~ The year in review ~

In January I launched the very first session of Unravelling and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine i'd be where I am now, with four classes under my belt and about to enter into a fifth, each session selling out faster than the last. What i also hadn't imagined was how this course would create some wonderful online tribes; i've been amazed and humbled by how the Unravellers bond so tight and continue to work together even after the course has ended. I've heard of Unraveller meet-ups, phone calls, secret santas, an Unraveller's calender and rumours of a secret Valentine coming next year too!

There was so much to learn as my classes and online world stepped up into being a business of sorts (also didn't expect that) and I had to learn about marketing and promotion, making my word of 2009 become a reality in more ways than one (more on that tomorrow). This was also the year that…

… Twitter became a daily pleasure.

I gave myself permission.

My work was featured in Artful Blogging magazine and in Frankie magazine's first book, The Photo Album.

I began interviewing inspiring women for the blog in March.

I discovered I'm going to become an auntie!

In June I launched a brand new website, blog redesign and e-course.

I went to Squam Art Workshops via Montreal in September, and then fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting San Francisco this month.

This month I also celebrated one whole year as an ex smoker!

I mused on originality and copying. 

I completed one year of Favorite Things with Alicia.

The lovely Jamie interviewed me in a podcast, and I revealed my face on Danielle's blog.

I sheepishly admitted my yoga shame.

I committed.

The mothership opened its door to me.

All in all, it's been a good year. I danced with bouts of illness and workaholism, and discovered that i don't always look after myself when busy, but through it all i've felt a renewed sense of purpose. I feel many ghosts from the past have been put to rest, and the grief of 2005 and beyond is far enough behind me to be able to put my hand on my heart and know it is healed. I feel proud of my independence, and my survival. I feel really proud to be doing work that is helpful to others while supporting myself. That is truly amazing to me, and i'm cooking up lots of good things for 2010. I'm so happy you're all here with me – thank you x

[Alex & I searched long and hard but we finally found it - the rainbow house in San Francisco!]