Saturday, December 29, 2012

here to a new beginning

Just one more and the butterfly watercolor postcard series will be done

I admit, without shame, I am one of those people who make new year resolutions. They are not about losing weight or exercising, but they are about what I want to become. My birthday is in January, so the new year has always represented a sort of rebirth to me.

It has been in the weeks preceding the new year, that I have had the most life changing experiences: got royally dumped for the first time, got my heart broken (a gazillion times), left home (twice), got engaged, got married... It is that mile mark, where the year presents itself as a clean slate and I am the master of my domain.

As I get older and feel the weight of my own mortality, where my whole life is no longer ahead of me, I am more committed to be true to my feelings and self. I am less preoccupied with other people's opinions. As a Capricorn/Dragon, stubbornness is a trait I unfortunately posses and I want to be kinder to those who love and care for me.

May the universe, G-d, Allah, Adonai, love, fraternity, Krishna, Ishtar, Inanna,  Iemanja, Nature, or whoever you chose to worship or not, provide a year that's filled with love and kindness. May the plights be few and the tears scarce; may the love be plenty and health abundant.

I have learned with each one of you this year. I have gotten guidance, support, and kindness from this virtual women's circle that presented itself to me through this blog. And for that, thank you.

Free Desktop Calendar


January 2013 desktop calendar for grabs. Click on the image. Save and enjoy it.

P.S. Sorry for the new "review before publish" feature in the comment box. When the spammers go away, I will remove it again.

62 comments:

Sulky Kitten said...

Happy New Year to you Ana! And thank you for all the beautiful art you've provided us with all year.You're so very talented and I'm glad that you share that gift with us.x

Red Shoes said...

Good morning, Sunshine...

This is quite an introspective post. Of course, my first question is why did you spell out completely, the name, 'Allah,' but spelled 'God' as 'G-d'... There is no right or wrong answer, but I am curious.

You sound a great deal like myself. I spend a great deal of time thinking about paths chosen, decisions made... good decisions, 'what if's'...

Just keep moving forward, Ana... don't listen too much to the words of others; instead, listen to your inner spirit...

Namaste...

~shoes~

Hwee said...

I haven't done new year resolutions for a long time, but for the coming year I might just do one. It's good to have a goal or a plan to mark the start of a new year. Inner growth is a good resolution to have!

Have a happy new year!

Adam said...

have a happy new year

Anonymous said...

My birthday is in January, and I, too, am a Capricorn (Dog). Looking forward to 2013. Bring it on!

35jupe said...

This is a beautiful, beautiful post Ana.

May the new year be a lovely one for you. (And I make resolutions too! I like them.)

35jupe said...

This is a beautiful, beautiful post Ana.

May the new year be a lovely one for you. (And I make resolutions too! I like them.)

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I really identify with this post, being that I am also a January Birthday Baby and feel the fresh renewal at this time every year. I even got married in January and am about to celebrate a big anniversary. This January feels different to me, like it is going to be momentous in its beginnings.

Lois said...

I am resolving to Make in 2013. Just make stuff. Not allow the mundane to shut down my creativity.

Thank you for sharing my year! Lois

Japolina said...

Happy New Year!

alteredstatesstudio said...

happy new year and birthday Ana! love the story of the new slate....isn't life funny how some thing always seem to coincide with certain time of the year. i love your insight and thoughtfulness!

Robin Larkspur said...

Ana, a thoughtful post expressing what I think a lot of us feel. As time goes on it is a relief to stop worrying about the material world, and to focus more on the "interior" world. I like your words.

Sherri B. said...

Ana, thank you for the New Year's wishes...like you, I also worry less what others think as I get older. I don't necessarily do resolutions anymore, but I do love to pick a "focus word" for the upcoming year. I hope you have a 2013 filled with peace and happy things. And more beautiful paintings! I always look forward to seeing those. :)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I make New Year's resolutions as well. May 2013 be your best year ever my new friend :)

AntiquityTravelers said...

