How to start a new year....

First of all I want to wish you a very happy New Year, hope it brings all you wished for!

For myself, I'd be happy with something similar as last year, because I can look back on a good year.
Not even talking about the wonderful summer we've had last year, I also wouldn't mind doing that all over again.
That's one of the reasons I can't wait for Spring, when the sun regains his strength and nature awakens.
Maybe that's the reason why, as soon as the Christmas tree is out the door, I want to surround myself with bulbs.
So the first thing I did , after cleaning up the decorations on new years day, was strait off to the garden centre!
Besides some new indoor plants I came home with beautiful fragrant daffodils and hyacinths.


I love how the sunlight comes in and light up the house although it's still cold outside, as here in the bay window....

One of my good intentions could (or rather should) have been to slow down a little and not always be in a hurry.
Because in my haste I often drop something in pieces. But on the other hand it offers new fun useful things, though I'm convinced my husband thinks otherwise.
In any case, the teapot of which the lid was broken while I dropped it got a beautiful new destination.
And it all has to do with this lovely daffodil ....

Tadah ....

If only you could smell the scent ....

I couldn't wish for a better start of a new year, hope you've had too!
Have a good year .... have a good week!

Anita xo

A year filled with (most of all sweet) memories ....

As I write this I just finished making my Christmas cards. A relaxing pastime that can easily let your thoughts wander to the past year.

On the personal level , there were some changes and events.

Unfortunately a long friendship came to an end. Feeling sad about it but also there's the awareness that this is somehow part of life. But nevertheless something you not easily leave behind.

The lives of our sons was subject to some changes.
Our eldest son got unemployed but happily found himself a new (temporary) job. The youngest stopped (feeling very unhappy) university but eventually started (in good spirits) a new study.
And our middle son moved out .... all in all an emotional time for this mum.
Highlights were surely our family holiday to the South of France and the stay I had with my husband in West-Sussex last Spring.

But also a lot of care concerning my mother who spend a long time in hospital and now (though very fragile) fortunately a while at home.
It gives you food for thought, enjoy life and make your wishes come true.

A big wish of mine came true, because this year I started this blog. What I found scary at first gives me so much pleasure, also due to the heartwarming reactions that surprise me every time.

Considering all I look back on a good and loving year, so count my blessings.


Have this year so many shared with you I would also like to convey my best wishes to you in respect of the new year through my Christmas card this year.
This led up to ....

A large container with moss, cotton rag paper , bookbinding glue, little pearls (beads) and small bells ....

By drying the moss first, I could easily cut small wreaths ....

Then glue the wreaths on the (of the cotton paper torn to size) cards and finished with beads and the little bells ....

Thank you so much for joining me this past year and I do hope we will meet again next year.
But most of all, I want to wish you a warm and loving Christmas and a wonderful and healthy 2014!

Anita xo