Day 31: 1/31/07
I am very little inclined on any occasion to say anything unless I hope to produce some good by it.-Abraham Lincoln
I have to agree with Abe. And it is something I am constantly trying to improve in myself. It is soooo easy to say something that produces no good, especially when you are in a conversation with a group of people who are bashing or criticizing someone else. I can too quickly just jump in and add my two cents. But the feelings of guilt I feel afterwards are really not worth it. It doesn't cost any money or time to say something nice instead of something mean. Most people hear enough negative talk during the day without me adding to it. And I would like to be remembered as the one person who said something nice to them that day. It might just be the one bright spot in their otherwise awful day. I must keep at it, because God knows I'm far from perfect.....I just keep plugging away.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Got mess?
One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.-A. A. Milne
I heard yesterday that January is organization month. Wish someone would have told me a little closer to the beginning of the month! The report said that someone with a messy desk is 36% more productive than someone who is exceptionally tidy.
Beyond your desk, what's your style? Messy? Organized? Organized piles of mess? (This might be a good one to document with photos.)
Well, I just posted some pics of my scrapbook room and I have to say I love organization. I hate having to look for something and not being able to find it. I take the time to go through my sb supplies from time to time to see what I have. When you have so much stuff, it is easy to forget so I try to refresh myself. David bought me a labeler several Christmases ago and I tend to label everything I can. My spice rack is on a stair-step thing in the cabinet, but all the spice names are on the middle of the bottles. I labeled around all the lids so I could see them when I open the door without moving them. I labeled my upstairs linen closet with sheet sizes, pillowcase sizes, blanket and mattress pad sizes. I guess I can get a little obsessive sometimes, but what the heck, I enjoy it!
These are just some of the "organization" books that I own!
One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.-A. A. Milne
I heard yesterday that January is organization month. Wish someone would have told me a little closer to the beginning of the month! The report said that someone with a messy desk is 36% more productive than someone who is exceptionally tidy.
Beyond your desk, what's your style? Messy? Organized? Organized piles of mess? (This might be a good one to document with photos.)
Well, I just posted some pics of my scrapbook room and I have to say I love organization. I hate having to look for something and not being able to find it. I take the time to go through my sb supplies from time to time to see what I have. When you have so much stuff, it is easy to forget so I try to refresh myself. David bought me a labeler several Christmases ago and I tend to label everything I can. My spice rack is on a stair-step thing in the cabinet, but all the spice names are on the middle of the bottles. I labeled around all the lids so I could see them when I open the door without moving them. I labeled my upstairs linen closet with sheet sizes, pillowcase sizes, blanket and mattress pad sizes. I guess I can get a little obsessive sometimes, but what the heck, I enjoy it!
These are just some of the "organization" books that I own!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
"Food Thoughts" turned into something else....
Food for Thought
Around my house, Sundays are a big food day. I love to cook and having a whole day to work on a meal is a real treat for me. I know a lot of us maybe have resolutions to trim our waistlines or watch our calories... so fess up and tell me about your relationship with food!
The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook -- Julia Child.
I have to admit this is the first year in many that my eating habits have not been part of my new year's resolution. Every year I struggle with this, expecting that this time I will somehow get my weight to where I want it and stay there. But this year, I have tried to let that go. I am not sure if that is a good idea or not, but I am so totally tired of agonizing over everything I eat, beating myself up and feeling depressed when I do not reach my goal. This year I have decided to go with a different goal (which I wrote about earlier) and let the eating thing go for now. I need to go with my "just do it" even when I don't feel like it til the "feel like it" comes. This applies to my household chores, laundry, ironing, scrapbooking and most everything else. Things are going great in this area of my life and there have been some very positive changes. Kendra would be so proud of me that I'm using my "Sidetracked Housewives" cards again and getting so much accomplished. The kids used to dread those things and make fun of me,,,,,,but they actually work for me.
Kitchen island...
Laundry Room...
Dining Room Table...
Scrapbook Room Table....
Scrapbook Room Floor....
If you have viewed my last pictures of the house, you will see that these 5 areas have been greatly improved. I know some of it was due to the holidays, but my scrapbook room definitely was not!
Anyway, my post about food and wandered off into something else, but that really is my point. My focus is in another direction this year and it is working for me!
Around my house, Sundays are a big food day. I love to cook and having a whole day to work on a meal is a real treat for me. I know a lot of us maybe have resolutions to trim our waistlines or watch our calories... so fess up and tell me about your relationship with food!
The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook -- Julia Child.
I have to admit this is the first year in many that my eating habits have not been part of my new year's resolution. Every year I struggle with this, expecting that this time I will somehow get my weight to where I want it and stay there. But this year, I have tried to let that go. I am not sure if that is a good idea or not, but I am so totally tired of agonizing over everything I eat, beating myself up and feeling depressed when I do not reach my goal. This year I have decided to go with a different goal (which I wrote about earlier) and let the eating thing go for now. I need to go with my "just do it" even when I don't feel like it til the "feel like it" comes. This applies to my household chores, laundry, ironing, scrapbooking and most everything else. Things are going great in this area of my life and there have been some very positive changes. Kendra would be so proud of me that I'm using my "Sidetracked Housewives" cards again and getting so much accomplished. The kids used to dread those things and make fun of me,,,,,,but they actually work for me.
Kitchen island...
Laundry Room...
Dining Room Table...
Scrapbook Room Table....
Scrapbook Room Floor....
If you have viewed my last pictures of the house, you will see that these 5 areas have been greatly improved. I know some of it was due to the holidays, but my scrapbook room definitely was not!
Anyway, my post about food and wandered off into something else, but that really is my point. My focus is in another direction this year and it is working for me!
Sad day yesterday!
Went to an all day crop at The Paper Moon in Washington,about a half hour from home,where I spend most of my time scrapping. My favorite store ever! Used to go to the store when they were in their other tiny room and we cropped in the horribly lit tea room next door. Helped them move to their present location down the street, going down one set of stairs and back up the other to the new location. Most of the girlfriends I have in life I have met there.....Karin, Joan, Wendy, Cynthia, Chris, Lisa and it just goes on. I sat with the owner, Cynthia, yesterday and found out that she is closing the store! I'm just devastated, though not surprised. I knew things had been slowing down for her and she had even taken a part-time job elsewhere to make up the difference. But now it's come to the point where it needs to be done. She has tried to sell the store, but no takers.
Now the store is being closed and I'm so sad. It's like a home away from home for me. David always says that I helped build the store because I have spent so much there and a lot of time. She is going to sell off all her stock and all the stuff in the classroom......which is absolutely loaded with stuff. I just can't get beyond the fact that some of these people I will never see again. They all live in one town, but I live further away and don't know how that will work out. I just need to get past this and realize that things change and life will go on. I cried all the way home last night remembering all the good times we all have had together on the long weekend crops....even trips to stay places together and cropped. Hopefully we will all be able to still keep in touch and enjoy this craft that we love so much!
Playing goofy games!
Dinner at the Brick Oven downstairs from The Paper Moon.
I'm in blue....at Brick Oven.
One of the funniest girls I have ever cropped with....
The flag in the background is individual layouts. At a crop a few years ago, we were each given a page with either stars or stripes already on them and told to find a picture that we had with us that would work with a patriotic, Americana or military theme. Something to tie into the pages. It turned out great and mine is the top left corner of the flag. I had a picture of the Smokey Mountains and wrote about America the Beautiful.
