Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Looking Back at 2012

This year has been a whirlwind of amazing events for us.  So many exciting projects and accomplishments to celebrate! 
At the farmhouse we completed several projects that were well received.  Our 3 most popular farmhouse projects, according to the stats here on the blog which referenced over 30,000 hits, were: (you can click on the title to visit the specific post)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
And getting an honorable mention was the DIY Shutter Plate Rack.  This little project received a huge amount of traffic!  :-))

 
   Other celebrations, thanks to Romantic Homes we enjoyed some great press.  And once again LaurieAnna's Vintage Home was named one of the best stores in Texas!
It was also a huge year of growth for us.  We almost doubled the size of the Shoppe by adding almost 4,000 square feet in shopping space this Fall, we added tons of new products to our brand, and almost doubled the size of our LaurieAnna's crew! 
Looking ahead, 2013 is shaping up to be an even more exiting year for us and I have set some pretty serious goals. 
But before I share details, I think it’s important to first recognize the lessons from 2012.  There were many of them, but the most profound….. the lesson that I will carry with me into the year ahead is this:

To enjoy the journey and trust the path.  

Our lives are beyond busy, and many times hubby and I are planning the next project before we’ve even finished the current project.  Don’t get me wrong, planning is a good thing, but sometimes in our enthusiasm to move on to the next project, we must remember to take time to celebrate our accomplishments.  I think the loss of my precious Father-in-Law had a great deal to do with the impact of this realization.  Life should be a journey of celebrations, his life was certainly a testament to that. 
 
This was a simple lesson, but I've found that the simplest lessons are usually the ones that can make the biggest difference in our lives.  I'm thankful for all that the amazing past year has held for us and also for the lessons that increased my wisdom about life.  :-)) 

How about you?  What lessons did you learn over the past year? 
__________________________________________________________________
 
Like us on Facebook
Pin with me on Pinterest
Shop online HERE
 
P.S.  The Canton show takes place Jan 3rd - 6th and begins on Thursday morning at 9am.  Come enjoy our HUGE after Christmas sale!! :-))
 

19 comments:

Dawn said...

Love all your projects and enjoyed seeing them all last year, can't wait to see what you have for 2013!

SheilaE said...

After 42 years of living in the same county knowing everyone and every place, I was transplanted to Texas. It was very difficult to be without family & friends-my loves, my security. I have finally learned that I am able to love the friends & the life I am living here, where the good Lord put me. My lesson: Bloom where you are planted.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year! May all your dreams come true...

Patty Sumner said...

Yes, you truly are blessed. God has given you a great eye for design and just the simplicity of making things beautiful....I pray your year is profittable and that you never forget the One who has granted you with such great things....Blessings and keep on creating and blessing others by design.

Amber ~ The French Pressed Home said...

You are such an inspiration, LaurieAnna! This year I learned that even the bad things can be construed as good. A good lesson that helps us grow. If it takes us back a step, it affords us a moment to take a breath and think before we proceed. I'm looking forward to 2013 and the great adventures I'm ready to take.

Highpoint Circle said...

I loved the saying at the end of your post, but what I really enjoyed was meeting your father-in-law for the first time and knowing that I would have loved this man too. He had the eyes of a friend. He lives on through your family.

AntiqueChase said...

wow, i missed a few of these. off to catch up. Happy New Year!

Sweet Woodruff said...

I enjoy your beautiful inspiring blog and photos. I'm sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. Blessings for you this new year

Pendra said...

What a beautiful post, site and projects! I've had a number of losses the last few years and I learned to work at just being happy and the rest falls into place...so that was my New Year Resolution, to just be happy!
Hugs,
Pendra

Carolee Crafts said...

Wow, what more can I say but beautiful

SImple and Serene Living said...

Loved revisiting these posts. i just love that shutter rack. Taking time to just be happy is an important message for us all.
Hugs,
Laura

Anne Boykin said...

Hi LaurieAnna, You have one of the most beautiful homes in blogland! Thanks for sharing your home with us.

Unknown said...

So happy for you LaurieAnna. This kind of success comes only through lots of hard work. Thank you for continuing to inspire us with your creativity. Your home and shop are both such a beautiful reflection of who you are.
xoxo.
Mary

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

What a wonderful year!

Unknown said...

You really had some fantastic projects completed this last year. I loved seeing each one. Thanks for the words of wisdom as well. It's always good to stop and remember what we're doing it all for and appreciate the moments in between. Hugs to you!
Have a blessed 2013!

Lorri said...

I stopped in for a visit yesterday. Shop is beautiful

Lynn said...

Your photos are all so lovely. Thanks for the inspiration to make home beautiful :)

Gracefully Vintage said...

Just Beautiful- LOVE the Rustic Worn Black Bench in the back- Oh my I would love that... Thanks for sharing-Thanks for letting us all watch you grow-and the Inspiration.
Karryann

Terry said...

I love your style...you have a lot of chandeliers in your home and shop are they all vintage?
I love the idea of the wrought iron orb around one!
Terry