Change–My Goal for the Coming Year

As life continues to venture by for me I am subtlety reminded of the changes that occur.  When I take the time to slow and look, I see that life is forever going on.  Sometimes it even goes on without me, or so it seems.   I guess that is what happens as we enter the later parts of our lives. 

 

I have never found much pleasure in participating in the rat race of day to day events.  Although I have timelines that need to be adhered to and deadlines that have to be monitored I dislike the feeling of going 90 miles a minute just to be sure that I complete all the things on my list. Yes I have been busy these last months, but it has been a different kind of busy.  At times the busy work has even been somewhat enjoyable. 

 

Each year, like many others,  I try to choose a word that could best describe my outlook for the coming year and how I would like to incorporate that action into my day to day life.  Thinking on my word for this year I am not quite sure of my choice.  The word that I continue to come back to somewhat scares me to tell the truth.  However I have learned that it is an action that although it may hold an aurora that can make some grimace, it also can be a positive action as well.

 

The word that I speak of is change.  It is easy to grow content in our little piece of the world.  We shy away from venturing  out and entering into things or places that may not make us feel as comfortable or at home. I think this is something I have done over the last few years and although at times it has been quite enjoyable, it has also hindered me from many things. 

 

Little by little the last couple months I have seen a light that calls to me.  It shines from a place that I would not consider a comfort zone for me, yet it still beckons me to go to it.  I have to say that it does intrigue me and in some ways even excites me.  It would demand that I go into areas that will require some things from me that I may find a bit of a struggle at first yet they are all things I know that I can do and that in the end I would be glad that I did push myself in such a fashion.

 

It is the procrastination that I need to battle the most.  I am one of those who is sometimes easily detoured from a rabbit that may be hopping by.  Honestly I think it is an excuse to focus on something else.  I think this year may be the year that I finally get off my butt, so to speak, and finally do a few of the things that I have been meaning to tackle for many years.  It will most definitely be a change for me, but a good change indeed.   Wish me luck. 

Blessings

A New Year… A New Opportunity

Well the holidays are over and a new year has begun. Time for resolutions to be set and often then not quickly broken.  I have given up on resolutions at this time of the year… It is too much like setting ones self up for failure.  I learned quickly via last year’s occurrences that there are too many things in life that one can not plan for.  Taking one day at a time seems to work best for me at this time in my life.
 

Change comes to all it seems eventually.  Sometimes it is a gradual occurrence that we may not even notice.  Then at other times it is like a wave crashing on top of us.  Causing us to lose our footing and fall flat on our butts.  Either way we experience it. 
 

I am not sure what 2013 will have in store for us all.  It seems that life is only getting more complicated.  There are the looming political issues that are plastered across the TV each day.  Fiscal Cliffs and Financial Landslides.  There are the senseless acts of violence and aggression against so many who are unable to defend themselves.  And lets not forget the lack of concern that man has acquired for this wonderful earth we live on and the great need to take care of it so that we will not eventually destroy  ourselves.  Yes, it all sounds quite dismal when it is put into such a context.  But I still see hope.  I know there are those out there who still do not think in such a way. 
 

I know there are those who despite the complacency we have learned to live with over the years, are not crippled by these things.  There are still those who do not feel that everything needs to be done for us simply because we are entitled.  That pulling ourselves up by our boot straps and fixing ourselves is what life really is.  We understand the great need for attention to this earth and the nurturing and care that is needed to sustain it for those to come.  And the violence that seems to be so rampant and unexplainable.  The mindless acts that seem to keep occurring with no apparent reason of explanation.  I am not sure about this one.  I only think that we need to be there for one another.  To keep an open eye and ear to concerns that may arise.  To listen to the sounds around us and not simply to the little world that so many of us have built up around us and ours so that the ugly world will not intrude.  Although at times it seems the only true defense. 
 

I grew up in a small rural town.  It was simpler times and instead of stagnant afternoons of mindless video games, we spent our time in the fresh air and sunshine.  I know that life is still there.  I mean… there is always sunshine and relatively fresh air outdoors.  Yet it calls for a change.  It calls for a turn in what is the normal day for most. A little extra effort if you please.  I know that one can not change all yet if one becomes many a shift can be felt.  I pray for this year to see that shift.  If only a small one, I pray it comes. 
 

