What a year, wowzers!

For 2014's shiny new beginning, I thought I'd look back at 2013's biggest events for me, and show you some of my favorite photos.

Sugarwings starting first grade was major stepping stone in our lives last year.

In my mind, I always picture her like this.  Darn the calendar! The pages flip too fast.

I think the biggest event of 2013 for Dewdrop was the day she received this "fincess" dress.  She has hardly taken it off since October.

(we love that she calls 'princess' 'fincess', because her brother is named, Fin)

Of course, starting a sustainable food forest with a fairy playground on our land was a HUGE move.

When it was in full bloom, and veggies were popping up everywhere, it was the prettiest garden I've ever seen. And to know that this is only the first year, of a lifetime plan, fills me with excitement.

The year began with a longed for trip to Hawaii with my husband's sister, Terry and her husband.  It was the first of many visits with her.  I had a GREAT year of trips and visits with family and friends.

Wow, I'd say it was a record setting year for sistering.  My sisters came here to see me twice, and I went to Indy to see them.

I got to visit darling Guncles, seeing my little bro, Randy FOUR times.

Starting with the pure fabulousness of going to Karen Hillman's Cozy Cottage to teach a class as a surprise birthday gift for her friend. 

I got to introduce Fabulous Karen to Fabulous Randy, and it all led to a Fabulous Black Velvet Christmas party in Jacksonville. 

And seriously, I probably didn't say the word fabulous enough, that word was written just for Karen and Randy. It should never be used to describe anything else, it belongs to them.

I saw Terry again in California when I taught at Kim's Enchanted Affaire, where I met up with good friends that I love like family too.

Painting the mural for the event was a biggie, I loved working on it so much, that I really put myself into it, and every day that I painted was like a little trip to a fairy tale forest.  After the workshop, Kim mailed it back to me and it is now chopped up and stapled in the fairy girls' room

Before it was sliced up, I also used it at Birdsong 3.

Which was another big highlight of my  year.  Oh my, sooooo many nice people came to play at the cottage.  I can't wait for BS4.  Yep, 4, I can't believe it is coming up. I'd better get to planning, huh?

After the CA trip, I went to Disneyland with Terry. Then, for the Hippy Chick's college graduation, we took her and Sugarwings to Disneyworld in Florida. It was a Disney-rific year.

But I have to say that one of the best things I did all year, or maybe in the last ten years, was to take a summer off to be with the kids.

We went to zoos, parks, carnivals, boating, beaches, all sort of things.

We played dress up.

We blew bubbles.

We had craft days. Lots of craft days.

We invented a new game, called "Hoppity Hearts".  It is a bit like Hopscotch without the boring squares. 

Summer spilled over into fall, and we kept on playing.  We saw the Renfest twice.

Even Uncle Ryan came along, just two weeks after his heart attack. His illness was the bad spot of the year, but I have to say, it brought us closer together.


I also got to see good friends again in October on a trip to Georgia. (and yes, that same shirt I'm wearing has been in three other of these photos,I'm surprised it isn't in more. Looks like I got as much use from that shirt as I did from the Enchanted Forest mural)

It was also a year of parties and more classes. I had a small, Valentine workshop in the studio.

And then another group of friends came by for a Christmas ornament making workshop.

 

I was in a few publications too.  My Tiffany's mural from Kim's Affaire at Tiffany's the year before was in Mingle. I wasn't named as the artist, but I still think it counts, don't you?

And it was so special to me to see my Birdsong projects in Jewelry Affaire.  I was in that one earlier in the year for another project too. 

Fifi came out to shoot my cottage for Romantic Country.

And my pal, Carol was here to shoot the studio for Where Women Create.

I must have made hundreds of little birdcages prepping for two classes and an online class I have offered.

And I even did some redos on the house this year.  I made new slip covers for the sofa and pillows for the bedroom. Spiffed up, repainted, rearranged rooms, and recovered a wall.

Yep, 2013 was one for the record books. 

No wonder I'm tired...

 

Comments

[Bobbie valentine]

So glad to have been a part of your 2013; no that would be a part of your 1958 to the end of days. Love you.

[Linda P.]

Thank you for the wonderful retrospective of 2013, Karla! I thoroughly enjoyed that walk with you down memory lane. What an eventful year you had. Sounds like it was filled to the brim with lots of happy times. I know there were some difficult ones as well. I'm so thankful Ryan is doing better after his scary health issue.

I am thrilled that I got to be a part of one of your memories, which became such a WONDERFUL memory for me--my first Birdsong! Can't wait for the next one!

Happy new year!

[Karla Nathan]

Linda, I sincerely hope that you can make it to #4 this spring! You are a lovely addition to the group. Happy New Year to you and to your family too.

Sent from my iPad

[jeanie]

Gorgeous photo and wonderful memories. Happy New Year, Karla!

[Kathy]

What an amazing year you have had and I loved reading the recap. Thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us out here in blog land. Wishing you a bright New Year!
Kathy

[Leann]

It sure was amazing even from our little peeks. So glad that all is well with Ryan and wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year!

Leann

[Hannah]

what an amazing, wonderful year you had! beautiful pictures and such inspiration. I can't wait to see what 2014 holds for you!

[Karla Nathan]

Ryans illness was such a shock, but he was so lucky to survive and that made this the best year ever. Best wishes in the new year to you too, Leann!

[Laurie]

I loved the recap of your year and all the beautiful photos. Yes, it was quite a year. I'm so happy for you.

[Karen Hillman]

How amazing was your year Karla?? And mine too! Love this posting and have no doubt, the word 'FABULOUS" belongs to you too..because that is what you ARE!!!!!! Seeing Rich in the photos makes me smile so much :) I showed Joe and he said he has big future plans for him!! Can't wait to see what lies ahead in this new year. Sending you love and lots of it my friend!! xoxo

[Karla Nathan]

And a wonderful 2014 to you too, Kathy!

[Yvonne Welty]

Sounds like 2013 was a good year for you. Thanks for always sharing your ideas. Your blog is always in my "favorites". Hey, when will your home be in "Romantic Country" and "Where Women Create"? I'd love to make sure and purchase them. Happy 2014!

[Karla Nathan]

Where Women Create should be on the stands in January, the article is written and approved and ready for the next issue. Im very excited to see it. As far as Romantic Country, I dont know. I have not been interviewed yet for it. Could be a while. The same photos will be used in Country Sampler first. Ive sent the agreement for that, but havent heard from them. I dont know if they interview, I just filled out a form for them. So I keep looking when at the checkout counters to see if I am there. It will be a nice surprise when I see it!

[Karla Nathan]

Karen, that word belongs to you and Randy for sure!! You are the fabbest of fab. Love you both! And your husbands are pretty cute too.

[Beverly]

All of the love and success of your year is to be applauded. And, I am thankful that the hard times brought you closer.

Wishes for a new year of joy and peace.♥

[barbara]

Happy new year, Karla! Fun seeing the highlights of your year!