“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
My goals for 2018
Goal #1 – Write Like No One is Reading.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Goal #2 – Slow Down
Remember that D. R. Dimes Wallace Nutting Windsor Arm Chair my husband picked up for $100 a few weeks ago? Well the hand rests were pretty worn and so was the right side of the seat {major scratch marks from what I assume was from the previous owners keys hitting the chair every time he sat down over a period of years}. Well any who, I was planning on sanding down the chair and painting the chair with a black crackle finish {you can click on the black crackle finish I would have been going for HERE}.
Well, I changed my mind. Mostly because sanding down the chair would have taken AGES and really, what if I didn’t get the finish just the way I had wanted it? I would have been bummed that I spent all that time refinishing something that didn’t turn out right. So, in the end, I just used a stain pen to get some color back on to the raw hand rests.
And for those of you wondering how much this handmade chair goes for brand new… $1,108. Yikes! So ya, it’s probably a good thing I didn’t paint it after all. 😉
Goal #3 – Shop Small
I ordered a handmade mug from the amazing Sue Tirrell. I requested one with a chicken and some happy flowers on it and told her I didn’t want to see the finished product until it showed up on my doorstep. 😉 I am a HUGE FAN of artist freedom and I know whatever she makes is going to rock.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
Ya ya, I’ll talk about it tomorrow.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden
Well, there’s nothing I can do until I’m officially in my new garden space but I can sure plan for it. I went to Home Depot to pick up some new fluorescent tubes for my grow lights and HOLY COW MAN… they are expensive! I went home empty-handed because I thought $9.47 a bulb was a crazy price.
I could buy a case of 15 bulbs for $88.97 {$5.94 each} but seriously, I think my original bulbs last me like 5 years…. So do I really want to make that kind of investment? I don’t know what to do.
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area
I was looking for a project to work on for the 3,000 mile drive and well, what started out as a 26″ x 30 rug for in front of my new kitchen sink has turned into a 24″ x 60″ rug. Because really, two chickens are better than one, right? The only problem is I think it will take me more than 3,000 miles to finish! Weeeee…. Hopefully can get started on it sooner than later and have it finished by this summer. Baby chicks arrive around April 9th!
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables
Earlier this week I shared my plans for my 2018 vegetable garden. Now all I can do is wait until we get over there and the ground thaws to get started.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
10 down, 90 to go {I’m not counting the heart make do’s as rugs}. This past week I put the finishing touches on two more heart table runners and listed them on Etsy.
I also started 2 small flower basket rugs that I hope to have finished by next weekend. I pulled some wonderful river rock colors out of the dye pots recently and just new, they were the perfect combination for a really drab flower basket.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
Oh my word. While the Girl and I were packing up some of her old things we came across Ella and Andy… the dolls I had made her when she was about 2 years old. How funny is that? They aren’t as cute as I remember but hey, there’s always room for improvement, right? I think I am going to save the doll making goal for later this fall/winter so I have a something to work on when the weather outside is too chilly to garden.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall
Well, I went ahead and ordered that Hands-Free Magnifier you all were raving about and guess what? It hurts my eyes. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to take off my glasses to use it or what but man, if I have to struggle that hard to see/make something I don’t know guys….
Now technically, I did say I wanted to make a sampler…. So I drew out a modified version of the cross stitch pattern out on linen last night {same size as the original} and I am going to work on stitching it up this week. But instead of all those teeny tiny cross stitches I think I’m just going to wing it. Back when the kids were younger I made stitchery pillows and sold them in local shops… and not only do they go much faster, but I CAN SEE WHAT I’M DOING. The look won’t be exactly the same, but who knows…. I may even like the finished look even better.
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
The HH are planning on checking out a new {and probably our last} bakery in Seattle in a few weeks when we head up there for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. We’ve been to Bakery Nouveau, Central Bakery, Coyle’s Bakeshop, Ines Patisserie, and then there’s that one down by Pike Place Market and The Dalia Bakery. Do you have any suggestions?
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
I still haven’t made my way to an antique store to look for wooden butter molds or spoons yet.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
I started the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on audio book via Overdrive because a few of you had recommended it. But about 10 minutes into the audio book I realized that I had tried listening to this title before and remembered not being able to follow along with the rhythm of the book. So, after about 20 minutes I decided to turn it off. I don’t know, I thought the narrators did a great job, but the book didn’t hold my interest.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
Not this past week, but I am hoping to make something special in February.
