back in the saddle again

After a bit of monkey business,

and flying through the air with the greatest of ease,

we have returned home refreshed and ready to take on 2008.

More pics from our Honduran holiday here.

What a year it has been. The blog was just a spark in my imagination a year ago. There were no thoughts of writing sewing patterns. Patrick's grad school application deadlines seemed eons away. And who would have guessed that my parents and all of my in-laws would be vacationing together on a Caribbean island?

Most of all, I would never have been able to fathom the joy that has come from being a part of such a warm, supportive community of creative people, incredible parents, and inspired teachers. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your heartfelt notes, your hilarious anecdotes as well as your doubts and questions. When I was away from the internet during my vacation, the fondness I feel for all of you came to the surface - several weeks is a long time to be away from all of you fellow bloggers, readers, and flickr friends. I found myself yearning to read your posts and wondering how your holidays have been. A general feeling of warmth and a certain smile always accompany such thoughts. I've come to consider you all friends - very precious friends who keep me inspired, motivate me to get things done, lift my spirits when I'm feeling down, and keep me connected when I'm feeling alone here in rural Mexico. I look forward to sharing the upcoming year with you - it's challenges, frustrations, and triumphs. It's adventures. It's silliness. It's going to be a big year, what with moving across a border, Patrick starting grad school and me looking for a new job. A year of changes.

Know that whatever 2008 has up its sleeve, you all will play an integral role in all that will be wonderful about it! Thank you for reading, my friends!