Now the store is being closed and I'm so sad. It's like a home away from home for me. David always says that I helped build the store because I have spent so much there and a lot of time. She is going to sell off all her stock and all the stuff in the classroom......which is absolutely loaded with stuff. I just can't get beyond the fact that some of these people I will never see again. They all live in one town, but I live further away and don't know how that will work out. I just need to get past this and realize that things change and life will go on. I cried all the way home last night remembering all the good times we all have had together on the long weekend crops....even trips to stay places together and cropped. Hopefully we will all be able to still keep in touch and enjoy this craft that we love so much!
Playing goofy games!
Dinner at the Brick Oven downstairs from The Paper Moon.
I'm in blue....at Brick Oven.
One of the funniest girls I have ever cropped with....
The flag in the background is individual layouts. At a crop a few years ago, we were each given a page with either stars or stripes already on them and told to find a picture that we had with us that would work with a patriotic, Americana or military theme. Something to tie into the pages. It turned out great and mine is the top left corner of the flag. I had a picture of the Smokey Mountains and wrote about America the Beautiful.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Saturday: The Beholder
In light of a strange experience I had a the doctor's office this week, I thought this wisdom from the fabulous Miss Piggy was just perfect for today. . .
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.”-Miss Piggy
People can be insensitive. I remember a time at work (David and I still refer to it from time to time and laugh) when I was using a knife that was not sharp enough. We have to cut thick plastic straps that band out newspapers and magazines. I kept pulling and pulling on the band with the knife and it finally cut through. But only to pull the knife up to my face right between my eyes and cut myself. It was bleeding but not an extremely deep cut. But it did bruise and leave a permanent scar. One of the guys, that is actually a very good friend of mine, said to me several days later, "well, at least you are married and have someone already"....like I was some kind of freak now that no one would want!!! I could have just punched him. Really if you don't get up close to me and look, you can't even see it. I was just thankful that I did not hit my eye instead of worrying about my looks. All I can say is "You Go, Miss Piggy!"
In light of a strange experience I had a the doctor's office this week, I thought this wisdom from the fabulous Miss Piggy was just perfect for today. . .
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.”-Miss Piggy
People can be insensitive. I remember a time at work (David and I still refer to it from time to time and laugh) when I was using a knife that was not sharp enough. We have to cut thick plastic straps that band out newspapers and magazines. I kept pulling and pulling on the band with the knife and it finally cut through. But only to pull the knife up to my face right between my eyes and cut myself. It was bleeding but not an extremely deep cut. But it did bruise and leave a permanent scar. One of the guys, that is actually a very good friend of mine, said to me several days later, "well, at least you are married and have someone already"....like I was some kind of freak now that no one would want!!! I could have just punched him. Really if you don't get up close to me and look, you can't even see it. I was just thankful that I did not hit my eye instead of worrying about my looks. All I can say is "You Go, Miss Piggy!"
Friday, January 26, 2007
BRING IT ON... with a little help from Dr. Seuss
“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” -- Dr. Seuss
Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss, especially if you have ever had children. My children are now reading him to their children and we refer to his quotes often when we are talking, still. This quote reminds me of a child who is having trouble and trying to sound bold....bolder than he/she really is. I deal with troubles in a different way, though. My faith is what gets me through everything in life. I try to make it my first response to all things that happen. I am an extremely positive person and tend to look on the bright side of things. David and I ran out of gas one night on the way to work (faulty gas gauge on vehicle we learned) and we had to walk to a gas station. He was complaining and I said "well, at least it's not raining and it is a beautiful night out for a walk". He called me Little Miss Sunshine. I'm just not a "bat" kind of person. I don't find that it helps much, but usually only makes the problems worse.....but I still LOVE Dr. Seuss!
“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” -- Dr. Seuss
Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss, especially if you have ever had children. My children are now reading him to their children and we refer to his quotes often when we are talking, still. This quote reminds me of a child who is having trouble and trying to sound bold....bolder than he/she really is. I deal with troubles in a different way, though. My faith is what gets me through everything in life. I try to make it my first response to all things that happen. I am an extremely positive person and tend to look on the bright side of things. David and I ran out of gas one night on the way to work (faulty gas gauge on vehicle we learned) and we had to walk to a gas station. He was complaining and I said "well, at least it's not raining and it is a beautiful night out for a walk". He called me Little Miss Sunshine. I'm just not a "bat" kind of person. I don't find that it helps much, but usually only makes the problems worse.....but I still LOVE Dr. Seuss!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Sound of Silence!
Thursday: Stop to look and listen
I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days during their early adult life. Darkness would make them more appreciative of sight; silence would teach them the joys of sound.
-Helen Keller
Today, be appreciative of sight and enjoy the sound of silence. What do you see and hear?
David and I have often discussed silence. We both work at the same place and are on very loud machinery all night long. Plus, both our children are grown and gone now. So when we come home in the morning, we appreciate the quite more than you can imagine. We live in a small community of about 1,800 just ten minutes outside a much larger one. When we come home after working nights, most of our neighbors are going to work or are already there. We can sit in the house with all the windows open (well not now in January!) and not hear anything but the birds and the leaves in the trees rustling. How very peaceful it is.
About sight, something never to take for granted. Every year we drive through corn and bean fields on the way to work and we never tire of looking at the fields being plowed, the good black dirt, the first signs of a crop springing forth, the growth and finally the harvesting. Everything about it fascinates us every single time. Being on the edge of our small town, we can see beautiful sunsets every night without the obstruction of big buildings or too many street lights. Everywhere I look, I can find something of beauty....I look for it constantly.
And I have to say I had Lasik eye surgery 2 years ago next month, so I only have to wear glasses to read occasionally and it has been a wonderful blessing. My sight means so much to me!!!
I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days during their early adult life. Darkness would make them more appreciative of sight; silence would teach them the joys of sound.
-Helen Keller
Today, be appreciative of sight and enjoy the sound of silence. What do you see and hear?
David and I have often discussed silence. We both work at the same place and are on very loud machinery all night long. Plus, both our children are grown and gone now. So when we come home in the morning, we appreciate the quite more than you can imagine. We live in a small community of about 1,800 just ten minutes outside a much larger one. When we come home after working nights, most of our neighbors are going to work or are already there. We can sit in the house with all the windows open (well not now in January!) and not hear anything but the birds and the leaves in the trees rustling. How very peaceful it is.
About sight, something never to take for granted. Every year we drive through corn and bean fields on the way to work and we never tire of looking at the fields being plowed, the good black dirt, the first signs of a crop springing forth, the growth and finally the harvesting. Everything about it fascinates us every single time. Being on the edge of our small town, we can see beautiful sunsets every night without the obstruction of big buildings or too many street lights. Everywhere I look, I can find something of beauty....I look for it constantly.
And I have to say I had Lasik eye surgery 2 years ago next month, so I only have to wear glasses to read occasionally and it has been a wonderful blessing. My sight means so much to me!!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Mid-week...
This was from Caffeine Activities, prompt #2: name 20 things kids do better than adults.....Here's my list so far:
- Play Ninetndo (or any game system)
- Run
- Learn the computer
- Find joy in a cartoon
- Swing higher
- Giggle
- Touch their toes
- Whine
- Sleep through anything
- Pretend
Well, I'm half way there with my list. Have to try and finish it by next Monday.