May all of you have a truly wonderful new year, filled with new wonders and experiences that truly bless you.  Remember even the events that may at first seem dismal can turn out to give you blessings in the end.

Each End is a New Beginning

Another year is behind us and once again so many of us are finding ourselves preparing for the coming year. Making resolutions and promises to ourselves.  I swear each year that I will not do such things but alas as always I did last year and like so many years before I did not keep up with such promises as I would have like to have.  No big surprise. 

 Yet I will admit that this last year was a different one for me as for so many others I have spoke with.  I did not tend to my blog as I have in the past and at first this really upset me.  Yet as the year continued I realized that it was something that was not of urgency.  I missed so many of you on a daily occurrence and have tried to get back into the swing of things once more.  And honestly who knows if 2012 will be much different.  I have many things that I would like to give my time to and we will see if they transform as I would like.  If they do my time here may not be as frequent as daily but I do intend to make an effort to make it on a regular basis.  The support and friendship that I have found from so many here in blogland has been something I do not wish to let go of so easily. 

 I recently found out that an old friend of mine followed my blog.  I will be honest and say that it was a surprise to me.  Our beliefs have drifted in different directions as the years have passed.  Her admittance to me that she followed was a welcomed present this Yule.  It gave me hope.  I know that many look at 2012 as a time of uncertain change.  I myself have felt the feeling of it coming.  I do not know exactly what it is.  I am not sure if anyone does to be honest.  I only know that any end is only the start of a new beginning and thus I move forward in a positive stance. 

I am not sure what the next 358 days will hold .  I only know that all things must pass eventually and thus make way for new.  In the coming days I wish you insight, wisdom, and strength to likewise let go of that which is over and embrace that which is new and giving.  Happy New Year.

Quiet Whispers

It is hard to believe that I have been away from here for so long.  Yet as I am sure so many of you know and fully understand life has a way of diverting us to a new direction when we least expect it.

Another year has come and gone and here we are at the dawn of a new one.  I have always been one who does not favor New Year resolutions.  I have found them to be nothing more than a means to see oneself get disappointed with themselves.  I try my best to steer clear of participating in such things.  However I do like to set a few goals or brass rings as I like to think of them, in front of myself to challenge me to evolve and not consistently stay in one place.

I mentioned earlier that I have come to like November 1st as my official new years and I still stand by this.  Yet with all that has transpired as of late any time that I may have had extra to sit and possibly ponder what I would like to evolve in this next year has been few and far between. 

We have had an extremely warm winter thus far and so much of my time has been spent outdoors and much more active than at this time last year.   I have not had the cold to keep me inside with hours to sit and reflect or think forward.  This weekend is the first bitter cold snap to hit us and linger.  I am looking forward to the time spent inside with a warm cup of tea and Winston down at my feet.

I have intentions of writing and doing some cleaning if time permits.  Yet we do all know what happens with most intentions.... As time continues though I can not help but feel it even more urgent to act upon callings that seem to be heard.  It is easy to brush them aside and to give our time and attention to the "usual" happenings of the day.  Yet we all have those moments when we feel that slight tug.  That whisper that calls us to something that is not in our usual repertoire of occurrences.  Too often we ignore that call. 

My wish this January is that you hear that whisper with clarity and also that you have the courage and the inspiration to follow it.  A new adventure is always a joy with a lesson to be learned. 

Surprises, Blessings, and So Much More

It has been a while since I last was here. Yule has come and gone as well as Christmas and the New Year. It seems all like a whirlwind of events to be honest. Yet maternal duties called and of course I answered. I was lucky enough to visit my daughter and grandkids the week before Christmas and spend time with them. We arrived on Yule and I enjoyed celebrating with them. We opened a couple gifts and left the rest for Christmas morning.

We arrived home Christmas Eve. Christmas day both my sons were able to be with us. My oldest came and shared lunch with Vincent and I. Since it was just the three of us, I prepared us each a Cornish hen with dressing and green beans; a simple meal for a quiet simple gathering.

Later in the afternoon my middle son and his fiancé came. They were able to spend the night and join us celebrate a belated Christmas with Vincent’s daughter and her husband.

Here I was going on and on about how my Christmas was going to be quiet with nothing special happening. When all was said and done I was able to be with all my children for the holidays. It was truly a blessing that I had not expected.

