I’m always excited to start a new year – something about turning over a new leaf and embarking on new projects and adventures, all with a sense of purpose and optimism.  I’m still looking forward to 2012, but this year it’s more about putting 2011 behind me than anything else.  While 2011 had some great and exciting moments, it was a really hard year for me; being separated from my husband for six months while he was deployed in Iraq, struggling with some difficult family issues, and generally just trying to keep my head above water.  I’m not complaining, because things really could have been a lot harder, but I’ll just be very happy to toast to 2012 and leave 2011 behind.  In the meantime, I’m reflecting on all of the people and things for which I’m incredibly grateful this year, including my amazing husband (I’m so happy he’s back home) and our three adorable cats, my loving family, some truly wonderful and supportive friends (without whom I really don’t think I could have made it through the first six months of the year), and of course the amazing stationery and blog community that inspires me each and every day.  I wake up each morning excited to get to work and see what the day brings, and that makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.  Thank you all so very much for reading, and I’ll see you all in 2012!

Photo Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

p.s. We have a fun New Year’s Eve cocktail coming up for you in just a bit, so check back soon!