Wednesday, December 17, 2014

One Year, Two Projects


I began this year with plans to complete two year long projects, and am happy to say as we approach the end of the year, I have followed through on both. The first was the 52 Project with Jodie, a photo of my little man once a week, every week in 2014. I am so happy I took part in this project, looking back at the photos, seeing my little man's growth through the year...it is pretty amazing. I have plans to create a little photo book with the photos, and will definitely be creating a few extra books for grandparents and Godparents.

The second project was 52 Weeks of Mail, and began a new ritual for me early in the year. Every week this year I have sent mail to someone. Most times it was a card with a little note inside, sometimes a few nature treasures were added, and other times little surprise packages with homemade goodies. I took part in this project simply because it is a pleasure, a simple pleasure, to sit down with a cup of tea, pen in hand, and write a note to a friend. It has been a project I have thoroughly enjoyed, and out of it, I have connected in new ways with many of you, and that has been wonderful.

As I approach the end of both projects, my thoughts have been turning to the New Year and the projects I will take on. Both of these projects brought joy to me, and I will definitely be continuing them in the New Year. I have a few other thoughts in mind for year long projects in 2015, but I haven't committed yet. When I do, you will be the first to know.

Did you take part in any year long projects in 2014? Do you have plans to do so in 2015?

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P.S. If you like to receive little surprises in the mail be sure to email your address to me, I would love to send you a handwritten note in 2015.

51 comments:

  1. Congrats on finishing two year long projects! That is quite a feat, I would think. I'm starting a project 52 this January with a gal I met from the blog. I'm very excited! I'm not that organized, and am a little nervous about it, but I aldo think it will be great. Looking forward to hearing your new projects and will definitely be giving you my address- I love getting mail!

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    1. Thanks! Can't wait to send you a little note my friend. xo

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  2. I am so honored to have been among the people you sent mail to! It was such a treat to receive your cards and letters and surprises and it was such fun to write back! Thank you, dear friend for taking this project on! I hope that we can correspond via mail (and email) for years to come! xo

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    1. You bet we can Shel. I have a feeling our emails will go on forever :)

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  3. I started last March to make exercise a daily part of my life and that seems to have stuck. Of course there is room for improvement. I also write daily in a journal and count my blessings. I'm still thinking of what or if what I want to do next year.

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    1. That is awesome Karen. So important to take care of ourselves, and a little exercise is a perfect part of self care.

      I journal daily too, gratitude with a friend, so wonderful to write out my blessings and share them with a friend.

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  4. not sure i have ever looked ahead a whole year, haha.

    but i do plan on getting properly into snail-mailing. i have had attempts in the past and they've peetered out. one hurdle was the letter writing. it felt forced because all these friends already read my blogs, so i didn't feel i had anything different to share. but despite loving writing, my personal contribution is more likely in the way if little gifts or notes or cards or such things.

    the other was larger gifts (and i only mean larger than a pair of socks) are pricey if mailing abroad. i tried to pass on books and it cost more than the book itself lol. but snail mail needn't be about anything larger or heavier than a postcard.

    besides the joy of snail mail. my goal is to make my nurturing thoughts more tangible.

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    1. Haha, I am a type A, and a big time planner. I am always setting goals and looking ahead. Always have :)

      I hear you on the cost of shipping. I have sent a few packages overseas the last couple of months, and they all had to be sent surface, I just couldn't afford to send them air. It takes a long time, but they get there eventually. Even sending something within Canada, or to the US is expensive. Most of the mail I send is in the form of postcards and little notes.

      Making your nurturing thoughts more tangible...love that my friend. xo

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  5. What a wonderful sense of accomplishment you must be feeling Kim, that is great. I have been thinking of plans for the New Year and while I haven't cemented anything yet, I do think I am
    close to making some goals that will be good for not only me, but my family.

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    1. Oh that sounds wonderful Tracey, can't wait to hear all about them :)

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  6. I really love both of those projects. It must be wonderful to look at all those photos of your little man and see the growth that has taken place in a year. Writing a card,letter or note once a week is a great idea! Sadly since everybody seems to be online, handwritten anything seems to be rarer and rarer these days.

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    1. Thank you. It is wonderful, and I think once they are in book from it will be pretty darn amazing!

