End of The Year Already?

I can't believe how much has happened in the last year - quit my job of 5 years, moved to a new state and bought a house, got married, started a craft business and began the process of starting a photography business. Those are the big points, anyway, haha. All of them, I never would've foreseen, 2 or 3 years ago. I am grateful for all the life events and people along the way who have made them all possible - even my injury, last year, a little bit. It has forced me to take better care of myself and slow down, even when it drives me crazy to do so. It also forces me to rely on other people more and God, too, which has changed my attitude a little bit. I've never been one to ask for help until I absolutely could not do something on my own and a little humility never hurt anyone.
This last month, I've been hard at work, attempting to get myself in a better place, physically. Waiting around for worker's comp to re-open my claim, much less pay for any treatment, is only making things worse. So, I contacted a lawyer with high reviews to hopefully end that drama in my life and joined a great gym in the area, to attempt to at least stop myself from gaining more weight. I can't really do much that doesn't hurt my back more, but the aquatic exercise is great and the strength training is okay enough to do. I also have been going, to try something new, for back adjustments at a chiropractor who has been treating various members of my husband's family for years. Aquatic aerobics have been the only thing that provides relief thus far, but I do notice a slight change in the nerve pain since starting adjustments. I don't know if the arthritis pain will ever go away, but at least I know I can push through that, having arthritis in my feet, ankles, and chest for over 15 years now. Never thought I'd be partially grateful for having juvenile arthritis, as it was a pretty rough time in my life, as a teen!
I have also been busy with crafty things this month, as well as working on photography skills.
First, I finally started working on cork pendants:

Cork Seashell-Printed Silver Necklace and Earrings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173639207/cork-seashell-print-silver-necklace-and

I kept this one for myself, since I personalized it.

Once I finish the necklace, I will be putting these up on Etsy, too!

Then, I made this sign for a maternity shoot for my friends:

I will be posting pictures from the shoot as soon as my friends are ready to tell the world about their happy news. :)
I also worked on a Christmas sign, based on a block set I remember having, growing up, and a pin on Pinterest.

I also made these fun sock snowmen:

I hope to also imitate this ornament once the pitch dries on the trunk slices we cut from our Christmas tree. However, they are taking forever to do so, so we will probably not have that ornament till next year, haha.

I have always had issues with winter, in general, with all the lack of color and bitter cold that makes it hurt to go outside. I decided that, to get through this winter, I will start looking for the little things that make me wonder and bring me joy and try to make those things last, through photos. After our first real snow, I went outside with my t3i and captured anything that stood out to me.

a random leaf with great red hues on the white snow

Some bittersweet berries that are still hanging around - no wonder why these vines spread so easily!

a cocoon leftover from the spring and summer

one of our fences

Our Christmas was nice and relaxing and our cats thoroughly enjoyed the toys I got them, last minute, at Target!

 

Lucy, looking "fierce", as usual

Both cats really like this fake measuring tape toy, but I think it's Jack's favorite, haha. (Although, this is Lucy enjoying it. ;) Jack still freaks out and acts fearful with Jon in the room, even though Jon has never done anything "scary" around him, so when we brought the toys up to the cats, it wasn't any different.)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy late Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well! Until next year - I can't believe it's almost 2014 - where does the time go?!