Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year!

As 2015 opens up, I decided not to make a whole lot of resolutions that I would stare at on a list and probably not finish. I like making lists when I have a job to get done, but not wish lists that I know I won't complete. Instead, I chose to use this thought, Be Inspired, as my motto for the year.

Allowing myself to be inspired frees my creativity and gives me freedom to try new things. I know that as the new year opens I'm refreshed to push forward and finish my stories I've been working on and start new ones as they come to me.

An example of being inspired came to me when I received a large pair of hoop earrings that I thought I'd never wear. But I decided to try them on. When I did, I felt as if I'd accomplished a new look and was excited about it. With this new feeling, I'm sitting here writing this blog post while I'm inspired to continue on this new year. Sometimes change causes inspiration. Now I'm ready to write.

I hope each one of you becomes inspired this new year and finds your own path throughout the year. If it's writing or painting, may you be inspired! Have a Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmas Blessings


Here in Southern Oregon it's cloudy and rainy with no hint of snow for Christmas. But I'm filled with joy as I enter this holiday season because I was able to make most of my gifts even though my eyes are still blurry from my eye surgery.

To me, Christmas isn't all about gifts however. It's about giving something of yourself to others and sharing your life with family and friends. My eight year old granddaughter shows me the enthusiasm for the holidays that I hope to hold in my own heart. Her excitement over a cup of hot chocolate as we gather close together helps me remember my younger days when my zest for the holidays was at its peak.

It was one New Years Eve when my sister and I were in high school and our family life was turbulent. She and I decided to drive over the hill to Pasadena and stake out a place on the sidewalk so we could see the New Year's Day Rose Parade. We were absolutely thrilled with our adventure. The one thing that never crossed our minds was that our parents didn't know where we were. Since they were out for New Years, we figured we could stay out also. But when they finally found out from the lady staying with us that we flew the coop, they were frantic. We happened to call home in the wee hours of the morning and received a terse instruction to please come home. So, we missed the Rose Parade, but I came away from this adventure with the realization of how much my parents cared for me.

Now, since my parents have passed on, I take time to remember them, not only during the holidays, but when I visit with my sister and brother. This Christmas, I'm sending all my friends and family a special blessing, that you would hold your relationships close and remember to tell them that they are loved.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my family and friends!