Changing My Perception...

It's January 1, 2011. That means a fresh start. A new outlook on life. At least that's what it means to me.

A new outlook on life.

I'm embarrassed to admit that even with all of the blessings in my life, I have a difficult time accepting them, appreciating them, and keeping a positive outlook. I want that to change this year. That's why I've chosen "perceive" as my word of the year.

Simply put, "perceive" is to attain awareness or understanding... to notice or become aware of something. It can be a mental process, or it can mean becoming aware of something through your senses. Both definitions work for me, as I embark on this new word journey in 2011. As I focus on how I perceive things, I hope to see through the worry and negativity and become more aware of the good things in my life. To count my blessings. I also hope to slow down and truly experience life through all of my senses. Listening to and appreciating the sounds that surround me... the laughter of children, the rustling of leaves in the wind. Seeing and appreciating the beauty all around me... the way the sun's rays break through clouds, the mist rising from the river. Acknowledging the soft comfort of an old t-shirt or warm blanket.

This will be my third year focusing on a word rather than trying to keep resolutions. During 2009, Annemarie, Peggy, Wendy, Julie, and I posted jointly each month about our words and how they were impacting our lives. Last year, left to my own devices, my word "fulfillment" fell to the side. I tried to think about it off and on through the year, but I often let the busy demands of life push feelings of fulfillment to the side. At least far enough to the side that I wasn't truly acknowledging how fulfilling my life was.

This year will be different. To make my word more a part of my life, I plan to share my journey here, and you're invited to join me.

Interested in choosing your own word for the year? I have two blogs for you to visit. The first one is Christine Kane's. She has a free discovery tool you can download as you think about the word you want to focus on for 2011. I also want you to visit Caroline at Constantly Evolving and Nowordz Photography. Not only will you get to see beautiful photography, but you will also read inspiring posts. It was Caroline who inspired me to choose a word in 2009.

Finally, I want to wish you an amazing new year... A year full of blessings and good times.

And the artwork at the top... that's mine! My first mixed-media piece of art. I was so excited to finally, finally, use canvas and paint and paper and embellishments and gel medium and gesso to create art. I'll be posting another one soon.

I Was a Teenager's Mom Today...

Chauffering my daughter from
one social engagement
to the next one.

She watched a movie with one
set of friends, and then
she went ice skating
with another set.

Then dinner, and
I was invited.

We had other things
to do today, but
this was way
more fun.

'Tis the Season...

for list-making, gift-shopping, and spending time with friends and family. And while some brave Americans were out before dawn this morning to take advantage of post-Thanksgiving sales, my thoughts turned to a different type of gift. A gift that brings hope to the recipient. Click on one of the arrows below and see what you think. I've signed up. Maybe this is something you'll want to add to your list this holiday season.

Giving Thanks....

for the quiet moment at dusk as the day's light begins to fade * peppermint mocha frappacinos * being with my family * snuggling with my daughter * receiving hugs from Scout * and giving hugs back * the way the morning light filters into the sunroom * fulfilling work * the most wonderful daughter in the world * a home * a car that does what it's supposed to do * books that stop me in my tracks * beautiful photographs * peace * music that makes me get up and dance * the time I spend with my daughter * freedom and liberties that come with being an American * my education * the best mother- and father-in-law on the planet * the comfort of a cozy bed on a Saturday morning * the warmth of the fireplace during the cold months of Winter * starry skies at night and blue skies during the day * cloud pictures * rare snowfalls * sisters who listen * rich and creamy coffee ice cream * the sound of ocean waves crashing onto shore * family even though we're miles apart * friends and co-workers who brighten my day * a husband who makes life easier and happier than I could have ever imagined.

Okay, This Time It's Me....

Jumping for Joy....

It's a beautiful day,

and I'm on Thanksgiving break.

What could be better?

Maybe, just maybe, I'll accomplish something tomorrow.

Until then, I'll practice my leaps.

Jumping for Joy....

Do you have any idea

how excited I am to have

Thanksgiving break next week?

Let's just say

that I am

jumping

for joy!

Fall Beauty

Today began like many of my Saturdays. I stretched my arms over my head after I woke up, relishing the comfort of my warm bed. After a chat with my sister, I moved into the living room and settled into a chair by the fireplace to read the newspaper. Then, I did what I inevitably do... I pulled out a batch of papers and began to grade.

A little while later, that girl of mine asked if I would go outside with her. Not really in the mood for a walk in the woods, I took her up on her offer anyway. We made our way over broken logs and pushed past some of the last bits of fall foliage, stopping every now and then to take pictures.

It didn't take me long at all to enjoy the moment. The sky enveloped us in a deep blue; trees towered over us casting dappled rays of sunlight across our path. We climbed up hills and remembered days long past when the woods were a wild playground for a little girl and her mom.

It was a beautiful fall day.... A beautiful moment with a beautiful girl.