people always write that sentimental new year's post

so i've put this one off.
i've decided that i am not making any sort of resolutions this year. (except to appreciate purple more. i feel i've always overlooked it)
no projects. (except this book called "642 things to write about")
complete freedom.
complete release of all that was shackling me last year. (and previous years)

i want to treat this year like a sweet little infant.
it's clean, new, and i'm not going to assume anything about it.

all i know is:
it's going to sound like this

it's going to look like this

and it's going to be full of love and grace and peace.
and i will be condemned by my own heart no longer.

"for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart.
and He knows everything."

first john three, verse twenty

hello 2012

This is who I spent my New Year's with. trust me, it was fun.

I'm welcoming the new year with open arms. I'm quite ready for things to progress in my life and this year holds many changes that will result in progressing.
I'm lucky to have few regrets (if any, really) from last year. I feel like 2011 was lived to the very fullest, in spite of the dark semester I had this fall. I'm not making any resolutions this year. I'm going to let things evolve naturally and just live and not talk about living as much. I hope that makes sense.
So happy new year. I hope last year was lovely. I hope this year will be even lovelier.

I am starting a 52 weeks project. Which I will update on my Flickr (there's a little thing up in the left corner)
A picture a week. I know I can handle that.

2010 at a glance.

Let's recap this year...

In December, I had my very first white Christmas.

In November, I made friends with some lionesses.

In October, I hiked up a mountain with some of the coolest people in the world.

In September, I had a frosting fight with Amy.

In August, I discovered the importance of sunshine in one's life.

In July, I was challenged like never before.

In June, I received my driver's license...and drove to the museum.

In May, I watched my dear friends graduate.

In April, I purchased Asher (My beloved camera)

In March, I had tea in the freezing woods with Jamie.

In February, I turned 17.

And in January, I received the best present in the world-a harp.


Happy new years. May this year bring too many blessings to count.
Mary Em

Some thoughts on a blustery New year's Eve.

I had forgotten how wonderful digital photography was! This is Jamie as the Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. She was beautiful.

We took a picture like this summer '08. We decided to revisit the concept, Nutcracker style.

A silly poem I wrote last night:
Old paths and bright memories.

Walking on a road covered with dead leaves
Melodic words flow from within our hearts and minds
Released into the atmosphere through song
The air, so sharp and cold
Is warmed by our breath
Creating small clouds that fade in an instant
The tree's shadows lay on your face
The sun's rays make your eyes shine
And the chilling wind plays with your hair
My heart leaps a little, causing me to smile
Oh dear friend of mine, I think, I wish we could take walks more often...

Hi there!
I finally posted pictures. Yay.
So here's the big unveiling of my resolutions. (yes, there's more than one...)

*drum roll*
Big Resolution #1:
To accomplish at least one project a week. This means I will finish at least 52 projects. The projects will range from organizing my room, to making a camera strap, to finding a way to recycle all my camp t-shirts. I looked at this and thought way too easy but...it's actually going to be a big challenge. Jenny and I are going to tackle this together. I'm pretty raring and ready to get going.

Big Resolution #2:
To lose at least ten pounds. I'm not one of those superficial girls that's like "I NEED TO BE A SIZE TWO!" but, I would like to maintain a healthy wait and get fit. So, I'm going to try to exercise at least three days a week and keep a journal of what I eat. Crazy? yes. Can I do it? Heck yes.

Anyway, there you go! Starting tomorrow, I'm going to tackle these things with a zeal like no other. And blog about the whole thing =)

I hope the new year brings bountiful blessings and wonderful experiences like no other.

Mary Em