Monday 17 December 2012

Conversations, Thoughts & Conclusions



Before I start I will warn you this is one of those long, drawn-out blog posts so just close me down now if you're not interested!!xx

Over the past week or so I've had some pretty inspiring conversations with a few people I love.  It seems that my recent 'missing in action' approach when it comes to the blog really isn't good enough and maybe just maybe some of you might be missing my chatter.  Sitting on a plane with 2 beautiful friends earlier this week talking about all things me and all things them it became quite clear to me that I have kind-of left you guys in the lurch here.  The ease and convenience of Instagram has taken over but I want you to know I am going to try harder to post more regularly because I think I have actually missed writing down my thoughts and sharing my passions here. That's not to say I will be back everyday but anything more than I have been doing will be better...won't it?

The days of my life have been very full this past year and the projects I have been involved in and the people I have had the great fortune of working with have made this year a wonderful one.  You know how there are great years and not-so-great years, well when this year of 2012 clicked into action back in January I was a bit worried about the months which lay ahead.  With all the talk of the economy and the negativity in the air, I wasn't so sure of how things would be this year.  If you didn't know, I am a worrier from way back {just like my father} but as one of my clients pointed out to me a few weeks ago the more you worry, the more successful you become because worriers think about every single little detail and in this profession, detail is paramount.

One of the most exciting things about this year has been the work I have done for clients in Sydney. To have people from afar ask me to help them with their homes is something which actually gives me goosebumps.  Sydneysiders have such talented Designers at their fingertips and for them to call me all the way up here in Pineapple territory is a pretty exciting thing!



 Having completed quite a number of projects in and around Sydney this year as well as still working on a few, it has made me think more and more about our presence in my favourite Australian city (besides Brisbane of course)!  Ideas are swirling and conversations are being had so watch out Sydney.  It may not be tomorrow but my sights are set.

One of the things on my to do list this year was our Black & Spiro website and unfortunately I won't be able to tick that one off before we move into 2013 despite trying so hard to do so!!  Don't you hate it when people say 'our website is coming'...how annoying!!  However, I am thrilled to say that it certainly will be up and running in the early months of the new year.  I am very excited about this website because it is really looking so beautiful and there are some wonderful new projects on it which will be very exciting for you all to see.

Sitting on my verandah feeling the bay breeze sweep away my tiredness from the crazy week that was I think about the holidays which are approaching.  I dream of days with no schedules, days of sun, surf, sleep and fun and in amongst all of that I will be finishing the first draft manuscript of my book which is due into Penguin at the end of January and maybe getting my thoughts together on a few new wallpaper designs because it seems that Porters want me to do another collection with them in 2013.

Busy times lay ahead but for now let's enjoy the Spirit of Christmas because as we all know it only comes round once in a year!

Xx
Anna

 
 
image 1 - Photo of coffee table top I arranged at client's house last week, image 2 - Xmas wreath at Black & Spiro made by Kara Hynes aka LuluLucky for Mr & Mrs G Bar.

36 comments:

Heidi said...

Hope you have a wonderful break Anna. It sounds like 2013 has a few exciting things already lined up for you too - so, much to look forward to. I for one am looking forward to more blog posts - I always find your posts inspiring. xx

roz said...

I for one would enjoy the reinstatement of your chatter and visual inspiration......please?

Natasha @ Northern Light Design said...

Yeah! You're back...? You have been missed!
Such exciting things you write about, even a book... Can't wait!!

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate, but please do come back to the blog from time to time, as I truly enjoy your words, thoughts and images :)

Happy Christmas from the Northern Light Blog!

little bohemian said...

Yeh, you're back! Forget Sydney, come straight to Adelaide. Merry Xmas, Leah x

pve design said...

Anna,
Wishing you a holiday full of joy and peace. I too relish the unstructured days ahead and the time with my children. Enjoy you self. Make merry and you know you are always a bright spirit here. You never need to explain why and when you post. You are a busy lady, Mother, wife and mentor to many. All the best to you in every endeavor.
love from New York~
pve

Janna McCalley said...

Welcome back! I think more then a few people miss your posts! Best wishes for another succesfull year!

Gozi and Pop said...

Great to have you back posting again Anna. I have to say I look forward to reading your blog posts and have been disappointed when there hasn't been any 'recents'. I'm still trying to get the hang of instagram.
KEEP UP THE BLOG PLEASE - WE NEED YOU!

Shell Sherree said...

Anna, I love hearing from you however often or rare it might be. At the end of the day, reading people's blogs is a gift we are given, not a right, and I'm grateful for that in whatever time frame it happens. I'm SO excited to hear about your pending book, and will put bells on to buy it. Take care, my sweet ~ have a restful, happy and rejuvenating Christmas and New Year with your loved ones.

Leslie-Anne said...

Your blog is on my "best blogs" list. I'm glad you're back.

