Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone, and Happy New Year!  What a whirlwind finish to 2012 I have had and it seems like ages since I last posted.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and got to spend it with those who are special to you be it family or friends.

We had a lovely relaxed Christmas here (Just the way we like it) having earlier in the month welcomed our new foster child into our home permanently, and with both my parents and Rod's Mum.  It was touched with some sadness being the first Christmas spent without Rod's Dad but we know he was with us in spirit.

My Christmas Cards never got sent.  Running so far behind with everything saw me write them out but I didn't get to the Post Office in time so I decided not to send them late, and aim to send a Thinking of You/Happy New Year card to everyone a little later when things here settle down.

As I type this it is less than 2 hours until midnight on NYE here in Australia so I thought I would share some of my thoughts as I reflect on the year that was and the year ahead.

Firstly in regards to being a new Foster Mum, I am loving it!  Yes it has it's moments but all up I am finding it so rewarding and on the whole most enjoyable being able to nurture and assist a young person to find their way in life.

My creative journey is about to take another direction, I have stepped down from a number of my DT's, with an aim of being free to spend more time with the family and also to try new things.  I have signed up for a number of courses to kick start the year, and my mojo, including the 2013 Life Book.  Along with continuing to make cards, my blog will be featuring more Mixed Media, Collage and Art Journaling as I explore these new directions with my art.

I don't normally make resolutions but rather choose words of significance for the year ahead.  I saw a post on Facebook earlier in the month which I was drawn too and I think these 3 words will be my words for 2013.

In 2013 no matter what life throws at me, I am going to try and remain Positive.  Patience, we all need more of this and whilst dealing with a teenager and mum's Alzheimer's gradually worsening I will definitely need to be more Patient in 2013.  Lastly and probably most importantly Persistence.   I think this is really going to be the key to my success for 2013.

I have finished the year five kilos lighter having started my weight loss journey at the end of November. So this great result will hopefully keep me focused for the completion of the 12WBT Program I signed up for having this past week strayed a little with the Christmas Festivities.

All in all I am feeling good about the year ahead.  13 has for me always been a lucky number and the chosen Pantone Color of the Year is a favorite too - Emerald Green. As described on their site,  it is a color of elegance and beauty, that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.   Hopefully these are all good omens for the year ahead.

Tonight, Rod, 'A' and I serenaded the last sunset for 2012 with some sparklers, party poppers and glow sticks and each of us made a wish for the year ahead before coming inside to watch the 9.00pm Fireworks at Sydney on TV.  I don't think we will see midnight after two big days spent catching up with the extended family.

My wish for all my family, friends and my cherished readers is that 2013 brings you everything you have wished for!  Have a good NYE!