The tree is shedding, one is starting to get nervous about the bills coming in, the pants are tight, the sense is that there’s a whole new year looming ahead, but we have to remember what it really represents. It represents a period of hope, of renewal, of ending something old. 2009 was a disgusting year for all of us, I think , but here’s to the hope that 2010 will bring us a little more positive energy, health, love, etc, etc.
So sweep up the Christmas tree debris, pack away the balls and get ready to start a great new year!
#1 by m elissa lee on December 30, 2009 - 3:45 pm
Dear Vicente,
Your year has been a hard one for you and you look ahead with hope and some fear, but with the feeling that perhaps some old energy has been cleared and a creative opening is happening!!!! I wish you much love and work that is of the soul……..
xxoo
Melissa Lee
#2 by Love Where You Live on December 30, 2009 - 5:07 pm
This past year has been a tough one for all of us. No doubt. However, as a result of 2009, I enter 2010 with more awareness, appreciation and humbled sincerity. Since I feel like I’m a little bit smarter, I can’t say last year was a loss. For you, I wish glorious things for the new year! Cheers, -susan
#3 by Gary Nelling on December 30, 2009 - 5:45 pm
Vicente and everyone,
It certainly has been a difficult year. The design professions are the first to lose work in a recession and the last to regain it. But who would have thought a year ago at this time that we would be this far along in a recovery by now? I was relieved to read that many of you are beginning to work again and that layoffs around the country are ending.
A year ago at Christmas time I revised some lyrics to a song of mine called “Sad Sad Year” that I wrote during the recession of 2000-02. It’s about the renewal and promise of better days that happens in the Christmas-New Years holiday season and it seems just as relevant today, so I included the first and last verse and ending turn-around below:
It’s been a sad, sad year. About a third of my retirement’s gone.
It’s been a wet, wet year. I didn’t have to water my lawn.
A friend got so sick, he nearly bought the farm, but
Every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
Every year at Christmas, a little hope is born. Now you can
Light your Menorah candles or the lights on your Christmas tree.
You can read a verse from the Koran, or watch the NFL on TV.
Even if you sit in a bar with a drink, you don’t have to be alone. Because every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
Every year at Christmas a little hope is born.
You may have been raised in a high-rise, or raised in a barn, but
Every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
You may eat corn-fed beef, or merely eat the corn, but
Every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
You may care very deeply, or frankly Scarlett, you may not give a darn, but every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
You may follow function or you may follow form, but
Every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
Every year at Christmas, child, a little hope is born.
Every year at Christmas, child……
A little hope is born.
Happy New Year everyone! And keep your holiday spirits up!
Gary
#4 by Karena on December 31, 2009 - 2:03 pm
Everyone I have talked to is looking forward to a better year in 2010! All the best Vicente….Karena
#5 by Splendid Willow on January 1, 2010 - 9:08 pm
Wonderful Vicente, 2010 is going to be fantastic – I can feel it!
You are the most talanted and generous designer I have ever come across. (And when I am in need of real useful design advice – your blog is the first I look up). I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in 2010! But I also hope that this forum gives back to you as much as you give to us. You deserve only the very best.
Much fondness, Monika
#6 by todd haley on January 3, 2010 - 10:52 am
your new book will be out in 2010 – correct ?
#7 by Paula Grace on January 3, 2010 - 5:18 pm
Happy New Year Vicente! My pants are tight too. Time to hit the gym again. I hope this year brings new heights. I am looking forward to reading your blog in 2010.
Paula Grace
#8 by Marija on January 3, 2010 - 9:56 pm
I am a long time fan and of all the inspiring and helpful posts and images of your I’ve enjoyed, I must admit that this simple one made me take action (and actually comment!). The tree came down, I am heading to the gym and I am re-focusing on my work! In whatever form that takes on this year! Happy New Year.
#9 by Robert Goldsworthy on January 4, 2010 - 12:33 pm
Hello Vicente!
I identify with your feelings completely.
As the excitement, anticipation and frenetic energy of the holiday season begins to fade, it often feels like the “magic” that fills the air at this time of year releases itself, and us…back to our “everyday” life and the uncertainty that is often prevalent.
I feel that 2010 will be a year to follow our dreams…being truly authentic to our passion, vision and self. We need to focus on this new decade as a time of light, hope and optimism.
I wish you, and everyone a year filled with peace, joy and success!
Robert Goldsworthy
#10 by Valerie Wills on January 5, 2010 - 1:30 pm
I was feeling a little down yesterday, I swept away the Christmas tree pine needles and packed away the decorations…. (reminded me of WD Auden’s poem “sweep away the woods and dismantle the sun, for nothing now can come to good”). I currently have one client but hey it’s better than none!!!!! Then I read your post and am dusting myself off and preparing for a much better 2010. All the very best to everyone out there… especially fellow designers. Here’s looking to a positive New Year.