Farewell 2021, hello 2022

Let the sun set on 2021……

I’ve sat down to write a blog post dozens of times. I’ve written paragraphs, then deleted them and tried to write again. Always the same: I just couldn’t find the right words. I try to be very mindful when I do write a blog post, I never want to add to the “noise” of this clamoring world. There’s already too much negativity and nonsense being put into the universe. I don’t wish to contribute more of the same. But it’s time for an update and what better time than to reflect on this past year and look ahead to the new one?

2021 was quite the doozy of a year, wasn’t it? How was it for you? Did you come through brilliantly or did you experience a few bumps and scrapes along the way? Are you sad to see 2021 end or happy to say, “good riddance?” 

For me, there were so many changes and in hindsight if I were to assign a word to 2021, it would be GROWTH. I experienced a lot of personal growth in the past twelve months and it was sometimes painful. We began 2021 with a burst pipe and flood in our home and were forced to move out for almost two months to allow the workers to make renovations. But even with all of the upheaval we continued to push forward; growing to adapt to the changes brought on by the pandemic. At the one-year point last March, I finally felt as if I had hit a comfortable stride. I had grown with the challenges, changes and technology involved in the virtual world of teaching and social media, and things were moving along. 

But in late June our world turned upside down when my husband’s company offered him a tremendous promotion to a position he had longed for but involved a move overseas. If I’m really honest, I felt completely blindsided. I never saw this change coming; never thought it was even a remote possibility or that we’d have to move again so soon. After all, we had just spent the past three years really settling into our home in Southern California and Australia had never been on my radar. Once he accepted the position (with my love and complete support, of course) we immediately kicked everything into high gear to sell our home and sort our household goods and belongings into essentially four “piles:” One to ship overseas, one for things to go to our cabin, one for long-term storage, and one of things to donate. After having completed a big “downsize” in 2017, we found ourselves downsizing once again. We also had to make some tough decisions about our pets including hiring a pet transport company to handle the very difficult process of obtaining import visas which requires a six-month, quarantine-at-home time before they can enter Australia.

During the summer months I worked hard making endless decisions but also spinning my wheels and finding it difficult to be creative. In the spirit of full transparency, there were many days of tears. I struggled to find my footing and a way forward. 

The day after we finally completed the complicated move of our household goods and we moved out of our house in mid-September, we treated ourselves to a family trip to Alaska. It was such a blessing, and we made many happy memories during our week away. I’ll treasure those memories my entire life.

Teaching in the Janome classroom in Houston at Quilt Festival in October was a true highlight during this difficult year and I felt a sense of renewal and was energized by the amazing students who came with can-do attitudes and a willingness to learn despite the prevalence of COVID. I had a true moment of epiphany while talking to one of my peers at dinner one night. When she spoke about her talent as being a quilt artist and the need to continually nurture those talents in our lives, it was a light bulb moment to remind me that my true, God-given talent is that of being a teacher. God gave me the ability to share my love and joy of quilting with others to nurture that spark within them, help them improve their skills and grow as quilters.

When I’m teaching, I feel I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I know without a doubt, no matter what happens in the future — where I’m lead or where I live, I will continue to teach and share my love of quilting and keep igniting sparks of creativity and joy wherever I go. 

In early November Mr. Kim moved to Australia, and I settled in to a temporary, new normal living full-time in our cabin. Thank you to everyone who has written to ask about him, or who has prayed for him during this time of separation and transition. We are both grateful for your thoughts and prayers. While we dislike being apart, we focus on the time we will be reunited, next April.

Kent has been settling into his exciting new job and has been doing a lot of house hunting. The Lord provided and he found a home in a nice neighborhood. It has a perfect room for my studio with a view of beautiful sunsets. He tells me daily how impressed he is with the area and says I will love the artist-community vibe. He also tells me the people he has met in Alice Springs are absolutely lovely; always willing to help and have made him feel welcome and right at home. Apparently, the quilting community there has already heard I’m coming. When Kent met his new Australian counterpart at the site where he works, the man exclaimed that his wife (who is a quilter) said the quilting community is excited about my arrival! 

Christmas was quiet but lovely and I was happy the boys were able to fly out to be with me. A set of back-to-back storms forced them to change their return trip to Virginia twice but blessed me by being here to help me shovel the snow and ice dumped on California by those moisture-laden storms. I spent the days and evenings preparing all their favorite meals and loved every moment spent in the kitchen. We played endless games and watched old, goofy movies. How on earth did we ever get such fine young men?

So here it is, New Years Eve and the old year is preparing to pass into the future. I’m glad to close the door on 2021 and looking forward to many new things. Incidentally, Mr. Kim is already in 2022 as I write this which is mind-bending when you think about it.