Goal #15 – Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS…. and this year, I’m going for it. 😉 The planning stages for this project has begun and around this time next month I should be ready to place an order for supplies. Yee-Haw! So many things happening at once. It’s EXCITING!
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
Mel says
Since I was sick at New Year’s, I’m late officially defining my goals, but I think I’m going to go with these to start and may add a couple:
1. Learn to make yogurt. (Done, plus found a killer orange scone recipe that uses it and freezes perfectly.)
2. Learn to make English muffins. (Done.)
3. Build off last year’s goal of learning to sew by learning to make simple quilts. (Starting this weekend.)
4. Start running. (Started last week.)
5. Paint our downstairs.
6. Do more canning.
7. Visit the farmer’s market more. (Saving now to have a weekly allowance for it once it opens.)
8. Make reusable gift bags for Christmas.
I accomplished all last year’s goals (start all veggies from seed, learn to sew, make most Christmas gifts, learn to knit, learn to etch glass, learn wood burning, and build a whole wardrobe from second-hand clothes).
Mavis Butterfield says
Learn to make English muffins is a good one!!!
Mel says
It was really fun and easy! You actually cook them on a griddle. I also learned you’re supposed to split them open with a fork, not slice with a knife.
Karen says
I made reusable cloth gift bags for Christmas about five years ago and I’ll never go back. The family knows to return them after gift opening. I absolutely detest wrapping gifts-love buying and giving, just hate the wrapping part. Reusable bags make life so much easier.
Mel says
Yes, I’m having trouble getting motivated for that one since I got a little burned out on Christmas projects last year from making so many gifts. But, I know they’ll make things easier, and I have all the fabric, so it shouldn’t be bad. I have one Christmas cookie print fabric, and I’m toying with the idea of carving my own wooden springerle molds and gifting them in the bags with homemade cookie mix. The rest of the bags would be used every year though.
Amanda says
Mavis, have you considered using a different material. I am a novice to cross stitching and it’s more of just a fun hobby for me. I use Aida 14 count fabric (just ordered some more off amazon.). It’s definitely easier on my eyes and I don’t have issues with the tiny stitches a 32 count calls for. Just a thought! I am currently on my fourth pattern for the year and making my niece a monkey for her room! Happy Sunday!
Anne says
Wish you would share your holiday goal as it may be something we all would want to do and may also need time to plan .like your blog for ideas it instills
Alison says
If you can push through the beginning (it’s hard – I struggled too), the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society book is great.
Carrie says
I struggled at the beginning also but ended up liking the book. I was reading it for my book club so I was compelled to complete it. Mavis, no shame in stopping a book that doesn’t grab you – it happens to all of us.
Lacy Robinson says
Mavis, what are you going to use as grow lights? We, too, went and looked at the Depot of Homes for grow lights and I just can’t bring myself to pay that much money. Any alternatives?
Carolyn says
Have you every done a video or step by step tutorial of your rug hooking? Not that I think it’s hobby I might take up but it intrigues me and I can’t figure out how you do it. I guess I could just google it but you are my blog of preference. Either way you’ve make some really cool stuff!
Lauren says
Read that particular book, don’t listen to it. Trust me it is a wonderful read.
Shari Harniss says
It is a good book. I read it years ago. Did you know that they are making a movie from the book? I wonder if I’ll like it…
Sara says
I was thinking reading it might be better, too. The way it is written is different than a typical book so it might not translate to audio very well. Mavis, you could do that while you’re in the car!
Leslie Grant says
I loved it too!
Sandy says
I’ve been working on my goals but I’ve been sick for three weeks this month. I’ve been decluttering like a madwoman! One of my goals was to sell all the stuff that I don’t need and have been pushing out to the garage, like an antique writing desk, a rocking chair, bar chairs, etc. Honestly, I’ve been afraid — I really don’t want people I don’t know at my house. But you know what? I just installed an app on my phone that a friend uses and I listed my first sale. It’s small enough that I can put it in the car and take it somewhere public if someone is interested. But darn it! I’m not letting fear hold me back in 2018! A guy friend pointed out that people who are buying country windsor bar chairs for their houses typically aren’t axe murders. I figured he had a point. 🙂 I thought of Mavis, took courage, and did it.
Laura T. says
Sandy
My husband & I have sold things on Craigslist many times. We always meet up with the people in a public place. You can do it in a bank parking lot (lots of cameras). Our police station has an area in their lot for that sort of thing too. You can have someone go in a separate car & park nearby. We did that when he sold his car. The guy didn’t know I was there too & I could see the buyer & his license plate. Good luck with your sales! :0)
Mavis, I love your dolls! They are so sweet! I love their little mouths!
