Monday, January 11, 2010

What are your thoughts for this Year?

This is a question I've been asking myself lately.  Am I looking for a change?  Do I want to do something different with my life, adventure out in an area I've never been, travel to a new place?  What am I searching for, what is missing, where do I need to improve, what can I be better at, what new things can I learn?  So many questions...  Here's a small portion of what I'm yearing for and thinking about this year:

1. More quiet time - I'd love to have more time to be able to read a good book, or just bird watch (which I love to do) or watch a great movie. Seems simple right, but with the hectic lifestyle I'm sure we all live sometimes this is easier said than done. Quiet time recharges my soul.





2.  I'm really wanting more of a simple life.  Sometimes when I envision a simple life I think of Tasha Tudor.  I don't know why I just do.  She lived on a farm, grew vegetables, made her own clothes and supported herself by her books and art work that she made.  Do I really want to grow my own vegetables.  I love thinking back to my childhood and spending time with my aunt and uncle on their farm, but growing vegetables takes a lot of hard work, weeding, pruning, gathering, planting, tilling, is this what I want to do.  For now, I'll just grow my herbs, maybe I'll try a new one.  As for making clothes, if I could make mine look like Magnolia Pearl, well that would be a whole other story.  And, yes I'd like to think I could make a living with selling my antiques, I am hopeful that the economy will make a turnaround this year and it will be good for us all that are in this business.  We can still remain hopeful, right?

3.   I'm always striving to learn something new.  I love watching my friends and learning from them.  I think they are the best teachers and while I may not tell them this, they offer me a new take on things I may not have thought of before, a new craft, a new way to do something different better, faster, than how I did it before, or they just inspire me.  You inspire me by your blogs, your comments, the things you write about (Yes Ms. Trash you know you inspire me and when you write that book it's going to be a best seller) and even from those that don't have blogs but will occassionally just drop me a line, you make my day.  I'm always interested to see what J&J of The Barn House are up to, I think they are on to something with all they do on their farm, their shows and soon their online venture.  Debra's daily writings feed my soul, Shelley's displays are just what I need, Theresa's attention to details inspires me, Anne's hard work to get out there and try new adventures all within a year makes me wish for more energy just to keep up with her, Linda and Ludmil's creative eyes makes me wish I had just one of theirs (I'll take blue one's please), Peg and John's knack for putting displays together makes me want to work harder at mine, Cher's fighting spirit, Laura's encouraging words and smile she always seems to have and even you lurkers on my blog inspire me to produce a better blog because if you are interested enough to stop by then I want to keep writing interesting things for you to read about.  There are so many of you that truely inspire me to be a better person.  If I didn't list you by no means does this mean I've excluded you.  This year while I may yearn for things to be different I am ever so grateful for all I do have, especially for family.

Hopes, Dreams, Wishes, Desires, Thoughts, Inspirations, just a few words that I've been thinking of lately -- here's a few new words for you Janet to add to your list!  Please tell me what the new year is meaning to you so far and maybe what some of your thoughts, hopes, dreams wishes, desires and inspirations are?

Ann Perry's talent always inspires me to Dream more.

I had to come back and add one more person that always seems to uplift me by her kind words and that's Connie of Living Beautiful.  She is just so sweet with her comments and the things she writes to me.  Thank you sweet Connie!!

Habakkuk 2:2-4 Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

26 comments:

  1. I have been where you are a. My answer to myself is I want to just be content and enjoy what I have and not seek out many things that may cause me any stress. I have learned to love my quiet time and lack of having to be any place at any special time... I really rather like it and make a point to keep myself there by learning to say no... I have a small garden in the summer and some flowers but you are thinking right when you say they can be work... Then work sometimes does add stress. I just want to have peace and live my quiet life.... Hope you find what you are seeking out... You may already really have most of the things you want. Sometimes we just don't realize it.... Blessings...

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  2. Theresa, I love what you wrote today, honey. I think the same way sometimes, but I'm old enough to be your mother so I'm coming from a different place than you. My goal has been the last several years to make my home a celestial place here on earth. "The times they are atroublin' " as the old saying goes. I want to devote my time to making my hubby happy, home beautiful, learn more of the Savior and just relax in my last years. So I'm fully understanding you.

    Learn something new? I'm always taking a class on photography or PhotoShop or something that will help me keep up with my grandkids. But, truthfully, I love learning new things. I want to do it ALL before I leave this earth, chick!!

    I believe we all have a mission here on earth. I know I haven't found mine yet but I keep striving to see what happiness, humor or whatever it is that person might need.

    That being said, I LOOOOOVE your blog and all the places you put on it so that we can drool, honey. Don't give that up. You DO inspire me, sweetpea; yep, you sure do!!

    xoxo,
    Connie

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  3. I love this post. It's what I've been thinking.. along the same lines. What do I really want... or do I already have it. I enjoy your blog, your writing, you photos. thanks...

