{"id":1764,"date":"2013-12-15T10:24:29","date_gmt":"2013-12-15T07:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chocolatemintsinajar.com\/craft\/?p=1764"},"modified":"2013-12-15T10:24:29","modified_gmt":"2013-12-15T07:24:29","slug":"2013-in-review-a-new-philosophy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chocolatemintsinajar.com\/craft\/2013\/12\/2013-in-review-a-new-philosophy\/","title":{"rendered":"2013 in review {a new philosophy}"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is that time of year when I look back and think about what I have done all year. \u00a0And this year is a very special year. \u00a0It is the year I learned to be mindful, to calm down and to dig deep. \u00a0It is the year I stopped fighting life, my body, my health, circumstance, the weather and started learning to be present in the moment. \u00a0Not only has it done wonders for my life but also for my crafting.<\/p>\n

I started out the year in Egypt. \u00a0I spent new years eve in our apartment in Cairo. \u00a0I was getting things fixed and things installed and all of the wonderful things associated with a new apartment. \u00a0I had just come out from a difficult health related ordeal and was still not fully recovered but I was still determined and stubborn. It would not be until September when I would stop trying to be outwardly strong and find true strength from being vulnerable and mindful. That doesn’t mean the year was not an interesting and good one.<\/p>\n

Buckle up, this is a long one.<\/p>\n

January<\/strong>
\nI knit my first pair of gloves (with real fingers)
\n\"I<\/a>
\nThey were a challenge. They were tricky. But the sense of accomplishment I got out of them was incredible.<\/p>\n

\"And<\/a>
\nI purchased super bulky yarn for a big blanket project. It would eventually be finished many months later and gifted to my mom as a thank you for all she has done for me over the years (I didn’t really tell her, but I am sure she understands)<\/p>\n

By the end of January I was back home in Kuwait. \u00a0I was very happy and grateful to be home, well and still alive.<\/p>\n

February<\/strong>
\nI played with crayons
\n\"Butterfly<\/a>
\nwhile not the most sophisticated type of crafting or DIY, it is fun and satisfying and very happy
\n\"Untitled\"<\/a>
\nAnd I cast on the Vitamin D cardigan.<\/p>\n

March<\/strong>
\nDiscovered handmade lip balm, which by the way is totally amazing.
\n\"DIY<\/a>
\nAnd printed on fabric using the printer
\n\"Matryoshka<\/a><\/p>\n

April<\/strong>
\nDecided to stop hoarding the “good” yarns and started using them
\n\"IMG_9975\"<\/a>
\nAnd came out with the “Tella dress pattern” definitely one of my favorite designs
\n\"Lulu's<\/a><\/p>\n

May<\/strong>
\nMay was a difficult month. My iPad screen got smashed and my car got hit. The two things that I depend on in life to get me places. I made stuff, I baked, the screen got replaced and the car got fixed (but it took until mid August to get it done)<\/p>\n

June<\/strong>
\nI crocheted a blanket and knit a cardigan and socks for a special baby
\n\"Untitled\"<\/a>
\nBut definitely the highlight of June was our trip to Malaysia.<\/p>\n

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Ginormous statue, thieving monkey, Hindu temple, 272 steps and amazing caves.<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Yasmin Gamal<\/a> (@jessyzz) on