Sunday, January 2, 2011

a look back and a peak into the new year...

Happy New Year to everyone!  I don't usually make new years resolutions, I have told myself that they are silly, and that I won't stick with them anyway.  I got to thinking though that maybe I wasn't giving myself enough credit...  I can stick to things if I put my mind to it and really WANT  to embrace change,  I can honestly say that for the first time in a long time I have felt a wonderful stirring in my soul about the possibilities of a new year.
I have goals set for myself, my family, and our home...
I love my time here in blogland
so many of you have inspired me to really dig deep into the creative recesses of my soul
to release the fear of trying new things, one of those things being the idea to share what I've created with all of the blog world, without fear of rejection or being misunderstood...
to make what pops into my head and then post about it, and sell it.

I have to say a huge THANK YOU to those of you who opened my eyes to the world of JDL, oh my gosh, I am in love!  That is definitely the direction that our home is going to take, white, warm, industrial,  with natural wood elements and romantic.  Who would have thought that industrial and romantic would work together?  I love it!   So I am going 'shopping' in my little white barn and hauling my finds in the house.  I have been doing this a little at a time, but now it is time for a major overhaul by swapping out some of the decor in here.  Right now I would say that the house just have too much stuff!  i can't  believe I'm even saying that, but believe me Duane is happy to hear me say it!  So the things that come in must have purpose as well.

I don't want to look like this guy anymore!  I have hung on to some things thinking that they were bought to be sold, but have yet to list them on etsy or get them over to Lambs Gate.  Well, this is the week that I will be getting this stuff out of here one way or another!  I want theoldwhitehouse to take on a new look and so will be going in a new direction with it.  I am so excited to actually HAVE a direction!  Really!!
 The dining room was my jumping off point!  More makeovers are on the way!
I want to look more like this guy, peaceful and content...
I want to do more of this, sewing and sharing, so you can expect more tutorials than before...
I will be making more of these because I love wearing them and so love to share them!
I see my art taking on a whole new direction as well...
I think I've always been pretty organic in my artwork, but I see even more on the horizon...  I've repurposed for so many years that my kids probably thought that was the only way to create something, I am excited to create again, these last couple of weeks all I've done is crochet scarves for my family so I can't wait to get out the glue and junk and jewelry again!
and then there is my baby...
my line of natural laundry soap and lavender dryer sheets, I believe more deeply in this product than anything I've ever done before.  I feel like even in a small way I am making a difference ... not only the green impact that I feel I can make but a impact on my families income as well.  So this means alot more work and dedication on my part, but I feel it will be worth it.

 2011 is going to bring more 'green' into the lives of the Hein family in more ways than my soap... Hannah and I have become vegetarians.  John was home for a longer period of time than usual, he is a vegan and so was a great teacher and motivator for us.  I am thrilled and empowered by the feeling of giving my family a healthier lifestyle.  Even though not all of us will be vegetarian, the ones that are not will still benefit by having more vegies and grains in their diets!  I gotta believe that part of the positive feelings I have for our new year is that I am starting it off right!  I didn't want to just start another diet, they have never worked for me, I felt deprived and starved and so would cheat every chance I got... this doesn't feel like that, it feels right.   This is one of the reasons that I did not do new year resolutions in the past, they seem so redundant.   I will be 50 this year, and I want to be a strong role model for my children.  I also want to show them my fun side, they see my silly side on a regular basis but I wanted to show them the side of me that likes to play too, so for Christmas I asked for Just Dance 2 for the WII, and oh my gosh it is so much fun!  We played again last night and it feels good to dance and get excersize without feeling like it's work!

Thank you all for stopping by and leaving comments, they mean so much to me!  Blogging has brought so much LIFE into my life!  Thank you.  I hope that I can inspire you this new year and give back a little of the inspiration that you have given me.
                                                                   Love,
                                                             Theresa xoxo

31 comments:

  1. YAY Theresa, you have had a very full year and shared some great stuff with all of us out here in blogland.
    Your inspiring and I can't wait to see what 2011 brings!
    Amy

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  2. Theresa,

    Love you girl!