- Play Ninetndo (or any game system)
- Run
- Learn the computer
- Find joy in a cartoon
- Swing higher
- Giggle
- Touch their toes
- Whine
- Sleep through anything
- Pretend
Well, I'm half way there with my list. Have to try and finish it by next Monday.
1/22/07 - Monday Ambitions
Good morning! On this Monday morning are you resolving to get back on track? Maybe you were not so good to your resolutions this weekend, maybe you are trying to focus on what lies before you. Today's quote is about pushing your self - and your goals.
"My ambition is not to just be a good fighter, I want to be something special"
-- Sugar Ray Leonard
Something special??? The best??? Ambition??? But compared to who??? I am so not a competitive person, always happy to let the other person win or stand in the spotlight. I am not one to always give in or get used, but I just feel absolutely no need to win all the time. I like to think of being special or the best as compared to myself. Always trying to do better, improve, educate and expand myself compared to where I am now. I love scrapbooking, but am not one to send my stuff in to the magazines because that does not appeal to me. If I can see myself getting better and enjoying what I am doing, what's the point? I love looking at others work for inspiration and glad that others share, but it's not for me. I want to be someone who others think is special as far as how I treat them and people around me, but being the best at everything isn't necessary for me.
Good morning! On this Monday morning are you resolving to get back on track? Maybe you were not so good to your resolutions this weekend, maybe you are trying to focus on what lies before you. Today's quote is about pushing your self - and your goals.
"My ambition is not to just be a good fighter, I want to be something special"
-- Sugar Ray Leonard
Something special??? The best??? Ambition??? But compared to who??? I am so not a competitive person, always happy to let the other person win or stand in the spotlight. I am not one to always give in or get used, but I just feel absolutely no need to win all the time. I like to think of being special or the best as compared to myself. Always trying to do better, improve, educate and expand myself compared to where I am now. I love scrapbooking, but am not one to send my stuff in to the magazines because that does not appeal to me. If I can see myself getting better and enjoying what I am doing, what's the point? I love looking at others work for inspiration and glad that others share, but it's not for me. I want to be someone who others think is special as far as how I treat them and people around me, but being the best at everything isn't necessary for me.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Thank you Barb!
Wow, can you imagine my surprise when I received this in the mail from Barb?!!! I was expecting maybe a homemade card for a package of gum....instead she sent me this gorgeousjournal. I cannot say thanks enough. I went to the Post Office to pick up my mail and got this big package. When I opened it, I was so amazed, that I just sat in my car for a few minutes and looked at it. What a treat this was for my day! I am going to use it to write down all the "Fancy" quotes and my responses. Thanks again, Barb!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Trendy Tuesday #2....
I had to wait for some snow to fall to get my picture.....just happened yesterday. Thought it was going to pass us by but we got lucky. Everything looks so pretty now, even though it's not a lot, only 2-3 inches.I kept taking pictures, but practically had my eyes closed because it was so bright out. Finally went and got my sunglasses, which is really part of my winter wear anyway.
On another note, today was my hair cut appointment. Plus I was going to hang around in town for an hour afterwards because it was also my gyno appointment. Joy (my hairdresser) gets a phone call when she is almost done with me and it's for ME! I never get phone calls....it was David. Dr. O'Neil's office had called, he was sick and they wanted me to reschedule my appointment. Darn...so looking forward to that!!!LOL! Anyway, that saved me running around in town for an hour with nothing to do. Will have to call them tomorrow.
Sunday 1/21/07
You can observe a lot just by watching.
-Yogi Berra
Watch carefully today. What do you see?
I spent the entire day in my scrapbook room cleaning and catching up on episodes of Heroes on the computer. I noticed that the time I waste at commercial time can get a lot accomplished. And the commercials on the websites for NBC are extremely short, but I managed to get the entire room done...........believe me, it was a disaster! I observed how little bitty increments of time can be put to good use.
Observations...
This is my first post for the small group I joined at Caffeine Activities that is using prompts from the book Caffeine for the Creative Mind. I knew the minute I saw this I had to join....anything with the word caffeine or coffee gets me hooked every time. Our post was about things that are not where they belong in our homes. I have to admit I'm pretty much a neat freak (and we do not have children at home any more), so our house stays pretty picked up all the time. Husband and I both pick up usually as soon as something is done with.
Left out my LOST dvds, but in all fairness, I am still watching them.
Left my crappy shoes by the patio door because I was outside in the snow shaking out rugs. Letting them dry....forgot to put them away.
David's Starbucks coffee cup he left sitting on the end table.
A big bow I bought on the "after Christmas sales" that I can use anytime. It is still sitting in the basket on the kitchen island.
Left out my LOST dvds, but in all fairness, I am still watching them.
Left my crappy shoes by the patio door because I was outside in the snow shaking out rugs. Letting them dry....forgot to put them away.
David's Starbucks coffee cup he left sitting on the end table.
A big bow I bought on the "after Christmas sales" that I can use anytime. It is still sitting in the basket on the kitchen island.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Winter Sunshine.....
1/20/07 - Winter Sunshine
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer"
-- Albert Camus
I love the snow of winter.....but I have to admit that's the only thing about it I love. Once snow melts off, traveling to work through the corn fields of Illinois, everything is brown and dark. Mud is everywhere and after about a month of it, it gets depressing. When the snow falls, it is like everything is new with the hope of something more wonderful underneath.
And then spring breaks forth.....
Friday, January 19, 2007
For the quote below:
I can't say I find pleasure in having lots to do and not doing it. I LOVE getting things accomplished, sitting back when it is all finished and appreciating a job well done. I cannot sit around when things need to be done and not do them. I do have my moments when nothings gets done, but I don't enjoy it. Maybe I'm a little too controlling???LOL!
January 19: Deep Thought (for a Friday)
There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.-Andrew Jackson
I originally had a different quote picked out for today, a very serious quote about trusting in yourself to make tough choices. As appropriate as it would have been for today, I needed to be a little less serious.
I often catch myself with tons to do on Friday (the things I put off all week). It's so difficult to get those things done when all I can think about is the end of the day.
Will put my answer to this up later....have to think.....or am I just putting off something else I have to do!!!
Anyway, glad the weekend is coming. My big plans are to grocery shop in the AM when dh and I get off work before heading home. A thorough cleaning of my scrapbook room is scheduled. The rest of the house is spotless, but this room seems to be like a roller coaster- clean/cluttered/clean/cluttered/clean/cluttered- well you get the idea. Want to finish my Christmas Journal, also. I have all the journaling done on scratch paper, but need to finish getting it put together. Plus I have a weekend crop coming up next weekend and need to get things ready to go for that. It lasts Friday night, Saturday 10-10 and Sunday. I have to work Friday night, but am hoping to get off work a little early so I can go home and get a nap before going. Will I get anything done there or just talk??? Who knows. But I know for sure that I will have a good time no matter what.
There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.-Andrew Jackson
I originally had a different quote picked out for today, a very serious quote about trusting in yourself to make tough choices. As appropriate as it would have been for today, I needed to be a little less serious.
I often catch myself with tons to do on Friday (the things I put off all week). It's so difficult to get those things done when all I can think about is the end of the day.
Will put my answer to this up later....have to think.....or am I just putting off something else I have to do!!!
