Recap: 4 Simple Goals (Before 2013)

Back at the beginning of October, I shared with you four simple goals that I wanted to complete before 2013. The day has finally arrived for me to reveal to you whether or not I did what I had set out to do. The goal was to focus more on the positive actions than the end result, and I was supposed to choose things that might not get done, but were simple enough to accomplish.

My first goal was a hefty one, and one that I have not completed in its entirety. But, I am pleased to say that I am on the right track. The first part was to paint, and that is over with. Now I just have a few other design things that I plan on doing, and more art that I plan on hanging up -- I just have yet to buy everything on my list. I will definitely share the end result with you!

You can tell that I have made some changes to the room since we have moved in. The first thing was the headboard and the art, but, since then, I had done nothing else. Now that the painting is done, it should be smooth sailing from now on :)

My second goal was to create a new painting. It had been a very long time since I had painted. Since my shop is focused on drawing that is what my attention has been on for the past year and a half. Before I sat down earlier this month, it had been almost two years since I had done a painting. It felt great to squeeze the paint out of the tube and mix the colours. I had a couple of little bumps in the road with scale -- I decided to start small and paint a 4"x4" canvas -- but I figured it out.

My inspiration was a photograph that I took while my husband, son, and I were driving down the highway on a particularly frosty morning. I have always loved those kind of days. This painting will actually be one of the pieces of art that will soon be hanging in our newly decorated bedroom.

My third goal is one of the more difficult ones, and one that I have not been practicing regularly. I am continuing to try my best to say something positive to someone every day, and I will continue to try every day for the rest of my life.

My fourth goal has been accomplished several times since I first made it. I am very proud to say that I have tried a few different recipes -- some good, and some not so good. My favourite so far comes from the cookbook More Make it Fast, Cook it Slow by Stephanie O'Dea. This book really is genius, and I haven't been disappointed with the recipes that I have made from it so far, but the recipe I love most is for the Dry Rub Ribs. They've got some kick to them, but boy are they delicious!

And there you have it! Would I say that I completed my four simple goals before 2013? Yes and no. It's a 50/50 split down the middle, but it's tricky because I know that one of my goals is something that I will have to work on for the rest of my life. I'm glad that this little exercise has taught me to think outside of my box. I really do feel like my life is a little bit richer from these experiences.

Happy New Year to you! Enjoy your festivities, whatever they may be, and stay safe tonight :)