Writing. What do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing -- and can you eliminate it?
Do you have an hour? So much of my life is not aligned with my desire to write everyday, I just don't know where to begin.
Upon reflection, I do realize that in reality, I do write every day. If not on my blog, then in my journal, if not there, then in my writer's notebook at school, or on the index card stuck in the book I carried with me to Panera, or the steno pad I carried with me to a meeting.
I am writing. The kind of writing that is happening, well, that's another story. My focus strays, my need to create perfection stops me many times from fully exploring my thoughts in writing. I get in the way.
I guess the only way around all of that, schedule the time, put it on the to-do list and, as Nike says, Just Do It!
Wow! The season seems to speed up as the month progresses. I cannot believe that tomorrow, I said, tomorrow, Mark arrives for two months. I got my wish, we will be together for the holidays this year. I am so looking forward to sharing my never ending list of holiday traditions with him!
I am calmer and healthier than I was, this time last year. While my house isn't ready, it is what it is. The bathroom is painted. The light fixture will be replaced on Saturday and the mirror will be hung then also. Oh, I guess we will have to put up the door also. Good thing I finished painting that tonight also!
I came home to yet another Christmas delivery, a gift for a loved one and I found myself reminiscing about holidays spent with my children when they were younger. I miss them so much this time of year. It wasn't that long ago that they really did enjoy decorating for the holiday!
The trees are up> The three little trees that surround the landing on my stairway are decorated and have their skirts on.
The mantle needs work thanks to the large evergreen wreath I have been battling with for the past few evenings. Perhaps tonight I will win that battle!
Christmas music on the stereo, a cup of hot tea and a room full of decorations waiting to be arranged. A great evening. Feeling content.
Yesterday I signed up to be a part of reverb 10. So, you may ask, what exactly is this that I have gotten myself into. From their website, "Reverb 10 is an annual event and online initiative to reflect on your year and manifest what’s next. Use the end of your year as an opportunity to reflect on what's happened, and to send out reverberations for the year ahead." So aligns with my need to document and share the stories of our lives. So, since I signed up late, and I still needed to paint the ceiling in the bathroom, I begin today.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
The word I chose for last year is, oddly enough, not the word that I would choose to encapsulate the past year. My word for last year, "Grace" was chosen because I felt that I needed to add a little "grace" to my life. I knew 2010 was going to be difficult, but I didn't know how much I would be challenged to live my life filled with "Grace." I failed miserably and I realize now, that the choice of my word needs to be more aligned with my life as it currently is. I cannot change the circumstances I live with just by choosing a word that reflects what I wish my life was like.
Having said all of that, last year's word should have been, adapt. Adapt I did, and when all is said and done, I am better for what this past year has presented to me. The challenging as well as the very pleasant. There was plenty of both.
Looking forward, in 2011 I know that for better or worse my word is CHANGE. Simply stated: "the process of becoming different." I anticipate so much CHANGE in my life during the upcoming year. A change in my relationship status; a change in jobs (fingers crossed), as well as a change in where I call home.
I am looking forward to 2011 and all of the changes I will experience. I am especially looking forward to sharing my life as I experience those changes. Not being alone, now that's probably the biggest change.
Given the opportunity, how would you define 2010 in just one word? What word will define your new year? I'd love for you to share!
Today dawned rainy and miserable. I had an early start, 8am meeting, and I had a hard time convincing myself that morning had arrived. It was just too darn dark.
But, this afternoon, Christmas arrived at my front door. Yup, you heard me, Christmas arrived. I bet you it was that postman that I love. While I was away at work he was busy delivering some of his good cheer.
What a blessing!
I know that you are all wondering, what does Christmas look like and how can I get some delivered to me? Well, today Christmas looked like priority mail packages and a large box.
Inside the large box was a beautiful balsam wreath sent to my house from Mark's sister and brother-in-law. It is their tradition to send everyone a wreath and I am the lucky recipient because Mark arrives in just 2 days to spend the holiday!
I hung the wreath from my railing over-looking the living room. The large, red, velvet bow will be added when I hang the white pine roping along the railing and up the staircase, but I could not wait to get the wreath hung.
In addition to being December 1st, today is also World AIDS Day. I always stop by Starbucks because they make a donation for every handcrafted drink purchased. Today, I stopped twice. I purchased my favorite, venti non-fat chai latte as well as the Starbuck's Christmas CD. I love their holiday cup this year. All about sharing stories.
The ceiling is painted in the bathroom, two coats. The walls will be done again tomorrow after school and if a third coat is needed, I will probably take care of that after tutoring and before bed.
I love holiday music and look forward to finding new favorites each year. I found this little gem today. Love that it was filmed in New Orleans, I really enjoyed visiting there for the first time this past June. Can't wait to head back in February.
What a great day, Christmas arrived, the bathroom is getting done and I will be in bed before one. Will wonders never cease?!