Charlotte D said...

Hi Anna,

Such a lovely post with so many exciting things to think about!! Can't wait for 2013.

Popped into the store today, it is looking gorgeous as always!

Love Charlotte xx

Kate said...

A lovely post Anna! I was petrified when I first read the post title - I was scared 'conclusions' meant the end of the blog. Fear not, you have pulled through yet again.

Hats off to you for an ah-mazing year, what a crazy time it's been but I can imagine oh so rewarding all the same.

xoxox

Vanessa said...

Thank you, Anna, for taking the time to add your thoughts on the year and sharing your insight with all of us out here :). You always have such a kind and succinct way of describing life. All the best for the holidays and the challenges and joys of 2013.

jlonit said...

Anna - I started following your blog in 2008 and really miss those days when you posted long blog posts every few days but I realise that your business is taking off and that blogging quite rightly can't take priority over your livelihood. I just miss those days. Funnily enough, through your blog in 2008 I found Cote de Texas which is my all time favourite blog.

Am I right in picking up a hint from this blog post that you might be thinking of opening a shop in Sydney or am I in complete fantasyland. Please please please let it be true, I'd be there every weekend.

Unknown said...

We'd love to have your presence in Sydney! I've been so inspired by your Instagram and blog whilst I've been decorating my home. My Christmas theme this year is indigo, coral and silver, which is no doubt influenced by seeing your beautiful colour work. thanks for the inspiration!

judith said...

A very happy and sucessful 2013 to you and all the best or the season!

Barbara said...

Love love love those Hydrangeas Anna, Merry Christmas

Barbara

Unknown said...

Wow, so excited about you potentially doing something in Sydney!! Would love the opportunity to work with you if it comes up!!

Jan Harris said...

Oh, I'm so glad you're back! I've never commented before but love your blog! I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful colors that I am too timid to try in my own home. Living with three fabulous men (hubby and two sons) has made my home one full of love.... but not much color!

Margaret said...

Merry Christmas, Anna and Family

chair and chair said...

What lovely words Anna. Thank you! And I for one say YES to a Sydney venture. It's just not fair that we miss out on your loveliness down south! x

vintagemovement said...

adore your Christmas Wreath - fab! Glad that 2012 was full of new endeavours :) Tina

Truly Blog said...

It must be somewhat wonderful to be busy with so many great projects. I find that when we are so busy, there is a give and take, and not all projects can be attended to at once. I look forward to more blog posts and congratulations on your website and book.

mikky said...

Hi Anna,

We have been missing you! It was nice to catch up on your goings on in this post. It sounds like next year will be a fun & very busy one.
Happy holidays and all the best for the new year!

:)
mikky
www.todaloos.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and considerations. I'm really looking forward to your book! :)

Vanya Wilkinson said...

Well done Anna you are really inspiring!

I am moving to Sydney in the New Year, so excited to be part of such a vibrant city. I shall keep a watchful eye out for your world domination Sydney style ;)

Have a wonderful Christmas

With very best wishes Vanya

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

Anna Anna - you've done so much. Happy new year and Christmas and everything in between. May next year bring even more, but most importantly, joy.

Petra Tamme said...

Greetings from Canada! How wonderful to hear that the new website is almost ready -- and a book as well! You are my favourite designer and I happily follow your blog posts (and Instagram) so am thrilled that we'll be hearing & seeing even more.

Hope you're enjoying a lovely Christmas. All the very very best in 2013!

lbk987 said...

i am so glad you are going to start posting more often. I still check your site regularly in hopes that i will find a new post. Glad my wishes will be coming true again!

Cheers from NYC!

lbk987 said...

I am so glad that you are going to start posting again! i didnt lose hope and continued to check in to see if anything new was going on. Thank you!!

Cheers from NYC.

Coulda shoulda woulda said...

Hydrangeas always lift things up...

Kate Lewis said...

Ahhh, it's wonderful to hear about all of your exciting projects for 2013. I am constantly inspired by you and your work. This may sound silly, but I was actually thinking the other day how I missed your regular blog posts. :) Happy New Year to you and your family! Bring on the inspiration!!!

Chris said...

Thank´s for 2012 I look forward to 2013.
Regards Christina

alice {sweet dreamer} said...

I just stumbled across your blog and I'm so glad I did! What a beautiful space you've created here. Love it x

Soul Fishing said...

Gorgeous photos!

Teja

www.soulfishingblog.blogspot.com

Paddy said...

Happy New Year Anna. It's a year of big change for many!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Anna.
So excited to hear about your manuscript for a book. It would be great to have a collection of all of your beautiful work on my coffee table.
And I am even more excited to hear of your thoughts of doing something in Sydney. If that ever materialises, I would gladly volunteer to work for you for free! Just to have the oppertunity to be surrounded by all the beautiful things that you do :)