    You do us all proud. Big Blooming Bursting Hugs all around : D

    xxx

    z

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  3. Happy New Year Dear Friend~ I can feel that Change Too.... I gave up on resolutions along time ago, this time I wanted something different.... I Love looking back on your photos of some Wonderful Ideas & Creations, I look forward to seeing more & in which direction You are going~ I do Hope, that in 2011, we can meet up & do some Antiquing, Creating & just hanging out together.... Here's to a Great Year, in the Great State of Michigan.... It Can Only Get Better~ xox
    Cheryl

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  4. Oh Theresa,
    I have so loved coming and visiting your blog and seeing all of your gorgeous creations!! I see a few things that I would love to have right now! :)
    You are truly so talented and I really look forward to seeing what beautiful things you design for 2011!
    Here's to a great year my friend!
    sincerely,
    Melinda

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  5. ...Oh Yes! I feel the winds of change blowing us onto the next adventure and it's going to be good!!!
    Isn't it ironic that in order to move forward with the visions of Jeanne d'Arc inpiring us that we had to minimize and scale back before we could see the true beauty of everyday romance??

    Happiest New Year dreams dear friend!
    xo, Rosemary

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  6. Theresa, I always love visiting you and seeing what wonderful new thing you have created. I look forward to be inspired again in 2011.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  7. Hi Theresa!
    Happy New Year to you and your family!!
    You can just feel the energy and excitement that you feel when you read this post....it got me motivated too!
    I love everything you create. Seeing all the pictures again just reminded me of all the awesome projects you created and the inspiration they gave me.
    I know this will be an awesome year for you (and you'll be joining me in the over 50 crowd).
    Look forward to seeing the changes in your home.
    Jane

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  8. Hi Theresa...so enjoyed your creations this past year and looking forward to more beauty and inspiration in 2011!!

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  9. Hi Theresa,
    I am so inspired right now after reading your post! You have been a busy girl. I know what it is like to suddenly decide on a new direction and then to go with it!!! It's exciting and fun.

    So glad that you are one of my blogging buddies.
    I really, really enjoy you and your blog.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  10. I don't know if it's so much the 50 thing as the empty nest thing for me, a big change in the demands on my time. Still adjusting my priorities and commitments. Best wishes with the changes you're making in your life style and all that 2011 will bring.
    Susanne.

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  11. Well another inspiring post Theresa! Happy New year to you and your family my Friend! I am so glad I met you through your blog and we became friends. (Even though it was on crazy circumstances, LOL!) I look forward to your inspiring creations, I absolutely love your positiveness and can't wait to see what you have to share with us this year. I too don't make resolutions because I hate the let down when I think I blew them, lol. Now I make small realistic goals or a list, if it's wrote down at least I have a goal and love to cross it off when it's accomplished. I don't think I could do the vegetarian thing though, I like a good steak once in awhile, lol, but that is my main "goal" this year, to eat healthier! Two days and so far so good, lol! Well chat with you soon, Take Care my Friend.
    ((Hugs)) Theresa

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  12. Happy New Year Theresa! Sound like you are off to a wonderful start. You should add a trip to MN (with Chreyl) in there too and all will be perfect. And I cook some very mean vegan food!
    Kate

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  13. Oh Theresa this post is so full of inspiration I don't know where to start. I feel the same on so many subjects.....cleaning out the old and bringing in the new. You're lucky to be able to shop from your barn...lol
    You will find being a vegetarian so satisfying and it's really not that hard if your not vegan.
    Your family is lucky to have such a good mom!


    Happy New Year
    xx
    Carole

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  14. lovely things to look at and aspire to own!

