the best thing that happened last year! I'm dreading mine moving away (she just set up her "moving to California" fund)! I'm so glad you're enjoying retirement. So many people don't know what to do with themselves when they're not used to having a lot of free time. Oh your puppy will grow out of all those things. When Maxie was a puppy he chewed shoes and baskets and did all kinds of things. Just like people, they mellow with age. Now Corey is a digger but that's just part of his breed. Are you training Lulu? I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your cute home this year!

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  5. Here's to a great 2014!

    I love your house and look forward to seeing what you do, Carol.

    And I certainly understand about leveling things. I was confined for over two months from falling on one of St Augustine's charming brick streets, the one behind our house.

    xo

    Sheila

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  6. I enjoyed looking back over your year. I kept thinking to myself....I remember that! Funny how we know the comings and goings of folks we've never met in person but feel like we've known forever. I've enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to the year to come. Sounds like you have big plans....:) I love the decorative touches you shared....especially the 2014 in the flower vase. Have a beautiful Friday, Vicky

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  7. Love your pics! My boys loved the pic of your dog in the water. :)

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  8. What a great look back and I look forward to seeing what you do in 2014!

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  9. I enjoyed looking back on your year in your beach cottage, and I know you'll make some AH-mazing changes to your *cute* cottage in 2014.

    xo,
    RJ

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  10. You're making a list and that's a good thing. Can't wait to see your new table top. It all looks so fresh and lovely around your sunny house!

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  11. Thanks for the look back ~ and I can't wait to see what the new year brings! You are always such an inspiration.

    Hugs ~~~

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  12. What a great recap of the major events in your year, Carol. I'm looking forward to following you through all your planned projects. Here's to a great new year for you and your family!

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  13. changing your home is always exciting. I love the style of decor...rustic, american, wood...just my style. :-)
    Debbi
    -yankeeburrow

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  14. I'm looking forward to seeing your new tabletop Carol. It sound fabulous. I wish you a wonderful 2014!

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  15. such wonderful plan for an exciting new year will love to watch and see how you guys do it all the best in the New Year

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  16. Carol,
    While you had some sad heart breaking moments of loss you had such beautiful moments of love and renewal. So happy KC is back near you and back in your lives more. Here is wishing more wonderful and inspirational moments in time for 2014.
    Kris

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  17. I just everything I see when I visit you!!

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  18. Look forward to following the changes you make this year too.
    Sarah x

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  19. Like some other readers I remember some of the things you mentioned. So nice to have your daughter near. I had a great giggle on Lulu and her antics. I wonder if she will out grow it or it will part of her personality. Looking forward to the new table design too.

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  20. Sounds like you also had a good year, sorry to hear bout the loss of your dog though. Looking forward to seeing your new tabletop. Happy New Year to you!

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  21. You have all new things to look forward to. Can't wait to see that new table. Don't forget this long time blog friend's link party. :)

    Happy New Year!

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  22. Carol, I know how difficult it is to accept the loss of a beloved pet, even though Lulu has filled your lives with much joy. I admire you for getting a new pet so soon. It took up over 20 years. Now that Sadie is in our lives, I can't imagine life without her.
    The new tabletop is going to be wonderful. Since you are in the groove of setting a new tablescape each evening, I look forward to what you'll share in 2014. As always, your colorful, cheerful home makes me smile.

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  23. You have some fun things planned for your house this year. My house plans are to finally finish re-doing Tim's room - painting, hardwood floors, and furniture - and then getting a start on the master bedroom. It needs a total rehaul, too: paint, carpet ripped out and hardwood floors put in, new furniture. Time and money though! Who is the handsome young man in the picture with Dorje - your son?

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  24. It sounds like 2013 was a good year, except for the loss of your loved furry friend. It is so hard to lose a pet. So happy for you that KC is back home living near your. I can't wait to see your new table. Wishing you a wonderful year!!
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  25. I adore the colored silverware you have so cute. Love your header too.Hey how come you haven't shared over on the blog hop on my page??? HMMM!!!! Just kidding. Have a great weekend.

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  26. Looks like you have your list all ready for the new year! Here's hoping that 2014 is a productive & wonderful year for us all!

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  27. Great plans for the new year Carol. Can't wait to see! I love the looks of the cobblestone, but I hear ya girl. Not as steady as we use to be. lol! Losing a pet is hard. Glad Lulu filled that void. Always love seeing what you're up to!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  28. Can hardly wait to see Steve's table top - I know it will be great. Lulu looks so darn cute and she will grown out of her terrible two stage. So glad that you are enjoying retirement and have the time to do all your projects.
    I know how wonderful it is to have KC close and I'm sure she loves being so close to you and Steve.
    Looking forward to all your changes.
    Have a great weekend.
    Mary

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  29. Lots of changes last year! I know you will have a great 2914 as you makes changes to your home and enjoy having your daughter so close! Hugs, Linda

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  30. Lots of changes. I know the good ones have been so much better than the bad. Love reading about your lovely home. So happy your daughter is close by.

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  31. Yes it will be a very good year! I can feel it for you! The table is amazing Carol! And I love that your daughter is making dinner often...that is just a dream to have her close and to be able to spend time together! I so pray for that!!! I look forward to seeing your patio and work space evolve...I know you will knock them out of the park!! Here is to good things in the year to come and to LuLu not eating anymore socks!!! Nicole xoxo

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  32. What a great look back in 2013, Carol. And It was a great news that KC is back near you!
    Can't wait to see the changing your home.Wishing you a great year!!

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  33. I was just chuckling about the creative space as I spent the 1st few hours this morning trying to rearrange how / where I store sewing things and tupperware / plastic containers....and in the end I think that I found at least 15 orphaned LIDS from over the years but plenty of containers that I could use to organize things in one of the sewing baskets. I know that your place is small like mine and it makes it hard. Basically I have some fabric stored upstairs, two huge old hat-boxes that I got at a thrift store hold some odds and ends that I don't use much, and then anything used for sewing is in baskets inside or on top of cupboards in the dining room But YOU do more than sew...you have all sorts of crafts that you do so it's got to be harder / you'll sort it out though!! :)

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  34. I can't wait to see the new table! And your craft space. I love my craft room. A lot. It must be so fun to have your daughter just four houses away!

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  35. I sure hope you'll have a great 2014 and that Lulu will grow a little!

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  36. I'm looking forward to seeing all your intended changes, especially bringing your workspace into the house.
    Have a wonderful, fun-filled and creative 2014.

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  37. Sounds like you have some great projects lined up for the new year, Carol! It's fun to have a look at everyone's year in review.
    I like the little peek of your clock vignette. :-)
    Mary Alice

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  38. I'm interested in seeing the development of your creative space. You have so many ideas and it makes sense to have a place when you can enjoy creating.

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  39. I have very much enjoyed visiting with you this year. Your bright and cheery home is adorable and always brings a smile to my soul.

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  40. I'm curious where you are going to set up your creative space. You had a great year - but I think this year will be even better!

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