I’ve been trying to figure out a good way to post my thoughts on the year and my family suggested a top 10 list- great idea!

So, here are 10 happenings that defined my year- these aren’t all good things, btw. They are in a sort of chronological order.

-Crafty Biz Meet-up Group- this monthly meet-up continues to be one of the great things in my life and we have now been going for 2 years! This is an open group with no requirements. Anyone who gets excited talking about market reports, credit card companies, electronics for small business and all that other micro-biz stuff is welcome. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am in Arlington, MA (usually). Contact me if you’d like to join us.

–Words With Friends– yes, I’m addicted.

-After Renegade Brooklyn, I got contacted by a very cool store that you have most certainly heard of that starts with A and ends with e about making some pieces (a whole lot in my terms) for their website. It soon became clear to me that this would not be a good match and I had to back out. Sometimes you have to say no. And sometimes that helps give a clearer idea of what is the right thing to do.

–My Dad died. That threw me more than I expected.

–I got an IPad. I like it more than I expected.

–Renegade in Chicago– was totally amazing! Paula Poundstone, Red-Eye, Mary Engelbright, yeah, Amazing!

-The Shelburne Museum in Vermont- I went twice!

–Land of Nod– signed a licensing contract. Hopefully I will have products in their catalog next fall!

-Had my work ripped off. It was very upsetting but then everything worked out and it renewed my faith that there are good and helpful people in the world. Thank you everyone who supported me. It did make a difference.

–Luvable & Hugable show– not only was I thrilled to be asked to be in their 5th anniversary show, I actually made it to New York to see it!

I read over my list of hopes from a year ago and can honestly say, yes, more of that. Always, I should make more patterns, use up what I have, explore new designs, teach some classes. This year I hope to go to the West Coast Renegade Show in San Francisco and maybe LA. I want to finish up the many partially started dolls that are all over my studio. They have been waiting a long time for my attention! And maybe answer those emails that have been waiting for the last month or so ( sorry if I owe you a reply). Keep myself open to new things because I never know what is around the corner. On the other hand, don’t let myself get overwhelmed- there was a little too much of that this year.

The pictures are from the 4 wonderful days when all the kids were home and we were all relaxing. Eleanor made us the oil lamp from a clementine peel at the top of the page. Below is a typical scene when we are all together-

One of the computers was missing for the group photo though. Some homemade wrapping paper was made-

My studio is getting it’s yearly post-Christmas clean-up and makeover. I’m excited about the reshuffle. I’ll post some photos when the dust settles.

On to the new! A HUGE Thank You to everyone who visits my blog, reads my words, leaves me encouraging comment, and buys my artwork. I feel blessed to be part of the online craft community. It has made my world a better place. I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous 2012!