At the beginning of each year I create new folders on my computer for the year ahead. During this time it’s fun to look back at the year that just passed.
This year I picked out something that stood out for each month. So much happens in a year, through the seasons.
A monthly highlight in 2015…
January
We started the year with a trip up the coast to Cape Perpetua. Little did we know at the time, we would be married there later in the year.
.
February
I painted the floor of my studio in February, which was an exciting finish to a pretty huge, months-long studio upgrade. I feel so grateful to Steven for always looking out for me and wanting to help me make things better. He has been forging the way in helping to keep my work spaces fluid and functional from the very beginning, when I worked on the floor in a studio apartment!
.
March
In March, gardening was underway. We replaced the sheeting on the hoophouse, seedlings were planted, and fava beans were the first seeds to be direct sown in the soil. It was a mild year from start to finish.
.
April
April was a stressful month for me and a pre-planned getaway couldn’t have come at a better time. We stayed in what has become my favorite lookout tower yet, nurtured by mountains, crisp cold air, lots of sunshine, cozy fires and a welcome dose of R&R.
.
May
My woodcarving really started to blossom in 2015 and in May I was exploring new tool additions, and would soon begin more ambitious projects.
.
June
In the first days of June we saw the first tiny fawns.
.
July
We welcomed July from the woods of Southern Oregon, at our favorite camp spot.
.
August
In August I taught my first leathercraft workshop.
.
September
We did a lot of road tripping in September, and finished our travels with a campout with friends, right on the river. While this might seem like a strange choice of photos with all the other possibilities, I remember how radiant and alive I felt when this was taken. This was one of the most healing and joyful adventures, bringing out the best in all of us.
.
October
I had a particularly hard time letting go of summer this year. Swimming, gardening, abundant fresh food, camping, bare feet. I wasn’t ready for it to go. I remember this day. I had canned applesauce and then brought out a selection of the goods I’d canned that summer. The autumnal light was filtering into the kitchen in a way I hadn’t seen since the year before. It can be so bittersweet, the way time passes.
And October deserves a second mention, because it’s the month that Steven and I decided to get married! Looking back at the photos from this day have left me smiling so big. Passing through time with this man has been the best thing I could imagine doing. He is and has always been profoundly present for me, and together we have a fortitude that makes me feel confident we could do anything.
.
November
Everything felt new and full of fresh potential in November. I also fully sank into the quieter time that comes with fall and winter. I loved the endless rain and fog and we focused on our home, deep cleaning, organizing and settling back inside after months with a more outer focus. It was a period for ideas to culminate and take shape. The pressure of the approaching busy-ness that the holidays bring for me in my work was also embraced, and I was able to use it more effectively than ever, which meant transforming what can often be experienced as stress, into something much more productive.
.
December
We started the month of December in Portland. I attended a holiday maker’s market and we were able to spend time with our parents. And we ended the month with family at home. For as full a month as December was, it stands out in my mind as having been a peaceful and restful time. I am so excited for all that is coming to fruition right now.
Deni
So many wonderful things to celebrate, Abby! Congratulations on your marriage, finding your soulmate is a true blessing! My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this year. Although I was only 17 when we married, I knew he was the one 😉
abby
Thank you, Deni! Makes me happy to hear you feel like you are with your soul mate. An amazing thing to find in life for sure 🙂
Denise
these are such good captures Abby! Here’s to 2016!
abby
Cheers Denise! Thank you for being the friend that you are!
Sherrie
Such a wonderful year, Abby – I just love this post. I hope 2016 holds lots of love and goodness for you! 🙂
abby
For you too Sherrie. Happy New Year!
Sally
Looks like a beautiful and productive year 🙂
abby
Among all the other ebbs and flows of life, it was those things too 😉
rebecca
Congrats on your marriage and all of the beautiful events of the year.
As an aside, would you be willing to share a bit more about your wood carving. I’m so interested in this process and love and trust your aesthetic and craftsmanship.
abby
Thanks Rebecca. I will try to share more about it this year, and some different kinds of woodwork should be making an appearance in my shop this year too. I am so ready to work with new mediums more often. I appreciate your interest.
rebecca
fabulous! and happy new year! 🙂
knitty34
Congratulations on a wonderful year Abby!
abby
Thank you, Dani! Happy New Year!
kristinachew
This is a beautiful post, Abby. Wishing you a joyful and creative and equally amazing 2016.
Sherry Xie
Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for long time, and love all your products!
Abby
Thank you all for your sweet comments!