Anyway, glad the weekend is coming. My big plans are to grocery shop in the AM when dh and I get off work before heading home. A thorough cleaning of my scrapbook room is scheduled. The rest of the house is spotless, but this room seems to be like a roller coaster- clean/cluttered/clean/cluttered/clean/cluttered- well you get the idea. Want to finish my Christmas Journal, also. I have all the journaling done on scratch paper, but need to finish getting it put together. Plus I have a weekend crop coming up next weekend and need to get things ready to go for that. It lasts Friday night, Saturday 10-10 and Sunday. I have to work Friday night, but am hoping to get off work a little early so I can go home and get a nap before going. Will I get anything done there or just talk??? Who knows. But I know for sure that I will have a good time no matter what.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Jan. 18, 2007 Take Time To Laugh Today
Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh. --Katherine Hepburn
So - do you remember to laugh? What makes you laugh? Has it helped you through the dark times?
Laughter really is the best medicine,,,,,it is NOT just some silly expression. Never does a day go by without laughter in my life. David can still make me laugh after 17 years of marriage, every single day. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoy life and laughing my way through good times and bad alike. Laughter keeps me alive!
Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh. --Katherine Hepburn
So - do you remember to laugh? What makes you laugh? Has it helped you through the dark times?
Laughter really is the best medicine,,,,,it is NOT just some silly expression. Never does a day go by without laughter in my life. David can still make me laugh after 17 years of marriage, every single day. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoy life and laughing my way through good times and bad alike. Laughter keeps me alive!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Kindness: 1/17/07
Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.-Annie Lennox
How do you define kindness? What can you do to promote kindness between the people you encounter every day? Do you consider yourself a kind person? Where is the line between kind and push-over?
Have I been kind today??? I hope so, as I see so many people in need of a little of it. Once I've done some act of kindness, I see that a lot of people in this world are genuinely surprised that someone would be nice to them. In our world where we are all in a hurry all the time and busy thinking of what "we" want to do next, little kindnesses seem to get left out. It doesn't take a lot to make someone smile or help with something simple. We all feel for others when there is a BIG tragedy like a hurricane or tsunami, but it's the little everyday things we do for and to others that make us a kind person.
Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.-Annie Lennox
How do you define kindness? What can you do to promote kindness between the people you encounter every day? Do you consider yourself a kind person? Where is the line between kind and push-over?
Have I been kind today??? I hope so, as I see so many people in need of a little of it. Once I've done some act of kindness, I see that a lot of people in this world are genuinely surprised that someone would be nice to them. In our world where we are all in a hurry all the time and busy thinking of what "we" want to do next, little kindnesses seem to get left out. It doesn't take a lot to make someone smile or help with something simple. We all feel for others when there is a BIG tragedy like a hurricane or tsunami, but it's the little everyday things we do for and to others that make us a kind person.
Monday, January 15, 2007
1/14/07 - Rest and Relaxation
Aaaahhhh. Sunday. A day for rest, family, quiet (and maybe a little laundry thrown in for good measure). Sundays are sacred at my house - and not only for religious reasons. For me, it is perfect to have a day devoted to your home, husband, and self. That brings me to today's quote:
There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden, or even your bathtub.--Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
What are your relaxation rituals? Do you have any failure proof techniques? Will you allow yourself the time and space to relax?
Yeah, Sunday's are usually my day for "really" relaxing. But it can be done at anytime.....especially after work. Very typical routine,,,,,,fill the tub with HOT water and bubbles that smell great, scented candle going, my spa sound machine set to "ocean", little lights strung around the room that give it a glow, an ice cold glass of water, my bath pillow and a good book (usually craft related so I can get inspired). But reading at any time or anywhere can really relax me without all the extra stuff.
Aaaahhhh. Sunday. A day for rest, family, quiet (and maybe a little laundry thrown in for good measure). Sundays are sacred at my house - and not only for religious reasons. For me, it is perfect to have a day devoted to your home, husband, and self. That brings me to today's quote:
There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden, or even your bathtub.--Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
What are your relaxation rituals? Do you have any failure proof techniques? Will you allow yourself the time and space to relax?
Yeah, Sunday's are usually my day for "really" relaxing. But it can be done at anytime.....especially after work. Very typical routine,,,,,,fill the tub with HOT water and bubbles that smell great, scented candle going, my spa sound machine set to "ocean", little lights strung around the room that give it a glow, an ice cold glass of water, my bath pillow and a good book (usually craft related so I can get inspired). But reading at any time or anywhere can really relax me without all the extra stuff.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
January 13, 2007
If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekingese?
-Dame Edith Sitwell
I won't ever be taller. My hair won't ever (naturally) have no grey again. I will forever be self-conscious about wearing glasses (and, in fact, do not wear the glasses I have) because I'm convinced my ears are situated on my head unevenly. My teeth will always be just a little crooked, and my toes (Yes. My toes.) will always be slightly pudgy no matter how thin I might happen to be.
Although there are plenty of things about my appearance that I cannot ever change--no matter how much I obsess over them--there are plenty of things that are within my control.
How much time do you spend on your appearance? How much additional time do you spend thinking about your appearance? What do you need to work to accept? What can you change? What are your beauty routines and rituals? Think and feel beautifully you today.
Okay, this is something, even at 54, I haven't come to terms with yet. I do wear makeup, sometimes more than others but never tons. One day I'm fine with my looks and at other times I'm not. One day it's fantastic that I'm getting older as far as looks; and then the next day, I'm depressed over how my face looks. What a number we can do on ourselves. As the lines, wrinkles and age spots appear, I sometimes wonder if taking better care of my skin when I was younger would have helped but I will never know. Why I beat myself up about this, I do not understand. I just have to enjoy the good days and not let the bad ones bother me so much. My hair, though, is not an area that bothers me. I do color it, but I've done that for years and years just because I like to. Positive and negative.....they both exist in my body and mind!
If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekingese?
-Dame Edith Sitwell
I won't ever be taller. My hair won't ever (naturally) have no grey again. I will forever be self-conscious about wearing glasses (and, in fact, do not wear the glasses I have) because I'm convinced my ears are situated on my head unevenly. My teeth will always be just a little crooked, and my toes (Yes. My toes.) will always be slightly pudgy no matter how thin I might happen to be.
Although there are plenty of things about my appearance that I cannot ever change--no matter how much I obsess over them--there are plenty of things that are within my control.
How much time do you spend on your appearance? How much additional time do you spend thinking about your appearance? What do you need to work to accept? What can you change? What are your beauty routines and rituals? Think and feel beautifully you today.
Okay, this is something, even at 54, I haven't come to terms with yet. I do wear makeup, sometimes more than others but never tons. One day I'm fine with my looks and at other times I'm not. One day it's fantastic that I'm getting older as far as looks; and then the next day, I'm depressed over how my face looks. What a number we can do on ourselves. As the lines, wrinkles and age spots appear, I sometimes wonder if taking better care of my skin when I was younger would have helped but I will never know. Why I beat myself up about this, I do not understand. I just have to enjoy the good days and not let the bad ones bother me so much. My hair, though, is not an area that bothers me. I do color it, but I've done that for years and years just because I like to. Positive and negative.....they both exist in my body and mind!
Sports Cars?
I'm a Mazda RX-8!
You're sporty, yet practical, and you have a style of your own. You like to have fun, and you like to bring friends along for the ride, but when it comes time for everyday chores, you're willing to do your part.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Friday, January 12, 2007
1/12/07 - Deep work thoughts for a Friday
I want to give you all a peek inside my brain today -
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes." Oscar Wilde
Work work work! Come on people - its Friday! Almost time to celebrate the weekend.
