Why you, do or do not, watch the news...

 I have never been a big TV fan or a fan of reading the newspaper, even when I was a child and I haven't watched the news since before Princess Diana died. Her event always stands out in my mind because it was such a monumental headline and I didn't know about it until someone told me. Nothing has really changed since then. My life has always been ( since I was a child) full of drama, death and and dysfunction and watching and listening to the worlds issues has always been to much for me. I am aware of many things around me in my town/state/country but I can't be fully engaged with it. I try every once an awhile to watch the news and it sends me into a downward spiral of sadness and depression. I have always felt that if I choose to focus on the good in my life, the lives of those around me and always reading "good news" stories ( http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ ) that will do more good for the world then I could ever do drowning in and contributing to the other side.


This is a cooperative blog that my friend and I started to give us deeper things to thing about and ponder. If you would like to see what her opinion is on...  "Why or Why not" head on over to her blog: http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2015/11/why-you-do-or-do-not-watch-news.html

Most Memorable Meal...

 

    I would have to say, hands down, the Thanksgiving meal. I have not taken jobs because they couldn't assure me I wouldn't get Thanksgiving day off. And anytime I've worked somewhere, I always tell them Thanksgiving is the "only" holiday I value and need off. It is to me, a pure holiday of no hype and centered around togetherness. And it's not so much the food as it is helping prepare it and coming together to gather with family and friends sharing the meal with one another.
    But with that said, I have to say a lot of my fond memories ( besides Thanksgiving) that stand out in my mind are gatherings where friends come together to share food and friendship. I just think there is something about food that connects people and offers comforter and nourishment to all those who come. Maybe that's why I enjoy preparing food for my family and friends. It connects me with happiness, joy, conversation, health, nourishment, caring, so many of the things I value in my life.

Dear "Former" Mother-in-Law...

Dear Former Mother-in-Law,
It is with bittersweetness that I write you this letter. You were in my life for more than twenty years. I knew you before I knew your son. Things were never perfect but what family situation is, but I always felt you were my cheerleader in my life. You were what my mother was unable to be for me, and I thank you for that. You enjoyed the grandchildren and family time, you rose to the occasion even when you didn't always feel good. We have been through a lot together and it is the good that I hold dear.
Things did not work out as I had hoped and I know it was not the outcome you had anticipated either, but always know ( and I know you do, deep in your soul,) even though we do not speak to one another anymore, that you are loved and hold a special place in my heart and the heart of your grandchildren.

Loving Always,
Nancy

What Really Matters...

"By making art, you will be recording what you are living through and what you are learning about it. A drawing and a sentence or two in a sketchbook turn those everyday moments into something significant. Your art will set a frame around it and give you perspective on what really matters."

I came across a book called "Art before Breakfast" (A billion ways to be more creative no matter how busy you are), by Danny Gregory. It was in my local library, which anyone who knows me knows how much I love the library. The quote above is from a sentence he wrote at the beginning of the book that I loved. I will probably write a few more as I continue to read the book. So far I'm enjoying the book and if nothing else it is a good reminder to what really matters!

What's your Favorite Season...

 

My favorite season has always been fall. I love the vibrant colors and the leaves as they flutter down covering the ground. I have a slight obsession with leaves and collecting them is something I look forward to and it brings joy to my soul. Then fall leads into winter which over the years I have come to appreciate the silhouette of the trees against the beautiful sky as the trees lay dormant. I'm not fond of the cold weather and I use to dread the coming of the early darkness. But I know it's only temporary and then I have the spring to look forward too. I love something in each season, but fall will always hold a special place!

A Bucket List...

 "Do you have a bucket list and if so name one thing on it, if not why."

One of the first things I've had on my bucket list since as long as I can remember was to see the Redwood trees. That is a dream of mine and something I get so excited thinking about. I don't have a lot of other burning desires right now in my life that I can think of. I would like to see the Grand Canyon. But as my life continues on I might add to the list or I might not. Sometimes I think I am as content with what and whom I'm surrounded by that I don't long for more, except for the Redwoods!

From where do you draw your energy...

 

 I draw my energy from many things, people and places...

 Being in my home surrounded by all the things I love

Having all my children together

Laughing and sharing with friends

A long walk along the beach

Walking in my backyard

Watching the sunset

Sitting under a tree

Finding quiet time 

Sewing...

