So here we are at the threshold of another new year! This is such an exciting time of year! Lots of chances to start over with a clean slate and so many things to look forward to.
Our holidays were wonderful this year. The weeks leading up to Christmas were very busy with shopping and parties but when it came down the eve and day, it was very quiet and low-key. The only real excitement for us was that Miranda and I made tamales Christmas day. They turned out fantastic and we already have plans to make more!
Our New Year's eve was a little more lively...we joined some friends for the weekend at their home in Eugene, Oregon.
Our dear, Sarah and Cedar, prepared a fantastic meal for us all which included a chocolate-peppermint cake! So tasty! And you can bet I brought along a bottle of my favorite almond sparkling wine!
Despite having stayed up until 2:00 am, everyone in the house was up and fed by 9:30 am and so we headed out for a walk through the neighborhood. We were led through a filbert orchard which was spectacular! It was a chilly, overcast morning and the orchard took on a very magical Narnia type of feeling!
If you've ever wondered what a filbert looks like before it is made into Nutella, here ya go!
The orchard was full of life!
In other news, I am SO excited to share with you that I am now a published journaler! Eeeek! One of my journals along with an article I wrote are in the Winter 2012 issue of Art Journaling magazine! I'm SOOO tickled and excited! Here's a sneak peek...
That's a pretty spectacular way to start the new year, don't you think??!
What a great article, Michelle! Congratulations!!! So happy for you!!! Keep it up!
Posted by: pamelajane | January 05, 2012 at 07:08 PM
congratulations my friend ! so well deserved. And you were in Eugene ? I would have loved to hug you for a minute ! It's been too long. Can we plan a time to get together ? I would love that. Big Hugs.
Posted by: jill | January 05, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Hey Michelle, I live in Eugene too! Small world.....in fact the orchard you were in looks like one very near to a dear friend's house!
Congrats on being published, how much fun....I'll have to run out and buy that magazine right away...:).
Posted by: Gail | January 06, 2012 at 07:28 AM
Wow, how exciting congratulations! I usually buy the magazine but have not yet picked up a copy, but when I do I'm going straight to your article. Savor the moment.
Posted by: jesa | January 06, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Congratulations Michelle! I think we just got this issue in at Paper Tales. I will have to check it out!
Posted by: creativechaos | January 06, 2012 at 03:30 PM
Breathtakingly beautiful filbert orchard. I love Nutella! Congratulations on being published--so proud of you!
Posted by: Momma | January 06, 2012 at 06:16 PM
congrats on the publication! It's one of my favorite magazines!
Posted by: Leanne | January 06, 2012 at 06:22 PM
Congrats on being published! Pretty thrilling, isn't it?
xo, Cheryl
Posted by: Whosyergurl | January 06, 2012 at 07:41 PM
AWE-SOME!!! Can't wait to pick up a copy! Congrats pretty lady! :)
Posted by: Cassondra W | January 07, 2012 at 08:59 PM
Hey Michelle,
I read your article in Artful Journaling and it was terrific. Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderfully creative year ahead.
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | January 08, 2012 at 01:16 PM
That's terrific Michelle! Congrats on being published - will look for the magazine locally - hope I can find one! happy new year m'dear!
Posted by: Jana | January 08, 2012 at 04:44 PM
That is fabulous, Michelle...Congratulations!
And, I love today's post---You are the only person I know who could score not one but two Moleskin journals at a Goodwill! You have the touch...
Posted by: Stephanie O. | January 09, 2012 at 07:41 PM
Congrats Michelle! I'm gonna have to grab me my very own "celebrity" copy. :)
Posted by: amanda jolley | January 10, 2012 at 03:59 PM
I just just now saw your spread in art journaling - I buy these mags and wait to read them til I have exactly the right cozy, quiet opportunity and that took til now - anyways - love the spread - love your work
Posted by: cathy | February 08, 2012 at 07:57 AM