Out with the old…..

Out with the old…..

Hi there.
Thanks for joining me on the last day of this year.
I spent the morning today up in my artroom alone.
Mark and Alex have gone up to London, 
to see the New Year in with Mark’s buddies from school.
So I withdrew to my cave as it were,
to spend some time in reverie. 
I think we need that sometimes.
Peace and quiet, and head space,
just to let the thoughts wander, come and go,
pass like traffic.
Some pleasant, some sad, they pass through, 
but I musn’t latch on to them – just let them pass.
So this card I have made you to ring in the New Year 
is no masterpiece, no work of art. No no no. 
Although it took a while, as all parchment work does,
it was more important to think about things,
about Clarity, about you, 
and about what we are doing together here.
So I used it as a little Groovi train ride, 
with my daydreams and thoughts.

Dave and Steve are working again today, finishing up the new area in the factory. That’s what my Dad called it, you know, when Dave took him over to the Clarity Unit on Christmas Eve, to show him what we have achieved in the time since he last visited, which was when we launched with HOCHANDA. 
That was August 27th 2015. 
I shall never forget it. 
Dad couldn’t believe it!
Transformational, he called it. A factory. 
So yes, Dave and Steve are still at work,
getting things ready for the New Year.
I’ve put 2016 to bed in my head now, 
 and I am all set for the New Year.
How about you?
I’m not one to dwell in the past much; 
serves no real purpose and wastes my life NOW.
More more fruitful to enjoy NOW with what is happening NOW.
Mind you, I really like the drop shadow on the numbers.
Tomorrow, I’ll blog the step by step,
so any newcomers to Groovi get the picture and the how-to. 

Here it is, my little haven, my space.
Bit messy. But who cares?

I hope you have a pleasant evening,
spending it with who you want to spend it with,
 and doing what you fancy. 
Me? Dave, log fire and Jooles Holland.

134 thoughts on “Out with the old…..

  1. Beautiful card Barbara, the numbers are next on my wish list! Spag bol & a bottle of Prosecco for us in front of the TV for us. Wishing you & your family, all at Clarity towers and all Clarity bloggers health & happiness for 2017. Happy New Year xxx

  2. Afternoon quiet one hereme Bob And Katie if we stay awake we'll me and katie as tablets I'm on for eye just knocks me out hopefully won't have to take them for to long aside affects not nice. Then out with family tomorrow for first new year meal together eating out to all can relax no cooking . Happy new year and blessed new year wonder what 2017 will bring a reveal of a well kept secret which we are all waiting to here of hehe lots love hugs to all at clarity and friends of xxx

  3. Beautiful Card Barbara, me n hubby are gonna stay home n have a take away curry, I have mage a new years honours list of all the stuff that i want ( need ) from Clarity as it will be an honour to own them, this set of large number plates are first on my list. Happy New Year to you all. Hugs Ali xxx

  4. What a beautiful card, there's such a lot of scope for those numbers ! Love the drop shadow too. I tried to have a go at it on my Challenge entry. That was a lot of backward writing – I take it you wrote it out first LOL !

    We will be with eldest son seeing in the New Year. Happy New Year to you and yours x x

  5. Fabulous card. I too am sitting doing groovi just now. It is a new year card for a good friend. I am looking forward to 2017 as it is a year of new opportunity and challenges. We have to cherish 2016 for all the happy times we have had and not dwell on what has made us sad.
    Happy new year to everyone when it comes and I hope that you are enjoying a peaceful Hogmanay.

  6. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017
    to you, Barbara, Dave and your family and everyone here on the blog.
    May we all have a healthy, happy, creative, funny and better 2017
    (We do Raclette with some friends)
    Rolf xxx

  7. Lol. I just had to zoom in on that last pic. I thought "who's that chap in the background" – lol it is a coat and hanger!! Really need to go to Specsavers. Hahaha. Have a nice evening and roll on 2017. Xxx

    1. Hi everyone, don't know if anyone goes back to the blog but I couldn't post yesterday as I was laid out in bed for 24 hours with a nasty tummy bug again. Still I wanted to wsh you all a very Happy 2017. I am so looking forward to keeping in touch and seeing what you have written and what Barbara has created.