      It is rare, and I think that is sad. It really is a pleasure to write, and send a letter. And then if you get a letter in return, it is even better :)

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  7. What a wonderful feeling that is to have completed a year of a project! I was just thinking the other day (right after receiving your note!) that this is something that I think I will do in 2015 as well. I love the idea of connecting with handwritten notes. Not just receiving them, but sitting to write and think about the person I am writing to.

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    1. It does feel pretty good. It is really lovely Jen, and doesn't take much time at all, yet fills the heart and soul with joy.

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  8. Wonderful that you accomplished what you set out to do- it was really fun following Reece along for a year. I think you chose some really meaningful projects. Never really thought of setting an intention for the year ahead-life is so busy that I hardly make it thru the day. Time for a change.

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    1. Thanks for following along my friend.

      It is the first year I have done it, and I really enjoyed it. I have set guiding word intentions before, but this felt different, I think because these were projects. The doing was spelled out for me, I just had to show up.

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  9. I've been doing Living Arrows which is similar to the 52 week project and I think I'll do the 52 week project next year. I've also taken a picture of the whole family every month which I love! I like the idea of sending post each week too - that must be so much fun to get back to snail mail!

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    1. I think you will really enjoy it Carie, it is a lovely project. Great idea on the family photo each month. That would be a great idea, it seems we only get a family photo on little mans birthday each year.

      It is fun, and very enjoyable.

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  10. These both sound like wonderful projects. I can't tell you how many people I've been MEANING to write a letter or a note or a thank-you card, but never get around to it. I'm sure everyone who received your heartfelt mail appreciated it so much. There's nothing better than getting real mail in the box! One project I'd like to get to next year is get caught up on uploading photos to my online site of choice and getting photo albums printed (I think I'm four years behind at this point!!!).

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    1. Thanks! It happens, we have the best intentions and then just never get around to it. I found by building into my week, and creating a ritual around the letter writing, it was easy to do.

      That is a great project, and something I need to do too!

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  11. That's wonderful that you followed through on both.. and both projects were fabulous choices.I have loved receiving mail from you! Last January I decided to do another year of my 365project, but I petered out around October. Having to take a picture every day was becoming a bit hectic with my schedule, so after weighing the pros and cons, I threw in the towel. I think it was an OK choice, although I have taken many fewer pictures since deciding to stop, and am considering continuing in 2015, but maybe not every day... maybe 3 per week.
    Anyways, I have been contemplating my resolutions and projects for the new year to come as well.... it's always so much fun to think about.

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    1. Thanks Taryn, and happy you enjoyed the notes :)

      I can see how that would become a little much, committing to a photo a week was tough enough, not sure I could do one every day.

      Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for 2015.

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  12. Two great projects kim.
    I love the idea of handwritten notes, I think I will try and do that in 2015.
    I'd love to exchange letters with you.
    my email is:
    etellinemma@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks Emma! I will send you an email right now :)

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  13. i really love your 52 weeks of mail...i might just join you in 2015. Have a great day Kim

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  14. I love both your projects (and by the way, I really enjoy reading about your thoughts and days on your blog). It is such a pleasure to receive real mail, but hardly anyone writes any more. I hope you find something equally satisfying next year.

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    1. Awe, thank you so much, that is so kind of you to say. It is a pleasure to both send and receive :) And yes, not many do write notes anymore, but I won't let that stop me :)

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  15. These are both such beautiful projects, and I am also impressed that you followed through on both!

    I have been contemplating projects for the coming year. Certainly a photo project of some sort, I've been inspired by the projects I've seen around. Also maybe something around paying attention to the little things in life that making a big difference, although we're not so aware of them as they come and go. After all, so much of being in the home and with children is about these little-big things!

    I do love the handwritten post idea. I would love to do so much more of things like this. But, perhaps in a few years.

    Best to you three. P.S. haven't had a chance to tell you that I love Mr. Basil Fox! Tell us how the snowshoes work out, if you remember. I am starting to contemplate these for Mattheus, but wondering if he is still a bit young.

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    1. Thanks Coco.

      Noticing the little things, that is a good one. I have another little project I do every night that I failed to mention in the post. I email a friend in the UK with a list of my gratitude for the day, and she emails me hers. It allows us both to look back through our day and find those little-big things that we are so very grateful for. Wonderful way to really pay attention to your days.