I always find an interesting forum when stopping here ... makes me think ... I thank you for that. Wishing you new self discoveries in the year to come

Almost Precious said...

Lovely post and gorgeous watercolor. Hope your New Year is abundantly blessed also.
Sorry that I've been AWOL from blogland for what seems like ages but this year I focused my attentions on family . . . it was long overdue and felt wonderful. :)

Yes the spammers have been getting horrendous !!!

The Cranky said...

This is an introspective time of year...I think I do less 'resolving' than I do exploring. Thank you for the lovely wishes, they are returned in full Ana.

Funny thing: my beloved Dad was a Capricorn, as is the Great Scot. (Dec. 22 and New Year's Day to be exact.)

K J D said...

I love your bright and beautiful butterfly art....

I too am a New Year Resolution maker... my birthday is New Years Eve! So I totally agree about the feeling of rebirth.

I'm glad our paths crossed in Blogland!

Happy 2013!

Karenx

Wendy S. said...

I love your beautiful bright butterfly. Lovely way to symbolize moving on even when it's painful. May the New Year bring you magick and all things wonderful.

bohemiannie! art said...

Happy, Beautiful New Year...full of peace, wisdom and of course...art.

ArtSings1946 said...

Oh, happy and joyous New Year to you my friend. I am so happy to have found you and your blog.

Compassion to all and love always,
Jan

Valerie-Jael said...

I wish you a good new year, and a happy birthday! Valerie

Dra. Cristiane Grande Jimenez Marino said...

Ana, Thank you very much for the calendar, it's lovely.
Your reflexion about New Year's resolutions touched me deep in the heart.
My birthday is not in January, but I feel the same, like a rebirth, the earth goes around the sun again!
I also want to be more true to myself.
Happy New Year!
A Big Hug

Annette said...

Well my dear have a Happy New Year and Birthday. It sounds like you have had one heck of a year but so glad to have met you. I had to do the moderation thing also spammers!!!!! Leave us alone! hugs and have a good weekend and a wonderful new years xoxoxo

GlorV1 said...

I'm a January/goat person. I'm not a stubborn person though as they say goats are. I stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year and glad I found your blog. Enjoy and take care.

Riot Kitty said...

Thank you for the art and kind wishes! Happy New Year to you.

Ariel said...

Happy New Year to you Ana. I've really enjoyed your art and posts this year.Wishing you the best in 2013
Hugs
Susan

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful! Happy New year! My birthday is in January, too! I love our birth month! Sweet hugs!

Ileana said...

Beautiful calendar...love the butterflies and funky artwork! I also understand what you mean about being less concerned with what others think of us as we age. It's all about enjoying the time we have here on earth and being true to ourselves. All the best to you in 2013 and always!

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

Happy New Year, Ana! I have enjoyed your art and your lovely blog posts, and I look forward to more of them in 2013. May peace, joy, good health and prosperity be yours this coming year. You are a beautiful person, and I'm so happy you are part of my blogging circle of friends!

Sofia said...

Happy New Year! The calendar is soo pretty!

Jo said...

Happy new year Ana!

foxysue said...

Happy new year to you - you bright star! xxx

The Purple Assassin. said...

Hope you have a great new year!

Take Care :)

Melva said...

Hey hello Ana, I want to wish you all the best for 2013 & A Very Happy Birthday too. Love your post. I promise for 2013 I am going to be a better blogger and a much better worker in the Art Dept. (sounds like a resolution to me)?????

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Fabulous painting, love the fresh colors.

Jane said...

There is no shame in making New Year's resolutions - I think it demonstrates an optimistic, striving attitude :) Happy New Year to you Ana!!

Nadia said...

Very nice said. Wish you a very nice new year to! It's always so nice to read you're unconstrained (if that's the right word for it) thoughts.

shayndel said...

A Happy New Year and Happy January Birthday!
Beautiful art and butterflies and expression!
THank you for visiting my blog. Please visit and dance with us anytime!!
Best wishes from Japan,

Nina Crittenden said...

