Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 OLW Clean-Up

{Photo shoot inspired by Deb of Paper Turtle}
Well, 2012 is coming to an end, and today I put away the Christmas tree, decorations and ornaments.  I had a little help from Aria. 
It always feels good to put everything away and get the house back to "normal." For me, it signals the end of Christmas and the start of the new year.  
Before jumping into 2013, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on my "One Little Word" for 2012.  I chose the word "Home" and this is how I described what I wanted to do:
"I want to work on finding my creative home, tending the relationships that are the home for my heart; and fixing up my physical home.  . . . Creatively, I see myself focusing more on my original art - drawing and photography, especially.  I want to incorporate more of these things into my collage work. . . . . I'm looking forward to spending more quality time with my husband and children. . . . Finally, there's a whole laundry list of things that need to be done around our house - from hardwood floors and fence repair to serious cleaning and purging of storage spaces and the back lot."
I feel like I did pretty well on these three areas. I definitely developed my drawing and painting skills and continued to work on my photography, and I've spent more time focusing on the family.  I've also done lots of purging.  I still have to work on the kids' rooms and the garage and the fences need to be fixed, but otherwise I have hit almost every room in the house, as well as the back yard. As a result, I had the perfect spot to put away all my Christmas boxes this year.
For 2012, I also set an intention, which was "Don't give up before the miracle happens." I didn't really do much with my intention, but that's okay. For 2012, my one little word was enough to help me focus on what I wanted.  I've chosen my word for 2013 and an intention to go along with it.  I'll be posting those this weekend.
Did you have a one little word for 2012?  If so, how did it work for you?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well done on the OLW success. I didn't do very well with mine. In fact I need to try harder this year x

scrappyjacky said...

You did really well with your word,Rinda....and you did inspire me to do a bit of purging as well.
I haven't done too bad with my OLW....but could certainly have done better.
Happy New Year.

Karen said...

You've done well, Rinda, and you've documented it here all year. Mine was "balance" and I did pretty well with it, but didn't pay as much attention to it as I should have.

Carolyn Dube said...

Can't wait to see what your word and intention are for 2013! My 2012 was start- to push past the doubts and start. My 2013 word has not been fully revealed to me yet- something always makes a specific word jump out at me. Fingers crossed I get the word soon (hint to my muse...) Happy New Year!

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

It's interesting to see how many people like to clear away Christmas before the new year dawns. It's always 12th night for us. I didn't choose a word last year, but I have done for 2013. Will share soon.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

I don't remember what my word was, so apparently I didn't do much with it. :)

It's 'frugal' this year thanks to a pay cut & the govt but also it's about time & reusing more stuff we already have.

Beverly said...

We made a dent in the Year of Purging and Reorganizing then got side tracked...so much more to do. I got a motivational kick in the butt each time you shared how many bags you had taken out :) This summer will be the perfect time for you and Henry to really work on his room ;)

The Mann Fam said...

Wishing you and your family a hopeful and pleasant 2013.

My word was GROW in 2012. I feel like I have grown in a great way. GROW was the most perfect word for me. I an a much better state of mind than I was a year ago. I'm glad my word found me and helped me through the year.

Alison said...

Well doneRinda....my OLW for 2012 was a success, but I'm thinking I'm going to give it a miss this year
Alison xx

Unknown said...

Well done on your OLW and a happy new year to you and your family.

Ayala Art said...

oh.... I still have to do that! I better get the boxes ready to pack all the decorations...
Have a wonderful new year!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

a blessed and joyful new year to you! it seems i have just put up our tree so i'm keeping it up for a few more days. your decorations look lovely, and so well organized!

~*~Patty S said...

Your posts are always so thoughtful and thought provoking as well...

"Home" certainly is really special word and more!

My word for 2012 was BALANCE ... I could easily focus on the same word for 2013 but I did chose another word which I hope to blog about soon

Happy New Year to you and yours dear Rinda
oxo

Scrappi Sandi said...

I haven't taken part in OLW yet...but am inspired by your success in 2012! May I say how I adore the photo's in this post...so colourful & perfect symbolism for the start of a New Year! I'm with you in as much as I love decorating the house for Christmas but I LOVE restoring it to order right about now...I so enjoy the almost bare uncluttered-ness of it!! Can't wait to hear what word you've chosen for 2013!! :D

Miriam said...

Oh how I wish I had the courage to take my decorations down on the first! My family like them up until 12th night.
Your word certainly worked for you Rinda, I wonder what your word for this year will be. I am still living with various words but 'the one' hasn't spoken to me yet.

ForgedinPaper said...

Well done on your OLW goals. I'm looking forward to seeing this years one. Take care.
Sonja

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Hey friend ~ I have just enjoyed a nice catch-up over here, and rather than comment on every post I'll leave one here and head out for my day.

I love the photos you took of packing up Christmas! {thanks for the shout out} I think you did a fantastic job with your OLW in 2012, and your 2013 {PARAMOUNT} just couldn't feel more perfect for you. I so look forward to seeing what this new year holds for all of us. We're in it together.

Happy new year, Rinda! xo

Melissa said...

GREAT JOB with your word this year Rinda!