      Yes, you do have your hands full with three littles :)

      Thank you. And yes, I will let you know. We did borrow a pair for Reece last winter, and he loved them. He didn't have any trouble with them at all. We put them on him and away he went. It was like it was just normal for him.

      The last few days as we have tromped through the snow Reece keeps saying "I need a pair of snowshoes!" I just keep smiling and saying, "Yes, you do." I think he is going to love them.

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  16. That is just terrific! I received your lovely card, but lost your address :0( please forgive me, but I would like to begin writing again. ~mari~

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    1. Thanks Mari. Yes, I saw your email, I will respond with my address very soon :)

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  17. Two lovely projects, and it's been great to see Reece develop over the year. I haven't got round to thinking about next year yet, a project sounds like a good idea, I shall mull it over in the next couple of weeks!

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    1. Thanks Sally. Looking forward to hearing what you come up with :)

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  18. I love your way of finding joy in the two projects you mentioned. And I've loved being on the receiving end of your mail love. Can't wait to hear your upcoming projects. :)

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  19. I love the idea of mail! I would love to send you my address, and I'm sure the girls would love to make a card or write a note for Reece too ~.

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    1. That is great to hear, and I got your address. You can be sure a little mail will find its way to you in the New Year.

      And yes, Reece would love that. He has a few little penpals, and really enjoys both sending and receiving. Honestly, watching his face when he hears there is mail for him...it is priceless. It is amazing how something so simple can bring him so much joy.

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  20. Lovely projects the both of them. As soon as we have a proper adress I will send it to you, I would love to receive from you and send you something as well.

    Have a lovely time!

    Lluisa xx

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    1. Thank you, and yes, that would be wonderful. Looking forward to hearing from you once you get settled.

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  21. It is wonderful Rosemarie, and I am so happy I have introduced it to Reece. He loves writing to William and Landon, and loves the little surprise mail days too :)

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  22. Congratulations! I had two projects. The first, a letter to my son once a week... Sadly that didn't work out the way I had planned. The second was a Tiptoes Lightly themed nature table year round.. That one, I am happy to say worked out. It was slightly easier since I only had to change it 4 times ;) Pictures will come later.

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    1. Thank you!

      Looking forward to seeing your nature tables.

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  23. It was wonderful to see your little man grow all year, the pictures were just beautiful! We are planning on taking on the project this year, His & Her edition... And we want to do it specifically for putting together a nice book for the grand-parents and God Parents as well. I took on the letter project (actually, my daughter and I together) but I'll admit I fell short this summer. Little Miss lost interest with the pretty weather and I just followed her lead. It was wonderful writing letters for sure. Thank you again for all the nice little surprise hellos! <3

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    1. Thanks! It is a really lovely project, happy to hear you are going to participate next year, you will love it!

      Always happy to send a little mail your way my friend. xo

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  24. I have so many dreams/goals, just so little time. I think my theme for 2015 is LET GO. Something I blog about often enough.

    Much love to you!! <3

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    1. Ha, more time, can you imagine how wonderful that would be? Although I am sure if we had more, we would find ways to fill it and still wish for more time :)

      Tiffany, that will be a wonderful theme for you. You have already begun that process, and moving with into the New Year will be so good for you. Looking forward to following along on your journey. xo

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  25. These both sound like wonderful projects, how lovely that you have kept them going for a whole year. I love the idea of writing a letter to someone each week, I used to be an avid letter writer but technology has made me lazy. Perhaps writing a letter each week or twice a month is what I need to get me restarted :)

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    1. Thanks, I really enjoyed them both. I think that is what drew me to letter writing, technology. While it is easy to use as a communication tool, I felt a disconnect with it. Like it is too easy to just write a quick email, without a lot of thought. Also, I think people are so swept up in life, that emails get answered with quick short notes, sometimes without proper greetings, or good byes, and without really connecting to the person and soaking in who and how they are at the particular moment. Sitting down to right a letter takes thought, time and focus on the person you are writing to. It makes a connection that I think is a little deeper than an email or text.

      I have found it to be a very lovely way to connect, surprise people, and generally just bring a little joy to my life.

      I think that is a great way to start, and who knows where it will go from there.

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  26. My mind is so deep in thoughts of the garden that I find myself even dreaming about it. It's like a never ending project. I haven't thought about any simple on going projects yet. Though I do really like the letter writing project. As always thank you for all the inspiration.

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    1. Ha, I never stop thinking about the garden, ever!

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