The Overflow

I was browsing one of my favorite blogs today (feelingstitchy.com) when I came across their post on this Etsy store. All items in this store have been donated to be sold, with the proceeds going toward relief efforts in Haiti. Apparently they have already had 1142 sales, generating well over $20,000 towards the relief efforts in the last few days. It never ceases to amaze me how the internet can be such an incredible tool for GOOD in this world.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope

The holidays were a bit hectic. I had been looking forward to them for months. It would be Chloe’s second birthday, Sara would be coming into town and I was thrilled by the thought of spending time with family members that lived so close yet seemed so far away. Once the holidays were upon us the excitement quickly disappeared. Anticipation was replaced with exhaustion, family time crushed by deadlines and rushed greetings. Christmas ended up not feeling like much of a Christmas at all. I blinked and it was gone.

I guess this is why I love taking pictures so much… because when the anticipated time comes, it never lasts as long as you want it to or it doesn’t exactly go as planned. Such is life. This year also made me realize what I do not want to do next year. The holidays are too focused on shopping and presents and trying to please everyone (and we all know that is never possible). We need to step back and realize what the holidays are actually about: the birth of our Lord and Savior (in our case) and ushering in a new year.

I typically don’t make new year’s resolutions. That’s just not something I’ve ever been into. Why make promises to myself to do this or that on January 1st when I could be trying to what is right all year long? I’ve always thought resolutions were silly, that is until this year. The holidays were a big wake-up call to me. They were a reminder that I need to enjoy what is right in front of me while I’ve got it because who knows how long I will have it. They reminded me that family is most important… not materials things. It is about being with the people you love, not what you can give them. It is about stopping to ENJOY life, not rushing to keep up with it.

I’m not going to bore anyone with the details of my new year’s resolutions this year… that’s not the point. But I’ve decided to do specific things to better myself as a person, so I can relax and enjoy my life and the family that surrounds me. Being healthy and happy are my goals for the year… and creating memories that will last a lifetime, then capturing those memories so my child can enjoy them even more when I’m no longer around to share them with her

Happy New Year everyone!

Over the holiday break I went to see Hayes Carll at Warehouse live… I didn’t expect to be more intrigued by the opening band than I was by the headliner! Sideshow Tramps was the second band to play before Hayes came out and they stole the show. ST opened with more homemade instruments than conventional ones, including a homemade bass made out of only a couple of pieces of wood and one string, and a cigar box guitar! What was even more amazing is that if you didn’t know what they were playing you would swear they were using regular instruments. The music was amazing! Then not long after opening up, they pulled out a washboard and even played a SAW. Yes, a SAW. I must say, this was the best show I had seen in a while. In a time where most artists’ albums are over-produced to simply hide their lack of talent, these were guys that had the raw talent and creativity to play anywhere under any conditions and still totally rock the house. If Sideshow Tramps comes to your town make sure to see them.