2012: A Year of Together

Hello sweet friends. Hello 2013!

Last year, my goal was simple on the surface. I wanted things to be “together”.

I wanted to put together a warm home to live in. Martin and I did that.

We were looking back at photos. Do you know what that bathroom looked like one year ago? This.

Thank you, 2012.

I wanted “together” to be a part of the Gadanke journals, too. That goal was pretty hard while juggling our remodel project. Then one day, we declared it good enough. That was November 1. We still brush our teeth in the kitchen and use the tub to wash our hands in the bathroom. But who cares. It’s home.

When we moved in and let go of the construction projects, I got to work on stories. I was able to create new journals like this:

As the year gradually came to its tail end, I got to start making a fun newsletter and make some great online connections with audiences I’ve never worked with before. Sales grew, and so did my heart.

I also started a project with other expats and former expats of Germany. It’s a project for guiding and nurturing future expats, and I can’t wait to see where this project goes in the new year.

I love this old, albeit small, photo. I think that look on my face is a combo of sheer excitement and oh-my-gosh-I’m-kinda-scared!

Thank you, 2012.

If there’s one thing I know from all these adventures since I started blogging in 2008, there’s one “together” that matters more than any other. It was my top focus in 2012, which was really hard when I wanted to hit so many other achievements at the same time. You see, I wanted to be together with people.

I believe that the greatest gift we can give is taking time to be truly present with the people we love.

big sister

It even means sitting on them and squishing them!

Whether it was for a flight, a long hike or ski trip, dinner and a board game, a wedding, or a family reunion… all the “togethers” this year were magical. All the emails from you, photos of you with your journals, or the quick little “Hey, we’re in your area” notes… What did we do to deserve this love?

I can only say one thing for all the love we receive despite our faults:

thank you

We have an unspoken open door policy at our house. Any friend or family member who happens to be driving by our sleepy part of Montana is always welcome.

And that means you.

Thank you, 2012.