Winter seems to be the season of the new...
Perhaps it is because of the cold. Or maybe the worn down, trodded upon, and torn up pieces of attire to go with said cold are simply more apparent.

I have made few exceptions in my challenge to buy nothing new. When my hairdryer died, I simply used the curling iron I had borrowed from a friend for a wedding. Until she wanted it back. Then, after a few weeks of throwing my messy, curly-kinky-not-quite-wavy locks up into a bun for convenience, I bought a hair dryer at Goodwill for $8.

It screamed. Screeched. Then, only halfway through the hair-drying process, it would stop cold.
After listening to me huff and puff about this, my dear husband simply bought me a new one.

I traded in an old coat that had gone from waterproof to water-absorbent at REI for a new coat. This one really is waterproof, this time. The same day, I walked past a rack of woven skirts. For the most part, that impulse of "I have to have this RIGHT NOW!" has gone away, but I had to have that skirt. I knew I wouldn't find anything like it at Goodwill, so I made an exception.

And the boots. One of my gifts for Christmas was a gift card. I haven't had winter boots since I moved to Australia over 10 years ago. I'd been eying this style of boots for months, hoping I would see some at a second hand place. Now, with gift card in hand, I knew what it would be going to--a pair of red Sorels for myself, and some winter boots for the hubby. After all, we had big plans for hiking in the snow during the winter break, and these would make it possible.

Plus, they're cute. 'nough said.

After I purchased my boots, I wandered around the store, waiting for something to jump out at me. Waiting for that impulse again. Since may, that impulse to grab things and purchase them right away has died away almost completely (well, with the exception of that knitted skirt). Over the summer, I distinctly remember accompanying one of my girlfriends to the mall, and feeling positively distressed that I couldn't just buy what I wanted when I wanted. Now, I feel as if I have everything I need.

It's a really good feeling.
I am content.
I have all I need and want.

I've learned that the impulse is simply lack of patience. And realistically, sometimes we don't have the time to wait and scout around every second hand store. Sometimes we do need a headlamp for hiking those caves tomorrow. But for the most part, I find that if I wait, the right thing comes along when it's supposed to.

5 months to go.

Nothing New is a challenge I set for myself to buy nothing new (with some exceptions) between May 19, 2012 and May 19, 2013

One thing I love about hiking the Gorge in the winter is the quietude. It's cold, and snowy, and you are generally the only person around. Or at least, fellow hikers tend to be spread out.
The air is crisp and smells like snow.
It is electric, alive, and you can feel it in your bones.

This year, for a New Year's Day hike, we took a group of friends to Catherine Creek in Washington. It's a nice short hike, but has plenty of beauty along the way. As we crunched our way up dirt trails that had been swollen by ice crystals, we passed a beautiful arch that is said to be a sacred site for the local Native Americans. We crossed a creek--my canine companion happily dragging me across the bridge--and came up onto the top of a ridge, which overlooks the Columbia River Gorge.

This is home to me.
This will always be home.
It captures my heart and holds my soul like no other place ever could.
In all the years I lived here, I never once took that beauty for granted.
My breath would catch on a daily basis--coming around the curve of a bend and seeing an incredible sunset, or at the appearance of a rainbow. Even when driving in the pitch black that made me wonder if my headlights were working.


It was incredible to spend this day with our friends (and look at Dave's amazing red beard! Swoon..). There was so much laughter and happiness--a perfect way to start a New Year.

Happy New Year, my dears!!

Today was a great end to 2012. I worked on designs for my teapot, which I will be starting this week.
I met up with one of the sweetest girls I have ever met.
I went to a 6 year old's birthday party where there were pony rides, and four of my favorite ladies.

And now, I am spending my New Year's Eve....

walking a dog (maybe two dogs)
unloading an antique sewing desk from my mom's car
getting gear ready for our New Year's Day hiking trip tomorrow
yoga
reading "True Love" by Thich Nhat Hanh

and...

going to bed early.

Tomorrow's going to be amazing.
2013 is going to be amazing.

This year has been a mighty one, indeed.
Full of unexpected surprises around every corner.
Some good, some bad. All of them full of lessons that have changed my life immeasurably.
I know I spoke some of the "Summer of Serious Growth"....it has been the whole year, friends.

I am ready for some new beginnings.
After facing many things this last year that I never imagined I could make it through, I am still here, and I am doing fantastically well.

One of my friends referred to me as 'competitive' today.
I kind of laughed, because I've never considered myself competitive, but when I think about it, I do love a good challenge.
And I do love to come out on top.

My challenge now, is not facing hardships, but turning inward and honoring myself.
I give so much of my heart and energy (which I love to do), that it's high time that I start replenishing that basket on a regular basis.
I have been going to meditation every week.
I have been saying 'no' when I need to.
I have been practicing yoga almost every day. Even in jeans, at work.
I have been writing in my journal. Poems, letters, lists.
I have been reading many, many books.
I have been breathing, holding my heart, and sending love to myself.

I am intentionally growing, every day. Because after all, the only constant in live is change. I embrace it with open arms.

Happy New Year.
May you and yours be blessed with love, peace, and happiness.

David, my love....

I am sharing this with the world, because I want the world to know.
I want all those people who have doubted us before to see it written.

Today, I was reminded by a little old lady of just how lucky I am to have you as my husband. All she said was, "David is a really nice man. You got a good one."
I remember this often, but it's nice to hear it from someone who has only met you once.

You are my rock. I could not have made it through this time in my life without you. Your patience and calm demeanor have made it possible for me to tackle each hurdle that has come rushing at us this year with peace (well, mostly).

This is why it will never matter what class you come from, how much education you have, or how much money you make. This is why no matter what people say, or how many times they say it, my love will never waver.

I know what you have been through.
I know where you come from.
And I know what an incredible, amazing person you are. You are strong beyond belief. You are stable. You are intelligent.

You are my rock.

Thank you, a million times, thank you.