Thoughts...


The start of the new year always brings a chance for reflection on the year past and the opportunity to think about the year ahead, a fresh new year like a blank book waiting to be written in. 2012 brought many changes in our home, my husband lost his job and I started a teaching job that evolved into teaching grade 2 full time, working full time after 18 years. It has created stress and anxieties that we haven't felt in years. Just when we felt comfortable in our life, life decided to throw a curve ball our way. We are taking it in stride and look at it as a new chapter in our life that we can write! 


Working full time has given me less time and energy to focus on my blog and projects around the house, but it has also given me the time to step back and reflect on the world of blogging and design. I know not posting regularly ruins my stats, doesn't bring new readers, followers, comments, etc. But I am finding it quite refreshing and liberating not being tied to all that. I find the blogging world a fickle one, people "liking" the latest viral DIY or design project that gets tossed by the wayside when something else comes along. There seems to lack of permanence and dissatisfaction for what you have. As much as I LOVE interior design I am torn with the constant want of needing the latest trend. So what if I have pleather Parson dining chairs or *gasp* matching furniture - do I really need to toss it out and start over to prove my worth as someone who is creative or talented? I think it is how I can incorporate it, reinvent it that can prove my creativity, non?

I think living simply and with purpose is what I hope for 2013. Let see if I can manage that!

I am enjoying the rest of my week off before it is back to teaching. My contract was extended to spring break, the teacher I am covering for is still on a medical leave. So what turned out to be a thorn has become a rose, I will have been in that classroom enough days to earn a continuing contract, which means the school district I work for gives me full time work if I want it. That is like gold....but I can choose to work part time, which I think I will come fall so I can dabble in design and teach. Two things I truly enjoy!

 But I am hoping to squeeze in a few projects around the house this year to spruce things up. We aren't sure if we are going to stay in this house another year so they will be minimal changes.

 Wish me luck.

XO Barbara


28 comments

  1. Good luck Barbara and I like your attitude, very refreshing!

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  2. I want to clean out the stuff, and feel lighter too. Glad you are enjoying teaching.

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  3. I'm still here... :) Happy 2013...wishing you lots of joy and love. xo

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  4. It is so true what you said about the fickle blogging world of design.. Be true to yourself, is what I constantly have to go back to...stop obsessing about what I see online! Wishing you a fantastic 2013 for you and your family. That school district is lucky to have you, and I hope things work out for the best- sounds like they are.
    good luck!
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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    1. Thanks Nancy, you always know what to say to make a girl feel good!

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  5. I'm glad you're still enjoying the teaching gig. Yes, I wholeheartedly agree about the blog world. It's inspiring and harsh at the same time. Good for you for having perspective to see what's truly important.

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  6. Definitely gold - that's great news! The freedom to choose is ideal. I know that you and your talents are still here, whether you check in a lot or not. Enjoy the rest of your holidays Barb! :)

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  7. Isn't it funny how life guides us towards better things in a round about way? I know good things are on their way for you and just know, you are very much loved over here. Relax and know you've got so much to look forward to ..... things you don't even know about :-)

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    1. Thanks Tracey, you are such a great friend. You are right. Hugs.

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  8. That's wonderful news about your career, it is such a luxury to be able to have a choice about what to do in life. I'm sure 2013 will bring lots of blessings for you and your family.

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  9. So well expressed about the fickle blog world and the speed of design change that creates a lack of permanance and dissatisfaction. Thanks for such a clear perspective.

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  10. Whether your posts are regular or not, I will still reading, Barbara! It's about quality, not quantity. And I agree with your comments about not needing to constantly be acquiring more stuff just to prove your creativity...that's what paint is for, eh?!