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  4. Hi Theresa,
    Just a lurker here, but I had to stop and say what an inspiring post, and a beautiful scripture! Really makes me stop and think. And listening to you mention all your friends just reaffirms to me that life is really all about the friends that God puts in our path as we pass through this life. Thank you for all of your posts...beautiful inspiration and beautiful shops to hopefully visit some day.
    Hugs,
    Sandra
    P.S. Thank you so much for posting the picture of my garden. I was so shocked to see it here. xox

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  5. Sounds like a plan to me. Especially number one. We just have to work so hard to get there! Good luck with that.

    I'm having a vintage Valentine giveaway at the blog this month. Drop by when you get a chance.

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  6. It is a time to reflect isn't it? We do all need it so...it is good to ponder and not just go on because we always have...blessings.
    Rene'

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  7. YOUR blog inspires me! It's my hope too that the economy improves, because I will be sick if folks like you aren't able to continue to do what you do. What would I ever do without my junk and antique venues. I went to antique stores on Sat. and spent more than I should have, but had such a great time.
    If I were younger, my dream would be to turn our place into a getaway like Mary Jane Butters. I would love to decorate tents and cabins where people could come and enjoy the rural life that I enjoy.
    hugs

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  8. Teresa, I think you're right about #1. You do need more quiet time. I love Tasha Tudor too. And Ina Garten. I bring her up cause I know you love her and she didn't know a thing about the baking/catering industry when she bought Barefoot Contessa. I think you are doing just what you want to do, yet I also think you could do anything you want to do. Get it? You'd be great at whatever excites you, whatever your dreams are.

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  9. Theresa, I've read this post three times. Oh how I know where you are!
    God continually moves us forward, even when we don't realize it. You are growing, changing, and yearning for what God has in store for you. I just get up every day and ask God to lead, one step at a time. Then to close the doors that need to be closed, and open those that I need to walk through. If something doesn't bring me peace, then remove it. Only the things that are truly from Him. I give Him permission to remove the rest.
    One thing you need to know is how much you mean to all of us. You have helped and blessed me so very much. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. So wherever God leads you, and whatever is His plan, just know that He loves you so much and wants to give you the desires of your heart.
    much love, dear T,
    Debra

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  10. Hello, my wonderful Fairy BlogMama! :-)

    Boy, so much of what you've said resonates with me.

    I too need more quiet time.
    You mentioned my drive to get out there and try new things...that's what I feel like sometimes, driven.
    And a lot of times, I wonder exactly who is in the drivers seat. I think it's me more often than not, when my spirit is telling me to slide over and let God drive.

    I've learned so much this past year from all my blogging friends. And it hasn't even been a year yet, only 6 months! Y'all show me on a daily basis the sort of woman I hope to be. And you are way, way up at the top of that list, T.

    I guess my number one hope, wish, dream, whatever would be to re-focus on my faith and to give thanks to He who has made all this possible for me. I've been lax, and He's dealing with me about this right now.

    I pray that the New Year brings you everything you're seeking, my friend!

    Anne

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  11. Love your post today and all the great ladies you've highlighted. They are all inspiring and there are a few that I must look into as they are new to me. But one that you named is a dear friend of mine, in fact we are "sisters" via the internet and she has adopted my mother!! I'm speaking of Connie ~ she is truly a sweetheart ~ I can attest to that, as we enjoy phone chats from time to time as well as emails!!

    Stop by and visit me anytime, sweet TX friend!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  12. Hello Theresa~
    I feel a lot like you do ... but you are already making positive changes... just by taking the time to gather your thoughts, organize them into a logical order, put them down on virtual 'paper' ... you are a few steps closer to you realizing your new goals. I make the mistake of NEVER stopping to take the time to do any of the above .... the thoughts just swim in my head and go no where! I think one of my first goals of the new year is to take your lead and give my thoughts a chance to at least get out of my head .... does this make sense??
    Thank you for doing what you do ... I appreciate it!
    xo
    Jill

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  13. I think you've been reading my mind ... sigh ... all of these are so true.

    I could spend an entire day ( and I have) blogging and searching out inspiration ... it's everywhere.
    I love how many girls unabashedly share their faith.

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  14. Such a beautiful post, Theresa. Sigh. Your blog is so inspirational and you are a sweet and kind soul. I must say I really feel lucky to have met you in person last fall at Round Top. p.s. as for me, after being so sick for so many weeks last fall, I will try to take even better care of my body and appreciate more everything that it can do.

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  15. As I read this I realized you were verbalizing my feelings and thoughts and obviously others, probably more than you know.

    It is a season ... to do many things, and I think especially when times are tough we re-evaluate our lives and time.

    We will find the answers, yes we will. We will hear His voice, if we try.