  8. What a lovely piece of work Barb. The numbers are going on my wish list for 2017 too. Happy New Year to you and Dave – be happy!!! Seeing all those mugs on your work table reminds me it's coffee time here……. xxxx

  9. Thank you for such a thoughtful end to this year and the pointers to go into 2017. I know I need to live in the moment, and plan for the future. I am spending the first part of the evening with friends, but coming home early to look after the dogs while all the fireworks explode around us. Tomorrow, I am starting the new year with my first Christmas cards for next year, and starting the calendar challenges for the year. I am determined to actually get my brain together and do them all in 2017. Happy New Year to everyone. xxx Maggie

  10. Happy New Year Barbara and Dave. Gorgeous card, I am looking forward to the new year, lots to be achieved and enjoyed. Enjoy your quiet evening, we are doing the same. Cheers. xx

  11. Thought proving and thoughtful blog today, thank you Barbara. Love your card too, perfect. I need some filler plates, haven't got any, seeing your artwork has set off a domino effect of ideas for using them. Thank you for sharing, and for thinking about us.

    I need to learn to leave the past and concentrate on now, I do try hard, but find it very difficult, maybe because now tends to always be not good too, so it all merges into one, and my situation means too much thinking time! Wonder if I'll still be sat here this time next year waiting on social services!!! At least I can laugh about it just now. Not in my control so nothing much I can do, just try to make the most of my days as best I can.

    Your Hogmanay with Dave, and a log fire, sounds lovely, just perfect. Me, don't even need to say do I, aye on my own, won't even have anyone to say a word to until my veggie box man comes next Wednesday!!! I'll be crafting while watching the BBC1 Scotland Hogmanay.

    I wish you Barbara, Dave, all your family, all at Clarity Towers, and everyone here a special evening, and a 2017 better than you think it's going to be

    Love Brenda xx

    1. P.s. thank you so so much Barbara, for everything you have given to us all, in all ways, through this year. And for this wee place too. You're so selfless. Wish I could give back in spades. What a difference a Barb makes! Love you xxxxx

  12. You've said it all .i try to have a spirit of gratitude and joy , but sometimes it isnt easy . Happy feeling ,sad feeling , don't become too attached . Looks like you've been studying some of the Great Masters and have taken it to heart . You're sharing has really helped me and your dedication to take the time EACH day to blog is a gift to all of us . Love, joy ,peace ,happiness and good health be yours and your dear family all,year long . Janice Stone .

  13. What a lovely card, the drop shadow is amazing. I'm looking forward to 2017 and a positive future. I don't dwell much on the past either, what's the point, it has been and done and can't be changed. Happy new year everyone.

  14. Happy Hogmanay!!! wishing you all a lovely night and think that i'll be groovin with mr williams on bbc1 as am on call for work problems….. Never mind have fab night everyone and catch ya next year(if not later today) <3

  15. Hello Barb,
    Beautiful, peaceful and sincere card from you today.
    I wish you and your family, and all at Clarity Towers a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year and Mr K and I will be joining you and Jools this evening, with a few others from this blog by the look of it. See you in 2017!!!!
    Maureen xxxx

  16. Beautiful card Barbara and every inch a work of art and worth framing……love it.
    We will also be watching Jools with a glass or even a bottle of something. Wishing you, Dave and your family a Happy New Year x Pat

  17. Beautiful card Barb, I love the background! Wishing you and all fellow Clarity fans and families a lovely Hogmanay and a happy and peace-filled 2017 xxx Lynne (or, thanks to a certain person on the fb page, Darth Riordan!)

  18. Happy New Year Barbara. My new year's resolution is to spend more time with my Groovi plates. Thank you for all the inspiration and a wonderful product. Helen

  19. Good afternoon Barbara,
    What a stunning card. All my best wishes for the New Year to you and all your loved one. A small drink in the local bar and then a quiet evening here in very cold and frozen France with my Dave, log fire and a good film. And of course a nice curry, I prepared earlier.
    So have a great evening and roll on 2017.
    Laurence xx

  20. Hi Barbara, wishing you and your family and team a wonderful new year.
    Thank you for all you have done for us all in 2016, and looking forward to 2017 .
    Hi ladies have a good one to each and everone of you.
    Hugs
    Lynn xx

  21. Beautiful design Barb and perfect words…hope Dave and you have a wonderful evening and a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Tonight it will be Karl, me and two daft Labradors…xxxxx

  22. Hi Barbara. Lovely card as always and I agree with the need to look forward. You challenged us to do the Clarity challenges this year. I am proud that I have done every month, January being the first time I was brave enough to enter. It really has helped to transform my art work.
    New Year wishes to you, your family and the Clarity crew x

  23. A fantastic blog post to end the year on, fab Groovi artwork and wise words as always. I had a little wobble earlier thinking about missing loved ones, especially my little sidekick Trevor (whippet, who sadly went over the rainbow bridge in March) but I have much to be thankful for so I shall focus on that going for war to 2017. Wishing you and Dave and the rest of your family including your work family all the very best for the New year xx