Wishing you a very splendid 2013 (and a Happy Birthday, too.)!

Uni~Q said...

I love your blog, it's beautiful :)

I will follow you , eheheh...


happy new year and have a new great beginning :D



greetings from Portugal

Arthur B

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Wonderful painting! And thank you for your wishes. :) Happy New Year!

Jeanie said...

I am having spammer issues, too. But I have anonymous posting and I'm thinking of dropping that baby, despite the fact that a few good friends use it.

Your words are beautiful. And yes, you ARE the master of your domain. I have learned from you as well, and I'm so delighted that in 2012 I discovered your blog. Now, onward!

Marcie said...

Love your January calendar!! Here's to happy birthdays...and best wishes as we enter into this new year!

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful how meaningful this time of year is for you and so many of us.

thank you for sharing this heartfelt post and your lovely art.

wishing you a new year that feels wonderful to you~

Zena said...

Ana, you left a comment on my blog telling me that you are a Capricorn like me, but guess what? we both are also dragons. Coincidence? I don´t think so

Wishing you all the best in 2013 dear friend, it has been a great pleasure to read your posts along this year and your thoughtful comments on my blog xx

CraveCute said...

Happy New Year Ana! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous art with us!

Jenny said...

Happy New Year Ana... Consciously thinking about what you want to become is wonderful I think... may 2013 answer your wishes... and thank you for the sweet calendar page...

Hugs
Jenny ♥

Fabi (Objeto Transicional) said...

Ana lo mejor para vos y tu familia en este 2013!!!
Beso!

geetlee said...

Hi Ana,
Happy New Year to you too! And Happy Birthday! I am a Taurean.. both of us are earth signs. No wonder we get along so well :)
The calendar is lovely.
xoxo

Catherine Fishback said...

Happy New Year to you!

XO,
Catherine (new follower)
FEST (food, style, travel)

anopensketchbook said...

Such a wonderful post and an inspiring attitude toward the new year. I'm right there with you, making resolutions for growth.

May the next 12 months take you all the places you hope to go.

Kyra Wilson said...

I have goals instead of resolutions this year. :) I hope you have a wonderful year!

Shirley said...

I am wishing you a most wonderful 2013..full of peace, good health, wisdom and compassion. Happy January birthday to you and may it be a gentle january for you. : ) So nice to connect here in the blog-overse! : )

Creatively yours Fi said...

Hi Ana....I've also had trouble with spammers lately :( It's a shame. Thanks for supporting my blog 2012..and i love following your bright blog with thoughtful insights. May your 2013 be filled with many blessings..xX And you won my little ballet card. :) Could you email me your address at hillfiona@hotmail.com
xFi

Elena said...

Ana, beautiful as always! May 2013 bring you joy, love, laughter, health, happiness and abundance. Keep shining that beautiful light of yours!

Beth said...

I like making resolutions, too...and I take them quite seriously, though I take care not to be down on myself when I fail to achieve them. Moving forward in a positive way is the most important thing...and helping others along the way. Joy and blessings to you in the New Year!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful, candid post. I wish you all the best in 2013!! Love the desktop wallpaper gift....remember your awesomeness!
peace & Happy New Year!

The Dancing Crone said...

Happy New Year Ana! A new beginning is always a wonderful thing. Looking forward to your comments in 2013!

LE CHEMIN DES GRANDS JARDINS said...

Continue à cultiver tes rêves, chère Ana. Ils sont beaux et ils nous font rêver. Avec de telles résolutions, le monde ne peut que mieux se porter et il en a bien besoin.
Prends soin de toi en 2013.
Je t'embrasse amicalement.

Roger

Estela said...

Thanks for the calendar, I'm new to your blog, my kids love butterflies and we are perusing your posts together. Also, congratulations on your wedding!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Ana Happy New Year our virtual friendships keep many of us going and growing, I love that. Hugs. Always wise words written here they make me think. Thank you for that. B