When I started this project a year ago I asked you to imagine the following scenario:
Years from now someone comes across a box full of your possessions and tries to piece together a story of the person you were. Maybe this box contains photographs, books, personal documents, clothing, cutlery, ticket stubs or even a packet of gum. What would those objects say about you? Would they tell an accurate history of your life? What story would they tell?
It’s an interesting question. From my objects you could probably decipher that I’m a mother, someone who liked to cook, a wife, someone who appreciated the fine, handcrafted details of things, a traveller, a collector and an art lover. My objects could also tell you what I am not; a sports enthusiast, an artist, a musician, a scientist.
Fifty two objects is a lot of things. From doing this series, I learned that you actually don’t need much in life. I think five objects would do – at the most ten. I’ve learned that the most important objects to me are the ones that remind me of times spent with others, journey’s I’ve taken, lessons I’ve learned, or places I’ve been. All those activities are free. The object is just a catalyst for the memory.
This series (and blog) have also taught me about the great pleasure that can be derived from simply creating. Taking the time to write and take photographs and think has brought meaning and purpose back to my life. For that, I am thankful.
And then there was one. Before we get to a little recap of my year documenting my life through objects we still need to finish off the series.
Without further adieu, here is object number fifty-two. Did you see this one coming?
Yes, I have some news to share. We’re adding another little person to The Marion House. I’m almost five months along and expecting our second child sometime in late May.
It hasn’t been easy. In fact, I was very sick and extremely tired for the first three months (so much more so this time around) but lately things have been much better. I have to admit that I’m not good at being pregnant. I’m not one of those people who feel infinitely feminine and goddess-like during pregnancy. My body feels large and cumbersome, my skin is tight and itchy, my digestion is all over the place and I really hate the way clothes look and feel on my body. (I swear if I have to pull my pants up one more time I’m going to scream.) Having said that, I do feel extremely lucky and fortunate to be taking this journey again.
The New Year is going to bring many changes. I’m going to take a much more casual and laid back approach to the blog. The words, random musings, keep popping into my head. Things will be a little less organized and more off the cuff . (I think this is a good thing…no? Sometimes being predictable can be boring.) I will continue to shoot the Hello! Neighbor series with the help of my wonderful photographer and friend Kristin and I might even attempt to make a different chocolate cake each month inspired by Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Cake Hall of Fame but I’m making no promises.
Of course, first off we have to design a new bedroom for Henry as he gives up his nursery for his little brother or sister. I’m looking forward to that part and have a million ideas floating about in my head. I also have a few exciting projects I’ve been working on in the past couple of months that I’m excited to share with you.
This is my second last blog post for 2011. I’ll be back here next Thursday with the final item in my 52 Objects series. Then, I’ll see you again in the New Year.
I hope the final couple of weeks of 2011 are good ones for us all. 2012 is already shaping up to be another year full of new beginnings.
All images from The Glow.
In the course of doing this series, I came across a couple of other bloggers who started their own 52 objects posts. Some seemed to have stopped after one or two objects while others have soldiered on. Here’s a quick list of some of the bloggers who have started 52 objects posts. If you’ve started one, I’d love to hear about it.
Southern Girl Quilts
Every Eskimo
Peaas
Awesome Ping Pong
Bye Bye Bitters
Here is object number fifty one.