  24. We are going round to some neighbours for the evening, There will be a dozen or so from the village. All neighbours but more than that, friends too. I have had a couple of hours sleep so I can last out as I still get tired and Brian has taken a comfy chair round for me as I still have to sit on something quite high.
    I hope to get down to some crafting again soon as I have lots of goodies calling out to be used.
    Whatever you are doing this evening Best Wishes for 2017 to all on the blog xx

  25. A beautiful card Barbara. Wishing you, Dave, all at Clarity and everyone reading this blog a Happy New Year. Hope to stay awake long enough to let the New Year in at home, maybe with a wee dram.

  26. Nearly time to ring out the old and bring in the New Year. Yes I am with you Barbara, look forward and not back. What is gone is gone and there is no point dwelling on the past.
    Wishing you and your family all our good wishes for 2017 and lang may yer lum reekie!

  27. Hi Barb.
    Beautiful card ( as always) . I. Hoping to be watching Jools Holland tonight too ( headache allowing) . Wishing you, Dave, all of your family and all at Clarity a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year, love Alison xxxx

    1. Hi bloggy friends,
      Well did the gym induction this morning and I came out with a stonking headache! Think it's panic or dread!! Hoping to last out to the New Year in Jools Holland's company (& Dave of course) Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year, love and hugs Alison xxx

  28. Love and peace to you Barb, will be at home in my cavetonight,too many losses for 2016.the latest yesterday, best friends son,so suddenly, brings back thoughts of all those we have lost this year! So to begin a new chapter of finding happiness again, i was lacking festive spirit, but crafting is the solace that takes the sorrow away. So glad you have started groovi worldwide so loverly to see how accomplished people are becoming with this awesome system. Merry new year may 2017 be a joyful one xxxxx

  29. Absolutely gorgeous card, love the tease of the new paper in the background. My Groovi numbers arrived in the post yesterday but I haven't yet had a chance to play with them. This card is certainly inspiring though. Happy New Year to everyone at Clarity Towers, may you all have a healthy, creative and productive year. (Ich wuensche euch einen guten Rutsch ins Neujahr!)

  30. Happy New Year to you, Barb, Dave, your family, loved ones and all at Clarity Towers. It's been great sharjng another year with you and I look forward to continuing the journey in 2017 and all the new developments that you have in store for us. Love and hugs, Jeanette xxx

  31. Beautiful card made by a beautiful lady. Wishing you all a very happy new year. May all that is good come your way in 2017.
    Thank you for all your love and support throughout this past year. Despite the sadness that has been around, being part of the Clarity Team has kept me going. My team mates are all such wonderful people and the folks at Clarity Towers are just the best. Here's to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  32. Lovely card! Lovely craft space! My kind of muddle where you can find everything but no one else can! Happy New Year! Enjoy your evening! Looking forward to hearing what they are building at the factory!

  33. Lovely card, I love reading the blog, many times what is written echoes my own thoughts.
    2016 has certainly been an odd year for all the reasons we know. But I have gained a lovely daughter in law and a new granddaughter born 4 days ago, the perfect end to strange year.
    Happy New Year to all, may 2017 be a year of peace and happiness with a great deal of creativity thrown in for good measure. Xx

  34. Another great creation Barbara – and I have ordered the numbers, so they should be waiting for me when I get home. Your New Year's Eve sounds like it will be lovely! Thanks for everything that you have shared with us all in 2016 – hugs to you and Dave, Gilly xx

    1. I would like to wish everyone on the blog, a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Neill and I are staying in this evening, and probably having a Chinese Take Away – love and hugs to you all, Gilly xxx

  35. Happy New Year Barbara and Dave! I don't comment on here very often but I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work this last year, the blogs, the retreat, your thoughtful insights, your creativity has meant so very much to me and inspired me in so many ways. Thank you for the beautiful card. Really looking forward to a Clarity packed 2017. Love Kerrin. X

  36. Wishing you barbara/Dave all you wish for yourself in 2017 sending 2017 wishes to all at clarity towers and all the design team a big crafting 2017 hug sent with love for all you have done on this wonderful blog it's kept me going each day so many wonderful crafting people xxx

    1. I have a verse etched in brass on my door it say (always look to the future there are no regrets in that direction ) some time is hard to do but I do try xxx

    2. Big crafting hugs smiles cuddles I send to all the blog family of friends who meet on her wishing all you wish for yourselves in 2017 a big thank you for your help through 2016 xxx

  37. Happy New Year to you, Dave, all your family, the Clarity team and other Clarity followers. I am spending this evening by myself and hoping 2017 is better than 2016 for everyone.