Okay, Oscar and I are different people. My work can be taxing at times, but I can't think of anything out there that would drive me to drink (to that degree anyway). A nice glass of wine once a week or a strawberry martini on a special occasion is about all I can handle. Work is supposed to be a blessing....although some days I really, really have to look for it. But most of the time it's just work and nothing more. To be someone young who didn't have to work for a living is kind of sad, because so much can be learned from working and earning your own way in life.
And maybe I'm taking this a bit too serious.....considering I've got a 3 day weekend that started at 6:30AM today through Monday night at 10PM. So what could be better than that??? Well, shopping in Champaign tomorrow with my 13 year old granddaughter! Birthday is Feb. 2nd and we're taking an early shopping trip because she will be busy the weekend of her big day. So tomorrow will be a great day for me...Hooray!!!
I want to give you all a peek inside my brain today -
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes." Oscar Wilde
Work work work! Come on people - its Friday! Almost time to celebrate the weekend.
Okay, Oscar and I are different people. My work can be taxing at times, but I can't think of anything out there that would drive me to drink (to that degree anyway). A nice glass of wine once a week or a strawberry martini on a special occasion is about all I can handle. Work is supposed to be a blessing....although some days I really, really have to look for it. But most of the time it's just work and nothing more. To be someone young who didn't have to work for a living is kind of sad, because so much can be learned from working and earning your own way in life.
And maybe I'm taking this a bit too serious.....considering I've got a 3 day weekend that started at 6:30AM today through Monday night at 10PM. So what could be better than that??? Well, shopping in Champaign tomorrow with my 13 year old granddaughter! Birthday is Feb. 2nd and we're taking an early shopping trip because she will be busy the weekend of her big day. So tomorrow will be a great day for me...Hooray!!!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.
-Scott Adams
Think about influence today. Who influences you? Is he or she aware of the impact they make on your life? Who do you influence? In what ways?
Life deliberately today by being a positive influence to someone you encounter.
Who influences me??? I believe we are truly influenced by almost every one we meet in life, whether for good or bad. Seeing someone else doing something mean, hateful, lazy or dishonest can be a real reminder or "influence" to do better ourselves. Seeing how "what goes around comes around" really does apply in life for good or bad, can cause us to think twice before making the wrong choice. I've seen too many people I know treat others with disrespect and then see that person's life take a fall. I've had a LOT of good influences in my life, but it's the lives not well lived that remind me to do better with mine.
You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.
-Scott Adams
Think about influence today. Who influences you? Is he or she aware of the impact they make on your life? Who do you influence? In what ways?
Life deliberately today by being a positive influence to someone you encounter.
Who influences me??? I believe we are truly influenced by almost every one we meet in life, whether for good or bad. Seeing someone else doing something mean, hateful, lazy or dishonest can be a real reminder or "influence" to do better ourselves. Seeing how "what goes around comes around" really does apply in life for good or bad, can cause us to think twice before making the wrong choice. I've seen too many people I know treat others with disrespect and then see that person's life take a fall. I've had a LOT of good influences in my life, but it's the lives not well lived that remind me to do better with mine.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Another thought....
January 10, 2007 -- Laugh your head off!
Today is Wednesday, that dreaded middle day. Feeling like you are in a funk? Having a hard time keeping those resolutions? Promises to yourself? Feeling like it is the same old thing every day? I think this quote is the cure. I know some of you might think this quote is depressing - but to me - it is like my life value statement. What about you? Happy Wednesday - LIVE IT!!
Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell and when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough. *** William Saroyan***
It's like someone is reading my mine with these quotes. Or maybe they are all just appropriate for the beginning of the year and that's where my mind is right now. I just had a discussion with someone at work the other day about living life to the fullest. I see so many people complaining about things that don't matter and wasting so much of their time being unhappy, when it's not necessary. Life was not meant for that. It is meant to be lived with joy and enthusasim. You don't get to go back and do this over. All cliches, but "time goes by so fast" and "you can't get it back" and "I can't believe it's January (Feb, March, etc.) already" all tell us to live life to the fullest before it's over. That's what I try to do, being alive in every minute of every single moment of every single day.
Today is Wednesday, that dreaded middle day. Feeling like you are in a funk? Having a hard time keeping those resolutions? Promises to yourself? Feeling like it is the same old thing every day? I think this quote is the cure. I know some of you might think this quote is depressing - but to me - it is like my life value statement. What about you? Happy Wednesday - LIVE IT!!
Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell and when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough. *** William Saroyan***
It's like someone is reading my mine with these quotes. Or maybe they are all just appropriate for the beginning of the year and that's where my mind is right now. I just had a discussion with someone at work the other day about living life to the fullest. I see so many people complaining about things that don't matter and wasting so much of their time being unhappy, when it's not necessary. Life was not meant for that. It is meant to be lived with joy and enthusasim. You don't get to go back and do this over. All cliches, but "time goes by so fast" and "you can't get it back" and "I can't believe it's January (Feb, March, etc.) already" all tell us to live life to the fullest before it's over. That's what I try to do, being alive in every minute of every single moment of every single day.
Trendy Tuesday #1....
Here's my Trendy Tuesday post....this was a lot of fun. I'm hoping to get a sb page done by this weekend. Will post it with this.
With no further ado, Trendy Tuesday # 1:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A
Aphrodisiac. What turns you on?
Walking into Starbucks.
B
BFF. Who’s your best friend?
Kendra, my daughter.
C
Celeb. Favorite? Most annoying?
Fav:Mark Wahlberg MA: Paris
D
Drink. What’s your poison?
Water & Coffee.
E
Everyday essentials. What do you use everyday?
Vitamins.
F
Fav. color. What’s your signature color?
Blue, blue, everywhere I look.
G
Groove. What music are you enjoying today?
Chris Tomlin, Janis Joplin & Michael Buble`
H
Hot! Who’s hot? Who’s not?
Hot:John BonJovi Not:Mick Jaggger (ick!)
I
Indulgence. Dish about your guilty pleasure.
Sour Cream & Butter
J
{dream} Job. What would you do?
Food critic who traveled around the world.
K
Kitchen Companion. Most used item in your kitchen?
Blue Kitchenaid Mixer
L
Life is incomplete without. . . ?
God.
M
Mc. . . What would you “Mc”?
McDark Chocolate
N
Natural or dyed?
Dyed, naturally!
O
Outrageous Outfit. What’s hiding your closet that you’re dying to wear?
Christmas sweater in a size medium!!!
P
Pet Peeve. What makes you absolutely crazy?
Anyone touching my hair (except the beautician).
Q
Quote. Share some inspiration.
"Coffee: water with an attitude!"
R
Restaurant you give rave reviews
Central Station, Bloomington, IL.
S
Starbucks order.
Venti Mocha with an extra shot and 3 Splenda.
T
Television. What keeps you glued to the couch?
LOST! (with Jack & Sawyer)
U
Ultimate Vacation Destination
Paris, the City of Lights.
V
Virtual Babe Name. What’s your online ID?
Chimi93 (granddaughter's nickname and year of her birth).
W
Wonder Woman. What woman leaves you in awe?
Joyce Meyer
X
eX - _______soda drinker.________
Y
Youth in a bottle. What keeps you feeling young at heart?
My girlfriends at The Paper Moon Scrapbook Store in Washington, IL.
Z
Zodiac sign
Gemini....and it's so me, no it's not, yes it is!!!
Monday, January 8, 2007
Creativity!
