Goodbye 2011, I will not miss you.

I'd be lying if I said I was sad to see this year end. It's been a bit rough to say the least...

From my unexpected month in California with my grandfather as he passed away, a month spent helping my Mom take care of my Dad after reconstructive knee surgery, my kind of sudden and unplanned move home (and saying goodbye to my wonderful Salt Lake friends and little apartment), all the while wondering what in the world I'm going to do with my life... 2011... you kind of sucked.

But I made it through, and have a new- found appreciation for the fact that all things happen for a reason.

I learned so much about my quiet grandfather that month we hanged in hospice together. He was a brilliant person and so many people respected him, and I'm glad to have a firmer grasp on the greatness I have come from.

Time in hospitals, stressful health issues, and things of that like have brought me much closer to my family, and I realize just how lucky I am to have them through the good times and the bad.

Moving home has given me a lot of time, energy, and financial freedom to really get this crochet thing going and in 2012 I'll get to help design crochet awesomeness for THIS AMAZING COMPANY. (Read more about that HERE.)

And moving home and helping my mom out with some health issues let things fall into place so a trip to ITALY was possible... absolutely a dream come true.

(Wearing the Braided Beanie in this photo.)

So hooray for 2011 ending... it was one great big learning experience. Happiest of New Year to you and all the ones you love! I hope 2012 brings you endless joy and happiness (and maybe a learning experience or two)... but mostly joy.