I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started my Blog. What a year!
I decided to start a Blog to chronicle my decorating and organizing ideas. This was for my family & friends too. I have always been frugal with decorating and a firm believer that it does not cost a lot to have a beautiful space. But the last 2 years was also a big change for us as a family.
{Preston, Me, Landen & Miss Bridgette in Manitou Springs Colorado Summer 2011}
My Husband Glen had his 1 Year Anniversary this last summer at his job. Like so many families out there, we closed down our business and were faced with starting over. I found myself facing a lot of internal struggles and as I always do, I was fighting for answers, solutions and wanting to find the meaning in EVERYTHING!
So what did I find? I found that even more than before, family is everything! I started this last year, with my sister Heather, researching our family History. I felt the need to reconnect to my past for myself and my boys. I think it is SO important to know where you come from. How we all got to where we are and why.
We discovered family stories in newspaper articles from the 1860’s. Irish immigrants making their way to Australia and ultimately making a life in Hawaii. A Hawaiian Royalty descendant who in the 1800’s married a Chinese/Hawaiian. Then, Austrian immigrants making their way to America ending up in Minnesota. Life even over 100 years ago, has not changed much. How rewarding it was to see a wedding announcement for our Great-Great-Great-Grandmother in the paper. Then the heart wrenching poem in the paper by family members mourning the loss of a parent in the 1880’s. They became more than names and dates on a family tree. They became people…they became family.
Family trials, tragedies & life’s simple pleasures existed then and are still present today. It sure put things in perspective. You must make the most of life, because as we all know, Life Marches On & Quickly!
{My Grandmother, “Tutu”-(Hawaiian for Grandmother), Age 3 Hawaii’s Youngest Hula dancer}
{My Grandpa Wencl Walbert,(front row & to the right his sister Barbara, he was the son of Austrian Immigrants), in his one room school house in Owatonna, Minnesota. }
I found organization means even more when your mind is cluttered, life feels out of control and you feel like giving up. Organization helps you feel less stressed by making everyday tasks easier. By the same token, clean beautiful spaces in your home give you the sanctuary we all need. When vacations aren’t feasible, make your outdoor spaces welcoming and relaxing like a B&B. You have to make your own “Goose Bump” moments.
Finally, my 20 Year High School Reunion! This last year made me realize even more, than just watching my two boys grow, that time goes by fast…stop and ENJOY!
{Jason & Me our Junior Year in High School (Best Friends 4-EVER!) & 20 Years LATER…Matt, Sean, Jason & My Husband Glen…My Favorite Guys & My Best Friends…FOREVER!}
After this tough couple years and year of regrouping, I realized the need to stay true to myself, stay organized {to keep my mind uncluttered}, stay focused on what really matters in life FAMILY, & Life is Short…Relax, Enjoy & Love!
I can’t wait to share with you this week my newest transformation. I simplified my home and it’s color palette. Funny how little changes make the biggest difference.
Thank you for following me and I look forward to another year filled with “Goose Bump Factor” moments!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Decorating & Here’s To MANY Goosebumps With Your Valentine’s Day Gifts!