my little sister/model mariam in a quiet corner of an art museum. I like the quietness of early January days. My nails are sparkly-gold and my fingertips are chilled from the cold draft slipping in through the windows. Instead of gaining it, I somehow lost weight over the holidays (oops), but today I ate my weight in cookies and good hot tomato soup and cheese bread. The majority of the day has been spent sorting and organizing photographs and planning in preparation for a book that I'm putting together (more on that later). Going through photos from the past year obviously means lots of reminiscing and nostalgia. Those are well-deserved feelings, though: 2012 was such a full, amazing, rich, spectacular, wonderfully heartbreaking year. But gosh, I am excited for 2013. It's going to be filled with a lot of lasts and a lot of firsts, too...and maybe I'll finally get around to doing all those things that have been tacked to the I'll do it later list. I'm going to be honest: I think 2013 is going to hurt, but a good kind of hurt. It's the kind of hurt where you have to do hard things and go through hard situations, but can still be content in the midst of it because you're growing and you know it's not going to last forever.
So far, though, the new year has been good. We rang in 2013 with a dance party (my whole family did the gangnam style dance in the living room and yes I got it on video), a movie, some karaoke (no I did not participate because I have a fear of microphones), and cheers when the clock struck twelve. And yesterday we went down to the river and watched people participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, a two mile race that involves dressing up in crazy costumes and jumping into three pools in below-freezing weather...hence the name polar bear. It's very entertaining to watch, and props to the people that did it, but you couldn't pay me to participate. ;)
The sun has now set and the book needs to be worked on, so I'll catch ya on the flip side. Hope your year is off to a marvelous start!
ps in case you're having a bad day, here's a picture of a little cutie named Lilly tanning on the beach a few months ago. You're welcome.
I feel like I'm some sort of like super spy since I know half of this already. basically I'm creeping your life, okay. also you used a winky face, ehehe.
ReplyDeleteANYWAY.
I would really love to see that video on facebook ahem. and I love your thoughts about 2013--I just feel like it's going to be a BIG year in different ways, ya know?
my new year started off fairly great by skyping this pretty fabulous girl on the first day of the year, maybe you know her? love yoouuuu.
loved this, Carlotta. I agree that I think this year is going to hurt, or that it will just be plain different. thanks for always having inspiring and beautiful posts--love reading your blog. :)
ReplyDeletelove love love those pictures! the contrast and drama portrayed in it is lovely! sounds like you've had a great year so far. we rang in the new year by praying. it's the start of a new tradition for our family. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for you this year. hope it's a good one. cheers!
ReplyDeletexx | natalia.
Totally agree about 2013. I may not know what's in store, but whatever it is, I know that the Lord is in control. {Proverbs 3:5-6}
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Love this. :) And I also mysteriously dropped weight over the holidays...I think whenever I eat junk, I think 'oh gosh I shouldn't eat much because I'm eating junk,' and then my clothes don't quite fit as snuggly.
ReplyDelete2013, yes. Change. College, probably in another country. Painful, sweet. Luck to all of us. ;)
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ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that 2013 will be a year of change and growing. But it will be a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteOh...and I think we all would like to see that video. ;)
Now I'm terribly excited to hear more about this book you speak of. :) And I definitely think 2013 is going to hold it's fare share of hurts - but beauty, as well. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos as usual. Your new years celebration sounds like a total blast! Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteI just have two things to say...
ReplyDelete1) Those pictures of your sister are just stunning. I love her hair bun, the shadow, and the black and white contrast.
2) You got your whole family doing gangnam style on video and you're not sharing it with us because... :P
Oh! I love the quietness of the early January days too. :) loved reading your thoughts, plus your little sister is gorgeous! And your other little sister is absolutely a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. thanks for making me smile. :))
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
-Madi
She's a mini you through and through! Also, I do love these shots a lot!
ReplyDeleteMeMe is one gorgeous girl. And Lilly? Preciously funny. 2013 will definitely be a year of change. Can't wait to hear more about that book! Happy New Year, Carlotta.
ReplyDeletexo m
Cool! I can't wait for the new year as well! What fun! Gangman style rocks hey?
ReplyDeleteLove these photos!
ReplyDeletehttp://xtheperfectmess.blogspot.com.au
Precious. I'm a bit apprehensive about 2013, but I like your way of putting it. A good kind of hurt. I'll try to remember that. Thanks Carlotta! :)
ReplyDeleteAnna x
your words make me incredibly happy. and that last photo made me even happier. ;)
ReplyDeletexx
Happy 2013! This was such an inspiring post. I'm sure the future has many exciting things in store for you this year! :) And my family danced to gangnam style too! It was hilarious. (I've got it on video too)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your beautiful posts on your lovely corner of the internet!
--Daniela
I love love these!!:) The black and white is awesome and your sister is such a cute model!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013! I love the photos!
ReplyDeleteWritten with pen-sealed kisses, dreams, and turtles; Meena (the randomest girl you'll ever meet! :P)
http://vanillastudies.blogspot.com/
First few photos are gorgeous, last one is too cute for words! <3
ReplyDeleteOur New Year's Eve was super quiet...just us, chillin' and readin'. :/ It was definitely not the usual loud of playing Pit with our friends. ;D And ever since then, I've been forcing myself back into routine, which is pretty interesting. Especially with all the new resolutions I want to keep. ;)
xoxo//bree
A book?! I'm on the edge of my seat. Spill more, please.
ReplyDeleteYour post took away a bit of the 'blah' from my return to school days and post-Christmas blues. Thank you.
You and your sisters really should be models. So Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat picture of Lilly kills me. She's a gem.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about your book! Happy belated New Year.
You and your sisters are stunning! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on 2013. I hope it is a year full of good changes and opportunities!
Finally, that book news has me very curious...
Those portraits? Gosh. Absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Everything about them is wonderful. And please, please, please, oh PLEASE, post the video of your family doing Gangham Style. ;)
ReplyDeleteStunning portraits! You have such good little models. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. Everything exactly. I can't bring myself to acknowledge the hardships that I will face this year, but now that you have said it, I know that other people are experiencing the same things.
ReplyDeleteahhh my gosh, those pictures are gorgeous. OHMAHWORDYNESS POST THAT VIDEO. and I wasn't having a bad day, but that picture of lily just made me smile.
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