  38. Beautiful card, Happy New year to you and all your family, the Clarity team, and bloggers. Thank you Barbara for taking the time every day to do your blog and give us inspiration and many wise words. Your blog has helped me through some difficult times in this year and 2015. Hope 2017 is all what everyone is hoping for. xxx

  39. Lovely card Barbara, wishing you, your loved ones, everyone at Clarity Castle and all 'bloggy'friends all good things in 2017! My year has ended more or less the way it's been all year – at hospital all day with my mam whose been kept in suffering a nasty chest infection and dehydration so on IV fluids and antibiotics for the next few days or so….hey ho..onwards and upwards! xxx

  40. It's almost time to put the lid on 2016 and open up the box of delights that will be 2017. There are so many nice comments on this blog entry, that it's hard to find something new and original to say to you Barbara. So just accept my love and best wishes to yourself, Dave, your real family and your Clarity family, for a fantastic year to come. Thank you for all your thought provoking words during this year. I know you will be equally inspiring during 2017 because it's a gift that you have been given to make the crafting world a better place. Love to all the Clarity disciples too. You are a great crowd who give so much to so many, so thank you all. Have a happy, healthy and crafty 2017 everyone xxxxx

  41. Awe The Best ti you and your family Barbara just making some cheese and pickled onions oan sticks and other wee Granny New Year favourites [aye the auld nibbles are the best] here on my own but not for long they will be with me long before the bells as we say up here.
    Awe the best ti you and yours with every wish for you Dave and yir family and Clarity to yi might need ti read the rest wi a we Scottish accent but here goes …wi Love ..Dot..xx

    When the winter winds are blawin'
    And its cauld enough fir snaw
    Yi might jist see a wee robin
    Sitting oan yir Wa'
    He's come awe the way fae ma hoose
    Wi a message jist tae say
    A wish yi health and happiness
    On this wee Hogmany

    Happy New Year all….Love Dot..xx

  42. A beautiful card, Barbara. Love and thanks to you and all the Clarity team for the inspiration you have given us this year. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2017. Mxx

  43. Beautiful card Barbara!
    Happy New Year to you too!
    I shed a little tear today for those I've lost this year but now I have I feel better and in some way it helps me bring closure!
    I look forward now to 2017 and all the new and exciting times I have ahead.
    Lots of love to you and Dave for all the support and help you have given to me! Will love you forever! Xxx

  44. Beautiful card Barbara!
    Happy New Year to you too!
    I shed a little tear today for those I've lost this year but now I have I feel better and in some way it helps me bring closure!
    I look forward now to 2017 and all the new and exciting times I have ahead.
    Lots of love to you and Dave for all the support and help you have given to me! Will love you forever! Xxx

  45. Happy New Year to you and Dave, Barbara – you, Dave, log fire and Jooles: what a combo! Going to be doing pretty much the same, only not with Dave of course! Ha! Only my log fire isn't real, but gives a good effect. We'll be listening to Tony Blackburn on Radio 2 'til 11pm then over to Jooles on the telly. Love the '2017' artwork, drop shadow and all! Looking forward to seeing you in July at the retreat. Xxxx

  46. A guid new year to ane an' a'
    An' mony may ye see,
    An' during a' the years to come,
    O happy may ye be.
    An' may ye ne'er hae cause to mourn,
    To sigh or shed a tear;
    To ane an'a baith great an' sma'
    A hearty guid New year

    Lang may yer lum reek
    xx

  47. Happy New Year, Barbara, to you, Dave, Mark, Grace, and all your lovely family. And to the Clarity family too! It's quite a virtual haven you've made here – no mean achievement. I'm sure 2017 will be a great one for you. K x

  48. What a gorgeous card, something to inspire me for 2017. Don't usually make New Years resolutions but I aim to get to grips with Groovi this year.
    May I wish you and all the Clarity team and all on the blog a happy,healthy and peaceful New Year xx

  49. Hello Barbara, I hope you come back to read this as I couldn't post yesterday as I was laid up in bed for 24hours with a tummy bug. I would like to wish you, Dave, Grace and Mark and their partners, your family and your Clarity family a very Happy New Year. Sorry I am not able to write more at the moment but still laid up. I know you know what I think of you and all things Clarity. xxx

  50. What a great way to send new year wishes with this wonderful Groovi piece Barbara, and I would like to return these by wishing you, Dave and the family, as well as the Clarity family all the best for 2017. x

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