When I was a young girl my mother taught me to sew and I loved it. I use to make some of my own clothes and even made myself a bathing suit once. And when I became a mother I made Halloween costumes every year, a prom dress and some of their everyday clothes. And there was always the many crafts to be sewn that I loved creating too. Then a few years ago I started sewing for a lady as a job and I did it for about eight years. It sucked the fun out of my sewing and since I've stopped working for her I've had a really hard time getting myself back to the sewing machine. It just sits there with endless projects in front of it and a longing. But I want to find that love again for sewing. Like everything else... one stitch at a time... one project at a time... the love will return!

The View...

The view... what a great way to start and end a day! Thank you, friend, for the view!

Empty Nest...

 

I am not sure if I will ever have an empty nest and that is okay with me either way.  And soon I will have my first granddaughter and I can't wait for her to fill any space I have in my life along with my children anytime they want to. It is nice to have open space to wander around in my life without having to worry about anyone but me sometimes. But I've enjoyed every stage of my children and I really can't imagine even if they decide to not live with me that my nest would ever be empty for long.

Okay...

 

 "Sometimes it's okay if the only thing you did today is breathing."

Some days that's a big accomplishment... just breathe. And sometimes it feels good to know that if that is the only thing I did, It would be okay and that I am enough!

A Lot...

 "Little by little, a little becomes A LOT."

Tanzanian Proverb

I try to keep reminding myself of this each day when I have so many things I'm trying to get done and want to do and only so much time in a day. Little by little, each step is progress and when I look back it all adds up to A LOT!

 

Morning...

 

 The morning rises

The world is still and quiet

The little bird sings

Silliness...

 

 "Live a life of love, honesty, appreciation, kindness, and strength. Sprinkled with a little silliness."

I liked this quote because I always need reminding to add a little sprinkle of silliness to my life!

Blanket...

This is the yarn I picked for my granddaughter's first blanket. It matched some of the colors they are using in "Sweet Alice's" room. I say "first" because I'm also going to either quilt or applique a blanket for her too. Couldn't decide on one blanket, so why not both! But I'm most excited about beginning the process because it makes it really real. She is going to be here soon and working on the blanket(s) I will be thinking about her and crocheting and quilting with her grandmother's love in every stitch.

Movie...

 

Tonight I rested and did what my body needed. I eat dinner, put my pajamas on, got ready for bed and watched a movie. I watched "If I Stay" and I really like the way it was done. It could have been a really really sad movie but the focus was on the love and the people that made up their life, not the death. It wasn't overly dramatic or sappy, just a really well-done movie... I enjoyed the rest and entertainment!

Difference...

 

As I was sitting at a stoplight this afternoon I glanced over and saw all kinds of stuff by the curb. Discarded cigarette butts, bottle caps, torn paper, etc. It got me to thinking about how we each DO make a difference in this world. We each have a choice in each present moment to litter or not. It's a small choice but one that impacts our world.

Do-Over...

Feeling out of sorts today. I didn't eat very well, I didn't do any of my usual routines and I got into bed late. But I'm not going to worry too much about it because tomorrow is another day and I can just start over ~ I'm grateful for my do-over!

Victory...

Since I was a young teen I have always loved loved loved puzzles. I can remember growing up always having a puzzle laid out somewhere and working on it after school and on weekends. But as my life progressed to children and animals, there never seemed to be the time or a space to have a puzzle sitting around. So it feels like a small victory to have found a way to have a puzzle out ( children are older now) while avoiding my four cats losing all my pieces. So I am very excited, but now the hard part begins... learning to step away from the puzzle!!! I could sit there all day and night playing and enjoying. I'm just so glad to have that "joy" back in my life!

FLOW....

My word this year is... FLOW! Yes - flow with an exclamation mark! I have spent most of my life resisting what is and not allowing for fear of the unknown. But this past year working in an art journal has really helped me walk into the unknown a little more willing and a little less resistant. So that is why I picked the word flow. I want the unknown to flow freely in and out of my life. I want "all" to pass through my life with our judgment or labels and just let it be and - F....L....O....W.................................................

Cup of Tea...

