Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Reflections of the Past While Looking Forward to the Future

I have certainly enjoyed the Christmas holidays. Our family enjoyed some much needed chill time as we warmed by the fire while experiencing a white Christmas in South Carolina! The last white Christmas here was in 1963! Perhaps I’m just getting old, but time seems to be passing by more quickly now. This past summer and fall seem like a whirlwind now. Sometimes I wonder just what I did with my time. It helps me to do a little review from time to time. My biggest project for the summer was completing the Bunk Room at our summer cottage. IMG_0547 You can view that post here. We also finished the lower screened porch which was a lot more work than it sounds like. I rescued a wonderful server at a sale on the side of the road and transformed it into something beautiful for the porch.IMG_0607 You can read about it here. Then I made a lamp and changed the fabric on the cushions here. IMG_0771_1 I did the flowers as we celebrated my niece’s beautiful wedding in August.IMG_0404 I made window treatments and a tablecloth for my Sunday School classroom. I enjoyed cooking and hosting several large gatherings of family and friends. We made a trip to ChinaIMG_1050 including a brief trip to Xi’an to view the terra cotta warriors. IMG_1423 ( I’ll be blogging about this later.) Then we had a wonderful Thanksgivingthanksgiving table 041 and Christmas. IMG_1760 Now my thoughts are turning toward the new year. It is amazing how turning the page on a calendar can give us the feeling of a clean slate. I have high hopes of eliminating some clutter from my life.  I have already started  by purging my closet and a few Christmas decorations. I will be making a trip to Goodwill today. I have made a list of potential home improvement projects for the coming year to go along with my high hopes of exercising more, eating more healthy food, and spending less and saving more.  By this time next year I should be writing my last two checks for college tuition as both kids will be in their last semester!! My goal for the New Year is to make the best of every day that God gives me.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

I will be linking to Southern Hospitality Top Projects  and to Savvy Southern Style Best of 2010.

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12 comments:

Wendy said...

Pat,
Your porch is exactly what I dream of for porch project this year. It is beautiful. And love the colors of your bunk room. I am having fun visiting your blog, going to go read some other posts! Happy New Year.
Wendy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That bunk room is amazing, your porch is gorgeous and what pretty tables and how fun to visit China. I am trying to declutter, too and will be going to Good Will with a lot. Thanks so much for linking to the party. I would love for you to add my link or button to your post so others can find the party and join in. Thanks so much!

Christine said...

nice! I especially like the summer cottage room.

Anonymous said...

What a great bunk room transformation! Loved seeing all those darling smiles from Chinatoo!

Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful said...

Your bunk room and porch look amazing! Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

The bunk room is spectacular, the porch is lovely as is the rescued server. Wonderful projects!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

I'm still blown away by your bunk room! It looks like it should be in "Coastal Living". Your porch is totally magazine worthy, too.

Great projects!

Deanna said...

Hi Pat!
May you have a wonderful New Year.
Fantastic Bunk Room.

Enjoyed stopping by your place,
d from homehaven

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

You are so talented! I love that you are a Christian also and I look forward to following your blog.

Thank you for stopping by mine and leaving a comment!
Kristine (Lakeshore Cottage Living)

The DIY Spot said...

Love your inviting and cozy porch and boy did you bring that server back to life! Everything is beautiful. Thanks for visiting! Happy New Year!

Decor To Adore said...

The bunk room is my favorite!

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled that you will be joining me on the carriage ride destined for Royal Wedding Wednesdays. When I hit the "publish" button I had a momentary feeling of panic that my post would be met with only the sound crickets chirping. It has been quite the opposite, so much so that I feel we have a kindred spirit/sisterhood sorority.

Here's to fairytales!

Mary said...

Love your adorable bunkbeds & what a wonderful transformation on your server on the porch! Bravo!