Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Good bye 2017

As always we are surprised to see the holidays come upon us so quickly. And then whoosh...they're gone! 2017 was for me, a year of reflection of where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going. With that came feelings of optimism, anxiety and a bit of depression. My husband and I spent much of the year planning retirement, trying to figure out where the heck we want to end up. This is a work in progress during the new year. We spent time developing yet another dream we have for the future. This one is not related to conventional crafts but definitely a creative endeavor! I spent much of the year trying to figure out where I want and need to end up in my conventional craft life in 2018.

I did some new things, like attend an art retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains for a week with friends, old and new. I opened a Redbubble shop featuring my art on mugs, phone covers, etc. Thank you all for your support in that! I love creating these items so much and will have more designs soon. I designed fabric for a Spoonflower shop that should be up and running by the end of the month. You will see mermaids, farm and travel themes on some of the nicest fabric around. Fabric design is one of the things I enjoy the most right now. I am making some adorable dolls with it and patterns may be in the future if I like how they turn out.

I traveled to Ireland for classes and had one of the best vacations of my life. I also went to Atlanta for classes hosted by Paper Dreams and turned that into another wonderful vacation seeing the south in the springtime. I can't forget a trip to Indiana, meeting some of the nicest crafters ever!

I have lots of travel planned for classes in 2018. Atlanta, Detroit, Florida, here I come! Details will be posted here as I finalize with stores. My classes will involve more mixed media and paint which is how I began in this crazy craft business and have greatly missed. I will delve into painting faces again as I did many years ago. I am working on some watercolor classes as well. I knew it was time to do some new things when I realized I was getting tired and a bit burnt out doing the same things over and over. It's never easy introducing new things to your work as I tend to worry if you all will be accepting. But these are the risks I must take in order to grow!

The year really went out with a bang for me. Not a good bang. I'm not one to share much of my private woes but I've been off the social media grid for awhile. I've been faking it as I post old pictures and manage to like a few posts here and there on my group pages. I don't like being absent from my group pages for too long. A week before Christmas I received the call that my mother had passed. She has been extremely ill for the last 17 years and it's really mindboggling how she has made it this far. This certainly was expected but has been for the last few years and you live never knowing when you will receive the call. I had seen her just 2 weeks prior on a trip home and knew then that it would be a matter of months. I didn't sense the 2 weeks so it really caught me by surprise. I flew home the next day and began the whirlwind of plans. It was a bittersweet time as we said our final good byes and yet experiencing pure joy at having all of my sister's girls, their kids and my son together for a week.

Within a few days of arriving in San Jose, I had the beginnings of the flu. I lived on ibuprofen, eardrops and cold medicine for the entire week and felt pretty miserable. Upon arriving home, the flu set in, full blown. I was in bed for yet another week, New Years Day being my first day to even get dressed.

So there you have it. My year in a nutshell or a blog post, lol. Today I sit here quietly reflecting. It may be a few more days before I fully come back into the world. Perhaps today I will start creating something. Or then again maybe not. I am allowing myself the permission to retreat for a bit if that's what I feel like doing.

Thank you all so much for your support this last year. Whether it's posting your creations, buying products, attending classes and doll meet ups, THANK YOU! And a special thank you to the stores, on-line retailers, teachers and hosts of doll events. I am blessed to have you all in my life!


7 comments:

  1. So looking forward to seeing what you produce in the upcoming year and what surprises it brings! See you in March!! <3

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  2. Much love dear Julie. I'm sorry for your great loss, it's hard losing parents. I just know they don't suffer any longer, that gives a sense of peace. Thank YOU for all you have given to us. I've enjoyed meeting you and continue to enjoy my dolls, and make new friends. Hooe someday to be able to take a class with you again. Thrilled my oldest Granddaughter seems to still want me to send more stamped out clothes and dolls to play with. Lastly thank you for being so genuine! Many blessings to you in 2018! Bonnie L

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  3. (((((((((((((hug))))))))))) on the news of your mum. My hubby's mum passed away just before christmas , she was 98 but he is still grieving big time.
    Hope this year is good to you - i adore your designs and look forward to seeing more products.
    Happy 2018

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  4. My prayers and condolences to you. Take your time on your journey. I am thankful that you have allowed your fans to be a part of your creative endeavors.

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  5. My heart goes out to you Julie, l lost my Mom 2 1/2 years ago...l miss her terribly! We would always have a "gab fest" when we were together, my hubby would say her laugh would scare the dead. LOL. I KNOW only good things will come your way!!! Happy New Year! Maria Chavez

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  6. Sending lots of love and hugs Julie. 😘❤️

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  7. It doesn't matter if a death is expected, it always takes us by surprise. I'm so sorry for your loss, Julie. I wish you good health and joy, always joy.

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