Things I Learned in 2012

In 2012...

1. I learned that wound pumps suck, quite literally.  I also learned that I'm highly allergic to the sticky plastic junk they use to hold the sponge thing in your wound.  If none of this makes sense to you, consider yourself blessed.
2. I learned that I get really crafty when I'm stuck at home.
3. I learned that craft stuff is expensive, but that Hobby Lobby always has a coupon!
4. I learned that art is a fantastic way to channel my emotions, both good and bad.  Some of my favorite pieces mean so much to me because they speak to my heart.
5. I learned that the love of my life is a truly amazing, talented, caring, wonderful man.
6. I learned to get used to change because even if you love where you are, it won't last forever.
7. I learned that change is hard but always grows you in some way.
8. I learned that I'm kinda good at this photography thing.
9. I learned that I still have so much to learn about this photography thing.
10. I learned that others believe in me more than I do myself.
11. I learned that the amount I believe in myself seems to be directly proportionate to the amount I trust God.
12. I learned that if the grass is greener on the other side it's probably drowning in manure. Seriously.
13. I learned that sometimes God gives you your dream to show you it's not really what you want after all.
14. I learned that when those dreams are shattered the pieces can never be put back the same way, but they can be re-formed into new dreams.  It's very difficult, but it CAN be done.  
15. I learned that I would rather write for myself than others...if I ever write again...
16. I learned that I need to take care of myself or it will catch up to me.   
17. I learned that friends you think will always be around will drift away, but family has your back.
18. I learned that fighting my depression and putting on a happy face makes it worse.  Sometimes I just need to hide out and ride the wave.  I'm like a soda bottle.  If you let a little of the pressure out, it's safe to open the rest.  If not, it all explodes at once and gets messy
19. I learned that it all seems fragmented and random, but when you look back you can see how God uses every experience for His plan. 
20. I learned that God knows more than I do (shocker) and that I need to trust Him even when it looks dark on the horizon.

How my depression feels...one of my favorite paintings I made this year.

A favorite picture I captured...

The most fun I had doing art this year!  Crayons and a hair dryer.  :)

So goodbye, 2012.  You've been rough.  I'm praying 2013 is gentle with me!