December 20, 2012

The End of an Era

Everyone held their breath until December 21, 2012. But the world, life, and time, have all gone on, and we are still here. The plans, thoughts, and dreams that have been on hold because of the uncertainty of this day are now seeing the light of reality. They say 2013 is the year of Change. But if you think about it, isn’t every day and every minute a moment of change? Nothing is ever really exactly the same. But what the heck. If anything, I guess declaring 2013’s theme will give us, at the very least, the guts to shed the unnecessary.

If today really is the end of an era, what are you taking with you, and what are you leaving behind?

My graphic design teacher taught me one important rule when it comes to designing a logo or layout: if it doesn’t serve a purpose, eliminate it. The same principle can be applied to our lives when we find ourselves thinking twice about tossing away the things (material or intangible) that just take up space.

Earlier this year, I wrote down my list of 52 Creative Goals. I’ve crossed out about a third of the things on the list. Some items on the list have come true in unexpected ways. Many are still works-in-progress, and there are a lot of things that I haven’t even started on. For the next year, I’m trimming the list down to FIVE, taking on the bigger dreams, and leaving behind those that don’t make much sense.

In 2013, I will:

(1) Travel around the country + Asia for more crafts and crafternoons.

(2) Launch the Anthill x LifeAfterBreakfast collections,

the craft collaboration with Mansy, and the craft fundraising project.

(3) Focus on the restaurants.

(4) Build the condo, house, and retreat house.

(5) Write the book.

The lists go on and on and on, as each thing is a step towards something greater. I’m so excited for the Crafts & Creativity Workshop on January 5, where I’ll get to make more lists and plan my creative year with the class. We are all works-in-progress, and it will be great to have some timeout for the creative soul just as we take on the new year.

I’m bracing myself for the changes, but I promise to enjoy everything that comes my way. One thing that will remain the same, though, is my desire to craft and create pretty things, all of which I will continue to share with you here.