2015: A Very Good Year

It seems that each new year slips by faster than it's predecessor.  As the old year draws to a close, I love to look back on my photos and take time to relive the memories that molded the year for me.
Good or bad, they are woven into my life and have brought me further along life's journey.
So, as we excitedly await the arrival of 2016, I'd like to share some snippets of my 2015 with you.

JANUARY ~ New beginnings in my repertoire of jewelry skills with the addition of learning the nuances of working with fine silver precious metal clay.

FEBRUARY ~ filled with Valentine love, Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows, Art Retreat in the Desert, and wonderful trip to Orlando to spend time with dear friends.

salt water etching metal

Orlando in February can be cold!

MARCH ~ I revisited my "paper art" with a class at Bluemoon Scrapbooking.  

We celebrated Melissa's 36th Birthday.

APRIL ~ Our Kiki celebrated her 40th Birthday in grand style with a girls' getaway to L.A. and a surprise Birthday brunch.

MAY ~ My sweet man and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary! I also got new "parts" with a cataract removal and lens implant, and the beginning process for two dental implants!

JUNE ~ We hosted a baby shower for Jessie and baby-due-to arrive, Maxton Duke.  

A lovely and much needed walkway and front yard patio was built.

JULY ~ all roads led to my 50th high school reunion!  A more perfect gathering, I could not imagine.

AUGUST ~ a return to OCMD and Sunset Island with old friends who are more like family.

SEPTEMBER ~ class begins for me at my parish, Sts. Peter & Paul,  on the 2000+ year history of the Roman Catholic Church.

OCTOBER ~ 2 Holiday Trunk Shows, one in Phoenix and one in Tucson. 

2 Broadway in Tucson shows, Annie and Phantom.

NOVEMBER ~ Thanksgiving, preparations begin for the Advent Season, and celebrating my birthday with family and friends was awesome and seemed to last all month! 

Thanksgiving

Advent begins

 The Christmas dishes appear...

And we unwrap the Christmas decorations.

DECEMBER ~ much merry making this month!

Luminaria Nights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

A wreath making party and ornament exchange

Family night at the Gaslight ~ "Race to the North Pole"

Cookie baking

A snow scene at La Encantada

A Birthday Boy to celebrate

Our Christmas tree....

To....

Adorn!

I received the most beautiful surprise in the mail, this lovely ornament from my dear friend Katherine, who lives in Toronto, Canada.  Katherine has gifted me with a handmade lovely for the past number of years and they always have a special place on our tree and in our home!

Morning Mass on Christmas Day at our parish

As I scroll back up through this post, double check my calendar for events, scan over my photos, I have no doubt that this 2015 has been a very good year!

I will be participating in Ali Edwards class, One Little Word.  I haven't been in class since 2012, so I'm quite excited to get back to school.  My word for 2016 is ~

Wishing you all a most beautiful and safe final days of 2015 and countless blessings for you in 2016!