Day 8: Source of our Creative Spark
And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see -- or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.
-- Alice Walker
My mother is very creative - she notices details and tries to make things special... what about yours? Is this on point? Couldn't be farther from the truth? Take a few minutes today and think about where your creative spark comes from.
There were the Christmases that mom always made homemade candles using cardboard milk cartons. She would make them a beautiful color with crayons, whip up some clear wax (which turned white with the whipping) with an old hand mixer and apply the wax to the candle, sometimes sprinkling with glitter. I still remember these, even though it was over 45 years ago when she did them. I got a Tammy doll one year for Christmas (a little bigger than Barbie) and all the clothes that were with it in the box were handmade by my mom. She made a suit, coat, jumper/blouse, evening gown and wedding gown. The little blue jumper is what Tammy came in. I still have this and it's a treasure!
I never really gave any thought to where my creativity came from....being adopted some things I just don't think about. But I am seeing that creativity can be something not just born in you, but also given as a gift from someone else who inspires you. Thanks, Mom!
And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see -- or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.
-- Alice Walker
My mother is very creative - she notices details and tries to make things special... what about yours? Is this on point? Couldn't be farther from the truth? Take a few minutes today and think about where your creative spark comes from.
There were the Christmases that mom always made homemade candles using cardboard milk cartons. She would make them a beautiful color with crayons, whip up some clear wax (which turned white with the whipping) with an old hand mixer and apply the wax to the candle, sometimes sprinkling with glitter. I still remember these, even though it was over 45 years ago when she did them. I got a Tammy doll one year for Christmas (a little bigger than Barbie) and all the clothes that were with it in the box were handmade by my mom. She made a suit, coat, jumper/blouse, evening gown and wedding gown. The little blue jumper is what Tammy came in. I still have this and it's a treasure!
I never really gave any thought to where my creativity came from....being adopted some things I just don't think about. But I am seeing that creativity can be something not just born in you, but also given as a gift from someone else who inspires you. Thanks, Mom!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Day 7: 1.7.07 (Sunday)
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday seems like a good day to think about "spare moments." After all, isn't it supposed to be a day filled with them? When I started to think about my "spare moments," I realized two things. One, I waste a lot of moments just sitting on the couch or staring at the computer. Two, the "spare moments" that I use are some of my favorite times of the day--the times when there isn't anything planned and life just kind of happens.
What role do "spare moments" spend in your life?
Spare moments....Along with my deciding to do something I don't feel like it until I feel like, comes spare moments. How this all ties together for me. Sunday is the perfect day for this to me because I have a tendency to waste my Sunday's unless I have specific plans. I spent the day resetting up my "Sidetracked Housewives" cards. I started this system years and years ago and have used it great up until the last few years. Some things happened that interrupted my routine and I never got back on track. I soooo love organization. I am hoping this will help me with those spare moments. All those little 10 minute tasks that I can use my "spare moments" to get done will truly make me feel much better. I don't want life to just slip away from me, idly flipping channels on the TV or surfing from one website to another. Accomplishment is important to me, whether it be housework, craft time or spending quality time with my family. I LIKE routines and not wasting my time with nothing.
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday seems like a good day to think about "spare moments." After all, isn't it supposed to be a day filled with them? When I started to think about my "spare moments," I realized two things. One, I waste a lot of moments just sitting on the couch or staring at the computer. Two, the "spare moments" that I use are some of my favorite times of the day--the times when there isn't anything planned and life just kind of happens.
What role do "spare moments" spend in your life?
Spare moments....Along with my deciding to do something I don't feel like it until I feel like, comes spare moments. How this all ties together for me. Sunday is the perfect day for this to me because I have a tendency to waste my Sunday's unless I have specific plans. I spent the day resetting up my "Sidetracked Housewives" cards. I started this system years and years ago and have used it great up until the last few years. Some things happened that interrupted my routine and I never got back on track. I soooo love organization. I am hoping this will help me with those spare moments. All those little 10 minute tasks that I can use my "spare moments" to get done will truly make me feel much better. I don't want life to just slip away from me, idly flipping channels on the TV or surfing from one website to another. Accomplishment is important to me, whether it be housework, craft time or spending quality time with my family. I LIKE routines and not wasting my time with nothing.
Day 6: Making a Decision?
For me, making decisions in general, are hard. I tend to overthink or in the alternative, plunge right in - never a happy medium. I guess that is why today's quote hit home.
"In any moment of making a decision the best thing you can do is do the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."
-- Theodore Roosevelt
This isn't an area where I struggle too much. I feel pretty grounded when it comes to making decisions. I know where my strength comes from and am patient enough to know that everything can't be settled or decided on at the exact moment that I want. I have learned that not making a decision can cause things to get worse, so it's better to do something, but not something random. Thought, prayer, wisdom and common sense are very valuable tools.
For me, making decisions in general, are hard. I tend to overthink or in the alternative, plunge right in - never a happy medium. I guess that is why today's quote hit home.
"In any moment of making a decision the best thing you can do is do the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."
-- Theodore Roosevelt
This isn't an area where I struggle too much. I feel pretty grounded when it comes to making decisions. I know where my strength comes from and am patient enough to know that everything can't be settled or decided on at the exact moment that I want. I have learned that not making a decision can cause things to get worse, so it's better to do something, but not something random. Thought, prayer, wisdom and common sense are very valuable tools.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Ali's newsletter AEzine said to ponder and come up with a word that would be you word for the year, to look back on, reflect on and live in your life. After thinking and even a prayer or two, my word is:
surrender:
In Christianity, Christ is the head of the believer. The main principles of 'surrender' to the Christian are:
1) Dying to Self, or the "emptying of self" to allow Christ to live through the believer.
2)The second issue of surrender in Christianity is allowing Christ to "take our place" through us, in other words, the emptying of self so that He may live through us.
Another doctrinal principle central to the Christian Concept of Surrender which is also in line with the other two, and often expounded more is the concept of surrender to God's Will. Surrendering to God's will entails both the "surrender of our will to His", in which His plan prevails over man's and the adversary, and secondarily to the surrender of our will for our individual lives to "His will for our personal lives." This is done through the emptying or dying of self, the "putting self aside" and all the wishes, desires, possessions, relationships and plans we have for ourselves in favor of His, trusting divine wisdom, instead of our own, accepting His destiny for us instead of our own.
Okay, if you are not religious, this may be a little much for you. But for me, it is going to give me a lot to think about in the coming year. My road of faith is ever growing and I am finding that the more I surrender to God's will, the happier I am and the better my life keeps getting. I'm 54 and I just realized, or was given the wisdom to see, that we were made to worship. Where has this information been all my life? It has turned my life around in so many ways. I want to put God first in everything in my life, and that means not just the "big stuff" or the Sunday religious stuff, but the everyday things.....cleaning, cooking, working, scrapbooking, talking to others kindly, shopping......just everything. So surrendering to His will is going to be something I am going to be thinking and doing a lot this coming year. He's leading me down this path and I must go!
surrender:
In Christianity, Christ is the head of the believer. The main principles of 'surrender' to the Christian are:
1) Dying to Self, or the "emptying of self" to allow Christ to live through the believer.
2)The second issue of surrender in Christianity is allowing Christ to "take our place" through us, in other words, the emptying of self so that He may live through us.
