Arctic Cold

It's really cold here!! They say were have a freeze warning in effect tonight thru Saturday morning. Got to bundle up!

Justin

Happy belated birthday cute nephew. Lots of love and good wishes for a wonderful 11th year!

2 things

I saw 2 good ideas on other blogs this week:

1) Stop buying non-essential things for a specified time (Jan. 8 posting "Stop Buying Crap") http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/

2) Save money to travel (Jan. 10 posting "Travel as a Tool for Spiritual Growth") http://www.travelingforever.com/blogs/

Clutter be gone...again

I started reading “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff” by Peter Walsh, from TLC's Clean Sweep (which I’ve heard of but never seen, we don’t have cable.) He has an optimistic approach to clutter. He asks you, “How do you imagine your life?” and some other good questions. Clutter is not only physical; it affects us on an emotional/mental level too.

So I made my rounds through our little apartment and managed to purge even more. I copied the remainder of my CD’s to the computer & ipod (w/G’s help) therefore; eliminating the last CD rack which opened up some space under the table where it sat for a couple years. I instantly felt the ‘breathing space’ once it was gone. Did some sorting and organizing, even tossed some old art & calligraphy supplies I haven’t used in years, along with some books and magazines which are a bit more challenging because I LOVE books. Every time I get a new one(s), I try to discard the same amount or more, in fact that is one of his principles for various items with limited space.

When I looked in my closet yet again, I asked the question and went right to a black suit I’ve been holding onto which was only used for job interviews years ago. Turns out, I don’t see myself wearing a suit and it went in the donation bag. It’s interesting to imagine how you see your life and what you how you want to use the rooms in your home. I want more travels and experiences, and I want our home to be cozy, colorful and supportive of both our dreams and goals, which I’d say it pretty much is.

It’s an ongoing process but I feel like I’m finally getting closer to having less extraneous stuff, and more things that are useful and have a purpose.

faith-plus-action

I want my word to be the opposite of fear. My instinct was the word FAITH. I remember an acronym (For All I Trust Him) and truly, if that is how I lived, I don’t think fear would be such an issue. I would believe and trust that I could handle all that comes my way. Therefore, free to try something, take risks, overcome, succeed and even fail because that’s part of learning. Also, faith that everything will ultimately be okay and work out as it should whether I understand or not. Faith to let my loved ones be all they are and do all they need to do, sans worry.

But there’s more.

I need ACTION for anything to happen. Seek, go, and do. For example, get back on track and drop a couple pounds that crept back on, start a yoga practice, write (already signed up for a class on writers.com!) , fellowship & service, and travel. Really these are my same interests and plans that just require some a-c-t-i-o-n.

So my one word is now three:
FAITH-PLUS-ACTION

words

Happy New Year!

I just read in the "aezine" email from Ali Edwards about choosing a word for the year to focus, meditate and reflect upon, while going about daily life and learning to incorporate that word. I really like her idea. Ali writes:

"Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007? It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities."

I have an idea about my word, just need to moodle (Brenda Ueland's word, sp?) a little and get precise. It has to do with adventure & risk! What about you?
Ali Edward's site is at: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

Santa Cruz & Capitola

Adobe on Green

Back from our get-away to Santa Cruz. We stayed at a great B&B, the Adobe on Green. A quaint, quiet place to stay walking distance to shops, cinemas and restaurants. You never see the staff here, you're on your own once you arrive. They leave your key and all the info you need and provide access to a computer and wireless access for your own laptop, a DVD library, a sitting room by a fireplace, and access to a nice kitchen where they serve a breakfast buffet. The room has a separate tub and shower. The tub has jacuzzi jets in it! It's a beautiful location and quiet, we definitely recommend it. (www.adobeongreen.com)

Alaska cold

Today was beautiful. Cold like Alaska, but very clear out. Taking care of business and getting ready for a new year. Next is a family visit and then a romantic get-away w/George. I upgraded this blog and will be adding links and lists in the sidebar soon. If I don't get back here to share before Monday, I wish you a happy New Year!

My latest Haiku:

Short days of winter
Possibilities abound
As a new year dawns

Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice and the last day of Hanukkah. We've been lighting our candles every night. We've also been watering our cute Charlie Brown potted, Christmas tree. Which by the way, can be donated to the Urban Forest after the holiday's and replanted. It feels very environmentally correct. Today's work day will end a little earlier which is nice. Looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas weekend with George.

I got some new festive tea to try, Ginger Snappish (snappy ginger herb tea with lemon) by Bigelow. It sounds fun since I love ginger tea. Shopping is done. Just have more baking to do which I enjoy anyway. Have to compensate by going to the gym though because baking always involves testing in my kitchen. :)

Enjoy the start of winter. It's a good time to get cozy, make some tea or festive hot beverage and watch a good movie (It's a Wonderful Life is timeless), read a good book, write something... or whatever indoor activites appeal to you.

2006

The year is winding down. It's been a good year for us. My greatest acheivements are making a positive job change and losing 15 pounds. We also made some furniture upgrades in our home, took our first cruise (w/my family to Alaska), I got a new financial advisor, visited my best friend in Portland, and we both turned 40!

Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, we are only going to the morning service since I am lighting the advent candles at church. We might go to the movies on Christmas Eve.... not sure yet. I really want to see the Will Smith movie "Pursuit of Happyness" which was filmed here in beautiful San Francisco, and I'd like to see"Rocky Balboa". Playing it by ear.

Christmas day ... it's about celebrating our Savior.

I also wish my Aunt Joyce a very happy birthday.

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Award-winning I might add! Tied for first place at our company potluck with Turtle fudge and Tiramisu! Thanks Steph. Thanks Paula Deen. :)

Pumpkin gingerbread trifle

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Tis the season

Fancy dinner

Salad at michael minna

Red

Festive

11-22-06

Sadly, nine years ago today you left this world Michael Hutchence.

Your life and talent are still missed.

peace

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:6-7 (New Century Version)

Fall leaves

I love Fall. The air is crisp and cool in the evenings lately. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks already! Time to start baking all recipes pumpkin! I did a practice batch of my pumpkin bread recipe and made it even healthier because I was short on ingredients. I used a cup less sugar and 1/2 healthy oil and the other 1/2 cup applesauce. I added raisins and walnuts and it came out really good.

a new chapter begins

Here's to the good life! Congratulations on your retirement Dad. You have worked hard for sooooo many years. May you enjoy the freedom you now have to spend your days as you choose. I look forward to spending time with you hopefully soon. xoxo

What would you do that seems impossible?

I just completed another online class, Writerific. This was the last assignment. Next week I start a new online course, Travel Writing, can't wait!

If it weren’t impossible,
I’d travel the world with George right now
Learning about people, culture, art and language.
I’d write about experiences, places, faith,
beauty, and the food and wine.

I’d always have a wellspring of ideas to write collections of poetry,
travel essays, and spiritual/inspiration pieces.
I’d have a disciplined writing practice
and submit my pieces for publication.

If I put a little effort and planning forth,
I’d pare my home in San Francisco down
to essentials we only use or love.
I’d often take advantage of the many gifts available here,
in my hometown. Such as, exploring more neighborhoods,
writing in café’s, and attending more literary events!