I have been following several needlework and quilting blogs this year.  With the coming of the new year, most are taking stock of their WIPs and setting goals for completing them.  I know I should list my UFOs and WIPs so I have an idea of what I need to do and maybe come up with some kind of order of progress. But maybe not, I might get too discouraged. Reading others' lists of to-dos makes me feel not quite like such a failure. I am good at starting, not so good at finishing. I love to finish - it's a good feeling. Wonder why I can't seem to do it more often. Maybe it's like reading a good book, you want to see how it all turns out but you're kind of sad when you get to the last page because you have to "leave". Make sense? I have next week planned to get into my sewing room to get it organized and cleaned up, then see what projects need to be finished. Maybe start with the ones that are closest to being completed...  I think my oldest project is one I started while still living in VA (that was over 20 years ago).  Pretty bad.  It's a gift for my sister and only needs the outlining completed.  Maybe a week or so, working on it a bit every day.  Not so hard.  So why do I keep avoiding it?  It's a beautiful project and will look great hanging in her house.  We're not getting any younger......  Last year was the year of no new starts.  This year will be the year of completions.  I have projects in cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, quilting, garment construction (an 1880s sac coat for dh), crochet, knitting.......  And list upon list of new projects I would like to start.  Only one new start this year and that is a sampler I have had my eye on since 2010.  I fell in love with it when I saw it in Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly and broke down and bought the supplies for it.  I HAVE to have this one!  lol 

I realized the ACQP will be winding down this year.  Some big events happening this year - all coming to a wonderful culmination during Arizona's centennial year.  Hard to believe we are finally reaching our goals.  I think I will be a bit sorry to see the project end.  It has been an amazing journey.  I have met some wonderful and talented women with whom it has been a great pleasure to work.  Retirement does indeed open new doors!  :)

I have also been part of an amazing group of women who love quilts.  They are all so willing to share both their knowledge and collections in our quilt study meetings.  I am making an effort to attend more meetings this year.  I am also working on encouraging a girlfriend to attend with me.  She does day care and her weekends are mostly taken up with family, but she has expressed a desire to do some things "just for herself".  Don't we all need some of that?  I hope she will be able to be my "quilt buddy".