2011 Year End Drawing Near!

Reflections on 2011. A year of change, insight, growth. What's to come in the New Year 2012?

One Little Word for 2012?

"Blossom" That's it!

What's Yours?

Summer in Maine

Summer's Beauty

Such a splendid time of year. Why do we appreciate the warmer weather and beautiful flowers so? Must be the long winter months, waiting and longing for warm breezes, flowering bushes, soothing sounds of waves lapping on the shore, the cry of the loons, rustling of leaves as the wind rushes by, and all the many wonders of summer.
Counting my blessings.

Useless Worry

As I was beginning my day, caught up in useless worry, my friend (another wise sage) reminded me of some timeless words from the wise sage, Gandhi.

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.” - M.K. Gandhi

I must admit I had to step up to truly practicing "giving it over". Daily reminders to be mindful and believe.

Free Hugs in Italy

Check out this idea on YouTube. An experiment with citizens in Italy to give free hugs, at first, is met with some trepidation. But after some engage in the show of affection from a stranger, others begin to share the joy, or delight in the warm regards from another human being.

Winter Song

Winter Song Audrey Assad with Chris Tomlin

One Little Word 2011

I just revisited the One Little Word 2011 website. I am really excited at the melange of powerful words that are listed on the site from people participating in the 2011 challenge! How powerful a word may be if we manifest its meaning in our daily lives. What great ideas we can garner from others. Visit the site, sign up, and "Be the Change you want to see in the world"! Gandhi

Your world! Make it happen!

One Little Word 2011

Just visited One Little Word 2011
What a grand idea to choose a word to write entries about. I visited one of my previous journal entries for 2010, at that time, I was writing about blessings in nature, and around me. Looking for the blessings in everyday life.

Today, I am looking for joy and "delight". That's my word for 2011 - Delight

Where will I find Delight in my everyday surroundings. When I find it, it will bring joy. Reminds me of a book by Natalie Babbitt, Searching for Delicious. The character in the story searches through the kingdom for the meaning of "delicious".

I'm searching through the kingdom for the meaning of Delight.

Yesterday, I went snowshoeing and delighted in the sounds of the Pine Siskins as they perched upside down on the branch of a balsam fir tree and twitted from branch to branch.

Today, I delighted in the sunshine, new ideas about teaching math, being waited on as I enjoyed a leisurely lunch of penne with julienne carrots and grilled chicken. For dessert, a warm, moist brownie topped with whipped cream and vanilla bean ice cream satisfied my chocolate cravings.

Healthy Lifestyle Importance

Video shows importance of healthy lifestyle for cardiovascular health.

Intentions

Today is January 4th. I've been thinking about my intentions, and my daughter told me the best time to make intentions is on the New Moon, today. I've put it off. My final draft. How we want it to be something grande so it will actually manifest. That's not real. So I'm starting simply with my originals.

1. Try new recipes, one per week, to broaden my menu.

2. Eat more fish, more meaning... once a week.

3. Practice yoga regularly.

4. Use my camera and create a mural of pictures in my hallway.

5. Find new places to travel in the winter.

6. Find people interested in like hobbies or interests.

7. Monthly date with fun.

8. Listen to more music.

9. Indoor gardening to bring spring into my winter surroundings.

10. Meditate daily, increase awareness of blessings.