I’ve already chosen my ONE WORD for 2022. It is:

There will be many challenges and changes in the new year. Living another four+ months apart from my best friend is not my idea of how I would choose to live right now but I need to keep my eyes fixed on the day when we will be together again and THE ONE who has our future in His hands. When I think of God, who is already IN our future, it gives me great comfort to know it is He who directs my feet and makes my path straight. He’s totally got this!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

I’d love to hear from you. What are your feelings about 2021? Are you looking forward to a bright 2022? Please drop me a line and let me know your thoughts. Sharing our experiences of this past year are a great way to close the door and step forward into a new future, don’t you think?

I wish you endless blessings for a wonderful new year!

14 Comments
  1. April will be here before you know it. You will have quilters to welcome you to your new home. Safe travels. Happy New Year!

  2. I did so enjoy your blog today. Loved your chosen word of ADAPT as I just felt an instant attachment to what it means. So much that I have been a copycat and am using it for my motto for 2022 myself and hope that is okay. I have one or two family issues going on in my life at the moment and have struggled with how to deal with this, and you nailed it for me……I need to adapt to let it go from in my heart. It is that simple really just adapt and although there will be many challenges and changes in the new year ahead so I will try to be indifferent to what makes no difference as nothing matters as much as you may think they do and focus on the essentials because if you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquillity.

    Happy New Year to you, Kent and the boys

    • Jill, I’m HONORED you would think to use your “word” as ADAPT. What a sweetheart you are. Sending blessings to you and your family. Hugs, too.

  3. I admire your perspective on life. 2021 was not a great year, but there were times which allowed us to show our grit and also times to build special memories. I think 2021 was hardest on young people. But I’m confident 2022 will be a very good year and come April it will kick into high gear of happiness for you and your husband to be together and enjoy new experiences What an opportunity to create many special memories, as well as make new friends. I truly believe every place has some great quilters, but there is something about the water down under as they have so many amazing quilters. I’m sure they are thrilled you are coming to live in Australia. Enjoy!

  4. Seeing you and Mr. Kim and taking your classes in Pigeon Forge was the highlight of my year. You bring such joy wherever you go! I think you’ll like Alice Springs and the people there. May the new year bring bright blessings and take away troubles.

  5. Kimberly I’m sure 2022 will be a wonderful year for you snd Mr Kim. Your lives have always been full of changes that brought new friends into your lives. I’m looking forward to reading about how much you love Australia and when you’ll be planning you first online class I can join. Change can be scary but just jump in with both feet and I’m sure you’ll do great, as always.❤️❤️❤️

  6. I know it must be hard to be separated from Kent but you seem to have such a positive attitude about his new position with his company. Having visited Australia I am sure you are going to love it. Alice Springs is kind of isolated by it is such a pretty town. I can hardly wait to see the quilts you create while there as I am sure they will be influenced by your surroundings.
    Stay well and safe and say hello to Kent for me.

  7. Hi, I saw a notice for your free mystery and it said to register my name and email so I followed your link to your website. I can’t find a place to register and there’s no mention of the mystery. I followed a link for a discount and it took me to the Craftsy website. I’m sorry, what am I doing wrong? It’s probably right in front of me and I’m just missing it. Thanks!

    KDF in Texas

    • I’m currently not running any free mystery quilt on my website. I do know Bonnie Hunter is running a free mystery quilt — perhaps you saw her name?
      Search for Quiltville or Bonnie Hunter. You’ll find it!

  8. The next 4 months won’t seem like they are passing quickly, but I think when you look back you’ll release they did after all. I can’t wait to hear of your adventures in Australia. Why am I not surprised that the quilting world in Australia is eager to welcome you with open arms? I think 2022 promises to be an exciting year for you and Kent.
    As for me, I’m am praying life can get back to normal in 2022. I feel I’ve lost two years of my life, and I am not willing to lose another. I want to attend classes (maskless), not hear the phrase Vaccine Passport, live life as we should, visiting each other, remaining faithful, and filled with hope.

  9. Kimberly I am keeping you and Kent in my prayers for an easy wait and beginning together in Alice Springs. Isn’t it wonderful that quilting will give you instant access to new friends-quilters are the nicest people. I will be following your journey.
    As for 2022 I’m taking a deep breath and waiting to see what happens. Covid is such a sneaky virus. My SIL had a positive test even tho he’s fully vaccinated. Since we were all together for his wife’s 40th we all went into quarantine. Yesterday was my first day out of the house.
    Happy New Year!

  10. We’re both military families so we both know being apart is terrible! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time! I hope to see you around the school yard!

  11. I’d love to sign up for the mystery quilt class, but can’t figure out how. HELP!

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