Another doctrinal principle central to the Christian Concept of Surrender which is also in line with the other two, and often expounded more is the concept of surrender to God's Will. Surrendering to God's will entails both the "surrender of our will to His", in which His plan prevails over man's and the adversary, and secondarily to the surrender of our will for our individual lives to "His will for our personal lives." This is done through the emptying or dying of self, the "putting self aside" and all the wishes, desires, possessions, relationships and plans we have for ourselves in favor of His, trusting divine wisdom, instead of our own, accepting His destiny for us instead of our own.
Okay, if you are not religious, this may be a little much for you. But for me, it is going to give me a lot to think about in the coming year. My road of faith is ever growing and I am finding that the more I surrender to God's will, the happier I am and the better my life keeps getting. I'm 54 and I just realized, or was given the wisdom to see, that we were made to worship. Where has this information been all my life? It has turned my life around in so many ways. I want to put God first in everything in my life, and that means not just the "big stuff" or the Sunday religious stuff, but the everyday things.....cleaning, cooking, working, scrapbooking, talking to others kindly, shopping......just everything. So surrendering to His will is going to be something I am going to be thinking and doing a lot this coming year. He's leading me down this path and I must go!
Friday, January 5, 2007
Reflecting....
Since the 24th's Artistic Challenge was to use my own handwriting, I printed my "loves of Christmas" on the computer. I have handwritten my entire journal, so I thought I would take the opposite approach to this one. As you can see, I love everything about the season. For me to list them all, I would have had to have a much bigger book than what I am creating. But one of my favorite things is to sit in front of the lit tree in the dark and reflect. Also doesn't hurt to have a wonderful smelling cup of coffee!I'm hoping to get out shopping a little tomorrow. I've got a $30 gift card at Gordman's and a $40 one at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Plus I've got my 20% off coupon at the latter so I can get a little more for my money. Should be a good day! Well, I'm off to get ready for work soon and then my weekend can start at 6:30AM. Of course, there will be a stop at Starbucks on the way home!!!
It's not what you look at....
Day 5:
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
-Henry David Thoreau
Take some time today to notice the details. Look at the simple things in your day and see the fancy. You might be amazed at what you notice.
And I did just that....took some time to look around (with camera in hand). The picture of my wedding ring: a simple band of gold, nothing fancy, no diamonds or scroll work, just a band of gold. Oh, but is it? Almost 17 years later and we are both still happy and so completely comfortable with each other. We work together and live together both and wouldn't have it any other way.
Then there is the soldier bear. My father and David's father both big civil war nuts. Bought this for David's dad one Christmas, but he got another, so I kept it. My father had passed and this so reminded me of him. Plus the letters in the bag in the background really put the icing on the cake as my father was a mail carrier for most of his life. Every time I look at this I think of him and miss him.
The picture of my Grandmother and Mom holding my first born, who is now 32. My Grandmother has been gone now 16 years and my Mom, almost 2. My cousin gave me this photo for Christmas and it brings back so many memories.
And lastly, there is the little piece of Ferrero Rocher chocolate sitting on my nightstand. My sweet, dear 3 year old granddaughter gave me 3 of these for Christmas. But the story behind them was.....she was extremely pumped for the big day of the 25th (imagine that) and kept talking about all the presents she was going to get. My daughter decided that she needed to know that it was more about just getting stuff. So she took her shopping with a list of people she wanted to buy for. Kendra let Autumn pick out gifts herself and explained that it was just as much fun to give to others as it was to get. How very proud this made me of my daughter!!!
Alone, none of these pictures would be anything special to anyone, in fact they would probably wonder why bother taking a photograph of these things. But when I look at each one of them, I see the specialness in each. Memories tied to simple things are the best......no diamond or castle or dollars could replace what I see when I look at the "simple" things in my life.
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
-Henry David Thoreau
Take some time today to notice the details. Look at the simple things in your day and see the fancy. You might be amazed at what you notice.
And I did just that....took some time to look around (with camera in hand). The picture of my wedding ring: a simple band of gold, nothing fancy, no diamonds or scroll work, just a band of gold. Oh, but is it? Almost 17 years later and we are both still happy and so completely comfortable with each other. We work together and live together both and wouldn't have it any other way.
Then there is the soldier bear. My father and David's father both big civil war nuts. Bought this for David's dad one Christmas, but he got another, so I kept it. My father had passed and this so reminded me of him. Plus the letters in the bag in the background really put the icing on the cake as my father was a mail carrier for most of his life. Every time I look at this I think of him and miss him.
The picture of my Grandmother and Mom holding my first born, who is now 32. My Grandmother has been gone now 16 years and my Mom, almost 2. My cousin gave me this photo for Christmas and it brings back so many memories.
And lastly, there is the little piece of Ferrero Rocher chocolate sitting on my nightstand. My sweet, dear 3 year old granddaughter gave me 3 of these for Christmas. But the story behind them was.....she was extremely pumped for the big day of the 25th (imagine that) and kept talking about all the presents she was going to get. My daughter decided that she needed to know that it was more about just getting stuff. So she took her shopping with a list of people she wanted to buy for. Kendra let Autumn pick out gifts herself and explained that it was just as much fun to give to others as it was to get. How very proud this made me of my daughter!!!
Alone, none of these pictures would be anything special to anyone, in fact they would probably wonder why bother taking a photograph of these things. But when I look at each one of them, I see the specialness in each. Memories tied to simple things are the best......no diamond or castle or dollars could replace what I see when I look at the "simple" things in my life.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Thinking...thinking
"It's not what I do, but the way I do it. It's not what I say, but the way I say it".
-- Mae West
I love this quote because it touches on, to me, the little things that make us stand out. What causes our sparkle? Our special insights? Our hidden talents? How do we break out and have the confidence to be a little different, a little more than we have been before? I am excited to see the direction that you guys take this one. Keep up the good work!
I looked at this from a scrapbooking standpoint. There are thousands.....I like to think millions....of people who scrapbook. A lot of times I will see a layout I absolutely love and want to copy exactly. I will even go so far as buying the same products. Then I start putting it together and something happens. I've been scrappin' for over 10 years and I bet I've only got 1-2 layouts that match exactly to something I have scrap-lifted. How do I go from a "formula" that I can see and dissect to something that turns out completely different? It is my uniqueness, the thing that makes me different from everyone else, my style, ME! We are all the same and yet all so very unique.
Now to my Christmas Journal for day 23....stockings. I put my journaling inside the pocket I made with the picture (you can see the little word "pull" at the top. We don't do stockings anymore since the kids are grown and gone. Kendra has her and Aaron's that my mom crocheted...hers has a snowman and Aarons an elf. She uses them for her girls. David has his from childhood that his mother made. When we got married 17 years ago, Mary also made me one just like Davids. It is gorgeous! Now we just put up these wooden stockings to make the fireplace look like it's ready for Santa.
-- Mae West
I love this quote because it touches on, to me, the little things that make us stand out. What causes our sparkle? Our special insights? Our hidden talents? How do we break out and have the confidence to be a little different, a little more than we have been before? I am excited to see the direction that you guys take this one. Keep up the good work!
I looked at this from a scrapbooking standpoint. There are thousands.....I like to think millions....of people who scrapbook. A lot of times I will see a layout I absolutely love and want to copy exactly. I will even go so far as buying the same products. Then I start putting it together and something happens. I've been scrappin' for over 10 years and I bet I've only got 1-2 layouts that match exactly to something I have scrap-lifted. How do I go from a "formula" that I can see and dissect to something that turns out completely different? It is my uniqueness, the thing that makes me different from everyone else, my style, ME! We are all the same and yet all so very unique.