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  11. Happy New Year, Barbara! And I agree with you completely on the downside of the design and blogging world. It's a tough line, and without perspective, once can become so lost and feel awkwardly alone - irony, isn't it? I wish you so much success in this coming year, and am truly grateful to you for this post. I think you have found the words that needed to be said. Hugs to you my friend. xo

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  12. Wonderful words Barb, that are true on so many levels. Who knows what the future holds for any of us. You've shown us your authenticity, courage and perseverance no matter what life throws at you. That's what keeps your readers coming back. A quick DIY is just a bonus! ;) Happy New Year again! Let's get together soon! xo

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  13. Great post, Barbara! These are thoughts I have myself sometimes. You are so right, sometimes you just have to step back and get a little perspective. It's so easy to get caught up in that internet world of "perfection", you keep doing what works for you and just be yourself - cause we like you like that :)

    Happy New Year!! xoxo

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  14. Great post! I think so many people feel the way you don't express it. Good luck in 2013!

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  15. Yep, we all feel the way you do! Go with your gut and what makes you happy is what I say. Congratulations on your job, I love how you said a thorn turned into a rose, such a great attitude. Have a great rest of the week off, and Happy New Year!

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  16. Stumbled on this post at just the right time! I will enjoy looking back on your blog and seeing posts until this point as well! With every curve, there's always a beautiful piece of perspective given to us, if we are still enough to see or hear it. You clearly have:) Blessings to you in 2013!

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  17. I read way to many blogs that just spit our stuff it is very refreshing to read a blog like yours that would rather have great content over stuff. You should do what is best for you not be held captive to a blog and the number game. Best of luck with it all. Looking forward to reading your blog in the future.

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  18. Thanks for sharing Barbara! I know it's tough at times to step back from blogging, take a deep breath, and really to see what on earth are we doing? Are we spending too much time on the computer, are we constantly thinking about "oh I need a picture of this for the blog" while we are out and about, are we not sacrificing precious moments with friends and family because we have a "deadline" on monday?

    I started asking myself the same questions and glad that you have shared our thoughts with us. Time for me to slow down, re-think, and re-prioritize. xoxo

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  19. Wonderfully written Barbara. Would love to be able to sit down and have a cup of coffe with you. So many of the same realizations over at the Bungalow site : ) I'll let you know if I'm ever in Vancouver.
    Enjoy the last few days of your Christmas break. Those kids are lucky to have you.
    Dana

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  20. Well put! I hope you get the simplicity and purpose you seek this year. I find blogging has benefits, motivating me to stay on track and get things done, try new things. But then, it also make me critical of things I used to love. Photos of my home don't have the warmth and "put-togetherness" of the house in real life, so I find I am always wanting to change things so it looks better on camera, when it looks good when I'm living in it!

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  21. Barbara, sorry about the curve ball but it sounds as though you're enjoying teaching so I'm happy for you. I completely understand your thoughts around blogging... 2012 was interesting for me too, so needless to say I don't blog nearly as much as I once did. I still enjoy blogging however, many aspects have changed (mainly given the rise of Pinterest) so finding my value prop to my readership has been more difficult lately. Today, my new venture of starting my own marketing + social media company has been assuming much of my time so my personal blogging also got hit with that. Nevertheless, the new year always brings new spirit so cheers to you !!!

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  22. Well said Barbara. I completely agree with your observations around blogging. I find it makes me so critical of my home, when I should just be grateful that I have a roof over my head and a family to share it with! So happy that your teaching position has turned into something positive for you, too :)

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  23. Great words Barbara! And that's so great about your extended contract too! Life is all about rolling with the highs and the lows but what's most important is staying true to yourself and to your family. There's nothing to ever feel guilty about there! Wishing you only good things for 2013 :)
    ~Lily

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  24. I love this post, Barabara. I've certainly felt the same way about blogging over the last year of our life. We have experienced similar difficulties. It's tough to blog about decorating (even when it's something that brings you great joy) when things are changing in your life. Sometimes having the next 'best' thing or a bigger home or a trendy lamp just isn't what's important. Even if your posts are sporadic, I'll still be reading them.

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  25. Your comments are bang-on Barbara, and I feel the same way. Simplicity and moderation are two things I now believe to be key to a happy life, and I am attempting to embrace them in 2013 as well. Good luck with your "new" life and all the best this year in blogging as well!

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