Happy first Monday of 2011! The year gone by was good for me. I have no complaints. However, I will say there are some things I would do differently if given the chance, but that's what the new year is for, right? I hesitate to make any declarations as to my plans or goals, and certainly no resolutions. Though a year seems short in retrospect, I'm thinking if I cook up that recipe for disappointment I have twelve months to make a mess of it and end up throwing it in the trash.
There are certain things I have on my mind in regard to my priorities. I don't know if that means you'll be seeing less of me or more of me. I don't know if my style will change, or if I'll have a different sort of blog post. How's that for ambiguity? These things always change, though. The whole tone of my blog changed when I vowed to spend evenings with my husband, rather than the computer. It changed even more when we brought Wally into the family. Those changes set things in motion... I watch more movies, read more books, spend more time outside, go to bed earlier. There will be more of the same and then some in 2011.
So, who knows what will happen here at Running With Scissors...? I plan to go easy on myself, stamp what I love, get more creative, share more information, and never forget the newbies who are looking to learn. That's about as specific as I dare get. I sincerely hope you'll come along to keep me company while I figure it out!
Now, I'll finish up with a few (ahem...19) of my favorites from 2010. I'm going so easy on myself that I didn't try to narrow it down more than that. I did leave a few out just so I could go easy on you (I haven't gone completely over the edge). Some things I look back on and think they're so atrocious I wish I could delete the whole post. Can I do that? Dump the yuckies and leave only the good stuff? There are no descriptions or product links with the following photos, just a sampling of what, on this day, appeals to me most from last year. Hope you enjoy them, too!
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ! !
If you want to blog less that is fine, however, please don't ever give it up. You have been such an inspiration to me! I love visiting and seeing what beauty you have been creating! Thanks for being there for us less creative people.
Posted by: Glenda | 01/03/2011 at 02:51 AM
Gorgeous cards from the year...I don't think I have ever seen you make a card anything less then stunning! I am reading lots of blogs that are taking more time to themselves......mine included......and I subscribe to yours, so I never miss a post...and I love hearing about and seeing Wally, too...as we have always been a family of Goldens, we lost our dear one 4 years ago...we now have a Goldendoodle we dearly love...she is my heart and soul! Have a Happy and restful New Year!!
Posted by: Diane Hover | 01/03/2011 at 03:59 AM
Wow, what a year of accomplishment and creativity, Leslie! I think many of us need to slow down a bit. After all, this is supposed to be something we enjoy (even if it is a business) ... I think that's what makes creativity so special. We will always visit your blog to see what you've been up to, no matter what you post or how often. Sending you good wishes for 2011.
Posted by: bonnie weiss | 01/03/2011 at 04:01 AM
Love them all! I think my favs are the first two, hard to pick out of all the wonderful creations here. I love your post!! Sounds like you are on the right track :D I have subscribed to your blog for sometime but I have been very lax at leaving comments, so I am going to try this year to make myself known a little more ;) Happy New year! hugz n blessings.
Posted by: renee | 01/03/2011 at 04:04 AM
Fabulous cards, so beautifully crafted but, where's Wally?
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 01/03/2011 at 04:27 AM
Happy New Year, Leslie. What a beautiful snapshot of your creativity for 2010!
Posted by: Linda E | 01/03/2011 at 04:56 AM
I think it's important to readjust so that you don't quit cold turkey! I think many of us are content that you post when you feel like it - it'll be worth the wait, I'm sure. I loved those apples the first time around and they are equally stunning this time. Have a blessed new year!
Posted by: Christina Franco | 01/03/2011 at 05:03 AM
Happy 2011 to you, too, Leslie! I LOVE all your cards, so NO - don't delete anything! :) Thanks for sharing your favorites. I'll keep checking every day, post or no post.
Posted by: Lynette | 01/03/2011 at 05:23 AM
Your work is wonderful-all great cards. Have a happy and relaxed New Year-life is short.
Posted by: Bev J. | 01/03/2011 at 05:56 AM
Leslie when I read what you type its like you are standing here talking to me. You have a way with making me feel at home and your friend. I adore your work and cherish your friendship. I hope this year is just as good to you if not better than last year. I don't make resolutions either but I do try to reflect and alter the things I know I can and will without dissapointment. Big hugs for 2011 and God Bless my friend....