 

I've never been a coffee drinker, but I do love the smell of all the yummy flavors they make. Tea is my comfort place. It offers comfort over and over again in my life and I'm always grateful for that warm embrace it brings.

Decision...

"My decision-making skills closely resemble that of a squirrel when crossing the street."

I had to laugh when I read this because this is how I feel so often especially lately when trying to decide what baby blanket to make for my granddaughter. But I have this trouble with trying to decide on presents for people too, even if it's something I'm making. I've always frustrated myself with this issue. But at least I can laugh at myself and that's progress.

Ritual...

 

In the last couple of months, I've made it a ritual to light a candle each time I take time to honor my creative muse. It feels like a pause before I begin to make something that I don't know what it will be, but that I'm willing to show up and let the process speak to me.

Park...

 

A nice day outside plus time plus my daughter up earlier than expected equals a walk in a new park. We decided to find something that wasn't too far from home but we wanted to find somewhere new to explore. We found a park that didn't have a lot of wooded trails but it did have a really nice open trail that my daughter felt more comfortable to go jogging on some time. Then it was time to head home to make breakfast for dinner... Yummy!

Voice...

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

Mary Anne Radmacher

I could relate to that little voice at the end of the day that say's, " I'll try again tomorrow." It's that small step you don't always manage each day but you keep showing up and trying again!

Rhythm...

 

 ...In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between work and rest.

All life requires a rhythm of rest. There is rhythm in our waking activity and the body's need for sleep. There is a rhythm in the way day dissolves into night, and night into morning. there is a rhythm as the active growth of spring and summer is quieted by the necessary dormancy of fall and winter. There is a tidal rhythm, a deep eternal conversation between the land and the great sea. In our bodies, the heart perceptibly rests after each life-giving beat; the lungs rest between the exhale and the inhale.

excerpt from the book: Sabbath - Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest 

By: Wayne Muller

Pooh...

 

 "How do you spell 'love'?"

~ Piglet

"You don't spell it, you feel it."

~ Pooh

My children loved Winnie the Pooh when they were very young. I think I have every tape there was and we watched them all ~ over and over and over again. I loved them too and I can't wait till I can watch them again with my sweet sweet sweet granddaughter!

Ripple...

 

"Know that your kindness has a ripple effect in the universe."

That's all I wanted to say...

Plates...

I'm not sure what is going on with me in my kitchen, but this past year and the start of the new year, I have broken more of my dishes than I ever have in my entire life. It's been a frustration because I used those baking dishes a lot and the plates and bowls were some of my favorite. Whatever it is, maybe I'm just to let it go. I know I can't do anything about it but I get upset with myself because it keeps happening and it's driving me crazy. So I am just going to let go and start collecting mismatched plates and dishes when I can - I like that idea!

Kitchen...

 

My middle son has taken a liken to being in the kitchen, whether it's baking or cooking. He has become very helpful when I'm cooking dinner, he'll come in and work on part of it while I'm working on another part of dinner. One evening I knew I was going to be home late, so I asked him to fix a meal he knew how to fix for him and his sister and I would eat when I got home. Boy was that nice... I walked in the door, took my coat off and dinner only had to be warmed up and it was ready. A girl could get use to that!!! But it's really nice to to have him participate making the meals and just hang out together, gathering more tips and ideas for thing he wants to make.

Jealous...

 

I found myself having a hard time feeling like I needed to let go of jealousy with a particular person in my life. Then I realized I didn't need to get rid of it, but dig deeper into what that feeling was trying to tell me. And it was FEAR... fear that I would never have what they seem to have right now. That I will always be left without - that special someone that would love me. A relationship to share my vulnerability, my laughter, my tears, my children, my hopes and dreams. Someone to chat with about life and love, that person to feel accepted and genuinely cared about. The jealousy has not left me yet, so I will give it a safe place to be for now without judgement or labels and love myself until...

A Memory...

