This time last year, none of us knew what to expect as we tip-toed into 2021. I'll be the first to admit that I had absolutely no clue. Looking back now on the year as a whole with only a handful of days left, I could summarize 2021 with one sentence: "Expect the unexpected."
We bid 2020 a swift adieu and rang in 2021 with hope and anticipation that the pandemic would fade away once vaccines were available. Sadly we're still in it and I know more people personally in the past two weeks that have been diagnosed with it than in the past two years combined. It's a crazy time for sure and we wish everyone who has it a very speedy recovery.
As I type this recap, it's a balmy 75 outside with another record high predicted on this late December day so to say we were surprised by Winter Storm Uri back in February, well, that has to be the the biggest understatement of the year. Now we remember it jokingly as Snovid 2021 but it wasn't so funny when our pipes burst after the power came back on two days later and caused major damage. Thankfully we were able to round up a great crew quickly and within months we were back to normal thanks to their hard work and kind gestures from our friends and neighbors. We are blessed and believe me we know it.
On a happy note, we were able to start traveling again this year, both for work and pleasure. We made it to market in Las Vegas and High Point (twice!!) and I cannot tell you how reinvigorating those trips were, both to see new collections and design inspiration but also to reconnect and spend time with my peeps and fellow female design business owners from all over the country. In August, our family was able to go on our previously scheduled bike/hike trek through Bryce and Zion National Parks and boy, what a trip that was. I love exploring new destinations...but hoping to stay closer to sea level next year. :)
There is no way I ever would have guessed as this year started, that by year's end we would have lost one of our favorite people on this planet. I shared the loss of our dear friend and neighbor back in September to suicide. I've only had one person "reprimand" me for saying that it was by suicide and I will tell you that I mean no disrespect by sharing the means by which he died. I just truly believe that we need to talk about suicide, about mental illness, about the fact that if we talked about those issues MORE, then maybe more people would not be ashamed to admit they need help and that those in need would actually seek out help more often than not if there wasn't so much shame and judgement attached. Just my humble opinion and I'm sticking to it.
On the home front, all of our kids were back in school as of the fall. They are exactly where they want and need to be. I love watching our guys as they grow into amazing young men and could not be prouder as I watch them become who they were meant to be. I am in awe of each of them, each of them glorious as individual human beings, and together they are a testament to how much God loves me because He allowed me to be their mother.
It feels like I'm watching a movie at warp speed every day as I lay my head on my pillow at night and reflect on the day. Time is just blowing by with them. As much as I want it to stand still so I can drink them in, I also know that they're getting ready to launch and that I have to let them go and to let them dream their own dreams and watch them fly. Parents with older kids, you get me...I promise, I'm trying to loosen my grip and not to hold on too tight. Parents with littles just remember the days are long but the years are short.
On the business front, 2021 was indeed a very good year. We are so grateful to our wonderful clients who welcome us into their homes and allow us to get to know them and their families as we transform their spaces and solve their design and decorating dilemmas. It's truly a privilege and an honor to do what we love for people who value and trust us, with people we love and trust. #Ilovemyteam
As I said when I began this post, 2021 was all about expecting the unexpected. We began every new project by setting expectations about lead times and supply chain issues. Although we laughed when colleagues sent us memes like "Nobody died, but your sofa is definitely going to be late" - we would be remiss if we didn't shout out a huge thank you to our clients for their absolute trust and graceful understanding. We admit that we had more trickled installations this year than full day installs with big surprise reveals due to pandemic related issues beyond our control, but given where the world is today, I'm super proud of our team and our work. We finished some spectacular projects this year, a few of which you've seen here and on social media, and we are knee deep in the planning or middle stages of others that we can't wait to share with you soon.
As we wrap up this crazy {couple of} year{s}, we are thankful for everything...for every blessing we have been given, for every hard situation we've faced, for every tough lesson learned, for every new client and friend, for this crazy wonderful journey called life. As my dad always says, every day is a great day...it's all in how you look at it. We are humbled and grateful for you, for your support and your kind comments here, on social, or in person/via email. Thank you for being part of our journey.
We wish you and yours a very happy Happy New Year, a prosperous one full of love, laughter, and blessings. Bring on 2022!!!! Are you ready? I'm ready! Let's do this!!!!
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