Now to my Christmas Journal for day 23....stockings. I put my journaling inside the pocket I made with the picture (you can see the little word "pull" at the top. We don't do stockings anymore since the kids are grown and gone. Kendra has her and Aaron's that my mom crocheted...hers has a snowman and Aarons an elf. She uses them for her girls. David has his from childhood that his mother made. When we got married 17 years ago, Mary also made me one just like Davids. It is gorgeous! Now we just put up these wooden stockings to make the fireplace look like it's ready for Santa.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Christmas Journal
These photos of home were taken on the 21....which was nice because there was no mess. Everything was done. This has been so much fun, documenting our Christmas. I know I will enjoy looking back at this in the years to come and being glad I wrote all of these little things down.There isn't much left on the list.....and what there was, we did today. Happy to be caught up....now if I could just have kept up on my journal!!!
Back to work after long weekend...
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
-Walt Disney
I am a master dreamer, schemer, plan-maker (what ever you want to call it). I can talk and talk and talk and talk about the things I want to do or might do. But, something always seems to get in the way.
What do you anticipate might hold you back from your goals in 2007? What are your "roadblocks" and how will you over-come them?
I, too, am a master dreamer, schemer, plan-maker and list maker. I love all the planning, writing it down, figuring it out, making charts....but then comes the doing! It's like with vacation, I enjoy the packing list, finding info on the area we are going to, packing everything up almost as much as going on vacation! What will hold me back from my goals this year??? My biggest road block is moving from the list making phase and applying the enjoyment I feel with that to the actual doing phase. Just as in the last two days, I need to go ahead and do it whether or not I feel like it....the feelings will come. I WILL see things thru to completion no matter how I feel. I have way too many projects half done or almost done, but not quite. I don't enjoy this about myself and am setting a goal to finish what I start. As Nike says....."Just Do It".
-Walt Disney
I am a master dreamer, schemer, plan-maker (what ever you want to call it). I can talk and talk and talk and talk about the things I want to do or might do. But, something always seems to get in the way.
What do you anticipate might hold you back from your goals in 2007? What are your "roadblocks" and how will you over-come them?
I, too, am a master dreamer, schemer, plan-maker and list maker. I love all the planning, writing it down, figuring it out, making charts....but then comes the doing! It's like with vacation, I enjoy the packing list, finding info on the area we are going to, packing everything up almost as much as going on vacation! What will hold me back from my goals this year??? My biggest road block is moving from the list making phase and applying the enjoyment I feel with that to the actual doing phase. Just as in the last two days, I need to go ahead and do it whether or not I feel like it....the feelings will come. I WILL see things thru to completion no matter how I feel. I have way too many projects half done or almost done, but not quite. I don't enjoy this about myself and am setting a goal to finish what I start. As Nike says....."Just Do It".
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
A Biker Christmas...Prompt #20
Got another page done. This one is about one of the guys I started working with at the Post Office over 25 years ago. He was not a "biker" then. Didn't get into that until about 2-3 years later. We always exchange Christmas cards and we soooo look forward to them....it used to be just pictures of him and his son. Now every year he has a picture of some kind taken with his bike....but this one is by far the best ever. Love a sense of humor in someone.
You don't need endless time and perfect conditions. Do it now. Do it today. Do it for twenty minutes and watch your heart start beating. -- Barbara Sher
What is getting your heart beating today? What is that thing that you have been waiting on? Will you start - today?
My thoughts to today's quote.....I went around the house and took pictures of some of the things I plan to do this year "even when I don't feel like it". My house stays really clean, except for these trouble areas. And I can't blame my husband (kids are grown and on their own), the mess is entirely mine. I pile stuff on the dining room table and kitchen island. My sb room is the dumping ground for too much stuff. And my ironing needs to stay caught up (even if only 1-2 shirts a day). I also intend to spend 30 minutes every day sbing......30 minutes is not so much, but will accomplish something more than no time at all. And I know that 30 minutes can easily turn into more if I get really involved in the project....or as the quote says "I will watch my heart start beating"!
What is getting your heart beating today? What is that thing that you have been waiting on? Will you start - today?
My thoughts to today's quote.....I went around the house and took pictures of some of the things I plan to do this year "even when I don't feel like it". My house stays really clean, except for these trouble areas. And I can't blame my husband (kids are grown and on their own), the mess is entirely mine. I pile stuff on the dining room table and kitchen island. My sb room is the dumping ground for too much stuff. And my ironing needs to stay caught up (even if only 1-2 shirts a day). I also intend to spend 30 minutes every day sbing......30 minutes is not so much, but will accomplish something more than no time at all. And I know that 30 minutes can easily turn into more if I get really involved in the project....or as the quote says "I will watch my heart start beating"!
Monday, January 1, 2007
A Fancy Word for Simple
I wanted a perfect ending. . . Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.
-Gilda Radner
Today is filled with “delicious ambiguity” as all of 2007 sits in the future. How do you approach a new year? What are your hopes, dreams, and plans for the year? What do you want to leave behind about last year?
At "A Fancy Word for Simple" this was today's quote. I have always loved the idea "nothing is consistant but change". This reminds me of today's quote about the future. I can plan, make resolutions, decide something....but in the end, some things (a lot of things) are out of my control. Life, to me, is more about my responses to the things that take place. It really is my choice how I react to things. More than anything, I want to be positive in the year 2007, responding to the things the way God would want me to. Looking for the good in all situations is how I try to live my life....not always easy....but worth the effort. I'm hoping to work thru the "not feeling like doing something" and doing it anyway. The "feeling like it" will come if I make the effort.
-Gilda Radner
Today is filled with “delicious ambiguity” as all of 2007 sits in the future. How do you approach a new year? What are your hopes, dreams, and plans for the year? What do you want to leave behind about last year?
At "A Fancy Word for Simple" this was today's quote. I have always loved the idea "nothing is consistant but change". This reminds me of today's quote about the future. I can plan, make resolutions, decide something....but in the end, some things (a lot of things) are out of my control. Life, to me, is more about my responses to the things that take place. It really is my choice how I react to things. More than anything, I want to be positive in the year 2007, responding to the things the way God would want me to. Looking for the good in all situations is how I try to live my life....not always easy....but worth the effort. I'm hoping to work thru the "not feeling like doing something" and doing it anyway. The "feeling like it" will come if I make the effort.
Christmas Journal 16-19
Once again using my favorite font to stamp the word "grateful" around the page. I wrote a few of the things around the edges, but the list could go on and on forever, my life is so blessed. There is:
-Kendra's Pecan Pie
-No Traveling During the Holidays
-Aunt Georgia is Still with Us
-Health
-Fantastic Hungarian Cookies from Andy at Work
-All the Mess of Boxes & Paper Left at Kendra's for Bill to Burn
David and Trina always look for some kind of gift to give each other every year that means something to the two of them. This year it was the bird with "hair". And when David gives her the gift, he makes sure to only put his name on the tag, as I don't want to get the blame. It always makes for great stories in Christmas to come.
I added 3 recipes that we had at Christmas Dinner at David's parents (which was actually on New Year's Eve.
This is my Santa Letter page with my Unreasonable Requests inside!
These are pictures of "wishes" that I stuck inside my envelope. I could have kept at this all day, but didn't want to make Santa's sack too heavy with all my requests!LOL!
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