Blessings and Beauty

A warm friendly HELLO and HOW ARE YOU? is the very first order of business, don't you think? So, hello! How have you been? I've missed you, and I've missed this place and all the sharing of friendships and ideas and beauty that used to happen around here. Gosh, it's been moons since I've typed a post, and naturally there is much to catch up on. In the past 7 months, we have moved twice, and been really up and kinda down and high and low and everywhere in between. But, {gigantic exhale} life is good, and my family of 5 is well adjusted here and happy as can be! We're surrounded by extended family and don't take a minute of it for granted. It has enriched our lives beyond words. We love our new Ohio home, and I'm happy to report that about 90% of the boxes are unpacked, which was quite the adventure, let me tell ya.

But, anyway. I have been waiting to begin again with my blog. Waiting until the time felt right, and it finally does. It feels like this is exactly what I should be doing at this moment. My craft room is all {pretty much} set up and I'm eager to start creating ANYTHING. I have been missing this part of myself, this creative part, and haven't felt complete without it. Each new day holds so many possibilities and opportunities if only we are open to them. I have not quite been myself for several months now. But something has changed, and I can feel the shift. A fresh new year will sometimes do that.

As I sit here typing, I am thankful for so many people, experiences, lessons, blessings. I have promised myself to stay nearer to those who are dear to me, and make sure they know how loved they are. Family and friends are everything. So, to all of you reading this, thank you for sharing a bit of your day with me here. Thank you for checking in on me from time to time. Thank you reaching out even when I wasn't. It feels so good to be back, and this would mean nothing without you!

Much love and happiness to you in 2012!

Comments

[Jean Elliott]

WOW - so happy to see you back!! I check frequently! Love the Madonna - I saw one at Goodwill for $7.50 and didn't buy it - what was I thinking!! I even went back a few days later to see if it was still there - of course not!

Hope you will post pictures of your children and new home. Looking forward to your updates and glad you are happy in Ohio - I always see articles about lots of neat places to visit there.

[Marian]

Welcome back! I've missed the beauty of your posts. I'm glad to hear that you are settled and are ready to be creative again. I can't wait to see what you have in store. Thanks again for teaching such a great session at Jenn's Once Upon A Dream Event. The trioette is my favorite project from that weekend because I get to wear it often. Hugs, Marian

[Jill Flory]

Glad to see you back! And happy for you that you are settled at last. Now that we are in the same state we really need to meet in real life sometime - even if there are a few hours between us!

[Maija Lepore]

Welcome back sweetheart!!
I just returned to blogging as well- I have missed my friends!!!!
I loved seeing you in Ashburn, and your class was fabulous!!!

[Suzanne Duda]

Finally! :)
Oh how I have missed the love and beauty and TALENT you share with us here on your blog.
You make the world a happier place!
Glad to hear you and your family are well.
Welcome back my friend!
Xo suzanne

[Sandy Lemasters]

Welcome back Andrea! You've been missed but of course we understand! Looking forward to all the inspiring posts you'll have for us to droll over!

SandyL

[claudie]

Oh Andrea, I'm sooooo glad you are back. Now if we can get Gabrielle back, I would have my bestest, sweet, talented, creative girls back to blog land. I adore all of your posts, even the one in curlers, lol.
I know exactly what you mean about keeping family/friends close and dear. I'm doing the same and letting go of the negative ones in my life that don't really mean a lot.
Welcome back. I'm so glad you love Ohio. I've never been there, but it's a whole lot better place now that you're in it : )
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo

[sonia audelo]

YAY!!! So happy to see you back. I have checked your blog for news. I cannot wait to see what you have to share. I have missed seeing your creations.....xoxo

[sadie]

Happy New Year!

How lovely to see you back. I wondered how the move had gone but didn't want to bog you down with an email - there is more than enough to do without feeling you have to reply.

looking so forward to seeing new posts when you have time.

xx

[jen@thecottagenest]

How happy was I to find a new post from you pop up on my reader? Welcome home Andrea. I hope find yourself settling back into your creativity very soon. I know just how it feels to go without out if for an extended amount of time.

[sharon]

YAY!!! i had looked so many times for you to be back. my heart would drop a bit each time, but now....YAY!!! i am glad you are happy with your new home and everyone is adjusting. now it's time for YOU! lucky us! thank you!

[tracy]

andrea-
it was such a sweet surprise to find you back today- I have missed your posts!
I hope your new home is filled with love and blessings,
Tracy

[Sharon M.]

Welcome back Andrea and welcome to Ohio! You have been missed. Blessings to you and your family!

[Kathy]

Welcome back! Your beautiful posts were missed and I am looking forward to seeing your new creative space now that you are settled and have had a chance to catch your breath.

[Laura]

Dear Andrea so glad to see that you are back. You were sorely missed. Being around family is so important and your babies will have lots of wonderful memories. Welcome Back you are a Truly Beautiful Person!!!

[debi]

I'm so happy to see you back again! I've missed your beautiful posts!

[Leiann]

Oh sweet goodness!!! So glad to see you are back. Just thought to check in again to see if you had posted for the new year. Isn't it wonderful how the new year brings a fresh take on things. Your blog has been an inspiration for several years now and I have found myself missing you and your beautiful creations. You truly have a gift......many gifts and I know I am not the only person missing you!!!

I have a book to recommend. It's called "One Thousand Wishes". It is a breath of fresh air life changing read and Ann Voskamp's blog is a fun place to visit too.
Welcome back and so happy your nest is almost complete in Ohio. Many blessings to you and your family in 2012!!!

[natalea]

so glad to see you back Andrea! glad to hear that you are well and settling into your new home! May 2012 bring you much happiness ..xoxo natalea

[Carol M]

It's nice to see you back. I've missed your posts and your lovely creations. Can't wait to read and see more.

[Debbie]

So glad you are back, I have missed your blog.....and your talent.

[Jaala Allen]

Welcome back Andrea! I sure missed you! I have been checking my blog roll almost daily anticipating your return! I'm glad you are settling in! I can't wait to see pictures of your boys and of course your darling girl... who I am sure is not quite a baby anymore! It's as if a long lost friend has returned! XOXO

[Angie]

Happy New Year and welcome back. We missed you!

[Lisa]

Welcome home to northeast Ohio! We fixed the weather while you were gone. ;-)

[Esther]

Welcome back! This is the best New Year's gift I've received! And just so that you know how much I've missed your posts - I've never posted a comment to someone's blog!

[ellery]

Yay! Welcome back! I've checked your blog weekly, waiting~hoping you'd return...Glad you and your family are settled in nicely. Blessings and light to you all...