Friday Fill-Ins

1. Up is not my favorite direction. I'm plagued by a fear of heights.

2. The flu is going around.  Daniel had a fever last week.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: are neatly organized in the coat closet. One of my projects while we were snowed in!
4. I can't remember the last time I had a nice back rub.

5. I'm thinking about whether or not I should drive up to North Carolina this weekend.

6. I hope my dad will be OK after falling and breaking his hip this week.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my third glass of wine, tomorrow my plans include the NW youth group Mystery Dinner Theater and Sunday, I want to do what needs to be done.

11 Books to Read in 2011

Last year I challenged myself to read a classic every month. If you read my previous post about discipline, it won't surprise you to know that I didn't completely succeed. I did read a handful, though, and enjoyed them. This year I thought I'd make a list of the classics I'd like to read and post it here for accountability. I'm not sure they all qualify as true classics. Some are favorites from childhood, a few I want to refresh in my memory and a couple are to fill the "holes" in my reading history.


11 Books to Read in 2011

The Yearling--Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Rascal--Sterling North

Caddie Woodlawn--Carol Ryrie Brink

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn--Betty Smith

Madame Bovary--Gustave Flaubert

Anna Karenina--Leo Tolstoy

Sense and Sensibility--Jane Austen

Wuthering Heights--Emily Bronte

West with the Night--Beryl Markham

Out of Africa--Isak Dinesen

1984--George Orwell

One little word: Discipline

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
 ~ Lao-tzu

One little word: a look ahead to 2011

I've never really liked New Year's resolutions. But Ali Edwards' one little word concept appeals to me. Choose one word to invite into your life and see where it leads you.

Choosing my word this year hasn't been easy. There are two that jumped to the forefront and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Discipline.
Spontaneity.

To choose the first and live with it successfully for a year might lead to feeling satisfied and accomplished.
For years I've thought I lacked discipline. I start all kinds of things that never get finished. I sign up for online classes with a burst of enthusiasm which dwindles as the days pass. I start tracking my Weight Watchers points on Monday and let it slide by week's end. I know I need to add a couple of days of cardio to my exercise regime but it never happens. I haven't been able to sustain a daily spiritual practice. I can't even take my vitamins every morning for longer than a week or two!

To choose the second would probably be more fun! How many times have I said or thought, "Let's.........." or "Why don't I........." only to talk myself out of it? Why not just let go and be joyful and childlike?

I can't decide. I've got about 24 hours to make up my mind.

One little word: A look back at 2010

The one little word I chose for the year was "fearless". My intention was to be more open to new experiences, to not allow myself to be restricted by fear. There were no dramatic mountaintop moments, but I did try some new things (acupuncture, for one) and say "yes" more than once when asked to do something out of my comfort zone. While I didn't keep myself laser-focused on my word, I never completely lost sight of it either. In fact, the universe dropped it right at my feet this summer when we were visiting the New Museum in New York City. There was an installation by Rivane Neuenschwander called "I Wish, You Wish." Hundred of ribbons printed with the wishes of previous gallery visitors were hanging from the walls. We were invited to randomly select a ribbon and then replace it with a new wish written on a strip of paper. The blue ribbon I pulled from the wall read, " I wish my fears would not limit my actions."

Halloween Workshop

It's time to start thinking about my favorite holiday --Halloween! I have a workshop scheduled Thursday, October 7 and Sunday, October 9. We'll make everything you see in the photo using CTMH's new Halloween paper pack called "Hooligans" and "Thriller", our September Stamp of the Month. Let me know right away if you're interested in joining us. The fee is only $20.

This card features a cool "cracked glass" technique that is hard to see in the photo. I stole the design from another CTMH consultant, who describes the technique in detail on her blog, so go there to check it out if you're curious.

 

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Life is sweet.


2. The key is to just keep going.

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: of school going?

4. The last prepared freezer dinner is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.

5. On the 1st day of August I placed an order for new CTMH products . I’m excited to play with the Halloween kit, Hooligans.

6. Our kittens, Mose and Finn, are extremely lively and energetic in the morning.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cocktails---again, tomorrow my plans include laying carpet squares in the RE building and picking Claire up from the airport and Sunday, I want to enjoy having Claire home!