The Year Ahead

I had every intention to write a yummy Christmas or holiday post. But the moment I had a moment I found myself without words.

As this time of year does for many, I needed to absorb the events of 2009. The saying of not knowing where we are going without really understanding where we have been prompted me to reflect where I had been. So that the adventures of 2010 could begin.



2009 turned out to be a year where I connected my heart to my head.
Such a short space but a long, sometimes painful and frustrating journey.

For most of my life both functioned very well but not always side by side.
It has been my year where I have had many lessons that have lead up to me having clarity of the true meaning of faith, pride, humility, strength, truth, trust, and compassion. With the clarity of these emotions I had to change some behaviors of mine.

All the years before that I have thought I could and should make the impossibles happen, or even what shouldn't happen, happen. I finally grasped that life does have its own course regardless of my will.

And my role is to show up, do what I know is the right thing to do, and to trust and accept the outcome will be what is right.



Shabby Chic has been my home to create romance, beauty and magic in my life.



Vignettes in my stores are moments of fantasy that can be transported into our real lives and homes. I find myself appreciating how vital the importance of feeding our eyes and souls with beauty and comfort.



I have always looked at theatre for my inspiration. For handmade details and unique palette. but the notion of a mask is one I profoundly connect with. Something we all need, from time to time.



With so much reality entertainment, HD quality TV and twittering instant news as it happens, the quality of fantasy through an old leather bound book or an imperfect grainy movie has been compromised for making things too real. Magic and dreams are being lost. We must keep our shabby world imperfect.

Sometimes in 2009 I have felt a profound sadness.
Sometimes loss.



Sometimes fear.
Sometimes really tired.
And this has lead me to surrender. And in doing so I have found the time for gentle gratitude.



Through everything. The one constant, is always to dream.



"To those who can dream, there is no such place as far away".
I included this quote in my latest book.