I’ve had this post in my drafts for about a week. I imagined starting the year strong with a carefully planned blogging schedule I put together a month ago. All that talk about organizing time and mapping out “steps to success” inspired me to try to do blogging the “right” way — consistent posts, clear themes, and a calendar I could follow.
My plan was to publish a big New Year’s Day roundup highlighting some favorite posts from last year, including the fun I had painting my mom’s vintage metal cart and a series of dinner ideas I put together. I wanted to look back at a few projects and share the lessons and small joys that made 2016 memorable.
Painting My Mom’s Vintage Metal Cart
I also spent much of the year appreciating the little comforts of our temporary rental home — a bright “in between” place with an open-concept living area that made hosting and everyday living easier while we navigated bigger life changes.
And then there was the month-long (well, half-month) series of delicious dinner ideas I shared — a small project that reminded me how much I enjoy gathering simple recipes and connecting over food.
See the recipe roundups and meal ideas gathered throughout the year in the posts that inspired this collection.
Looking back, 2016 was a big year for our family. It was filled with both endings and beginnings: letting go of familiar things, saying goodbye to places and people, and taking a trip to Georgia that gave us a fresh perspective. We moved and transitioned multiple times, learned a lot about ourselves, and adjusted to new rhythms. At one point we had three different addresses and phone numbers in eight months — I still forget my latest postal code on occasion.
There were plenty of scary unknowns along the way. But the unexpected part was how carefully a path unfolded for us. Opportunities showed up just when we needed them — my husband accepted a new job, and I found a part-time role at a jewelry shop that’s been fun and flexible. And in the midst of a wild and unpredictable real estate market, we were blessed with a place to call our own: a new house that felt like a real gift.
When I reflect on 2016 now, I see it as one of the most challenging years I’ve lived through, but also one of the most transformative. The difficulties nudged us toward growth, and the changes led to new opportunities and a fresh chapter in our lives.
That brings me to 2017, which genuinely feels like a clean slate. A new town, new jobs, a new house — and for me, a new adventure that’s keeping me joyfully busy and excited about the months ahead. I’m eager to share more details about this next chapter soon. It’s the main reason I’ve stepped away from the strict blogging calendar I planned: life has been fuller and busier in the best possible way.
This new venture is an encouraging blend of creativity and practical change, and I can’t wait to show you what’s been happening behind the scenes. If you don’t want to wait for the next post here, I’ll be sharing sneak peeks and a live update on my Facebook page soon — I’ll announce when I go live so you can join the conversation and ask questions in real time.
Thank you for being here and for following along. I’m looking forward to more projects, honest stories, and everyday discoveries in the coming year. Stay tuned — there’s a lot more to come.
