Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A New Year, A New Goal



From Avente Tile's Winter pinboard. Image via  Izabela Reimers.

As I get older, I'm amazed at how quickly time seems to pass. For the most part, I've always been the type of person to say “Now is not the time,” or, “Let me get this done, and then I’ll figure out what to do.” Well, friends, now is always the right time to answer the door when opportunity knocks, especially if that opportunity leads to other things. However, in the wake of the recent tragedy in Connecticut, and the heartbreak and confusion that continues to this day, I am more determined than ever to make the most of each moment, especially when it comes to my boys.

In this day of handheld electronic devices, like most working parents, I'm guilty of texting, checking email, or making and returning calls while in the presence of my boys. Unfortunately, it took a devastating event for me to realize work-related phone calls, emails, and texts could and should wait. I have hugged and kissed my kids more than ever since December 14, and have relished the time I spend with them more so than usual. I’m lucky. There are parents all over our world who are not so lucky. As cliché as it may sound, I have taken count of my blessings: their names are Gregory and Christopher. In the wake of this, and other horrific events around the world, we must make changes with the future generation in mind. Otherwise, no lesson will have been learned, and the mistakes we have made with our inaction are sure to repeat themselves. 

And now, let's move forward.

As many of you know, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2013, Emerald, was announced recently. Depending on who you ask, people either love it, or are disappointed by the choice. Both Bill of Avente Tile, and I like the choice so much that we dedicated a Pinterest board to it: Color of the Year: Emerald. Not only does the board include a variety of emerald-toned objects and settings, but it also includes thematic and intricately patterned cement and ceramic tiles.


Avente's Pinterest pinboard celebrating Pantone's Color of the Year, Emerald.
Avente's Pinterest pinboard celebrating Pantone's Color of the Year, Emerald.

During our daily interactions, we discussed including pinboards in each Avente Tile enewsletter, Avente Tile Talk. Of course, as a Pinterest-addict myself, I can’t wait to see what new boards and concepts we come up with! Have you seen Avente’s pinboards? If you haven’t, then you’re really missing out on some serious eye candy! Here are some great examples of how tile, the color of the year, and design go hand-in-hand!

Geometric Geo 10 Handmade Cement Tile
Geometric Geo 10 Handmade Cement Tile

Portuguese Braganza Green Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile
Portuguese Braganza Green Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile

Textured Circular Handmade Cement Tile
Textured Circular Handmade Cement Tile

Traditional Handmade Constanza Cement Tile
Traditional Constanza Handmade Cement Tile

That being said, I wish nothing but happiness, health, and wisdom to all of you for 2013! May your dreams be achieved, may your home always be warm and comforting, and may you always be embraced by the love of family and friends. 

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