Greeting 2014 & Looking Ahead

I recently asked John what word best described our 2013. Unfortunately he didn't hear "our" and said "twerk" without hesitation.

At the New Year, I shy away from hard, fast resolutions and opt instead for adjectives. Words I hope will paint my decisions over the next year. Concepts that describe my intentions and might eventually bridge the gap between what I want to happen and what actually happens.

When I asked John again for 2013 words, he gave momentum, change, challenge. 

I agree. I was scrappy, working hard, searching for answers, and he was, too. But on the other side, we realize now that we did gain momentum. It feels good, like we got some answers and have a plan.

The words I've chosen for 2014 all invoke a sense of calm. I'm letting anxiety related to career and future go and trusting the path that's emerging.

On New Year's Day, we did 108 Sun Salutations to welcome the beautiful new year. 108 symbolizes many things, but for me, it meant 108 physical prayers, or meditations, for 2014. The words became my mantra.

John described our hopes for this year nicely: in 2013, we worked hard to build our ship and cast our sails. Now, we just have to let the wind carry us.

Maxwell-Concklin Christmas IV

Hello and Happy New Year! I can't believe it's come and gone. I hope you had a beautiful holiday season.

Flee to the Cleve has been quieter than ever these past few months, thanks to my two jobs. I've been burning the midnight oil in many ways, but things are shifting. More on that soon.

In the name of tradition, I have to pay homage to one of our favorite days, Private Christmas. We did it again this year and loved every second. True to form, we took a night before family holiday travels to shut everything else out, cook a great meal together, and exchange gifts.

We had less time to prepare this year, having both been stretched pretty thin recently, but that made it all the more lovely to take a night out to celebrate together.

After that, we made whirlwind trips to Atlanta and Aiken before returning to Greenville to see some of our closest friends. And now, suddenly, it's a brand new year.

Here's to success, happiness, and growth in 2014.

Goodbye 2012 and Happy New Year

Everyone, Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that two years have passed since I wrote this 2011 New Year's post. A lot has changed since then. Things have settled. John and I left the transitional period and have been in Greenville longer than anywhere else. For now, we're here to stay.

Each time I've thought about what one word might describe 2012, joy has jumped into my head with relentless certainty. 2012 was joyful. Marriage is a joy, John is a joy, the little pieces of our everyday life are a joy.

The New Year!

We're so excited about 2012. Last year was wonderful, and this year we get to take another huge step: marriage! 

Wishing hope and happiness and health to everyone. xo.

A New Year!

found here

Happy New Year, my friends! 2010 brought so many good things. Although I may have fewer academic or musical accomplishments to list than in years past, the things that have presented themselves are what makes life worth living in the first place. An unexpected move and a beautiful relationship brought change on many levels, but it was change that was welcomed, bringing growth, joy, and in many ways, clarity.

The country's economic and unemployment issues have brought more frustration than I had expected to find after graduate school, but I'm hopeful for the coming year and know it will bring even more stability, and even fewer bills. (joke)

I've gotten to watch my little brother's mind transform itself with the help of neurofeedback therapy, and I couldn't be more thrilled for him and his improved participation in the world. His brain is working better for him than ever, and he is absolutely beaming. And one thing has always been true: when Josh is beaming, I am beaming.

My parents' dedication to his development reminds me how lucky I am, as has their support of my new life. And speaking of parents, the addition of John's mom to my life has been wonderful and refreshing. Her loving support is going to take us far.

I feel like a pretty lucky girl these days.

I wish countless blessings and happiness for all of you this year. May 2011 bring health and laughter and good friends and good books and good music and everything lovely.

Here's to life. 
Cheers!

Lauren