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy SCS | 01/03/2011 at 06:03 AM
All nineteen creations that you chose are all stunning, especially the very first two, I need to check out that stamp set for sure. I can only imagine what it is like to have your own stamping blog, a big commitment that I'm not sure I could stick to. Wishing you a fantastic 2011 and look forward to seeing your new creations, first off though, take time for yourself. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Judy Covey | 01/03/2011 at 06:10 AM
It sounds to me like you are opening yourself to wonderful new thing. "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be bent out of shape."
When we make resolutions it seems to us we are writing it on stone. But leaving your options flexible means you are giving wings to your life and your creativity.
I look forward to what I see on this blog in the coming year.
Sallyann
Posted by: Sallyann Mettler | 01/03/2011 at 06:19 AM
Wow what a long list of beautiful favourites you have. They are stunning! I so appreciate the inspiration that you provide for us. I hope that 2011 is a great year for you and your loved ones full of many moments of all the things that you cherish most.
Posted by: Beth Greco | 01/03/2011 at 06:19 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! What stands out for me is your terrific coloring ability, Leslie. Thanks for sharing so many in one post with us.
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 01/03/2011 at 06:28 AM
Happy New Year, Leslie! I like the sound of your plan for 2011. Maybe I'll CASE it! Thanks for the lovely stroll through your 2010 favorites. Great way to start the day. Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | 01/03/2011 at 06:42 AM
Wow! You are such an awesome artist. These are wonderful. Happy New Year to you, too.
Posted by: SueB | 01/03/2011 at 07:06 AM
I have no idea which cards you didn't choose but I have to say that these are all so gorgeous!! Glad to get the chance to see them again. Thanks for sharing:)
Posted by: Cindy H. | 01/03/2011 at 07:34 AM
WOW! Pure beauty. I am with you for the long haul so anything you post anytime will be a treasure. Thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Doris D. | 01/03/2011 at 07:40 AM
Your use of color is amazing, I enjoy looking at your cards as they inspire me.
Please take the time to explore and enjoy what 2011 can bring to you and what you can bring to the new year. Thank you!
Posted by: Elaine Lisle | 01/03/2011 at 08:28 AM
Leslie, your work is truly exquisite!
Posted by: Queen Mary | 01/03/2011 at 08:31 AM
well I hope you keep posting glorious artwork. I really love looking at your work. I so remember those quilt images, just stunning and the apple that looked sooooo real. Loved the raspberries and the sunflower with ladybug, and the autumn leaves thinking of you
Happy New Year and here's to a great one.
Posted by: yogi | 01/03/2011 at 08:38 AM
They're all so gorgeous Leslie, I can't choose a favorite. I've enjoyed viewing them all again . . . eye candy only gets better with time . . . LOL! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent and designs . . . we all learn and grow in our own work when inspired by beautiful designs life these. Happy New Year! {{{hugs}}} Jerri
Posted by: Jerri Kay | 01/03/2011 at 09:32 AM
No such thing as "yuckies" on this blog girl LOL! Great to see all these wonderful cards in review! Have you ever seen the furniture that is made that looks like your top two cards?...Amazing colors always!!!
Posted by: Sue from Oregon | 01/03/2011 at 09:39 AM
It never hurts to change your priorities but hope that doesn't mean you will stop creating all together, you do such beautiful work, I would surely miss it, but I totally understand the needing to have more in your life, all the best to you in the New Year~
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 01/03/2011 at 01:09 PM
Wow! Leslie, you are an absolutely amazing artist!!! Every one of these cards is a jaw dropper! I have long admired your exquisite coloring and your use of embellishments is like the icing on the cake! Wow!!
Posted by: Laurie Schmidlin | 01/03/2011 at 01:34 PM
Leslie ~ ALL of your artwork is stunningly beautiful...When I read what you said, it reminded me of myself...I am sure you can see that my posts have been less frequent...as I am spending more time with my family...I love this paper craft, but I also work full time and it is hard to juggle my "wants" and my "need and love to do's." Thank you for sharing your artwork from 2010...I look forward to every single post you make! Happiest of New Years to you and yours :) I know I have said that before, but I say it again with more "umph" this time :)
Posted by: velta | 01/03/2011 at 02:06 PM
Leslie, if you WANT to, you can dump/delete anything, it
is your blog!
Hope that you have a wonderful 2011 and that you do what you
want to. I will be appreciative of any of your wonderful
creations that you make and share.