Sandy says
Thanks Laura! The problem is I have two items that are too large to fit in the car. One is a 9 x 4 foot desk with a leather top (solid oak) and the other is a large Mission style rocker. I’m starting off with the stuff I can fit in my car though to work up the courage to go further! If I have to call someone to come get it and get the tax deduction I will. They will be out of my garage by the end of 2018!
Laura T. says
Sounds like you need a friend with a big pick up truck! :0)
Good for you! Decluttering is on my goal list too! I have a dining room set that I’m trying to figure out what to do with. I usually take stuff to Goodwill but they don’t have a truck for picking things up! I’ll either call another place or borrow our neighbor’s pick up truck! That’s why I suggested borrowing the pick up truck! :0) That’s what we do when things won’t fit in our SUV!
Hope your decluttering effort is successful! I’m working on that as well! Especially in my craft room!
Cindy says
I’m SO glad you didn’t paint your chair! The wood grain on the seat is so gorgeous it made me swoon.
Sue says
Working on some of my goals.
1 Made meat balls freezer meal this week
2 Made the Mississippi Pot roast- delish husband loved it.
3. Started working on an old button craft that’s going to take all year, where you use old buttons on a ten inch hoop and embroidery thread.
4. Set up an area to paint and finish 10 paintings a month. Not counting art group.
5. Planning a small kitchen garden area close to the house, not the big one that’s further away.
6.Have a more pleasant attitude and chose happy.
7. Donate time and or monetary to a cause a month.
8. Learn something new, maybe knitting, I can crochet.
9. Spend more quality time with family and friends.
10. Get back into antique shopping.
Sure missed that picture of the princess Lucy today. Love her,makes my day happier.
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Mavis, glad you opted not to paint that lovely chair. Your plan sounds like a good compromise. It looked unique and the picture and price showed just how unique and valuable it is! Pretty great find by HH.
Ellen C. says
I am so glad you reconsidered painting the beautiful Windsor chair. It hurt my heart when you wrote about sanding it down to paint it. Save the paint for cheap furniture. It seems crazy but the fate of this chair weighed heavy on me this week.
Amy says
I really enjoy reading your weekly goal updates, Mavis. Although sometimes they serve more to shock me into realizing how quickly the year passes by! Ha ha!
I just returned from Ontario (live in Alberta) and I got to visit an antique mall! I came home with some beautiful old postcards and I think you should collect those. You can display them for a bit, read the backs of the used ones and enjoy the amazing handwriting. When you want to display some new ones you can cover the back of the previous cards with new paper, write a message to a friend and mail them off to someone else for them to enjoy. It’s a gift to yourself that keeps on giving. This way it cuts down on the clutter and things to dust as well 🙂 Have an awesome week!
Donna says
Mavis, So excited for you for this year! It’ll be wonderful!
Mel, will you share that killer orange scone recipe? I’ve been making cinnamon chip scones that are pretty great.
Thanks!
Mel says
Sure thing. This is the orange scone recipe we’ve been loving lately:
https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/glazed-orange-scones/
I make 3 batches at once (subbing homemade yogurt for sour cream). I freeze the icing (in small containers or ziplocs) and the cut but unbaked scones in ziplocs. I bake directly from the freezer, and they take 19-20 minutes.
Mel says
I should add that I use a double layer of parchment under them to bake. It keeps them from browning too much.
Cindy Brick says
Mavis, you need to get that chair appraised! I’d do it for you, but I live in Colorado…
Soooo glad you didn’t paint. Patina is really important on pieces like this. Your husband has an eye for good quality.
Carrie says
I am doing well on my goals so far. I thought my hardest goals were going to be my money saving ones but turns out they are easy and the fun goals have been more difficult for me. I started a blog just to document my journey.
Alysha in Seattle says
A quick suggestion for a bakery here in Seattle before you leave for the East Coast. SEA WOLF BAKERS! I’m not sure I can possibly convey how amazing their bread is. And dare I say better croissants than Bakery Nouveau? It’s on Stone Way N between Fremont and Wallingford…
Vicki says
If you’re ever in Concord, NH, go to Constantly Pizza. Best pizza in New England and they have some awesome baked goods. Don’t wait to get your dessert until after you eat because that last pastry you were eyeing will be gone.