    Lee

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  16. Theresa,
    I read your post last night, but didn't comment as I wanted to ponder it for awhile. This morning when I got up I re-read your post. This past year was a tough year for a lot of people, now we all have a chance for new beginnings..It really is a mental state, but if change comes with a flip of a calendar page, then so be it. I want you to know first and formost that you are such a great inspiration to so many of us, but beacuse you are so loved, we truly just want you to be centered and happy! Stepping back and re-assessing our strenghts and weaknesses is sometimes tough to do, but it helps us to move forward. I am now taking care of my 3 month old grand daughter...wow, talk about life changing...but, I am blessed to be able to do so. With that said I have had to really soul search and align my piorities..not easy as I would rather "play" in the business all day every day...Not possible now. So, instead I am doing alot more sewing and genealogy, so I can be home and care for my sweet little bundle. Life is ever changing.. the older I get and the more I give control to God, the happier I am. I pray that you will find your happy place and see what God has in store for you. It can only be wonderful because He is in charge!
    Love
    Gale

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  17. I love sitting down to a cup of coffee and reading blogs, and yours is a regular! I love the reflection, the thought of where you are going, what you are doing, all that. I think it's really important, to be able to keep life in perspective. If I don't have a place that I can escape to (I don't leave my place too often lol), I take up what everyone else thinks, and forget who I am, what my own dreams are, how simple I really love life to be, without pressures. OK, I rambled!
    I wanted to say that I love looking through your blog list. I've noticed a lot of people, as they've gotten "busier" blogs, have deleted their blog favorites, and I'm glad yours is still here! I think it is wonderful to see different lists, meet new blogging friends, stuff like that. I think it keeps a blog a blog, and not so much a website where the priority is to sell something. Just my opinion lol. Anyway, hope you keep yours! Sorry so long! Karen

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  18. what a beautiful post! i wrote recently in a post that "i have seen my soul and liked what i saw". i hope you have seen yours because it is so special and peaceful and full of joy. that you would take the time to write about those of us who inspire you when you have given so much to us, unconditionally. you, my sweet friend, are the gift!

    as for my year...to love me just as God made me and to seek His perfect plan for my life everyday. i may not be as smart or as pretty or as skinny or as creative or as...well the list could go on and on!...but i am ME and i want to work everyday to love the imperfections, leave the "shoulds" behind and embrace God's grace and blessings in my life!

    Thanks for the new words! I'm always on the prowl! BEST!

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  19. Wow - You are not only a great creative person you are a mind reader also!!! My thoughts ~ just hoping for a better year, better person,to not understand what is thrown upon me, but just accept it.(That I have to really work on).
    When running into the house, I always instantly click on your blog, run put everything up and then flop down and enjoy your pictures, sentiments and inspirations!
    Now I have to go and re-read your blog again!!!!

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  20. I have to remind myself frequently that the most important things in life are not things. I loved what you wrote and the posts that said what I was thinking.

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  21. Odd that you're saying we all inspire you when I know for a fact you have inspired SO MANY of us. Take the time to find your balance, my dear. You have such gifts that you offer out to all of us every day. Take the time to rejoice in the loving spirit that you offer family, friends, and strangers. And take the time to grab your health! Hugs. Cher

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  22. I too Theresa was looking for something last Summer, a change, more meaning to my work.10 years of being a shop owner I thought had caught up with me.
    Then I listened real carefully one day to that sweet little song "it's not having what you want" it's wanting what you have".I'm not talking about material things, i'm talking about life things.What I have, my health, my family, my friends,my HOME which I don't take for granted anymore when soo many have lost theirs.Being my own boss and doing what I love(hopefully I get a paycheck too along the way!) You do so much with all your shows,(sooo much work) your wonderful posts on your blog it's all hard work and you should be very proud you are quite a talented woman!
    I'm keeping it simple for now and am going to start off the new year by making my bed every morning:)
    xoxo
    Amy

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  23. Wow, each and every one of your comments has touched my soul, you are such an awesome group of ladies! I'm so blessed to have you leave such thoughtful and heartfelt comments! Thank you all so much for taking the time to pour out your heart and at the same time make mine more joyful!

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  24. Hey T! We are with you on your wishes for the new year. Sometimes, we just have to stop and listen to what our hearts are telling us and honor it. It's really hard for those of us who have a thousand irons in the fire. But at the end of the day, nobody dies (hopefully) by turning off the computer and turning within for a little personal quality time.

    For us, this is the year of Health and Discipline. As a matter of fact, Joe is looking at me like I am crazy b/c we are supposed to be leaving for the gym at 5:30 am this morning...BUT, I really wanted to drop a line to say hello (before I started my health & discipline regime for the day).

    Wishing you the best in 2010,

    The Boys

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  25. I expect to have a very interesting year, lots of changes planned. They involved a huge move for the following year (different country) and all the changes involved with that! Don't know if they will materialize but I will sure try!!!!

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  26. great post, very inspiring and love the beautiful pix!

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