What did I tell ya?

The wheels fell off the bus...sort of.

Anyhow I think I'll try to play catch up over the next few days.

December 9th Prompt – Party.
What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010?
Describe the people, music, food, drink clothes, shenanigans.

This probably why I stopped... this prompt fell on my birthday.
There's wasn't a party, nor was there any such a party that stood out for 2010.

No comment.
Had a nice day though - visiting my daughter in Victoria!

December 10th Prompt - Wisdom.
What was the wisest decision you made this year and how did it play out?

That one was easy.
After many years of suffering, I made the decision to have a hysterectomy this past summer.
BEST THING EVER!
Feel so much better – have a new least on life physically at least...
And the hot flashes aren't too bad even!
Now if I could only get more sleep....

Letting go - amendment

I've been thinking more about "letting go" from Sunday's prompt.

In 2011,  I'd like to continue to remove clutter from my life.
Not just literally either.

I surgically removed clutter from my body this year and it was the best move ever!
Feel so much better.
There are issues at work that need addressing and de-cluttering.
High priority for 2011.
I'd like to remove clutter that is impeding my progress as an artist.
Banish the negativity. Stop trying to please everyone.
Stop worrying about what others think.
Take myself back!

Beautifully different

Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

What makes me different?
Lots of things really - not all of them wonderful.

I have hermit-like tendencies.  I LOVE to be alone and in my own world.
I love to listen to eclectic music but then don't even notice that it's stopped playing if I'm in "the zone".
I love to cook and try new recipes.  I usually have a pile of cookbooks at the side of my bed.
I love to travel and am always ready to plan my next adventure.
I love to watch movies more than TV shows and particularly like to go to the cinema.
I don't have a lot of friends because I'm not very good at keeping in touch - must work on that.

There are only a select few that light up by things I do.
Most people just don't "get me" at all - especially my family.
I've accepted this and am OK with it.
I'm a loner and probably always will be.

Dec 7 - Community

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

I have discovered community within the Westcoast Calligraphy Society.  It's a great group of people that LOVE all things calligraphic!!  Great meetings, inspiring workshops and the push to scribe everyday!
Couldn't ask for more...

Would like to branch out in 2011 - broaden my wings so to speak.
I think life drawing sessions are in order as well as networking a bit more with this blog (??).
We'll see how things go!

Make

Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?


The very last thing I made was this birthday card for a german relative. I used gold ink and a folded pen for the calligraphy. The background image is something that I painted onto fabric and scanned. I also added some gold painted cardboard numbers [as it is a milestone birthday].
I'm trying to find the time to make Christmas cards ... and I have a swarm of things in my brain that I don't seem to get to!!  Oh, to be so free!

Let go

Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

I've let go of my dreams a bit this year.
It's been a difficult year for our family because of two sets of aging parents.
One of whom nearly died earlier this year [actually did die, but was brought back] and another who is slowly losing his ability to walk [among other things].  Neither are doing well.
Add to that mild cognitive impairment and cancer and, well, you can see where I'm at.
Also, my oldest moved away to university meaning I've had to let go of even more.

Hoping that next year will bring new possibilities and the chance to focus on all of the ideas that swim around in my head...

Wonder

Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

Hmmm.  Can't say I spend any conscious time cultivating a sense of wonder.
I CAN say that the beauty of nature makes me marvel over and over again.

The morning mist over the fields with snow-capped mountains in the background.
The incredible, almost florescent, orange of fall leaves.
Fog that rolls into a city at sunset with the tall buildings peeking through all aglow.

I DO try to be present in the moment.
I DO try to be observant and appreciate my environment.
Apparently, I DO have a sense of wonder.
:)