  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Maya Angelou

    When I was reviewing my memories and there are a lot that is missing and a lot that has made an impact, but the one that kept resurfacing was a neighbor I had named Mr. Roach. I lived in Cleveland Ohio at the time and I was somewhere between the ages of 8 and 10. He lived a couple house down from ours and it was such a wonderful place to be. My mother didn't bother me about going over there and it was never what he did or said but I remember how he made me feel. Those years we lived in that house were rough for me. I don't think rougher than later years but it felt like it because of how young I was. I remember wanting/trying to take my life at one time. I don't need to relive those memories, but Mr. Roach was a light in my darkness. He was just a kind older man, guessing probably around 70 or 80 years old. When your young the old look at lot older than when you view them through the eyes of aging.
     He always had a stash of mallow cups that he shared and would listen to and tell me stories of his life. He had a sense of humor too. Once he told me the story of how he took his glass eye out when someone told him to keep his eye on the ball ( he was playing pool in his youth) and then he described their reaction. Most of all I remember his loving-kindness, not for anything particular he said or did, but His presence in my life I have never forgotten. In my later years when things were not really any better at home, I always wished I had a Mr. Roach to just hang out with, but I never had that kind of experience again in my childhood. So it is a treasure that I hold in my heart and it drives me to provide that same feeling to children whether my own or not... I hope they always remember how I made them feel!

Book...

This book " Women Who Run With the Wolves" had come in to my life many many times over the years through conversations, offers of the book and others that had read it and mentioned it to me. So once again this book has presented itself to me... so I'm listening and starting to read...  it is time!

Drink...

 " The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man."

This is what happens when my soul gets lost in everyday... building, cars, businesses, highways, schedules. I need to find that space where nature is pure and untouched. Where it is free to grow wild and allows me to breath in it's essence and beauty that I often loose site of. It teaches me to let go and just be one with all that is. To once again drink in mother natures peace...

Story...

 

 "Description begins in the writer's imagination. But should finish in the readers."

Stephen King

I've noticed as I've chosen to show up for my creativity each and everyday that the fiction book that has laid dormant in my mind, has begun to surface. The pages speak to me, wanting to be written and set free. I find it interesting that when I've allowed my creativity to have a higher priority in my life, creativity continues to flow, even all that was buried deep within. It feels good to be thinking about my story again, it has been with me for about 15 years. I've kept it captive and locked away... a place that felt safe. But through my art journal, I'm learning to walk with the unknown present moment by present moment. Allowing it to flow even when I don't know what I will meet when I arrive.

Years...

 

I have this habit of holding on to the last little bit of somethings, afraid I won't have anymore. I'm not sure if it was from my growing up years of not having much in material things and then in a marriage where money went down the drain like water. But this hand soap in the picture a friend gave me at least five years ago and the little bag of herbs for putting in your bath a friend gave me about that long ago. So my goal this past year was to actually use and enjoy them and know when they were gone that other good things will come into my life. I'm proud to say the soap is almost empty and I have one bag left to use in my bath water. It feels okay, like I will have enough of what I need and want in my life without having to hold on, thinking that somehow if I don't use that last little bit I'll always have it. I do that with other things in my life too and have worked to release in order to expect more good things.

Woke up...

The first thing my brain did when I woke up this morning was start comparing myself to others. This person was doing this, that person was achieving this, and my self critic started filling my mind with negative talk. I tried not to let it throw me off for the whole day. I allowed the voices to be there and while choosing to ignore them, I struggled on and off and worked on things I "had" to do but also on things that make me smile. So by the end of the day I was feeling better... and had stopped comparing.

A Plan...

 

 "You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breath, trust, let go and see what happens."

This is hard for me. I'm such a planner and want/need to know all the details and I'm sure it gives me some sense of feeling like I have control. But I find myself wanting more of this in my life - to... breath... trust... let go... and see what happens. This is a present moment by present moment challenge, but with each moment that passes I hope I will get a little better at it!

Sitting...

 

Today was about sitting with a friend who needed comfort. She is grieving and just wanted some familiar company to help her mind think of something besides the powerless situation she is in. We spent hours with small talk, and quiet space, after thirty plus years of knowing each other that is enough. I brought her something to nourish her body and left having nourished her spirit... all in all a good day!

No Where...

Today was a day of rest for me. I did somethings around the house but mostly just did things I enjoyed. I read my book, I worked on my art journal, I slept in late, I worked on my health food blog, and most of all I went no where. That was the greatest thing of all!!!!

Winter...

 

While I was out and about walking dogs, I decided to enjoy winter's beauty and I snapped a few pictures.

Happy New Year...

My all your present moments this new year ~ be filled with "love"