Our New Year was spent quietly at home with just Vincent and I. Although that is how we have spent our time the last few years. I will admit that I have grown to enjoy celebrating November 1st as the coming of the New Year. It just seems to feel more natural to me.

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all of you who have sent me emails and comments in regards to my oldest son and his situation. I appreciate so much the kind words, thoughts, and prayers that many of you have shared with me. Continue to remember him. He is my oldest yet to me he will always be my little boy. Yes, I know he is 27 but it is hard to watch your child go through pain no matter how old they may become. He is doing well and is adjusting well despite all that has happened.

Also thank you for your concerns in regards to my absence. I am in the process of getting a new computer system as my other decided to take a break. My middle son was able to take my hard drive home with him and download all my info off so that I did not lose any of my pictures, music, and/or writings. It is so nice to have a computer nerd in the family.

I have been answering much of my emails via my iphone and occasionally I hook my laptop up to the internet. I have enjoyed the break yet will be honest and say that I am ready to get back to writing. I also have missed keeping up with everyone else’s blogs as well. So although I am sure it will take me a while I will slowly catch up with everyone’s events and posts as well as get back to my own. Wishing all of you a very blessed New Year.

New Beginnings

It has been somewhat of a hectic time for me as of late. It seems that so many things have been going on. I am not sure if it is that I am getting older and keeping up with such things is just becoming a bit harder or that I have just really been busy. I like to think it is the second reason. I am hoping that the time to come will bring somewhat of a slower pace for me although I am not sure that that will happen. The holidays always seem to be a somewhat hectic time regardless.

Yet November is here and with it comes the beginning of a new year. (At least for those who follow the Celtic calendar). I have so enjoyed this last year and all the things it has brought my way. It never ceases to amaze me the countless blessings that are constantly occurring if you only take the time to look for them.

Once again I find myself looking at areas of my life that I want to focus on and possibly make changes to or give more time and attention to. Usually I am not too keen on resolutions. Not sure if that is an excuse or a good reason. There are some areas that I feel drawn to work on, although I feel that it may be the fact that my 49th birthday falls this month. I see the days following November 19th to be quite special. They each are a piece of the road that makes up my 50th year of life. Granted I am not too keen on getting older yet the milestone of my 50th birthday is somewhat special. It also pushes me to think on where I have been and where else I would like to go in my life.

Vincent and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend and with it we were told the news that his daughter and her husband are expecting. So a new grandchild will bless our midst next summer. It is always a joy to hear the news of a child to come. It is even more enjoyable when the child is to be part of your family. It will be a while before we know whether it is a boy or a girl yet that does not take anything from the excitement.

I have also been blessed to have won a couple recent giveaways which I am overjoyed about. First was second place in Byrum Art’s giveaway. I love their work and so when I received an email from Sherry telling me I could hardly believe it. The next prize took me totally by surprise. It was the wonderful Salem gift basket from Jaz over at October Farm in Mrs. B’s last giveaway of her 31 days of Halloween event. Her baskets are always so wonderful and her trips to Salem each year are amazing. It is always fun to get goodies in the mail.

The weather has cooled considerably. In fact it is coat weather her with a brisk cool breeze blowing all week. I have work to be done in my yard yet am not sure if I will be able to get it done this week. Time will tell I guess. I am slowly getting back to all the things that need tending. Life calls as it does most of us from time to time and we have to give in and give it the time and attention that it demands. Hoping this Tuesday finds those who visit well and in good spirits.

Blessings

A Blessed New Year to All

She is out in all her glory..... The beautiful full blue moon ..... Blessings to all of you.... May the coming year bring each of you new opportunities to experience the wonder around us.  May good friends surround your always... and may good fortune shine its light on your path as you journey through this coming year.   Enjoy yourselves tonight.... Blessed New Year to all...

One Little Word - with so many possibilities

I can not believe I am posting another post today yet there seems to be much on my mind..... Either that or I just can't keep my mouth shut... either way, Im back again.    In my readings today in blog land I ran across a post on Deep Inside My Broom Closet.  It spoke of choosing for yourself one little word to represent the coming year.  It was one of those things that well, I just could not get out of my mind and continually I kept thinking what my one word would be. 

