Memories...Cherished Remembrances

As 2012 comes to a close I am reflecting on lots of past memories.  I wish to thank Donna of Brynwood Needleworks for hostessing Memory Lane Mondays (MLM) all through 2012.  This is the final MLM as she is going to be doing something new in 2013.  I have enjoyed reading many of the participating posts and I have enjoyed my participation this past year.  As I reflect on my memories I have chosen not to select any one in particular as I have in the previous posts.  Instead I am considering the newest memories I have made that link to my previous memories I cherish.  My love of family and friends is key.  I have made many new friends this year through blogging and I am very grateful.  I have many friends from the years of no computers or blogging and I cherish them.  Now I am able to enjoy all my friends and the world is much smaller now.
Each year I take a cue from my beloved Grandmother (I have shared so many memories of her) and I try to finish up projects that have been left unfinished far too long.  Hence my Santa/Wizard that is shown here.  I was intent to finish him after his seven year wait to be created.  I wanted to dress him in vintage paisley and not in the bright red of tradition.  I am proud to say he is finished and he is quite handsome and charming.  In creating him I relived my wonderful memories of learning to sew with my Grandmother, Mother and older sister.  I am very grateful for being taught so many creative skills by my family.

Here is the sleeve detail.  I selected "Old World" matte beads that I hand stitched along the cuff edge with the braiding.  These colors are really subtle yet elegant and rich.
  

 

I also did the beading around the bottom edge.  All together he stands about 15" tall.  I finished him just in time to pack him away until next December when I can, once again, enjoy my memories of making him.  

I also spend extra time just before the old year ends to do some extra cleaning.  This way I hope to be a better housekeeper in the coming year.  Dear Grandma would always do this and have all the laundry washed, folded and put away.  All the ironing was completed too.  Check.  I have completed these tasks.  In past years you could find me literally at 11:59 pm on New Year's Eve just finishing the pile of ironing.  It feels good to begin fresh.  I do not make resolutions as that is not what fits my style.  I am more of a pick-a-word person and try to follow-through during the year.   I do keep my word from each year and build upon what I was able to achieve.  This is really quite powerful.  I did not do so well with my previous word "now".  However "focus" was a success and I am still improving on this.  Last year I selected the word "play".  Somehow my favorite quote from John Lennon derailed me.  "Life is what happens while you are making plans".  I planned on playing a lot more but it didn't seem to happen.  So I shall carry forward this word also as I enter into 2013.  I have been contemplating on several words and not one of them has spoken to me as of yet.  I may need to try a different approach as my friend Jillayne of A Fine Seam did.  She had a word of the month that worked for her.  Maybe that is why I am not able to select just one word yet.  After all I still have time for this to get figured out. 

This year I have good memories that I am adding to my previous memories.  Good times with family and friends.  Trips taken to do new and exciting things.  Lots of "pay it forward" and "random acts of kindness" activities I was able to do this year.   I had set a goal for myself to do at least one per day and I can honestly say I was able to exceed my goal.  The little things in life do count!  

This post is long and wordy and if you are still reading along...thank you.  I adore each of you who follow and share your creativity.  My days are much happier when I read your blogs and share comments. 

Blessings with Peace and Joy for all of 2013...