a detour

2015 was a difficult year, but Matthias and I made it through and resolved our biggest challenge. 2016 looked to be off to a good start. I had intentionsI was making plans.

But you know what they say about that.

2016 is turning out to be a doozy.

I'm not really sure how much I'm going to share about it here, but I know that this -- this life-changing detour -- is going to be a chance for me to learn and grow. It is not a joyful thing, but it will teach me about joy. In and of itself, it is not something to be grateful for, but gratitude is here with me on this journey (oh so much of it, already). Those things, the lessons I learn, the joy, the gratitude... I want to share those.

It's going to take a while. All of it. The journey. The learning. The growth.

It's going to be difficult. It is scary.

amaryllis, amaryllis flowers, milk glass, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

I'm not sure what it's going to mean for my blog. I plan to continue posting the 2x2 Sketchbook on Wednesdays. I plan to keep sharing Artist Interviews each month (look for the next one this Friday!). For the other posts, I'll be playing it by ear.

I probably won't be visiting your blogs or around on social media so much. We'll see how it goes.

I hope that 2016 is treating you well. If it's not, if things are tough, hang in there.

Wishing you much joy and the intention and time to notice it.

Comments

  1. Dear Anne, whatever your challenges are those of us who read your blog will be rooting for your success. When the going gets tough, let us know you are in need of a virtual hug and we will chime in with our prayers and well wishes. Meanwhile may pretty hen eggs, colorful flowers, crochet cotton and watercolors sustain you day to day. I am grateful for knowing you and your work through the blog world. Chin up, buttercup!

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    1. Hi, Sharon. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. Virtual hugs, prayers and well wishes are all appreciated.

      I am grateful to know you and always enjoy taking a peek into your colorful, joyful, creative world. I am glad to be able to pop in and soak up a dose of virtual sunshine and inspiration. Thank you!

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  2. I am sorry I have not been here for you on your last few blogs posts Anne. I had a bit of a wobble at the weekend and felt like starting my life all over again in India!!! Well I was being melodramatic of course but I am in a horrible cycle of bad luck that has gone on for years!!! Please continue to blog. You help to bring stability and purpose to my life with your focus on joy. I really hope that you find a way through your current situation. I know we don't 'kiss' but anyway X and a big hug too.

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    1. Simone, I am sorry about your wobble last weekend and I hope you are feeling less stuck in your cycle of bad luck. It's time to break free!

      I'll keep blogging, for myself and for my friends and readers like you who find inspiration and joy in my posts. (I'm so glad that you feel that way!). I'm finding an even greater faith in the beauty of this world right now and I hope to be able to make my way to an articulate sharing of that faith.

      X's and hugs and all of that are much appreciated! I'll keep cheering you on, too. You'll find your way; I know it.

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  3. Sending light, love and hope your way Anne. There are so many of us out here who will keep you in our thoughts. May our TLC carry you through the days ahead. xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Karen. It feels good to have TLC from my internet friends around the world helping to sustain me right now. Your friendship and the light, love and hope you're sending mean so much to me. xoxo :)

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  4. Dear Anne,
    You are a wonderful person who spreads so much beauty and joy, I can only wish you strength and hope as you go through this tough time. Sending you thoughts of love and peace. Big hugs. xoxo

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    1. Dear Judy, I think you are a wonderful person who spreads beauty and joy as well and I am so grateful to have had you with me on my journey so far and now, too.

      Thank you for your friendship, encouragement and support and for the love, peace and hugs.

      xoxo :)

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  5. Hello Friend,
    I have enjoyed getting to know you. You inspire me so much. I have always enjoyed your JOY Lists! Sending a BIG HUG and touch base when you can.
    Carla

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    1. Hello, sweet Carla. I've enjoyed getting to know you, too, and I'm always delighted to virtually travel with you through your blog (you find such interesting place to visit and photograph them so I feel like I really am traveling with you!!).

      I'm happy to know that my blog and my Joy Lists inspire you. Sending big hugs back. Thanks so much for your encouragement and friendship!

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  6. Oh Anne I am truly sorry to hear that you're going through some tough times. I know it's hard to talk about personal stuff on such a public forum. The past 2 years have been the most difficult of my life so I get it, I really do, and if you ever just need to vent you know where to find me. Sending hugs. ♡♡♡

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    1. Thank you, Laurie. I really appreciate the hugs and your kindness and encouragement. We'll get through these tough times. I hope it's smooth sailing for you now.

      Hugs back!

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  7. Well I know it must not be joyful if you've not found any joy in it. You are one of the most positive people I know, Anne. Keep that positivity during this current bump in the road. If you ever want to share, vent, cry, scream or whatever, I'm sure you know you've got nothing but caring people that read your blog and emails, and we are always here to support you in any way we're able to.

    If there is anything I can do personally, please contact me. That includes just lending an ear :)

    Warm hugs, positive thoughts, and love being sent in mass waves from me.

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    1. Thank you, Jaime! I really appreciate you being here and cheering me on. The mass waves of hugs, positive thoughts and love certainly help!

      :)

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  8. Hi Anne!!!
    Sorry if I haven't been following your blog as I wished lately ...but from time to time I always secretely came here to see what you were doing.
    I send you a big hug. Hope this difficult moment will be over quickly. You are really strong, I am sure you will always find a way to find joys, even in difficult times.

    Be strong, my friend!
    Laura

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    1. Hi, Laura. Thanks for stopping by. I know how busy you are! I haven't been blog visiting as much lately, either.

      Thanks for the hugs and the supportive, encouraging thoughts. So glad to have you cheering for me right now!

      Big hugs to you, too!

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  9. Anne, I'm feeling badly that I've missed so many of your recent posts. I'm subscribed now, so that won't happen any longer. I consider you my friend and I hope you know how much I admire and respect you and your work. I'm sorry you're dealing with difficulties in your life. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Gentle hugs, Nancy

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    1. Dear Nancy, do not feel bad for missing my posts. Life can get complicated and busy at times and it's hard to keep up with all the things we want to do (so many things have been slipping by for me lately and reading blogs is on that list!).

      I am so glad to know that you're sending thoughts and prayers. And thank you, also, for your flurry of encouraging comments. So glad to know that my posts bring you joy.

      This, too, shall pass, and I know that I'll be learning a lot along the way. Life can be incredibly difficult at times, but it can also be gloriously beautiful.

      Thanks so much, Nancy.

      xo

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  10. Hugs to get you through whatever you need...

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    1. Thanks so much, Michelle. I really appreciate it. I hope you're doing well. I bet Ellie is getting so big now! Hugs back.

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