Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My Look Back at 2009

JANUARY: was a quiet start to the year; I was in reflective mood and reminisced about the little shop that I used to run.

I also enjoyed a trip to the theatre to see Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat.

FEBRUARY: Saw the deepest snow falls for us for many years...but then we also saw the first few signs that spring was on the way too.

The snowfalls kept me busy inside though and I updated my on-line shop with 50 items.

MARCH: My in laws celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

I also managed some spring cleaning and an adventure in the attic!

APRIL: This was a busy one and involved a range of pursuits; including a spot of 'grannyfying' in our laundry room, I had some of my photos and a small article included in the delightful Love Pink book,

and we enjoyed a jam-packed Easter weekend too.

MAY: I announced the items I had made and would be taking to the V&H fair (a very long post! ;-)),

as well as some antique and vintage rose printed china that I struggled to part with! I also wrote a review of some of the corsages and hats from the 40's and 50's that I had owned over the years.

JUNE: I enjoyed a few days with my Mum when she came to stay after helping me at the May V&H fair.
And there were more flea finds discovered this month too.

JULY: Was a busy month with one of its highlights being my eldest daughter's graduation ceremony at Aberystwyth University.

Hubby and I built our little haven at the bottom of our garden. And I found time for a bit of thrifting. (Again!)

AUGUST: The family holiday to Brittany in France where we had the best time!

And I got to visit that rather fabulous little haberdashery in Dinan too! ;-))

SEPTEMBER: A day out to Hay on Wye was one of the highlights for September -
and having our home photographed for a magazine article was pretty special as well!

OCTOBER: A weekend to remember was a spur of the moment booking to our beloved Devon for hubby and I.
(And another of our days out to lovely Lacock earlier that month)

NOVEMBER: A festive V&H fair in Chipping Sodbury.
And having my 'Revamp it Challenge' piece featured in Artful Blogging magazine was something I was proud to be a part of.
DECEMBER: By far the biggest event for me this year...finally being in possession of the keys to my-shop-to-be...
after announcing my plans the month before.

I feel I really have gone full circle this year; after reminiscing about the shop I used to run back in 2003, I am now about to embark on a new and exciting chapter of my life. I shall soon be opening my doors to Nostalgia at Number 1 and hope that I haven't made a huge mistake! Its difficult to ignore reports by the media stating that the the New Year will be one of hardship for many, as more and more people have lost their jobs over the last 12 months and the financial crisis will bite ever harder... but I'll give it my best shot and try to prove them wrong!...that's all I can do...
I hope 2010 will be a good year for everyone and be the start of exciting times for all of those willing to fight.
And judging by how fast this year has flown by, it won't be too long before we shall all be reflecting on another year that has elapsed...I hope the new memories that you will have by the end of next year will be happy ones and that the year will be kind,
Niki x

26 comments:

  1. Congrats on the new shop!! Best wishes for a grand success. I hope that the new year will be wonderful to you and from the looks of your blog it should go very well!!

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  2. How lovely to read your thoughts on your year. I hope all goes well for your new venture - all the best for a very Happy New Year!

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  3. I hope they will be kind too Niki ... and i look forward to sharing your excitement when the doors open to your new shop ... hopefully it won't be snowing to stop me getting their :-)

    all the best for 2010 to you and your family from me and mine
    Ginny x

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  4. Wishing you all the best for the coming year, I am sure the shop will be a fantastic success!

    Jackie

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  5. Happy times in 2009 but looks like 2010 will be even better!
    I wish you every success with your new venture...it all sounds very exciting.

    Bellaboo

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  6. Congratulations on all your wonderful achievements in 2009, and I wish you joy and peace in 2010 (including best wishes for that marvelous new shop)!

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  7. congrats on the new shop, I wish you all the greatest things life can bring, stop by for a visit. XO MARY

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  8. Oh it's al very exciting, a new year, a new start. Good luck!
    Love
    Lyn
    xxx

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  9. Thank you, I've just spent a lovely hour reading through your monthly posts. I especially love the one about the haberdashery shop in France, how amazing is that?? Happy new year love Lucey xx

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  10. Also wishing you every sucess in your new shop xx

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  11. Isn't it fun to look back on the past year. Here's to a happy & prosperous 2010 Niki! Lotsa love, Liz xxx

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  12. oooh! I'm so excited for you and wish you every success with Nostalgia at No1!
    Happy 2010 and a new beginning!

    Sandie xxx

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  13. Hi Niki, it's exciting to cover the months that have passed ... and admire the beautiful things you brought to the Fairs ... and now I can see here, my house!
    I wish you a wonderful 2010, with your new store!xxx
    A hug, Maria.
    (with translator)

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  14. It's been fun reviewing your last year. All the best with your new venture. It is great to see someone positive about the future.

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  15. BEST WISHES FOR YOU / HAVE A WONDERFUL 2010
    GOOD LUCK XOXO.
    LILIAN.-

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  16. Looking forward to watching your shop grow. May you prosper and, most of all, enjoy your endeavor. I can't wait to see what you do in 2010. Happy New Year and blessings to you and your family.

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  17. What an exciting year!!! Can't wait to see what next year brings... Happy new year!!!!
    Isabel

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  18. Congrats and looking forward to see your shop!.. will be an exciting year indeed! love all your vintage china you found and all so rosey beautiful!

    happy new year and many happy returns!
    xo
    fitty

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  19. What a beautiful review of your year. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your blog over 2009, and know that I will be spending 2010 with your beautiful images in mind, as I a) have your calendar, b) will keep reading your blog and c) really hope that I might get to visit your wonderful new shop if I get to visit my in-laws at all!

    I think that if anyone is going to make it with a new shop, it will be someone with a well-established market and a great eye for the truly special find. Surely that describes you, Niki! All the very best for 2010.

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  20. I wish you every happiness next year..ooops tomorrow....I am sure your venture will be productive because your work is so beautiful and you are such a talented lady...every blesssing H

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  21. Fabulous post! I'm sure your new shop will be a great success!!
    I wish you and your family all the best for a great 2010,
    Monicaxx.

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  22. Dear Niki
    I really enjoyed reading and seeing your review of the year- so jolly and happy!
    I hope you have a merry New Years Eve and that 2010 will bring you a healthy year, a joyful year, a successful new shop, and plenty of magical moments too,
    Happy days to you!
    Denise x

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  23. Hi Niki
    I am also doing the full circle, starting the fairs again, I am not as lucky as you to have a lovely shop. More pics soon of work in progress please!?
    Tracey

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  24. I'm new to your blog, but just love it! I love to sew too, have made many quilts for my home. I will keep my fingers crossed on your new endeavor. If you don't leap, you'll never know! And I'm thoroughly in love with your backyard haven! It is splendidly sweet!
    Brenda

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  25. Guenievre11:12 am

    Hello and congratulations for your new shop.
    Happy New Year too !
    I'm French and I discover your blog (shame on me) I have seen the photos about the "old haberdashery" and see the word "Dinan" What a nice surprise : I know very well Dinan and this shop. I leave a comment in the post about this haberdashery and all the photos you made there. Dinan is my native place. I spent all my childhood in this town.
    I'm glad you like it.
    Très bonne année 2010, qu'elle vous apporte bonheur et réussite !

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  26. hi lucky girl...wishing you all the best for the new year and many many more to come!! hug, sylvia

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx