There have been some pretty big life adjustments this year -

some self-imposed, some beyond my control.

So I guess you could say I've been working on my personal resolutions all year long.  

I have, at times, grappled and struggled.

I've really had to work hard to silence my super-critical mind

that tells me I'm not good enough,

or I said something I shouldn't have, or I made a dumb mistake.

What an energy-sapper that is!

But with plenty of heartfelt reflection and abundant tenderness,

most days I've been able to settle down
and benefit from a new, improved self-awareness.   

All is Calm...All is Bright!

 In the New Year (and forever after)
I'll continue to hold close the people that matter most.

And I'll be using my energy to:

• Say "SO WHAT!" more often
• Talk nicer to myself
• Be content in the moment
• Nurture my free spirit 
• Lighten up and rejoice!





Pretty heavy stuff, eh?

Flower Pin, Bracelet and Clutch by Happy Heart Studio:

http://www.happyheartstudio.etsy.com/

Modeling by Sarah Pointer:

http://www.luxxiroyale.com/

Photography by Light Works Imaging:

http://www.lightworksimaging.net/

Hello From

Winter Wonderland!

If you've ever been the unfortunate recipient of my whining about cold weather (sorry),

you'll be pleased to know I'm following your advice.

I'm searching for something - anything - GOOD about wintertime...

Snowmobile Riding = GOOD

Snowmobile Riding With My Husband and Dog = GOOD GOOD

Playing Hockey = GOOD

Playing Hockey With My Mom and Dad = GOOD GOOD

Ice Skating = (Started Out) GOOD

Standing Around A Fire = GOOD

Chasing Sparks From A Fire = GOOD GOOD

Ok...who's tired exhausted?

This year I really, really tried not to get myself into my usual holiday frenzy.

I went very low-key on the decorations.

Didn't over-schedule the social calendar.

  Or fret about trying to make everything just perfect.

Well, except my cut-out cookies.

In the last few days of driving

here to there, back and forth, hither and yon,

I appreciate how blessed I am

to have cherished family and friends to gather with.

I hope you, too, have made the holiday season

exactly the way you want it.

Or close enough.

Now go and find a quiet, peaceful spot to reflect.

 

Or wrap up in your new Snuggie.

You deserve it.



A Christmas Story*

Once upon a time a gracious girl from Illinois and a bachelor boy from Wisconsin were dating. The girl hinted that the boy needed a Christmas tree at his house, for when she came to visit. The boy surprised her with a lovely tree set up in front of the picture window. There were no ornaments on the lovely tree, so the girl cut snowflakes out of white paper to hang on the branches.

The next Christmas, the bachelor boy got on one knee, by the tree in front of the picture window, and asked the girl to marry him. The girl said yes.

The girl still hangs the same white paper snowflakes in their Christmas tree every year. She thinks they are magic.

And they lived happily ever after...The End.

*Based on a true story (the grateful girl giggles)

Last Friday and Saturday my friend Jody and I had an

Open House sale

in her hair salon at her home.

It was a terrific time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

And an excellent excuse to eat cookies all day.

Meet little Truffles, our resident lap warmer.

Now that's full-service shopping!

Check out Jody's jewelry creations on her website:

http://www.creativelooksbyjody.com/

Nine Degrees Below Zero

I've been watching the snow fall all day,

listening to the winter weather advisories on the radio.

Any car that goes by is traveling at a snail's pace.

Copious amounts of hot coffee and cozy Uggs

are barely keeping off the chill.

I'm all wrapped up in flannel and scarves.

And finding it hard to share the enthusiasm of Pompeii,

our black Lab...

Soon the snowmobile trails around here will be open for riding.

Tourists will be flocking to the ski hill in town.

Kids will be sledding and tubing.

Man, really wishing I wasn't such a cold-weather wimp.

It all sounds like fun.

I spent time with an outstanding group of women at a party last Thursday,

where I offered my jewelry and handmade gifts for sale.

We drank wine and wassail and ate a selection of sweets and fondue.

The women at the party offered lots of encouragement and compassion,

which I really appreciate as my new venture develops.

It's a bit intimidating and deeply personal

to have my creations viewed by others,

to become vulnerable to critique.

But these kind women made it very easy to calm my self-consciousness

and make it a fun evening!

A humungous thank-you to the party hostess Amy,

whose beautiful home was magically decorated with lights and swags.

The Christmas spirit is alive at her place!

Much gratitude to Janet, who gift wrapped the entire evening!

From the bottom of my heart, I hope these lovely ladies enjoy their purchases

as much as I enjoyed creating them!