2011 in Review + What’s to Come in 2012
by Jenni
Tomorrow we begin another new year. Twenty-eleven held many changes and big moments for this gal: my first pregnancy, my husband finishing his masters degree & landing a new job in another town, moving to this farmhouse, starting this blog, and best of all meeting our son eight weeks ago.
I love the fresh start we all get with a new year. Everyone needs a new beginning, a blank slate, at times. That’s why one of my all-time favorite verses is “His mercies never come to an end–they are new every morning!” (Lamentations 3:22).
On the other side of the coin, I think there’s great power in reflecting on the past; when I honestly examine how I lived last year–the beautiful moments I would relive if I could, as well as those “oops” moments I just wish I could do-over–I gain clarity and strength to press more deeply into the life I want to live, the life I was born for. I usually spend a lot of time with an empty new moleskine journal the days surrounding the start of a new year, filling its pages with reflections on my previous year and dreams & goals for the coming year. I have to work harder these days to carve out that kind of space for myself, but Seth is planning to be on daddy duty for a couple hours tomorrow while I go on a “date” with my journal. I look forward to that time, and hope you are able to find a comfy chair in a quiet place, too.
There are several things I’m looking forward to experiencing with you in 2012 here on the blog: photographs of the farm through the changing seasons; my first attempt to grow from seed a vegetable garden to feed our family through the summer & fall; a few culinary adventures including forgotten woodstove/cast iron cooking techniques & investigating a local “raw” dairy farm; interior decorating to create a peaceful sanctuary with authentic charm; book reviews & recommendations; a secret project Seth and I have undertaken together; and of course, moments just to pause and savor with you the richness of simple living. Ahh. So many good times ahead!
Well, we’ve 90 minutes to go on the West Coast, but it’s twelve o’clock somewhere. Happy New Year, friend!!!
~Jenni
PS…if you have any geek tendencies like me and get a kick out of stats & such things, you might find interesting the 2011 annual report the WordPress.com helper monkeys prepared for this blog, below. Sure was nice of those monkeys. (A huge thank you to my readers and top commenters, as well as hosts of referring sites!)
Here’s an excerpt:
“The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 26,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 10 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.”
happy new year to you guys!!!
Jenni
Love reading your bloggs! It makes me feel like I am keeping up with you even though we haven’t seen each! Maybe when your Mama is better I can come take care of William with her one day…. XO
Thanks, Cathy! That would be wonderful to have you out here! Can’t believe it’s been over 2 months since we’ve seen each other. That extra hour makes it tough, but you’re welcome out here any time…hopefully we’ll get to make it happen soon, whether here, Sisters or Bend.
Jenni! Have you seen this blog http://www.zerowastehome.blogspot.com ? I totally think of you when I read it…I think you would be really inspired. You should check it out when you get a chance 🙂 It is inspiring me greatly!
-Jordan
Hi Jordan, thanks for thinking of me! I did actually run across her blog via a link from Shalom Mama, but it’s been a while since I visited. Will go back soon to get some more inspiration for streamlining our lives! Happy new year!
Happy New Year…life’s good.
Happy New Year and a great blogging season 🙂