Many ran through my mind such as: productive, blessed, encouraging and so on... yet none of them exactly jump up at me.... So many things I see in the coming year.... so many "Possibilities" I had found my word.... I see so many things before me.  Opportunities to evolve and grow and move on down the path I have chosen to take.  Whether it be in my relationships, my craft, my writing, whatever there are endless possibilities for me to take advantage of. 

The key is what will I do with all the possiblities before me.  Will I allow them to come and go.... to slip through my fingers and then wonder why they did not evolve into more.  Or will I seize them, grab hold and let them take me where they will.  Will I be willing to put the work and time into them that many of them will require for them to blossom to their full potential.  I am a procrastinator at heart.  Something I am not too proud of yet it is a part of me.... I have never truly tried to overcome this trait.  Maybe 2010 is the year to start. 

I hope that this time next year when I look back again at all the obsticles I have overcome, all the parts of my life which I have grown in and the new ones I have added, I hope that I can truly feel like I took advantage of the possibilities that were placed before me. 

What is your one little word.... think about it... you may be surprised what you are led to realize.... Blessings.

This Is A Good Sign

Goodness,  just a little after 8 am and I am writing my daily post, this truly is a good sign.   Could it be that I am slowly getting back into the groove of my routine?  It seems the last few weeks have been a blurr, racing past at full speed, leaving little time if any to do the things which I normally do on a daily basis, let alone anything new.  I have survived, which in itself is a good thing.  And yes... I even have had a good time if I say so myself.  I have learned that despite some things that may not necessarily be my favorite that if I let go a bit sometimes it is much easier.  Believe it or not I can be somewhat controlling with my environment... Hard to believe isn't it...

I have so many anticipations for the coming year.  In just a couple days  the old year as most see it, will roll past us letting way to 2010.  Although I truly believe in truth my new year started after Samhain, as I felt the change and shift in things start to take place at this time.  Yule likewise brought its continuing feeling of subtle change evolving.  All of which seems to be good.  A fresh feeling is what I see on the horizon and it excites me.

So many new friends have come my way this past 6 months.  When I started this blog in July, I was yearning for people of like minds in my life.  Those who I could be open with and speak my mind freely -  with no worry as to their response.  I have even enjoyed the difference in opinions as it has as it always does, help me to remember there are always 2 sides (usually more).  This acceptance has given me confidence in so many things.  It is such a blessing when one has such friends to surround themselves with. 

This new years transition is quite special in so many ways..... Not only does it bring us a new year, a chance to once again "start over".... It also is the night of the  blue moon, when there are 2 full moon occurrences in one month.  Although this happens on average of every 2 and a half years, it is still a rare occurrence and something to enjoy.  There is also a partial lunar eclipse at this time yet it is not visible to any of us in North America.  I was truly hoping for a clear crisp sky on this evening and still am keeping my fingers crossed yet it appears that the weather man has other plans in store for me.  Hopefully they are as incorrect as they usually are and I will be able to enjoy this site in all its glory.

I can not help but be a bit giddy as time slowly continues on its journey.  I have such a feeling of excitement in me.  I hope that the feelings I feel are an overall vision for all.  It is so time for some good things to happen to so many.  The last year has been a rough patch for many and still in some cases it continues.  I truly hope it was our winter and we are about to enter into a time of spring and new birth.

A few words I leave you with this fine Tuesday morning.... Although I usually do not encourage new year resolutions as I feel that many times we make a list of things that we are destined to fail at, I would like to ask that in the many minutes that make up your day today, that you take a few of them and sit quietly off by yourself.  I know that this is close to impossible sometimes, yet try diligently to acquire the time to do so.  Make it place that is peaceful and your own.  In silence ponder the coming year and a few of the things you would truly like to accomplish, or at least begin to accomplish as many times we are accomplishing feats throughout our lives.  Just choose one or two and make them somewhat simple.  Promise yourself that an honest effort will be given towards this endeavor as you venture forward into 2010.  And to make that wish even stronger..... write your choices on a small piece of paper and put it someplace special.

I truly wish for all of you a wonderful day: one filled with vision and inspiration for the feats and challenges you will encounter this coming year.  We are all filled with the wisdom and the capability to succeed through anything that is placed before us... Remember...... Believing is halfway there..... xo