Saturday, January 22, 2011

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT....!!!!

Once again, it's been some time since I've managed a post.
Since January 1st, my main focus is editing. I've got many things to edit. Closets, files, cupboards,etc., etc.
I've already made three trips to our local Value Village with many more to go. There are many things that need to be taken to our county dump. So far, I've spent almost two full days shredding private papers which are no longer required to save. I also have many, many dishes that need to be sorted and given away. I'm trying to scale down.
I'm definitely on a personal mission to clear out the 'stuff' in my life that is no longer needed. Personally, I function so much better when things are in order and organized. It's easier to be organized with less 'stuff', especially when one knows you won't ever use it again.
When I'm feeling down, somehow my spirits are lifted when I get fresh order in my life. What lifts you up when you feel a bit blue or overwhelmed?

There's a different kind of edit I need to work on as well. I need to edit out some of the negative thoughts about myself. I need to quit beating myself up about some of the choices I've made and let go. There are some negative people that need to be edited from my life as well.
Another area that needs attention, is editing and/or filtering some of my talk. I've learned, for the most part, people really don't care what you think unless it validates their thoughts. Hmmm, maybe the monks have it right ... maybe silence really is golden!

Some good news pertaining to my photography has happened within the past two weeks. First, I've been asked to submit three to four framed pieces of my photography for a three week art show being held by the Peterborough Art Guild. Shortly after this committment, an offer came to hold a 'one woman show' at one of the area libraries for three months....exciting!

What goals did you set for this year? I believe this will be a very eventful year for me.... can't wait to see if some of my plans come to fruition!

My intent for 2011 is to make me the priority!

Friday, January 7, 2011

WONDERFUL END TO A DIFFICULT YEAR....

Well, it's been over a month since I posted anything to my blog. There are too many reasons why, so I won't go there. My husband and I got to spend almost three weeks travelling and most of that time was spent with both our daughters, our sons-in-law and of course, our amazingly cute and talented grandchildren.
We went to Princeton, New Jersey first to our youngest daugther's as my husband had made a little table and chairs for Maggie. She loved it and now has a work surface to colour, paint, do her sticker books and whatever else she decides.
We then went to North Carolina to spend six days with our oldest daughter, her husband and our grandson, Mason. It was so great to get some one on one time with both my daughters and of course, it goes without saying, great fun with both Maggie and Mason. When you don't see them in person for a long time, it's really amazing to see how they've grown physically and intellectually. They are both at such fun ages!

Our youngest daughter, Lindsay and family were to join us on Boxing Day and it became a touchy situation whether or not they would make it to Marlo's. North Carolina got some of the heaviest snow they've had and initially their flight was cancelled. It was back and forth phone calls to give us updates as someone had to drive to Raleigh/Durham airport to get them (about one hour away). Finally, we got word their original flight had been reinstated, albeit their arrival was about 5 hours later than was originally scheduled. Never mind, they made it and that was what mattered. We actually had our Christmas the day after Christmas. We each received wonderful things, but the real pleasure was watching the kids open their gifts. Mason had told his Mom that he really wanted 'REAL' colour guard flags, not pretend ones. It took me a fair amount of research to find them, but found a great site called ColorGuard4Life which sold used flags on consignment. Because of Mason's age, I didn't want to spend what it would have cost for just one new flag. Instead, he got three used on poles. He was SO excited!!!! He is absolutely obsessed with drum corps and colour guards. He goes to the football games with his Mom and/or Dad, but really can't wait until half-time to see the marching band and colour guard.


Mason took Maggie outside and shared a small flag with her and they marched up and down the driveway...too cute!
Maggie has begun talking a blue streak and she is just plain funny at times. She was so enamoured by Mason and followed him around. They shared very well and just had a lot of fun. Mason was happy to share his PaperJamz guitar he had been given for his birthday. She was just so cool, our little rocker girl.



Because of the snow, I was able to help Mason learn how to make his very first snowman. The end result was terrific! One of the photos would make a great Christmas card next year, I think.


Marlo, Chris and Mason's home looked so pretty with all the snowfall and it seemed so peaceful! I love freshly fallen snow!


My daughter, Marlo cooked one of the most delicious Christmas meals, which all of us enjoyed immensely. It was a treat for me not to do the cooking.

We just arrived back home on Tuesday, this week and I've begun to edit things in the house and try and organize and plan for this year. I can only hope that it be better than 2010!