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  15. Hi Theresa, Happy New Year! I always like seeing your projects and enjoyed your photos of the treasures you have made in the past. Have a good evening.................Julian

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  16. Wow...such an inspiring post, I can't wait to see what is next...happy new year! i would love to check out your dryer sheets and soap for my store that opens in Feb :)

    blessings,
    Sheila

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  17. hello theresa! blogging is amazing! how else would i have met you? i am so grateful for your comment. honestly. keep on the veg path, i was vegetarian now vegan and it is really a great direction. my hubs eats meat so we have a happy co~existence. he gives up meat once in awhile lol. you are so creative, stay on the path. all the best to you in 2011.

    hugs,

    shelley

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  18. Oh, you are just so cute! I love that you asked for Just Dance 2! I am still trying to get the stripper moves down. Eh, who am I kidding. They seriously need to be dusted! One of my resolutions that I WILL keep is to finally meet you and be silly for the day! I can't wait to see what you have planned!

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  19. Theresa you are so inspirational! The tone of your post is filled with excitment for the possibilities for the new year! I love it! I hadn't even thought about "What is possible" for the year...I keep thinking "I will have 4 kids" this year & that is about as far as I get! SO I need to get out my journal & get going!

    I am so excited to see what you do & peek in on your home transformation. I love hearing about your adventures with your kids & vegetarianism promises to be a BIG one :) Should be an exciting year! Can't wait to follow you & your family this year! The possibilities are endless! :) Take care!

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  20. Hi, Theresa. This post was exciting to read. I can't wait to follow you on your journey this year. You will motivate and inspire us all. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

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  21. I LOVE it when you said Blogging has put Life into my life. Oh how true. Also, I like you have so many things I think I will sell or list. Instead they clutter my storage building & life. Oh how I hope I do SOMETHING with this stuff. Sell it or donate it... GET IT GONE! Good luck with your goals & 2011 Charlene

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  22. You have inspired many and your friendship and blogging has meant the world to me, thank you! I love all of your creations and I look forward to many more!
    It is going to be a healthy and happy new year, full of promise and joy!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  23. Oh I got Just Dance too and it's wonderful, isnt' it? I could dance all day....sure beats jogging. I loved your New Year's post!!! xoxo

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  24. Oh Theresa you have inspired me with your wisdom!! I am organizing and weeding out myself too. I have vowed that I will open my etsy in 2011! I may need some help! LOL But I know this for sure I can ask you to help me!! I love the purse in the first pic!! I think I love any style you go. It just kinda works! I LOVE that you are re-using alot of what you have and revamping! Kinda like saving the world!! Thanks, Theresa again. XO Love, Fran.

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  25. Happy New Year Theresa!! B. and I have been vegetarians for almost five years now - at first we thought it would be really difficult, but once you start finding new recipes and eating vegetarian for awhile, meat doesn't even sound good.

    Lots of luck with your crafts in the new year!!

    P.S. - I have the food processor for you and I'll bring it out to GL the next time I come out that way!

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  26. Hi Theresa,
    Oh gosh--I love everything on here my creative friend!!! Wishing you a Happy New Year!!! And the dance video sounds amazing...Wow, I want to do it too!!!
    XO

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  27. I am so happy we have a new year upon us! Out with the old! Give us a year with lots of change! I'm ready! I've enjoyed reading your blog this last year and look forward to much more! Have a great weekend!
    Theresa
    aka:tot

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  28. Everything looks so beautiful!!
    This year is starting out great for you!
    Beth

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  29. I'll be first in line to the premier showing of your 2011

    you are truly an art-eest!!!!

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  30. Amen sista...
    I am in the middle of another project that I have been putting off for years... cleaning and reorganizing, ha! Z would love that...
    More power to you and I am looking forward to all your new creations
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  31. I just had to stop by & say hi! I feel like I haven't talked to ya for awhile so I wanted to let you know I was thinking of ya! Hope your eating & execising is going good! I will have some MAJOR work to do soon! :)

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Thank you so much for visiting me here at The Old White House, your comments make my day! ~ Theresa xoxo