Closing out 2011

September marked the passing of my pops.  I will save the long story for those who know me enough to ask (if you really want to know) over an adult beverage sometime, and just add that it was a consuming change. 

Not because there was so much to do, I mean, there was a lot to do but a good list and keeping notes helps that process along, but becuase it changes the day to day.  For mom, for me, for friends - the world looks different when a loved one passes. 

The pup and I keep moving forward.  God I love that furry face.  She never tells my secrets.  :-)

Friends are well, and the work front likely holds 6 more years for me - I had hoped to start the full time artist gig sooner, but number crunching tells me the extra years at the county will prove their worth many times over.

Still, I look for ways to keep creating, and I am currently signing up to be considered as an artist for a contest (of sorts) that asks for 10 pieces, 90% of the materials coming from landfill (yep - the dump!) and I am super excited.  More news on that should I get selected.

Already over a week into 2012, I set the following intentions:

• Identify and hold my gratitudes DAILY - hourly if it is hard
• Spend quality time with family and friends
• Assess the ways I can grow and take action
• Breath deeply
• Listen more
• Eat good food
• And always choose love, not fear

How does time pass so quickly?

Should be heading to bed; I was talked into a "you are certain to get wet and muddy" 5k obstacle course tomorrow - though for a good cause - what was I thinking?

My yard looks awesome - there are always more projects, but the pruning is so so so much better. 

I need to write more.  Make more art.  Breath deeper.  Count my blessings.  Keep walking forward.

Smiling, I am calling it a day.

Clarity

I am doing what I need to to be clear.  Sure.  While at the same time dreaming and visioning the future I want.  I like to think that we can have it all - all the things that bring us joy, especially the parts where that feeling comes from bringing joy to the lives of others. 

It isn't about predicting, it is about setting clear intentions, and then making the choices that lead us to the desired outcome. 

I know how to do that.  I have done it.  I am doing it right now; I just want to make sure I know what I want for the future.

For the present, making this tanish gray furball that curls up next to me and stares at me through bright yellow eyes, happy - giving her a good life in exchange for all the times she has been a patient listener, is a pretty darn good place to be.

I am grateful to have a career I love; that I do fairy well, that gives me a chance to influence lives of others positively.

I am grateful to be healthy, surrounded by family and friends who I love and I know love me. 

I am grateful for my connection to spirit, and the world, and all the live and love in it.

I am grateful to know who I am at my core, even if I don't always know where I am going in the moment. 

at the airport...again

Funny, as much as I like travel, the back to back thing is not my gig.  I need down time to recharge and I am not sure my battery is full.  Seems especially hard since though I know this training for Rotary president is required, the timing is just bad. 

San Jose of all places...oh well, it isn't like I will have time to explore even if it had been somewhere more exciting. 

I am craving time to relax at home, play with the pooch, mosaic, and have true calm and unscheduled time with Mark.  Trying to pry visits in during the midst of a busy week wasn't great for either of us. 

ok... they are calling the flight.  Paste on a smile, remember the mission of Rotary and why I love the great things it does and stands for. 

Buck up Buttercup. 

YAHOO! It works.

There isn't a lot there yet, but I am so proud I was able to follow the complicated (to me) directions and reroute my website name to the new site.  A big deal for the less than computer savvy.

Next I will figure out the best way to start adding photos.  Stop by, feel free to offer suggestions (though I don't know if I will know enough to be able to act on them if they are too much about format) and let me know what you think in general.

I am probably going to have to add a page for her Highness, Ms Isabella Rosalini Tyler.

It may be a little thing to most, but I am excited.

trying to make a website....

ok - so - finding a way to get it out there means I MUST have a website - so...conside me under construction.

snakewomancreations.com is coming soon to a theater near you. Or perhaps, the internet. That might get me more exposure now that I think about it.

gratitude

maybe after the phone call to the doctor, I will shift, and rather than admit the pain, each time I think of it I will announce something I am grateful for.

I am so very grateful it was only one arm. For example.