And, I understand about Wally. This year, I brought an Emmit
into my life. A lot smaller and a real handful!
Posted by: Carolen | 01/03/2011 at 02:56 PM
Beyond stunning! I enjoy your creations in my inbox, however, I don't mind bloggers taking their days off, I never expect them to blog every day, in fact... in fact, I don't have enough time to read all my favourite blogs, so if everyone took days off, I'd get see more of each persons blog! HAPPY NEW YEAR
Posted by: bluemoon | 01/03/2011 at 03:20 PM
Leslie, I love your blog and I'll be here to read whatever and whenever you post...and to get inspiration to try something new and different. That being said, you can never spend enough time with loved ones so share your time with your hubby...we'll all be waiting here when you get back! Hugs!
Posted by: Judi Harvey | 01/03/2011 at 04:33 PM
Hi Leslie, your cards are beauties! Your ability to color a stamped image is truly amazing. Thank you for sharing, and hope your 2011 is blessed. Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | 01/03/2011 at 04:51 PM
Oh pleeaazzzze, you don't do yuckie! I enjoyed this visit down memory lane. It's always a joy to visit your blog!
Posted by: Linda C | 01/03/2011 at 07:01 PM
Leslie,
All your cards are beautiful. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Crystal | 01/03/2011 at 07:20 PM
Wow!! I loved each of these cards when you posted them but what a WOW factor they have all put in one post!! You are one of the most talented stampers I know. It made my year to meet you in person and spend time with you at CHA. I would have loved to stamp and color with you and hope I will have a chance to do that in the future:)
Have a great 2011!!
Posted by: Dee Jackson | 01/04/2011 at 05:01 AM
I love your creative work and would miss seeing it if you do not post anymore. Thanks for all your efforts! Life takes priority but do what you love.
Posted by: Sandy B | 01/04/2011 at 08:32 AM
Oh Leslie, thanks for the fantastic look back at your work for 2010. Forget retweet, how about re-drool!! Your coloring is serene and I so like your style. I have a feeling that whatever it is, I'll still like it. So, I hope you come to a comfortable place for 2011. I love to stop in and see what you're up to.
Posted by: Becca Feeken | 01/04/2011 at 08:59 AM
First, your work is amazing and I enjoy it so much!!You're an inspiration. But what I really love is how everything you write is written as though you are talking to friends. And Wally ... he's adorable and I love hearing about and seeing him. All that said, you must do what's right for you (but I would miss you terribly). Best wishes for the new year.
Posted by: Paula | 01/04/2011 at 05:51 PM
Thank you Leslie for showcasing so many of your beauties. To think.....the Beauty of Fall is mine:-) You truly are a "treasured" forever friend! BTW, I too spend my eves with Denny and do have my priorities during the day. I try to keep my stamping to the end of my housecleaning, etc and mostly under control. There are so many things in life to love. Whatever you decide in the New Year will be appreciated by us all. Your friend always, nancy
Posted by: nancy littrell | 01/05/2011 at 10:08 AM
What a beautiful collection, Leslie! I don't think I can pick a favorite!
Posted by: diane (cookiestamper) | 01/05/2011 at 03:41 PM
I was so hoping you'd do a post w/ your favs of 2010! Your work is gorgeous! My favorite is the last card you posted because it reminds me of a purple clematis my mom had in our yard when I was growing up. Your beautiful card brought back a good memory:)
Posted by: Kathy | 01/05/2011 at 04:44 PM
Wonderful post Leslie! I was once one of those newbies and appreciate all the help, support, and friendship I've received from you over the years and so glad to be part of the same DT! All of these cards, and so much more, are gorgeous, wonderful representations of the amazing artist that you are! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Danielle | 01/05/2011 at 06:44 PM
What a beautiful post! And wow! these cards, I mean all of your cards trully an inspiration! They are all so gorgeous! They are all a real piece of art! Thank you so much for bringing them to us, Leslie! Looking forward for the new year with you at your blog! :)
Posted by: Elena | 01/07/2011 at 06:21 AM
Your favorites of the year, are absolutely stunning, Leslie!! Works of art, for sure!!
I love your goals, and the state of mind you have about the new year. I guess I could say that I'm in a similar place, without the pressure to 'keep up' as I used to think I had to.
All my best to you, my sweet and super talented friend!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 01/07/2011 at 06:19 PM