Lifestyle

Life – Goodbye 2017, hello 2018

January 12, 2018
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It might be a bit of a cliche’, to write year overviews and all that but considering that I haven’t been looking after this corner here as well as I have in the past, I thought it would be worth doing it, even if only to remind myself of all the good things that happened in 2017. While a lot of people complain that it’s been a horrible year, I honestly think that I can’t complain too much – sure, there have been challenges but when isn’t life challenging?

This overview also comes a bit late (January is well underway) but I have been working without days off for a few weeks… after being ill. UGH! Better late than never, that’s what I would say.

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2017 has been a very eventful year… I managed to get a lot of things done and I’m happy with what I see when I look back. So, what have been these amazing things that I’ve accomplished last year? Here’s a list, that’s not exhaustive but comprises the main highlights.

  • left full-time employment – due to my health and after last year’s burnout, the thought of corporate life induces mild ptsd symptoms in me.
  • been the poorest as a result – but I’ve learned to live with less and spend my time and energy on more creative endeavours.
  • stopped taking anti-depressants – I’m poor but happier!
  • got into several group shows – been showing my work all over London and in New York.
  • got my first solo show – and it was fairly successful, as many friends came and it was a lot of fun
  • met amazing artists – that I can now consider friends.
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  • went streaking with a friend down Millenium Bridge on a warm Summer night – don’t ask, but it was a lot of fun
  • found love – after kissing a few frogs after my separation and divorce, I think I have finally found the most caring and supportive partner one can ever ask for
  • became a stepmum – said partner came with a readymade family and they’re super cool!
  • worked on very interesting projects – one of the good things about working as a freelancer is the opportunity to work on several different things, which has provided me with more knowledge and more skills
  • turned 40 – damn, I’m old
  • still cancer free – possibly the most important item on this list!

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(does my butt look big in this? Yes, yes it does.)

2018 promises to be an equally eventful year, and there are a few things that I’m looking forward to:

  • my solo show in Berlin – my efforts to go international are paying off and managed to organise a show that will happen next month
  • spending time with A – we have a lot of fun stuff planned for the coming year, including a holiday back home in Portugal with the children
  • blog some more – I miss blogging and I want to do at least one post per month, mostly to support my practice
  • spend less time on social media – it’s a great vehicle to connect with likeminded people and to promote my art but considering what has been happening in general plus the level of censorship artists face (I’ll have to write about the silly episode I was part of), going back to self publishing is the way to go
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  • no shopping – not having lots of money means less shopping and I’d like to do a year of no shopping, as I still have enough clothes and shoes that fit me to last me a few years
  • continue decluttering – I’ve posted about decluttering a lot in the past few years, I know. It seems that it just never ends but I’m seriously letting go of a lot of things, to make more space for art materials, etc.
  • continue creating and improving my art – an ongoing project for the rest of my life, I suppose!
  • continue cancer free – not a lot that I can do towards this goal except take my meds and keep an eye on how I feel but it’s nonetheless something to look forward to

I’m sure that a lot more could be said but I don’t want to bore my readers too much.

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Some of the clothes I’m wearing in this post have been courtesy of Simply Be – the jeans and the long black shirt. I’m actually loving my new jeans and I think they fit rather nicely on my butt – no one wants ill fitting jeans, right?

Many thanks to A for taking the outfit photos – in true blogger’s boyfriend fashion!

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6 Comments

  • Reply Honey January 13, 2018 at 10:17

    I’m so happy that 2018 is looking positive for you girl! So so so happy you found love and that you’re staying healthy! You’re absolutely going to slay 2018! x

  • Reply Connie* January 13, 2018 at 18:39

    Oh my gosh, my dear little Sara! I’m so happy for you. We have had a somewhat similar year. Cancer Free!!!! Yaaaaaas! No big work, no big money…oh well. Getting rid of those annoying anti-depressants. Don’t you just feel like you’re coming back to life? I do. And I feel like you are, too. I think your new love is almost as adorable as you are. Looooove your creative endeavors. I love you and your cute little bum. XXXOOOO

  • Reply PinkCheetahVintage January 14, 2018 at 20:44

    Congrats babe!!!! On all of it!!!!! Love ya’!!!!!!!

  • Reply Hollie Ramsey January 17, 2018 at 20:58

    Hey! I made it over here!! Sounds like your year went a lot better than mine. It over and done – not looking back anymore so it doesn’t really matter now. LOL. Hooray for cancer free!!!!
    Your boots are amaaaaaazing by the way!

  • Reply thea January 18, 2018 at 12:43

    The boots are killer and I love them. 2017 had its moments — good and bad – glad overall positive. They guy and the kids are a major win. Funny I was just thinking about your decluttering post of a while ago…I have gotten rid of stuff but I know (and actually want to ) get rid of more..I like acquiring though…need to work on that impulse as I have bigger plans for my money but get swept up in the excitement of groups of shared loves on social media.

    Create away, hopefully attend one of your shows that you are attending this year.

  • Reply Señora Allnut January 30, 2018 at 10:02

    I’m late, but still decided to wish you a happy year!, and glad that you’re rocking your art through the world!, and glad that you’re happier and loved! (that’s Fabulous)
    besos
    Me alegra tanto verte luciendo ese traserillo, estás estupenda!

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