This year I’ve been saying I didn’t get much accomplished so looking back will show me if I was right.
Both falls this year (January and September) brought me to almost a standstill. I quit my thrift shop volunteering and local teaching. After quitting physical therapy, I realized I needed more help, so I signed up with Lisa, a trainer at the local gym. Since May I’ve been working with her twice a week. I still have pain in my back from time to time, but am doing much better and I’m so much stronger than I’ve ever been. I did have my glasses checked and I believe they are what caused me to fall. So far so good! And I’m so thankful that I’ve not broken anything in those falls.
My word for this year was Expand. My goal this year was to not restrict myself to fabric as I have in the past. I wanted to try some different art.
One of the neat things this year was drawing my mandalas on rocks. I’ve always loved rocks and adding mandalas to them was so exciting. It was also something I could sit in my recliner here in the studio and do. Here are just a few of them. Many of them left my studio to new homes. Here is a link to my first post on these rocks.
Before drawing on rocks, I drew on wood discs!
I did a little studio redo, moving stuff around and again going through my stash.
Dave and I made our every other year cherry picking at the local orchard.
So we ended up with lots of cherries for the freezer.
Dave and I got away in July and went on a Berea Getaway where we both took classes. We’ve wanted to do this for years and it was so much fun. I stretched with both classes, but especially the Embossed and Punched Jewelry class where I made this bracelet.
I spent time stencil making. Something I’ve wanted to do is make a stencil from one of my mandala drawings. I finally did that here.
I also shared with you some of what I’ve been reading this year here.
I also played a bit with resin, something I’ve wanted to experiment with for years.
I shared my art again with viewers on WEHT Local Lifestyles with my friend and the host of the show Ange Humphrey.
One of my biggest accomplishments this year was sewing these purses. I have this thing about perfect when it especially comes to sewing, and I was so happy with these even though they still weren’t perfect, but almost!!
In October I spoke to a local group of artists at StaC Gallery about teaching online.
In November I taught the one and only Easy and Fun Scarf Dyeing class for the year. I’ve missed teaching it, and look forward to teaching it more in 2018.
Then this month I’ve gotten involved in wool applique which I love!!
Wow!! Now that I look at the year this way, I did expand my creative path, but also got a lot done. Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2018 is your best year ever!!
I would say you accomplished a lot, especially having had two falls. Taking care of your self is probably the best goal! Looking forward to a good new year for you. It is a joy to read your posts.
Hi Jo, I was really surprised that I accomplished that much. Thanks for stopping by and reading my posts. Hope you have a wonderful 2018.
Looks like you have had a very productive year, and if the falls brought you to a fitness trainer, that’s a plus too. I go to Silver Sneakers classes twice a week and have a fabulous instructor to help me stay fit.
Looking forward to reading about your projects in 2018… Happy New Year to you and Dave!
Judy, Yes, the falls did bring me to the trainer and I’m stronger now than I’ve been in years so it was a good thing and a wakeup call. Great that you are involved in some classes – great to help stay fit. Happy New Year to you too!
You certainly were busy! Very adventurous, and talented. Rock on…
Dolly, Thanks!
You had a great year, and may your health continue to improve during 2018. You also have been a wonderful blogger, sharing your adventures with the world. THANKS
Luann recently posted..2017 Wrap Up
Luann, I am always amazed at what you get done. Thank you for your kind words. Happy New Year!
Wow, you certainly have been productive and adventurous! I especially love your metal jewelry — I’d love to take a class in that. Here’s to another creative year!
Hi Sherrie, Thanks! The class was really fun. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year…. full of promise! It does sound like you’ve had a busy year. Glad the falls were simply set backs and nothing more, and wow! Look at all you did do!
Gabriele, Thank you! Happy New Year to you too!!